PrayBC Election Prayer Campaign - Day 1

Thanks for being a part of the PrayBC Network. We are excited about what God is going to do in response to our prayers over the next 28 days. We know that He is able to do more than all we are able to ask, think or imagine. As we begin this prayer campaign, we want to ask, believe and anticipate an amazing response as we pray.


Our scripture verse today comes from Eph. 3:20. 'Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.' NLT

Let's pray together,

Heavenly Father we are so thankful for your tremendous kindness and faithfulness to us. We are grateful to live in such a beautiful province and are blessed to know that you are interested in who will be entrusted to provide leadership to our province on May 12. Lord, at the very beginning, we commit this entire process into your hands and ask that You would watch over every part of this campaign.

We know that you are able to do far more than anything that we are able to ask, think or imagine and so, we remove small thinking and asking far from our lives today. We pray that you would move very sovereignly and powerfully during this campaign and that you would make yourself known through this time. Show your power, grace, wisdom and mercy through this election as we ask you to give us a government that is of your choosing and desire. Put your favour on the candidates and leaders that you have chosen to most effectively serve our province. Grant us men and women who will be full of grace, wisdom and compassion to lead our province into the destiny that you have established for us.

Finally, your Word shows us that your power is released through us and so help us to be faithful as we pray during this campaign. Strengthen us where we are weak. Help us to stand in spite of any opposition we may encounter. This we ask in Jesus Name, Amen
 
UPCOMING EVENTS


April 14, 7:00  - PrayBC Election Prayer Rally - Sidney Pentecostal Church

As part of our strategy, we have scheduled a conference call for tomorrow, Wednesday April 15 at 7 PM. To register and receive access information for the call, please, click here .

Hon. Blair Lekstrom - Minister of Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources

Today we are praying for the Hon. Blair Lekstrom, MLA for Peace River and Minister of Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources (January 19, 2009).

Father we thank you for Blair. We thank you for his service to the community. We pray your blessing upon him as he serves our province. May he have the wisdom necessary to carry out his duties well. May you encourage him with strong desire to do what is best for those he serves. We ask for your richest blessing upon him and the community he represents. Make him successful for our behalf.  In Jesus name.

Blair currently serves as the Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development.

Previously, Blair chaired the Legislative Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services (2001, 2002, 2005 and 2006) and served on the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts, the Agriculture Policy Development Committee, the Legislative Review Committee and the Government Caucus Committee on the Economy. In the past he has also served as the Chair of the Legislative Committee to review the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the BC Offshore Oil and Gas Committee. He has been a member of the Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs, the Select Standing Committee on Health, the Northern Caucus Committee, the Cabinet Committee on Agenda & Priorities, and the Legislative Committee on the Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform.

Before becoming an MLA, Blair was serving his second term as Mayor of the City of Dawson Creek. He was first elected mayor in 1996, after serving for three years as a councillor.

Born in 1961 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Blair moved to Dawson Creek later that year and has lived there ever since. Following graduation from South Peace Secondary School, Blair started with BC Tel in 1979 and worked for the next 17 years as an installer-repairman until his election as Mayor in 1996. He was a Peace River Regional District member and served on the North Central Municipal Association executive.

Blair's previous appointments include serving as a Municipal Finance Authority board member, North Central Municipal Association president, BC Task Force on Bank Mergers member, BC Agri-Food Policy Working Group member, and Union of BC Municipalities executive member.

Blair's community involvements included: Dawson Creek & District Hospital Foundation board member, Board Member, Pouce Coupe Long-Term Care Facility as well as participation in a wide range of community groups in his capacity as Mayor of Dawson Creek.

He and wife Vicki were married in 1982. They have two children. Blair is an avid motorcyclist and enjoys working on and riding his Harley Davidson. Other hobbies include: carpentry, camping with his family, and playing baseball and hockey.

MLA Richard T. Lee - Burnaby North

Today we are praying for Richard Lee, Member for Burnaby North.

As we read Mr. Lee's profile and pray for him to-day, we are aware of the value and trust the constituents in his riding have for him in Burnaby North by re-electing him as their MLA . His value too, in the legislature, is noted by the many committees he is called on to serve. May he know the touch of Your presence on his life , as You give guidance, to serve with excellence, in the work You have chosen him to do, in the political arena of this province. May Your blessings be abundant in the lives of Richard's family.

Richard T. Lee was first elected as the MLA for the riding of Burnaby North in 2001 and was re-elected in the May 2005 provincial general election and was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for the Asia-Pacific Initiative on June 16, 2005.


Currently, Richard also serves as member of the legislative Select Standing committee on Finance and Government Services and a member of the Select Standing Committee on Education.

