Monthly Archives: September 2018

Community

Doukhobor Choir Conveys Values

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Doukhobor Choir at Princeton Traditional Music Fesitval, Elsie Campbell (far right)

For attendees at the Princeton Traditional Music Festival this summer, the performance of the Doukhobor choir was a “wow” experience. Singing in their native Russian and also English, without instrumental accompaniment, their exquisite harmony calmed and uplifted our spirits.

I called the choir director, Elsie Campbell at her home in Castlegar several days later. She said, “I can’t even read music, but I hear any little mistake.” In her early 70’s and walking with a cane, she’s committed to the preservation of Doukhobor music. “I at times conduct 4 different choirs,” she said, “I don’t want our music to die. I want it to convey the importance of striving for peace, justice, hope, the environment and freedom for all.” She has travelled extensively with Doukhobor choirs, including 3 visits to Russia.

Doukhobor Choir members Loretta & Evelyn.

Having heard their music, I wanted to know more about them. Writing on the USCC Doukhobors’ website, D.E. (Jim) Popoff explains the name Doukhobor came from Archbishop Ambrosius of the Russian Orthodox Church in 1785. Wanting to identify a group of peasants as heretics, he referred to them as “Doukhobortsi”, meaning spirit wrestlers. He intended this as derogatory, suggesting they were struggling against the Holy Spirit. The Doukhobors responded, “we are struggling with and for the Spirit of God.” They rejected the church’s practise of worshiping icons.

Like my own Mennonite forbears, late in the 19th century Doukhobors began experiencing increasing pressures to conform and to serve in the military. Led by their leader Peter V. Verigin, in 1895 they burned their weapons and refused military service. Repression followed and Verigin arranged for emigration to Canada, first to Saskatchewan and then in 1908-1912 to the Boundary Kootenay area.

In Russia they had lived communally, and for a time they continued this practice with all land being registered under the name of Peter Verigin. They developed successful commercial enterprises, producing fruits and vegetables, jams, jellies and honey. When Verigin was killed in a rail car bombing in 1924, and the Stock Market crashed in 1929, their way of life was severely disrupted. They had borrowed from the banks for land purchases and development, and could no longer make the payments. It was the end of their communal way of life.

In spite of economic and societal pressures, they clung tenaciously to their beliefs, practises and culture. This effort to maintain traditional ways continues today. “Our schools are in English,” Elsie said. “The children are also taught Russian. Borscht, vereneki (pyrogies), potato salad and other traditional dishes are still prepared. We don’t have the Bible but many of our teachings and beliefs come from the Bible. Bread, salt, and water are important symbols in our faith. They represent hospitality.” In the realm of spiritual beliefs, Doukhobors differ from some Protestant and Catholic teachings. For example, they don’t accept the miracles of Jesus.

According to Popoff, “In struggling for a better life, they determined to use only the spiritual power of love, rather than any form of violence or coercion.” Their motto was (and still is), “Toil and peaceful life.” When a radical splinter group, The Sons of Freedom, created a measure of chaos with such practises as nudity and arson in the 1950’s, the majority of Doukhobors did not follow.

Early in the last century, the world around them was already entering a time of rapid transition. Larger centres offered a glittering array of exciting enticements. Societal values, attitudes and beliefs were changing. For many minority religious and ethnic groups, these societal trends continue to be a challenge today.

Barry Verigin, co-editor of ISKRA, Voice of the Doukhobors, told me, “Encouraging our youth is an issue we take seriously. Our Union of Youth organization sponsors a number of events, including a very popular Youth Festival each May long weekend.”

The 2nd leader of the Doukhobors in Canada, Peter Petrovitch Verigin, counselled the youth to acquire all  the positive, constructive aspects of knowledge and skills which were offered through formal education, while at the same time retaining their valuable heritage. “The combination of the best influences from these two sources,” he said, “will prepare you for a life as truly responsible citizens of the world.”

If their current executive director, John J. Verigin, and other Doukhobors like Elsie Campbell are able to successfully transmit their values and beliefs to their youth, the next generation of leaders will be well prepared to make a valuable contribution to Canadian society.

Inspiration, People

Rescue Cambodia, Boldly Making A Difference

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Rescue Cambodia.org was emblazoned on the bus.

When Linda and I passed a large bus in Manning Park last week, I noticed the words “RescueCambodia.org  emblazoned on its side. Curiosity immediately captured my mind and I hoped it would stop at the park lodge. I had questions.

Twenty minutes later we emerged from the lodge and I saw the bus, parked about 50 steps from our car. With camera in hand. I asked a distinguished appearing man for permission to take a few pictures. He agreed readily and several school age young people came out of the bus, apparently as curious about Linda and me as we were about them. As I began snapping pictures, others joined them.

Then a small elderly woman approached. She was introduced as Marie Ens, founder of Rescue Cambodia. We learned they were on a fund raising tour across Canada and the youths would be performing Cambodian dances at the Penticton Alliance church the next evening.

