Monday, August 31, 2009

MLA: John van Dongen

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Dear Father,



We focus on John van Dongen today, and Psalm 40:1 comes to mind—“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.” Lord, patience is one of the hardest virtues for us to understand. You are an omnipotent God, able to help us at any moment. You define Yourself as “love,” and You gave Your Son for us to help us without reluctance. Yet, like John, we too have been impatient and in a hurry.


Today we ask for Your blessing upon John van Dongen in his role as government party whip. Give him abundant wisdom to deal with all the personalities in his party so that he is able to bring from them their personal best. Help him to be patient in his tasks, bringing peace and calm to all those about him.


Bless him with physical health and spiritual peace. We thank You for his commitment to his constituency; may he continue to serve them well. And through him bring Your strong influence to bear upon the leadership of our province so that Your will is done.


John van Dongen was re-elected as MLA to serve the new riding of Abbotsford-South in the spring of 2009.
John was first elected in 1995 in a by-election to represent the riding of Abbotsford and was re-elected in 1996, 2001, and 2005.
Mr. van Dongen currently serves as the Government Caucus Whip.
Mr. van Dongen has served as the Solicitor General and Minister of Public Safety.  He has also served as Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations and as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. He has also been a member of the Government Caucus Committee on Social Development.  For the past several years, John served on the Hospital Construction Committee for the new Abbotsford Hospital and Cancer Centre.

Before his election to the Legislative Assembly, Mr. van Dongen operated a dairy farm in Abbotsford. He studied agricultural economics at the University of British Columbia.
Mr. van Dongen was involved in farm organizations and businesses for almost two decades. He was on the board of directors of the B.C. Dairy Foundation, Agrifoods International Co-operative (Dairyland) the B.C. Federation of Dairymen's Association and the Federal Farm Debt Review Board.

He was Chair of the Building and Finance Committee of St. Joseph's Church in Mission.  He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus.  He is the father of two sons and has one granddaughter.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

MLA: Claire Trevena

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Thank you for Claire Trevena Thank you for the many gifts and talents that she is able to share with the people of the Province of BC.  We ask for good health for her and her staff.


Father, please grant her extra strength and an ability to perservere on the difficult days in office.  Surround her with people who are full of wisdom and good counsel and who have a vision for righteousness in our province.


May her family life be full of joy and may all she puts her hand to be productive and satisfying.  In Jesus Name, Amen

Claire Trevena was first elected in May 2005 and was re-elected on May 12, 2009. 
Claire is a former journalist, community activist and human rights worker.
In the early 1990s, Claire came to Canada as the BBC's Canadian correspondent.
Awarded the Canadian Civilian Peacekeeping Medal, she's worked on democratic development projects overseas and in Canada.
Claire was an active trade unionist in her professional life. Since moving to BC she has been involved in a number of community initiatives, including a weekly community kitchen on Quadra Island as well as various environmental initiatives.
She was elected to the board of the Quadra Community Association and held a seat on the Regional District of Comox Strathcona Regional Area J Advisory Planning Committee.
Prior to the 2005 election, Claire ran a small communications business on Quadra Island with her husband, Mike McIvor.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

MLA: Jane Thornthwaite - North Vancouver Seymour

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Today we lift up Jane Anee Thornthwaite. We thank you for guiding her life and bringing her to the place where she is a leader in our province.  Please grant her wisdom as she interacts with others who form the government.


Strengthen her on the difficult days and fill her with peace in the midst of trying circumstances.  We pray for an ability to be able to balance public and private life effectively . 

Father we ask you to guard her and her family from all evil.
May Your blessings rest upon her and the work you have called her to do. Amen


Jane Thornthwaite was elected MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour in the 2009 general provincial election.
Since 2005, Jane was a School Trustee for the North Vancouver Board of Education and topped the polls in both the 2005 and 2008 municipal elections.  She was elected Chair of the North Vancouver Board of Education in December 2008 and resigned from the Board June 2009 after being elected to the Legislature. 
Previously, Jane was a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (B.Sc., B.H.E.) with a 22-year career in health care.  Jane’s work experience includes positions in hospital dietetics and community health, an instructor for a third year required Nutrition course at UBC, a Corporate Nutritionist for an international Health Food Chain and a National Sales Representative for an international pharmaceutical firm. 
Her writing has been published in a wide variety of publications and she has been a guest presenter and lecturer at numerous colleges and universities.
As a former self-employed health consultant, Jane has experience operating a small business and supporting a family as a mother of three kids.
Jane has an extensive volunteer career on the North Shore and has lived in North Vancouver for over 19 years.

Friday, August 28, 2009

MLA: Diane Thorne

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Today we pray for Dianne Thorne. Lord please bless Diane as she represents Coquitlan-Maildardville and the people of the province of BC. Grant her wisdom as she helps mold the critical area of education on all levels. Give her creative ideas to inspire those around her to make the difficult areas of early learning and literacy truly effective.Grant her good health and give her stamina for the daily challenges of her position. Help her and her family to be able to successfully balance public and private life. Thank you for her willingness to serve and represent the people of British Columbia.

