The Free Methodist Church in Canada

Through the winter and spring many of us followed the news of the civil war in Sri Lanka. Now that the conflict has settled down there are literally 10s of 1000s of people who have been displaced and are living in vary precarious circumstances. Leaders from our own Sri Lankan-background FM churches in the Toronto area are encouraging our churches across the country to consider joining them in responding to this humanitarian crisis.

Through our partnership with the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC), we are able to transfer funds to one of the few Christian organizations allowed into the conflict zone. The EFC has a news item on their website. The National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL) through their relief department, Alliance Development Trust (ADT), is able to get food aid and other basic personal resources to civilians in need. Their work is focused at the Manik Farm Emergency Transit Camp. With their system in place, ADT is able to feed one person for one day for $1.75 US$. ADT is providing food and non-food items to more than 10,000 people.

If you or your church would like to contribute to this present crisis, the most direct and efficient manner is to send funds via EFC’s donation page, using the designation: “Sri Lanka Relief Fund.”

Scholarships may be awarded to candidates for ministry pursuing educational opportunities at a bible college or seminary not on the approved school list, in consultation with the official board of the local church and the LSP Committee.  The amounts will be equal to the college or university grants, depending on the school to which the student applies.  If you feel this option may fit your circumstances personally, please include a brief letter to the Director of Personnel with your application package explaining the reason(s) for choosing a school not on the approved list.

Download application forms

In preparation for Canada day tomorrow . . . here are some facts you may not be aware of . . .

• Canada is the second largest country in the world, with 9,971,000 square kilometres of land.
• The baseball glove was invented in Canada in 1883.
• With only three people per square kilometer, Canada has the fourth lowest population density in the world.
• Vancouver, Toronto and Ottawa rank among the 25 best cities in the world to live in.
• Canada has the ninth biggest economy of the world
• According to the United Nations Human Development Index, Canada has the highest quality of life in the world.
• Canada is the world's eighth biggest trader.
• Of all of the world's producers of natural gas, copper, zinc, nickel, aluminum, and gold, Canada is in the top five.
• Canada is the home of many great inventions, including: basketball, the electric light bulb, the electric range, the electron microscope, standard time, the television, the telephone, and the zipper.
• Canada is the fifth largest energy producer.
• Canada has the world's highest tertiary education enrolment.