Previously, Richard served as member of the legislative Special Committee to Review the Police Complaint Process, a member of the Special Committee to Appoint a Police Complaint Commissioner, Vice-chair of the Special Committee to Appoint a Merit Commissioner, a member of the Government Caucus Committee on Economy and Government Operations, a member of the Government Caucus Multicultural Committee and Chair of the Government Caucus Asian Economic Development Committee.

Before being elected to the Legislature, Richard was a programmer analyst at TRIUMF, Canada's national particle research facility. In 1976 he earned a Combined Honours Bachelor of Science degree from UBC in physics and mathematics and in 1980 a Masters of Science from UBC in Applied Mathematics. While studying, Richard worked as a research assistant from 1975 to 1977 and then as a teaching assistant from 1977 to 1979 with the Department of Mathematics in UBC. From 1979 to 1982 he worked as a programmer at TRIUMF and in 1982 became a programmer analyst. Richard attended the United States Particle Accelerator School at Berkeley in 1989 and once again in 1990 at Harvard University.

Richard's community service included: British Columbia Heritage Language Association director; Burnaby District Parents’ Advisory Council member, and Burnaby Chinese Parents Association vice-president; Burnaby Multicultural Society director; Burnaby Voters Non-Partisan Association director; Civic Education Society director; Vancouver Society in Support of Democratic Movement chairperson; and, British Columbia Table Tennis Association Honorary President.

Born in 1954, Richard and his wife Anne married in 1986 and have lived in the constituency since then. They are also the parents of three children. Richard pastimes include badminton, basketball, table tennis and bridge.

MLA Harry Lali - Yale Lillooet

Today we are praying for MLA Harry Lali.

Father we thank you for the commitment that Harry Lali has given to the riding of Yale –Lillooet

We know that he has had to make many sacrifices to serve our Government and ask that you would bless him for his faithfulness. We pray that you would strengthen him when his is weary and when he is at a loss for direction that you would guide him and give him divine strategies.

We thank you that he is willing to serve as the opposition Critic for B.C. lotteries, Gaming Policy and I.C.B.C. This is a job that requires much time and effort and we pray that you would inspire him to be a man of wisdom and integrity.

We ask today Father that you would bless him and keep him, that you would make his face shine upon him and be gracious to him.  That you Father would turn your face toward him and give Harry and his family peace.

Harry Lali served as Minister of Transportation and Highways from February, 1998, to February, 2001. He was the longest serving NDP Highways Minister in British Columbia. Previously, Harry served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Forests from June, 1996, to February, 1998. Currently he is the Opposition Critic for B.C. Lotteries, Gaming Policy and I.C.B.C.

In 1988, Harry was elected City Councillor in Merritt for one term. In 1991, Harry was elected Member of the Legislative Assembly for Yale-Lillooet, re-elected M.L.A. in 1996, and again a third time in 2005.

Harry was born in 1955 in Jullundur District, Punjab, and currently lives in Merritt. He was educated at the University of Victoria and the University of British Columbia, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and South Asia Area Studies. Harry is the founder of the group that established the Chair of Punjabi and Sikh Studies at the University of British Columbia.

Before his election to the Legislature, Harry was an Employment Counsellor for the federally-sponsored Merritt Outreach Program from 1986 – 1991. He has also worked at MOSAIC in Vancouver. Harry is a former member of the IWA Local 1-417 when he spent 11 summers working in the sawmill industry in Interior B.C. Harry is also a former co-owner of a sporting goods store.

From 2001 – 2006 Harry owned his own business that was involved in international development and technology transfer to developing countries, namely in the field of environmental technologies and power generation.

Harry and his wife, Rani, are the proud parents of two sons and one daughter.

MLA Jenny Wai Ching Kwan - Vancouver-Mount Pleasant

Today we are praying for Jenny Wai Ching Kwan, member for Vancouver Mount Pleasant.

Father, we give thanks for this dynamic young woman Jenny Kwan who has become the first Chinese Canadian to become a Cabinet Minister in the history of British Columbia. What a testimony to give encouragement to us as we recognize the great possibilities that are here in Canada for any one of us no matter our ethnic origin. We thank you for her example and her perseverance that has brought her to this moment in history. Let her light so shine that it helps direct young people, in particular, to desire to serve in community works and the political field. We pray that Jenny would used as a voice that would bring attention to those less fortunate as well as the many social issues that reside within our cities and let her be the instrument of transformation within the province. We pray for health and protection for her and her family.

Jenny Kwan was first elected as the MLA for Vancouver - Mount Pleasant in 1996, becoming one of the first Chinese-Canadians to sit in BC's Legislative Assembly and the first Chinese Canadian Cabinet Minister in the history of B.C. She was re-elected in 2001, and again on May 17, 2005.

Jenny is the Opposition Caucus Chair, and serves as Opposition Critic for Homelessness and Mental Health.

