July 1, 2018 - Inscriptions From The Heart
July 1, 2018
Cheryl Zamora
The challenges of living & working in canada
So you’re new here. If you came with your entire family (that is, with your spouse and children), consider yourself blessed. At least, you have your loved ones with you as you adjust to your new environment. If you had to leave them, or your spouse is working in another country and the children are staying with relatives back home, countless many are in that situation. It’s easy to get lonely, homesick, miss loved ones so deeply or all of the above. Or, you’re single and you miss your family, relatives and friends so much. No doubt you had thought, “if I can only flag down a jeepney to catch a ride back to Manila, I would do that right now.”
Newcomers feel homesick. Thankfully, Edmonton has more Filipinos now than say, 30 years ago. So while we may not be here in the millions like the Philippines, there are a few communities where you can belong. That’s why we encourage our “kababayans” (countrymen) to come check out the Central Edmonton Alliance Church [CEAC] (formerly First Filipino Alliance Church). We’re a bunch of normal folks who want to connect with you so that you can be in a church family where you can belong.
Don’t worry. We don’t brainwash or convert people here. It’s the farthest thing from what we do and what we’re about. While the church building may look different from what you’re used to and the worship service styles may be new to you, these are secondary. Our main emphasis here is neither religion nor church, but the person of Jesus Christ. We want people to get to know our Lord and Saviour Jesus and what He did and what He continues to do for you so that you may experience for yourself the life He gives as God meant it to be lived. Yes, you can actually thrive and be successful in the midst of challenges of living and working in Canada.
It’s not just about making money and lots of it. Many of us came here to provide for a better lifestyle for our loved ones. Many people found out that while it is good to have enough money to live comfortably, it does not necessarily buy you a good loving relationship with your family. It is possible to avoid having your money be master over you (become slaves to money) and instead, learn how to properly manage your finances through our Master Jesus.
Becoming Victorious Over Temptation. Due to the profound loneliness of living abroad, the temptation to fall into sexual sin is ever prevalent. If you’re in the midst of a forbidden liaison, cry out for help. Get out of it. The possible consequences are not worth the risk. Many marriages, families and lives have been shattered by this issue. There’s hope. Know that Jesus forgives, cleanses and heals our brokenness. He is able to mend our lives. God’s Word contains very practical instructions on how to live in purity and grow in healthy, God-honoring love relationships.
What I’ve mentioned above is not exhaustive. They’re just some of the things we’re able to offer to our new friends who come to CEAC. You don’t have to be alone in facing all the challenges of living and working in Canada. Most people here were newcomers too, a few years or decades back. By God’s grace, we were able to adjust and overcome the odds. We found life here. Or, rather, Life (Jesus) found us. With God helping you and a little help from friends you’ll meet here, you can too!
Let us help you settle in Canada. Succeed here even long after we’re gone from here by settling yourself in Christ.
HAPPY CANADA DAY!