Diane Thorne was re-elected as the MLA for Coquitlam-Maillardville on May 12, 2009. She was first elected to the Legislature in 2005.
Diane serves as deputy opposition critic for Education, Early Learning and Literacy.
Diane served on Coquitlam council from 1996 to 2005, bringing considerable experience in business and social services to the political arena. Diane and her husband Neil have owned and operated several successful small businesses.
Diane has been extensively involved in a wide cross-section of women's issues over the past 35 years. She served on the board of directors of the B.C./Yukon Women's Centres Association and spent several years as the province's representative on the National Action Committee on the Status of Women.
In 1993, Diane received the BC Distinguished Service to Families Award and in 1992, the Canada 125 medal. She was a founding member of the PoCoMo Youth Services Society, the Family Life Educators of BC and the Fraser Burrard Restorative Justice Society. Diane studied liberal arts at several community colleges and Simon Fraser University. Diane and Neil live locally and have two adult sons, Jay and Lee.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

MLA: Hon. Steve Thomson - MInister for Agriculture and Lands

Photo of MLADear Heavenly Father,

We thank you for Steve Thomson and his desire to contribute to the future of our province.  We ask for divine direction,specifically in the areas of agriculture and industry in B.C. Your word says,"If any of you lack wisdom, he should ask of God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. We do ask for wisdom for Steve Thomson, and for open doors of opportunity.

We ask you to strengthen him with might, and to do exceedingly abundantly more than we could ask or imagine in Kelowna-Mission.  Lord, bless and protect all that pertains to his life, home, ministry, health and family.
In Jesus Name, Amen

Steve Thomson was appointed Minister for Agriculture and Lands on June 10, 2009. He was elected to represent the riding of Kelowna-Mission on May 12, 2009.

Born and raised in Kelowna, Steve comes from a pioneer family who continue to operate the original family farm established in 1896.

Steve is the former executive director of the BC Agriculture Council and has developed his career and experience working on behalf of British Columbia farmers and ranchers. He has served as General Manager of the BC Fruit Growers Association and the BC Milk Producers Association.

He has been selected for many leadership roles and advisory positions dedicated to the continuous improvement of our province. Steve brings to his role of MLA for Kelowna Mission extensive leadership expertise, experience in economic development and a clear understanding of how to get things done in government. He has served the community and province as president of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and chair of the BC Chamber of Commerce and has represented those organizations and others on provincial government task forces focused on red tape reduction and small business development.
He has also served as a director of the Kelowna Museum, the Okanagan Innovation Fund and the BC BioEnergy Network.

He has a great love of sports and had a long career in rugby including the opportunity to play for the Canadian National Rugby Team. Current interests include golf, gardening and being an ardent rugby fan.

Steve is a husband, father and grandfather. He is married to Brenda and has three children and five grandchildren.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

MLA: Ralph Sultan

Photo of MLAThank you for Ralph Sultan and his desire to serve West Vancouver - Capilano.  We ask You to impart wisdom and insight for him in these challenging times.  For open doors of opportunity and a fresh vision empowered by Your love.  We pray for times of refreshing and strengthening. We are grateful for his life. 
Bless and protect his life, his family and his home.
In Jesus Name

Amen

Ralph Sultan was elected to the BC Legislature to represent the riding of West Vancouver-Capilano in 2001, 2005 and 2009. He has served on the Government Caucus Committee for the Economy and the Legislature's Public Accounts Committee, and the Caucus Liaison for the Ministry of Finance. Ralph previously served as the Chair for the Government Caucus Committee for the Economy and the B.C. Mining Task Force.
Ralph is an economist, educator and businessperson who also maintains registration as a professional engineer (P.Eng.). Prior to attending university, he worked as a tree faller, as a lineman on the construction of the Kemano-Kitimat transmission line, as surveyor's helper on the Lillooet and Bridge River hydroelectric projects, and was an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers permit member.
Graduating from UBC in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Ralph worked as a technical sales representative for a major international company before earning MBA, MA, and Ph.D. (Economics) degrees from Harvard University. He completed those degrees in 1965. He then served as Assistant and Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Business Administration, Harvard University, for nine years. He was then employed by The Royal Bank of Canada for almost ten years as Chief Economist; then Senior Vice President, Marketing in Montreal, and subsequently Senior Vice President, Global Energy and Minerals Group in Calgary. He was retained by the J. W. McConnell Foundation, Canada's largest philanthropic fund, as investment advisor.
In 1974 and 1975 Harvard University Press published his two-volume study of price fixing in the electrical industry.
Between 1980 and 2000, Ralph held senior officer and director positions in a variety of financial, mining, forestry and technology sector companies, and owned and operated his own investment company. In the mining sector, he was Executive Vice President of Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Company, a subsidiary of Anglo American Corporation, and was Chair of Curragh Resources in the Yukon, and held other executive positions.
In the 1990's, after returning home to British Columbia , Ralph served as President of a joint venture with a major American corporation, engaged in the development of a fibreboard mill in Williams Lake.
Ralph was the Eagle Harbour Yacht Club executive secretary and was an Augustana Lutheran Church Councilor. He was Chair of the Financial Research Foundation (1984-1985), Chair, Queen's University Business School Advisory Committee (1981-84), Economic Council of Canada member (1979-83), and Harvard Business School fundraiser (1968-1994). Ralph arranged for the endowment of a UBC professorship in mining engineering (1990) and served on Harvard's Graduate School Arts & Science Advisory Committee (1993-1996). Ralph has received academic awards, including graduation from the Harvard Business School with High Distinction, UBC's Cayley Prize, the Engineering Institute of Canada Prize, Harvard's designation as Baker Scholar and Ford Foundation designation as Fellow. Ralph is a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia.
Born in 1933, Ralph was raised in a family of ten in the Mt. Pleasant District of East Vancouver. He has lived on Vancouver's North Shore since returning to B.C. His wife of 43 years, Shirley, a surgical nurse and rehabilitation clinic entrepreneur, died suddenly in 1999. He has four children and four grandchildren. He enjoys boating, skiing and gardening.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Throne Speech - The 39th Parliament of British Columbia