Marie Ens, one of the founders of Rescue Cambodia

Wanting to know more, we drove to Penticton the following afternoon hoping Marie would have time for us. The conversation with her was an adventure. Her voice, facial expressions and body demeanor exuded unreserved resolve and passion. Nearly 84, the excitement for her mission has not abated. “My husband Norm and I  served as missionaries in Cambodia many years,” she told us. “We were evacuated several times due to political and military crises, once when the merciless Khmer Rouge were advancing. We were always eager to come back. After Norm passed away, I was urged to return to Canada at age 66. I still wanted to live and serve in Cambodia though, so I went back. I was widowed, with no one supporting me, and only my pension to live on.”

Undaunted, she joined with 3 Cambodians and a missionary couple to start a center for families coping with HIV. Their 16  thatch and brick dwellings quickly filled. “With no anti-retroviral drugs available, the parents soon passed away leaving their precious children in our care.”

In 2003 they started an NGO and registered it with the Cambodian government. 10 homes were built, each with space for 10 orphans. When these were filled, they built another 10 homes.

They now operate 3 orphanages, one of which is the largest in Cambodia. “We have a school, medical clinic, meeting hall, library and pre-school. We also opened an office, built granny and staff housing, planted a large garden, and began raising chickens, ducks and rabbits.”

When students graduate from the school program, they can go to university. Rescue Cambodia pays their tuition and provides free accommodation in their House of New Dreams.

Leaning forward, Marie said with conviction, “The entire Rescue Cambodia operation is run by Cambodians. The teachers are Cambodian and the children are cared for by Cambodian mothers. The food is Cambodian. The children live like other children. We want their Cambodian identity to be firmly established in their hearts and minds. The Director, Sokthon Chhat is Cambodian. I’m an advisor.”

A student at Rescue Cambodia.

The government has taken note of the work being done by Rescue Cambodia and appreciates the emphasis on the country’s culture. The Prime Minister’s wife has visited several times, initially in her role as head of the Cambodian Red Cross. On one such visit Marie said to her, “I have a deep desire to become a Cambodian citizen.” The response was enthusiastic. “Anyone who has lived in our country as long as you deserves to be a citizen.”

Usually citizenship applications take considerable time and are costly. Marie received hers in a few days at no cost. It was signed by the king. On another visit the PM’s wife presented Marie with a medal of great distinction. “I had tears in my eyes,” Marie said. “She kissed me on both cheeks.”

The government evidently values what the organization is doing. It has provided some financial and other types of support. “They enlarged our water reservoir and cemented it,” Marie said. “They have also paved our long driveway.” When the Prime Minister showed up to see what was being done, Marie said, “in some countries we couldn’t do what we do here. We couldn’t speak of Jesus. But, this is Cambodia.”  “Yes,” he responded. “This is Cambodia. We have freedom of religion.”

Rescue Cambodia demonstrates what is possible when individuals boldly commit to making a positive difference.

People, Uncategorized

The Curse Of International Child Abductions

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Liam & Mia

The e-mail from Trudy Beyak of Abbotsford five months ago almost stopped the beating of my heart. “Please pray for Mia and Liam, my two precious grandchildren,” she wrote. “They have been abducted from Abbotsford and are being held captive in the Middle East by their father. They have lived in Abbotsford with my daughter Shelley since Liam was 4 months. This is the only home these 2 beautiful children know.”

The International Child Abduction Guidebook states, “Every year, hundreds of Canadian children are wrongfully taken from Canada, or held in another country by abducting parents.” The U.S. State Department views parental abductions as a disturbing and growing issue. It estimates that annually approximately 1,000 children are abducted or wrongfully retained from the U.S.

Often the seeds of an abduction are sown quite innocently when a young woman is traveling or working abroad. A retired member of a Canadian embassy in Africa said, “We received numerous requests for help from women whose children had been abducted. We could do little for them. Canadian women are overly trusting in these situations. They have no understanding of how heartbreaking the future may be.”

Shelley Beyak was teaching English in Egypt and visited Beirut for a few days. In a bar, she was approached by Wissam. He was smart, well educated and persuasive. Trudy feels he targeted Shelley and charmed her. He told her he planned to emigrate to Canada. The romance blossomed and they were married in 2007. They had 2 children, Mia and Liam, and moved to Canada in 2010.

The marriage began to unravel and Wissam returned to Lebanon for about 18 months. He sent her a “Claim and Inmate” document, demanding she return to Lebanon and obey her husband. She declined, understanding that in Lebanon she would lose control of her life and her children.

Wissam returned to Canada and began a series of litigations against her. This drained her finances and when he applied to a judge for permission to obtain passports for the children, she had no further funds to hire a lawyer. In court, Wissam said “I have a home here and a job. I want my kids to grow up here. I plan to stay in Canada.”

Concerned he would remove the children to Lebanon, Shelley objected. In an interview with the Abbotsford News, she said, “I explained my concern and begged the judge not to grant the application. The judge raked me over the coals and granted Wissam permission to apply for passports and take the children abroad.”

It seems some judges have little comprehension of how prevalent child abduction has become. An American mother asked a judge not to allow her Lebanese husband to take their 3 children out of country. The 2 younger children said, “We’re scared daddy is going to take us to Lebanon, and we’ll never come back.”