Born in Hong Kong, Jenny Wai Ching Kwan immigrated to Canada with her family when she was nine years old. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Criminology) from Simon Fraser University. Jenny began working as a community legal advocate in the Downtown Eastside shortly after graduation.

Jenny was elected to Vancouver City Council in 1993 --becoming the youngest councillor in Vancouver’s history -- and served for three years as the sole representative of Vancouver's progressive municipal political party, COPE.

In 1998 Jenny was appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs, becoming BC's first Chinese-Canadian cabinet minister. Jenny also served as Minister of Women's Equality and Minister of Community Development, Cooperatives and Volunteers and was the provincial government’s lead person in developing the Vancouver Agreement.

Jenny's work in the areas of women's rights, community development, housing and anti-poverty advocacy has earned her a well-deserved reputation as a committed social activist who has made principle her priority.

Jenny is married and lives in East Vancouver with her husband, daughter, son and stepson.

Hon. Kevin Krueger - Minister of Community Development

Today we are praying for the Hon. Kevin Krueger - Minister of Community Development. 

Father we thank you for the Honorable Kevin Krueger today and all the ways in which he has served this Province so faithfully. As we look at the many portfolios that Kevin Krueger has served in, we see a man who has been blessed with many talents and abilities.


We thank you for his deep commitment to serve as the Minister of Community Development and we pray that you give him great wisdom and grace to make decisions that will help him in making our communities a better place to live.

We thank you Lord for his faithfulness in serving as the MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson, and ask that you continue to inspire him and guide him. We pray that you would bless him in all that he sets his hand to,so he is able to continue to be an exceptional leader in our province.

Father we ask for a blessing of protection, health and prosperity for his wife Debbie and all of his 6 children and their families.

Kevin Krueger was appointed Minister of Community Development on January 19, 2009 after serving as Minister of Small Business and Revenue and Minister Responsible for Regulatory Reform since June 23, 2008. Mr. Krueger previously served as Minister of State for Mining.

Kevin Krueger was re-elected as MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson in 2005 after being elected in 1996 and re-elected in 2001. Kevin is also a member of the Government Caucus Committee on Natural Resources and Economy, where he previously served as Chair.

While in Opposition, Kevin served as the BC Liberal Critic for Labour. Kevin served as the Caucus Whip as well as a member of the Select Standing Committee on Education. Kevin was named to the Legislative Standing Committees for Committee of Selection and the Special Committee for the Citizen’s Assembly on Electoral Reform. He was also a member of the Legislative Assembly Management Committee. He previously was a member of the Small Scale Salvage Committee.

Before becoming an MLA, Kevin worked with the Insurance Corporation of BC for 20 years, and at the time of his departure was a road safety regional manager.

His community work includes the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, Kamloops Community Counterattack Committee, Rotary Club past-president, coordinator with the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and secretary of the Protocol Committee for the 1993 Canada Summer Games. He arranged the twinning of the Rotary Clubs of Kamloops and Uji, Japan. He is a former board member, executive councillor and shop steward of the Office and Technical Employees Union, Local 378. He was a director of the Prince George & District Credit Union.

Kevin and his wife Debbie, a school teacher, have six children, including two daughters-in-law and a son-in-law. They are the proud grandparents of seven children.

MLA Leonard Krog - Nanaimo

Today we are praying for Leonard Krog, member for Nanaimo.

We pray Your blessings will rest on Leonard today. May he know the sufficiency of Your grace as he carries out his lifes's work as an Attorney of Law, and his role as MLA. for the people of Nanaimo.

We pray you will give him a voice that will be heard, as his position of influence continues to bring integrity, and honesty to the justice system in this province.

We thank You for his dedication and commitment to give able and strong leadership in this important riding.

Father , we know You understand the sacrifices a family is called on to make, when involved in public service, so we pray, Leonard ,his wife Sharon , his children Jessica and Parker, will be abundantly blessed wih good health , happiness and quality time with one another.

Leonard Krog was elected as the MLA for Nanaimo on May 17, 2005.  Leonard serves as Opposition Critic for the Attorney General.

Born in Nanaimo and raised in Coombs, Leonard served as MLA for Parksville-Qualicum from 1991 to 1996.  Since 1980, Leonard has been a practicing lawyer in a Nanaimo law firm, most recently with his wife Sharon.

In addition, Leonard has served as the director and president of the Mid-Island Consumer Services Co-operative, chair of the United Way for Nanaimo and District, director of the Nanaimo City Centre Association, president of the Nanaimo City Bar Association, director and president of the Planned Parenthood Association's Nanaimo Branch, a member and supporter of Amnesty International and Lawyers for Social Responsibility.

Leonard and his wife Sharon live in Nanaimo. They have two children, Jessica and Parker.