Heavenly Father we come before You today with glad and grateful hearts.  We know that You are God and have all things in your hands.  As the new Parlaiment begins today, we ask that You would be merciful to our Province and those who serve us as leaders.  So many things have changed in the last year and finding viable solutions to overcome the many challenges that have come will be difficult.  You have given us brilliant leaders on both sides of the Legislature and yet they need wisdom beyond themselves.  We ask that You would grant them wisdom through this session to direct the affairs of our province in a way that will be pleasing to you and beneficial to British Columbians.  Grant the Premier, Executive Council and caucus courage to lead with compassion and grace.  Grant the Leader of the Opposition and the shadow Cabinet the ability to provide a strong opposition to ensure good and balanced government.
Lord, let Your peace reign over this session.  We ask for a cooperative and proactive session that will be a blessing to our province and an example to other provinces and regions.
Hear our prayer O Lord as we ask this in Jesus name.  Amen!

Monday, August 24, 2009

MLA: Hon. Dr. Moira Stilwell

Photo of MLAHeavenly Father, We thankyou for Moira Stilwell and her desire to build a better future for B.C. We ask You to impart greater wisdom, understanding, and insight as she joins in to shape policies concerning health, education and environment.

We ask for blessings and increase upon her leadership skills and her servant heart, and for a spirit of unity to follow.  May confidence and joy be her strength when challenges come.
Bless and protect her and her family each day.

In Jesus Name, Amen

Dr. Moira Stilwell was appointed Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development on June 10, 2009.
Minister Stilwell was elected MLA for Vancouver-Langara in the 2009 provincial general election.
Dr. Moira Stilwell is a radiologist and nuclear medicine physician who has been working at BC Women’s Hospital for nearly a decade. Prior to being elected, Moira was Head of Nuclear Medicine at St. Paul’s Hospital, Surrey Memorial Hospital, Abbottsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Clinic. She was also the Co-Chair of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation 2020 Task Force. She previously worked at BC Women’s Hospital where she was Co-medical director of the Breast Health Program and staff radiologist. She was a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiology in the Faculty of Medicine at University of British Columbia.
She is the past Chair of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation/BC Yukon Chapter, has served on the Board of the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance, as well as on the BC Women’s Hospital Foundation Board.

In addition to her active involvement in promoting a healthy community, both as a volunteer and physician, Moira has been actively involved in her children’s schools and local community.
Moira has three grown children and currently lives in Vancouver with her husband Dr. Sam Lichtenstein.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

MLA: Hon. Ben Stewart - Westside-Kelowna

Photo of MLADear Lord, We thank you for Ben Stewart. Thank you that he has hope and expectation to see issues resolved, one step at a time. We pray Your hand of favour would be upon him ,and great joy in all his endeavours.  We ask for courage for him, to face the issues that arise and the wisdom to make timely right choices.  Give him divine strategies that your plans and purposes for Westside - Kelowna may be accomplished.

Bless and protect his life, family and home.
In Jesus Name, Amen

Ben Stewart was appointed Minister of Citizens' Services and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism and the Public Affairs Bureau on June 10, 2009. He was elected MLA for Westside-Kelowna on May 12, 2009.
An entrepreneur, Ben founded and built Quails’ Gate into one of Canada’s leading estate wineries.
Ben has 30 years of extensive experience serving the community and is a founding director of a Venture Capital Fund for local business development. He was on the board of the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation and has been active in the fundraising and establishment of the Brookhaven Extended Care Facility Campaign, Southern Interior Cancer Centre Campaign, and the Rotary Centre for the Arts.
Ben was chair of the BC Grape Marketing Board where they successfully negotiated with provincial and federal governments on agricultural stabilization. Additionally, he was chairman of the Regional Transportation Advisory Committee for the Thompson Okanagan, as well as a member of the Presidents Community Advisory Council at UBC Okanagan.
His other experience includes having served as the past chair of VQA Canada, where they successfully resolved a number of significant international issues such as trademark protection, international mutual recognition agreements including national wine and health standards. As vice-chair of the Canadian Vintners Association, he oversaw the establishment of new national wine association offices in Ottawa and the hiring of their first CEO.
Ben has been recognized as Business Leader of the Year in Kelowna in 1998, received the Westbank Chamber of Commerce President’s Award in 2006, and recognized as Family Business of the Year by Grant Thornton in 2007. He also received the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for Community Service. He was a Kinsman, a scout leader and a member of the Canadian Ski Patrol.
Ben lives in Westside with Ruth his wife of 30 years and has three grown children.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

MLA: John Slater - Boundary Similkameen

Heavenly Father, today we  pray for John Slater, the MLA for Okanagan-Similkameen.  We pray that You would bless him as he assumes his responsibilities.  Lord, help him to be a great leader and to serve with excellence.  Grant him your strength, wisdom and discernement as he seeks to do his best for his constituents.  Bless his family, his relationships and his constituents.  We ask this in Jesus Name.  Amen                                                                   
John Slater was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Water Supply and Allocation to the Minister of Environment on June 10, 2009. He was elected as MLA for Boundary-Similkameen on May 12, 2009. He will also be serving on the Environment and Land Use Committee.  He currently owns and operates Desert Edge Nursery, a retail/wholesale operation selling vegetable and nursery products.

John is a well-known proactive community leader in the South Okanagan having served Osoyoos for twelve years on city council and then six years as Mayor.
For nearly 30 years in Osoyoos, John has been actively involved in the community. For more than 20 years he coached youth basketball, soccer, hockey and baseball. He was a Kinsman as well as serving as Director for the Osoyoos & District Recreation Commission, the Osoyoos Child & Youth Committee, the Osoyoos Chamber of Commerce, the Okanagan Regional Library, the Interior Vegetable Marketing Agency & Greenhouse Growers Association, and was a Director of the BC Vegetable Marketing Commission.

Born and raised in Kelowna, John studied at the University of Victoria but soon returned to the Okanagan moving to Osoyoos in 1980. Over the years, he has owned and operated tourism and service industry businesses. He established a nursery and greenhouse business specializing in vegetable production where he became very involved in agricultural issues and organizations.

Friday, August 21, 2009

MLA: Shane Simpson - Vancouver Hastings

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We come to Your throne of grace on behalf of MLA. Shane Simpson. We give thanks for his many years of dedication and service to his constituents in this riding, of Vancouver -Hastings.His commitment and value to this community, as well his work as MLA., to better the lives of those who live and work there, is proven by their trust to return him to the legislature, once again.



A he takes on this challenge, with a strong honest desire to make a difference, we pray You will grant Shane renewed vision, as Critic for Environment. Give him wisdom and incite to bring about new and innovative , workable ideas, that can be for the common good of all in this province. Dear Lord , may his voice , seasoned with grace , be heard and considered.We pray You will keep Shane and his loved one's safe and well, in the hollow of Your hand.


In Jesus Name we pray. Amen


Shane Simpson was elected as the MLA for Vancouver Hastings on May 17, 2005 and again on May 12, 2009.
Shane serves as Opposition Critic for Environment.
Born and raised in Vancouver, Shane has lived, worked, and engaged in community-building activities in East Vancouver for more than 35 years.
In his professional career, Shane has worked as the Director of Policy and Communications for Smart Growth BC, Chair of the Vancouver City Planning Commission, Instructor in the Community Economic Development program at Simon Fraser University, Executive Director of the Worker Ownership Resource Center, Legislative Coordinator for the Canadian Union of Public Employees, coordinator and fundraiser for the Ray Cam Cooperative Center, executive assistant to former Vancouver East MP Margaret Mitchell, and as a self-employed consultant on business and economic development for labour, co-operative and non-profit groups.
Shane was the recipient of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal for his contribution to community in 2002. In 1992, he was awarded the Governor General's 125th Anniversary Commemorative Medal for Community Service.
Shane, his partner Cate Jones and their daughter Shayla, live in the Burrardview neighbourhood of Vancouver Hastings

Thursday, August 20, 2009

MLA: Bob Simpson - Cariboo North

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Our Gracious Father, to-day as we pray for MLA. Bob Simpson, and the special leadership qualities , You have blessed him with, and realize , his past experiences in business, education , his service in the Canadian Navy, have been of great value to the position he now holds as MLA. We thank you , that he is continuing to serve in this riding,for another term , which he does, so faithfully and well.



Grant him Your grace and wisdom to discern how best , to fulfill his duties . We pray You will bless the work of his hands, to benefit those he represents in Caribou-North


We bless and appreciate his family , for their sacrifice of time and effort, so that Bob , may serve in the province of BC. Dear Lord,keep them all safe and well, in Your loving care.


Bob Simpson was re-elected as the MLA for Cariboo North on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature in 2005.
Bob serves as opposition critic for Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation.
A former small business owner and entrepreneur, Bob was most recently Corporate Manager, Organizational Effectiveness and Leadership Development for a major forest products company.
Born in Scotland, Bob's family immigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1967 and he moved to British Columbia in 1973 when he joined the Canadian Navy. He has two undergraduate degrees and a Teaching Certificate from the University of Victoria.
Bob is a former National Triathlon Champion in his age group and was named BC’s Male Triathlete of the Year in 2002; he is also an avid mountain biker and runner.
Bob, his wife Trish, and their two teenage children live in Quesnel

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

MLA: Nicholas Simons - Powell River Sunshine Coast

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Creator God, You have blessed the Sunshine Coast with ocean, mountains, lakes, forests-a beautiful masterpiece.



You have blessed us with a caring and thoughtful MLA, Nicholas Simons.


Honor his commitment and sacrifice to his constituents with wisdom, compassion and understanding.


Guide his heart and mind in the issues that concern us. Help him to work well here with the various people groups he tries to represent.

And,Oh Lord, bless our riding with wisdom from above as Nicholas represents us in the Legislature, voicing our needs and concerns to the larger governmental body.

We thank you for Nicholas and pray your hand be always upon our friend as you draw him close.


Nicholas Simons was elected as the MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast on May 17, 2005 and again on May 12, 2009.
Nicholas serves as Opposition Critic for Children and Family Development.
Nicholas spent over fifteen years working in the areas of health, justice, social services and child welfare. For the past eight years he served as the Director of Health and Social Development for the Sechelt Nation, where he was the Executive Director of Child and Family Services.
Prior to his employment with the Band, he worked as a child-protection social worker and as a consultant for private firms and various governments in areas including law reform, child welfare, legal education and crime prevention.
Nicholas lectured in Criminology, taught child-protection social work to those working in aboriginal communities, and is a proponent of First Nations autonomy in child welfare.
Nicholas is a cello teacher and performer, former-President of the Sunshine Coast Arts Council and has served as a coach with Sechelt Minor Softball.
Nicholas lives with his partner on the Sunshine Coast

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

MLA: Michael Sather

Photo of MLA Lord, we come to you today for Michael Sather, MLA for Maple Ridge - Pitt Meadows.


Heavenly Father, here is a man who, although living in a relatively populated area, has a heart for wilderness as well as experience in agriculture and environment, education, small business, social services and health care. You know him Father. "Before he was formed in his mother's womb you knew him."

We ask, Father, that you will network him with other like-minded men and women, on both sides of the house. We ask that out of their discussions will come forth many new ideas and plans that 'all things will work together for good'. May his training and background be appreciated by all who hear him speak, and wisdom flow from him in such a way that, although a member of the Opposition, his ideas will produce rich fruit for our Province.
We ask this, Jesus, in you, in whom all wisdom is found.

Michael Sather was re-elected as the MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature in 2005.  Michael serves as deputy opposition critic for Environment. Michael attained a teaching certificate from the University of Alberta and taught school in Alberta. Michael later attained his Bachelor of Science in Zoology at the University of Alberta.  He moved to British Columbia in 1974 and pursued a career studying wildlife for the next ten years. In 1985 he became a wilderness guide and set up a small business as owner/operator of Hummingbird Nature Tours in Maple Ridge.
Michael also served as the Constituency Assistant to former NDP MLA Bill Hartley.
Michael attained his Masters Degree in Psychology in 1998 and was employed as a Mental Health Therapist for the Fraser Health Authority for three and a half years prior to being elected MLA.
Michael has an extensive background and experience in agriculture, education, environment, small business, social services and health care. Michael lives with his spouse, writer and conservationist Annette LeBox. He has two stepchildren, Christian and Sara.

Monday, August 17, 2009

MLA: John Rustad

Photo of MLAFather, we come to you today for John Rustad of the Nechako Lakes riding.


Father, you know this man: You know his extensive background in forestry and his ability to work on innovative projects.

We ask, Lord, that you will fill his mind with wisdom, that he may use his background knowledge and his ability to bring new ideas into focus, to bring great prosperity to the region he is representing.

You have given us our forests, Father, and for them we are truly grateful. We ask that they will never, under this new government, be taken for granted, but managed and harvested wisely for the good of all people in our Province.

You have also raised John to be a member of several Select Standing Committees with social and financial applications.

Lord, we ask that you will not allow him to be swayed to do wrongly because of the dollar. Keep him walking in integrity: Give him discernment to understand which legislation will bring forth truth and your will, and the ear of those making decisions to see them passed.


We pray for his family and his riding, that they may prosper at this time and be blessed because of your hand on this man.

We pray all this in the great Name of Jesus. Amen.

John Rustad was re-elected to represent the newly redistributed riding of Nechako Lakes on May 12, 2009, and was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Silviculture to the Minister of Forests and Range on June 10, 2009. He was previously elected as MLA for the riding of Prince George-Omineca in the 2005 provincial election.
John currently co-chairs the Farm Assessment Review Panel and has chaired the Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations, the Select Standing Committee to Appoint a Police Complaint Commissioner and the Government Caucus Committee on Social Development. He was also a member of the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth, the Select Standing Committee on Education, the Selection Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services and the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts.
Since 2005, John has chaired the Northern Caucus of B.C. and has toured extensively throughout the North to listen and bring forward issues that affect those communities. He is also a chair of B.C.’s Outdoor Caucus and government representative to PNWER (Pacific Northwest Economic Region).
Born and raised in Prince George, John has worked in the forest industry for more than 20 years. He formed Western Geographic Information Systems Inc. in 1995, offering a consulting service to the forest industry. Previously he was the Geographic Information Systems department manager for Timberline Forest Inventory Consultants in Prince George. John also owns a woodlot license and has been involved in land development projects.
Elected as a school trustee in 2002, John has worked on innovative projects throughout the district, including the South Fort George Family Resource Centre, a project designed to combine social services from a variety of agencies. John also championed the renovation and expansion of the College Heights Secondary School (CHSS) through a self-financed project; and advocated for the new Trade and Technical Program of Excellence for Grade 10-12 students and the Healthy Choices Committee designed to promote healthy choices in diet and exercise within schools.
John and his wife Kim were married in 1995. John is an avid soccer player and he and Kim enjoy theatre, golf, skiing and the outdoors.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

MLA: Doug Routley

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Heavenly Father, we ask that you would bless Doug Routley today.  We recognize that You have given him many gifts and abilities that enable him to serve his consitituents and our province very well.  Help him as he adjusts to serving a new riding and new consitituents.  Minister to his life and his relationships.  Let your blessing be upon him today we pray!

In Jesus Name, Amen!

Doug Routley, born May 9, 1961 in New Westminster, BC, grew up in Duncan, BC. Doug comes from a family of educators and attended the public schools of the Cowichan Valley. He also attended Camosun College before traveling to Japan, where he lived and worked for one year.


Doug's close friendships and connections to the Cowichan First Nation people began as a boy playing road hockey and attending school with his friends from Cowichan. He has continued building on that connection in politics, first as a school trustee and now as MLA. Doug has a diverse background in industry, business, unions and politics. He has work experience in logging and sawmilling, treeplanting, construction, as well as working as an ESL teacher, business owner and operator, school custodian, union representative, school trustee and MLA.


While in Japan, Doug taught English and studied Sumea, traditional Japanese ink painting. He was a bicycle racer and while training in Japan, met a renowned Japanese bicycle manufacturer. Doug became English teacher to the family of this bicycle manufacturer and was given North American rights to his products. After his return to Canada, Doug established a company with a retail bicycle store in Vancouver and a wholesale/distribution chain which had dealers throughout Canada and the USA with warehouses in Vancouver, Ontario and California.


Doug was elected as the MLA for Cowichan-Ladysmith on May 17, 2005 and re-elected as MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan on May 12, 2009 He serves as Opposition Critic for Apprenticeship and Training, and also served as Deputy Chair of the Select Standing Committee on Education.
Doug has two daughters, Sasha, 21 and Madeline, 13.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

MLA: Bill Routley - Cowichan Valley

Photo of MLAOur Father in Heaven: I thank you and praise your Holy Name for your servant Bill Routley.  Bill is an MLA of Duncan and Cowichan Bay area for the province of British Columbia. Lord I pray that your mighty hand be with Bill in all that he does for his constituents and for our beautiful province.

I pray your protection over Bill and his family. As Bill serves you Lord I ask a spiritual joy to fill Bill’s heart , along with the strength and wisdom to fulfill his mission. Help him to see your will, to love justice and walk humbly before you. 


Thank you Lord for Bill Routley.

Bill Routley was elected MLA for Cowichan Valley on May 12, 2009. Bill serves as deputy opposition critic for Forests and Range.


Bill began his career in the Forest industry working at the Youbou Sawmill where he became active first as the Safety Chairman, and then as Plant Chairman. He was elected the President of IWA Local 1-80; now USW-Steelworkers Local 1-1937.

Bill served as a Pension Trustee on the IWA-Forest Industry Pension Plan. He was a member of the IWA-Forest Industry Pension Audit Committee, and was a Trustee on the IWA-Forest Industry Health and Welfare Benefit Plan. Bill's service to the community includes five years as a School Trustee in Lake Cowichan (1980 -1985).

Bill and his wife Charmaine enjoy the company of their two grown children, son Noah and daughter Alisha who have provided the gift of five wonderful grandchildren; ages four to nine years. While Bill and Charmaine currently reside in Duncan, they started their family in Youbou and then lived at Marble Bay on Lake Cowichan for many years. Bill and Charmaine were very active in Lake Cowichan with their involvement in Boy Scouts(Beavers) and Girl Guides.

Bill and Charmaine owned a home decorating business "Decorating Den" for many years.

Friday, August 14, 2009

MLA: Linda Reid

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Lord God, we thank You for the privilege that You have given us to pray for our leaders in Government and today we pray for Ms Linda Reid & her team. We ask Your blessing & favour upon their lives and that You would guide them in every decision that is made that will impact the people of the city of Richmond. We pray that the challenges that are ahead of them will be overcome with divine wisdom and insight. We pray that, under their leadership there would be economic stability & positive capital growth in the city, & that businesses will flourish and provide more employment opportunities as we believe that all things are possible through You. We pray this in the name of Jesus, Amen

Linda Reid was nominated as Deputy Speaker on June 10, 2009. Previously, she was Minister of State for Childcare from June 16, 2005 to June 9, 2009. She also served as Minister of State for Early Childhood Development from June 5, 2001. She was first elected in 1991 to represent the riding of Richmond East and was re-elected in 1996, 2001, 2005 and 2009.
Linda previously served in a variety of critic roles for the Official Opposition, including children and families, health, attorney general, municipal affairs, and science, technology and research.
She sits as a member of the Government Caucus Committee on Education.
Before her election to the Legislative Assembly, Linda worked as a language therapist, teacher and school administrator for the Richmond School District.
She graduated from the University of British Columbia with an education degree and earned a master of arts from UBC specializing in education, exceptional learners, language acquisition and public administration.
Linda was the BC chair for the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind and a director of the Garden City Hospice Society. She has been active in the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, the Asia-Pacific Business Association, and the Canadian Council for Exceptional Children and the Family Court Committee of Richmond. She was a founding member of the Richmond Chinatown Lions Club and was chair of the British Columbia Youth Parliament board from 1986 to 1991.
Linda and her husband Sheldon live in Richmond and have two children – Olivia and Will.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

MLA: Bruce Ralston

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Heavenly Father, we come to you today for Bruce Ralston, the MLA for Surrey - Whalley.


Lord, we come to you for a man who understands law and finance. Someone who is not afraid to step up to the plate and use his abilities on councils and boards.


We come to you to ask that as 'the letter kills but the spirit gives life' you will fill Mr Ralston with your Spirit. We ask that your breeze will blow on his life, his work, his relationships, and his thoughts and ideas. That it will be a cleansing Spirit and a refreshing Spirit.


Father, you care for all people in British Columbia. We so need to be governed by men and women of character and understanding: We ask that Mr Ralston will become a rock in your government, solid, dependable, open to seeing both sides, and yet always giving a verdict that comes from your heart.


Blow on him, Holy Spirit, we ask. Speak to him and through him that all who hear may be able to enact your will.


In Jesus' Name we ask. Amen.

Bruce Ralston was re-elected as the MLA for Surrey - Whalley on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature in 2005.
Bruce serves as opposition critic for Finance.
Bruce is a lawyer in Surrey, where he has operated his own law firm for 18 years.
From 1995 to 2006, Bruce was a member of the VanCity Savings Credit Union board of directors. He served as the chair of the board from 2001 to 2003. Bruce also served on the Surrey City Council from 1988 to 1993.
He promoted planned development for healthy neighbourhoods for Surrey families. He is a former board member of Surrey Memorial Hospital and the Surrey Public Library.
Bruce is also a former president of the BC NDP. Bruce was born in Victoria and grew up in Vancouver. He has degrees in history and law from the University of British Columbia and a degree in history from the University of Cambridge in England.
Bruce is married to Miriam Sobrino. They have three children, 17, 15 and 12, who attend public schools in Surrey and New Westminster. They are active in their community through a number of community and sports organizations.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

MLA: Lana Popham

Photo of MLALord you have given Lana a deep sensitivity towards the world You have created.  Lord may she see your hand at work as she focuses on decisions concerning the protection of the environment.  We pray that you would direct her mind in knowing how to bring about right leigislation to protect that which You have given us.May your protective hand be upon her and her family.In Jesus name.Amen
Member Biography to follow.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

MLA: Hon. Mary Polak

Heavenly Father we bring before your throne Mary Polack.Lord we ask for your hand upon her and your protection upon her ,guard her heart and mind and sensitivities,and may your righteous hand direct her in her ministry of children and family development.This is a huge reponsibility Lord so we know that nothing is impossible for You and we ask that you would help her to make the right choices in this ministry and even in the face of hard decisions Lord guide her mind.May your hand of blessing be upon all the families and childern affected in this ministry. Amen

Mary Polak was appointed Minister of Children and Family Development and Minister Responsible for Child Care on June 10, 2009. She was elected to the Legislature in 2005 and again in 2009 to represent Langley. Mary Polak was was appointed Minister of Healthy Living and Sport on June 23, 2008. On December 19, 2006, she was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health for the Conversation on Health. Mary currently sits on the Cabinet Committee on New Relationship Coordination and the Government Caucus Committee on Social Development. She has served on the Government Caucus Committee for Natural Resources and the Economy, the Select Standing Committees for Children and Youth, Education and Public Accounts. She has also been a member of the Cabinet Committee on Agenda Development and the Special Committee to Review the Personal Information Protection Act.

Before being elected to the Legislative Assembly, Mary was director of operations for a small polling and research firm and a trustee and former chair of the Surrey School Board. Under her leadership, Surrey became the first school district in B.C. to balance its books according to generally accepted accounting principles. She also led an initiative to make Surrey the first school district in the province to publish school-by-school results for both elementary and secondary schools.

Throughout her nine years in local government, Mary has worked with many regional and provincial organizations. As a representative to the Lower Mainland Consortium of School Districts for Successful Settlement, she twice presented briefs to the Federal Immigration Commission. In the mid 1990s, Mary chaired the Council of British Columbia School Districts and in 2003, she was elected to the board of directors of the British Columbia School Trustees Association.

Mary lives in the Willoughby area of Langley.

Monday, August 10, 2009

MLA: Pat Pimm

We thank you Lord for Pat and pray your guidance upon all his decisions.Give him strength and wisdom from above .You have given him the mind he has Lord and You alone know how to speak into his mind.So we pray Oh God that you would grant him the ability to make the right and timely decisons before him in Jesus name, knowing that in all things, You have the answer.


Amen
Pat Pimm was elected MLA for Peace River North in the 2009 provincial election.



A long-time resident of the Peace River region, Pat served twelve years as councillor for the City of Fort St. John from 1993-2005. For six years, he was chair of city hall’s Finance Committee, responsible for overseeing the municipality’s budget process.


With 25 years experience in the oil and gas industry, he was co-chair of the BC Oil and Gas Conference in 2002 and 2005, bringing together industry stakeholders to identify further strategies and opportunities for economic development in British Columbia’s northeast region. He has also served on a variety of other local community boards and committees.


Pat possesses an extensive background in the construction industry. He is president of Alpha Controls Ltd, a company that provides construction, maintenance, and electrician services for numerous projects. He is also a director and vice-president of the North Peace Construction Association.


Pat is a director of the British Columbia Golf Association and past president of the Lake Point Golf and Country Club. He is a long-time youth sports volunteer, having coached golf, hockey, and minor league fastball. He enjoys travel, curling, and playing hockey. Pat is married to Jody and the father of two daughters and two sons.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

MLA: Hon. Barry Penner

Father we thank you for our Chilliwack MLA, Barry Penner. We acknowledge every office is determined by you and all is set in motion for your holy purpose. We pray for your Holy Spirit to be with Barry as he carries out his duties and bless him with your wisdom, good health, peace that passess all understanding and supernatural ability to cope with all the pressures and demands placed on him in office. We pray also for Daris, his wife, and their ability to balance the needs of the City, and the Province with their family life. Let them not forget to take time for themselves for even you took time to be alone with your disciples or on your own to come apart and to rest a while. Give Barry a continued sense of confidence that is based on integrity and your truths and will draw our community to you Lord. We Thank You for your gracious patience and kindness to us and all the blessings you have placed on our leaders and community. Help our leaders to work together to keep it a safe place to live, worship, work and play. May they continue to grow in your grace and wisdom…In Jesus name. Amen
Barry Penner was re-elected as MLA to represent the new riding of Chilliwack-Hope in the spring of 2009.



Barry was first elected to represent Chilliwack in 1996, and was re-elected in the new riding of Chilliwack-Kent in 2001 and 2005.


Mr. Penner was appointed Minister of Environment on June 10, 2009.


Barry was raised in Chilliwack. He studied political science and economics at Simon Fraser University to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree. He later earned his law degree from the University of Victoria. A former park ranger and sawmill worker, Barry also worked as a B.C. Legislative intern in Victoria. In 1991, he worked for an International law firm in Bangkok, Thailand and then later practiced law in Chilliwack until his election in 1996.

Barry previously served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Government House Leader, as Chair of the Government Caucus Committee on Natural Resources, and was a member of the Legislature's Standing Committee on Crown Corporations.


Barry was appointed by Premier Campbell as the co-chair of B.C.’s Alternative Energy and Power Technology Task Force in April 2005.


He has also chaired the Legislature’s Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills, and served as a member of the Legislature's Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs, and the Cabinet Committee for Legislative Review.


Premier Campbell appointed Barry in 2001 to lead BC's delegation to the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER). He served as President of PNWER from June 2002 to July 2003 and remains active in PNWER issues.


Barry represents and lives in the electoral district of Chilliwack-Hope.


Saturday, August 8, 2009

MLA: Michelle Mungall - Nelson Creston

Heavenly Father, we ask you to bless Michelle Mungall today in her role as MLA for Nelson-Creston. We pray that she will cope with all the information-overload that comes with a new position. We pray that she will grow in confidence and wisdom and act with integrity and accountability. Give her favour in all things as she adjusts to her new responsibilities.


Thank you for hearing our prayer, Lord.


Member Biography to follow

Friday, August 7, 2009

MLA: Don McRae

It is with gratefulness to God that we offer up this prayer of blessing for Don McRae our newly elected MLA here in the Comox Valley. Our prayer first of all is for Don and his family. Father in Heaven we would ask you to keep Don’s family including his wife Deanne and their beautiful daughter Gracie under your loving care and protection. Secondly we pray that Don would be granted wisdom from God as he seeks to lead and represent the many needs and concerns in the Comox Valley and British Columbia. Finally our prayer is that Don would know he is not alone, but has many friends who care and are committed to encouraging and praying for him on a regular basis. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen

Don McRae was elected on May 12, 2009 as MLA for the riding of Comox Valley.

Don was born and raised in the Comox Valley. For the past 14 years he has taught at GP Vanier Secondary School. Aside from teaching Social Studies, Military History, and Psychology, he has also served as a rugby coach, athletic director, department chair, and Staff Leadership Committee Chair.


Don has served as a Courtenay City Councillor for the past seven years. During his time on council, he has served as a municipal director for both the Comox Strathcona Regional District and the newly restructured Comox Valley Regional District. He has also been a member of the Comox Strathcona Hospital Board, vice-chair of the Comox Valley Sewer and Water Committees and numerous community organizations and boards. In 2008, he was also appointed by Premier Campbell to the Citizen’s Conservation Council.


He is an avid jogger and enjoys hiking and fly fishing. Don has been married to his wife Deanne for 14 years and they have a six year old daughter, Gracie Ava.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

MLA: Hon. Mary McNeil

Heavenly Father, we thank you for Mary McNeil today and lift her up in prayer in her new portfolio as Minister of State for the Olympics and ActNow BC. We pray that she makes wise decisions for the many challenges in her new role. We pray for the smooth running of all the events and for the participants in the upcoming 2010 Olympics and that it will be a very positive event in every way for all of BC.



Surround her, her husband, four daughters and their families with your love and protection.


We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen


Mary McNeil was appointed Minister of State for The Olympics and Actnow BC.



Minister McNeil was elected MLA for Vancouver-False Creek in the 2009 general provincial election.


Most recently, Mary served as president and CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation for eight years. She has served in key roles for international economic events including the G7 meetings in Halifax and Toronto, APEC in Vancouver and the XI international conference on AIDS. Mary has also served on the Vancouver Police Board for four years.


Mary was born and educated in Vancouver and has lived in Yaletown for 11 years with her husband of 38 years, Rod. She has raised four daughters and currently has eleven grandchildren