Her pleas were dismissed and her children were abducted to Lebanon. When the U.S. Consulate did a welfare check on them recently, their Lebanese grandfather said the 2 girls, ages 13 and 14, were nearly old enough to be married. This opinion is indicative of the disturbing circumstances that may engulf abducted children.

Retrieving children from Lebanon is particularly difficult because the government has not signed the Hague Convention. Also, Lebanon doesn’t recognize parental kidnapping as a crime. Wissam has not permitted Canada’s Global Affairs to talk with the children.

Now, belatedly, the courts have stripped him of all parental rights and there is an international warrant for his arrest. The warrant can be executed only if he leaves Lebanon.

Some may fault Shelley and other women for exposing themselves to this risk. But they were young, at an age when we tend to be optimistic and trusting. The possibility her children will be abducted to a foreign country isn’t likely to occur to a woman when she is in love.

Shelley has already spent about $40,000 in legal fees and expects further costs of at least $150,000. A gofundme account (https://www.gofundme.com/5ejxr68) has been opened on her behalf.  If she is to ever see Mia and Liam again, she really does need us to contribute. A brief note to the Prime Minister may also help. It might be as simple as “please bring Mia and Liam back to Canada from Lebanon.”

Check out youtube, Please Bring Mia & Liam Home. Let’s help Shelley get her children back.

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Health

Longevity Village Secret

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Mary in her garden.

Mary grew up in a small village in China.  She and her husband continue to make healthy food choices reflective of her village upbringing. Mary came to Canada in July 2013 and now resides in Hedley.

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Comedian Woody Allen’s thoughts on length of life likely reflect the thinking of many Canadians. He said, “I don’t want to attain immortality through my work. I want to attain it through not dying.” Medical science has made impressive strides in granting us additional years, but this progress has often not been accompanied by quality of life. The people of Longevity Village, a remote community in South West China, have gained considerable insight into both length of life and good health.

In The Longevity Plan, Dr. John Day, an American cardiologist, tells of visiting this village in the hope of discovering the secret of their robust health and long lives. He found in a population of 500 there were 7 centenarians, a record unmatched anywhere in the world.

“Before going to China, I had a hectic schedule of consultations, surgeries, lectures in universities and hospitals. There was little time for healthy dining. At the beginning of each day I grabbed a diet coke and a bagel in the hospital cafeteria. I was too busy to give sufficient attention to the fact I was over weight and had nagging health issues. It was my hope that by going to this village, I could find help for myself and my patients.”

In Longevity Village he met Washen, age 114, the most senior of the villagers. “He moved with agility and still worked in the field regularly,” Dr. Day notes. “ After observing the centenarians and asking them many questions, I concluded that diet was a key factor contributing to their longevity.”

“They eat no refined sugar,” Dr. Day writes, “and no processed foods. They do eat nuts, seeds, corn, grains (never refined), legumes, fruits, vegetables, and a little meat, including fish. Another staple is longevity soup, made with hemp seeds, pumpkin vines and leaves, and water.”

I thought of the food my Mennonite mother placed on the table when I was a kid. Pyrogies, fried farmer’s sausage, mashed potatoes with gravy, home made white buns and noodle soup, plus desserts. All from her kitchen. From that menu I graduated to McDonalds and Big Macs, fries and chocolate milk shakes. Add to this list Linda’s cookies, against which I have little resistance. Since childhood I’ve been programmed to enjoy food Dr. Day asserts is detrimental to my health.

He explains why he believes the Standard American Diet (SAD) doesn’t work for anyone. “Processed foods and fast foods are high in sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, chemicals and preservatives. They have been manipulated by food scientists to activate the reward centres in our brains.”

He explains further that “because seemingly innocent foods like bread, pastas and cereals are highly processed, the body very quickly turns them into sugar, causing an almost instantaneous spike in blood sugar. This signals the pancreas to produce insulin. Our liver then makes fat. For anyone wanting to shed some pounds, Dr. Day notes that by eating more fruits and vegetables, it is likely we will lose weight over time.

According to Dr. Day, supplements will not fill the nutritional gap. “Studies were done to assess the contents of supplements on the shelves of 5 major chains. They contained only 20 per cent of what is claimed on the labels.”

Adopting the Longevity Village diet does seem daunting, but the increase of conditions ike dementia, diabetes and heart disease is alarming. “In Western medicine,” Dr. Day says, “we tend to think of them as age related. We treat them with surgery and medications. In Longevity Village they are virtually unheard of.”

Linda and I are eating more fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains. Avoiding processed and packaged foods is almost impossible but we buy them less often. I still eat Linda’s cookies and when our friends Terry and Lis showed up recently with donuts from the Princeton Dollar Store, we did partake with considerable enthusiasm. Samosas, available at Keremeos fruit stands, also continue to tempt. It’s tough contending with human frailties.

We don’t share Woody Allen’s seeming preoccupation with immortality, but we are becoming increasingly aware we need to take concrete measures to preserve and improve our health. We want to continue chiseling away at our too numerous questionable food choices. If you observe us running at break neck speed up Hospital Hill in Hedley when we are centenarians, you’ll know we’ve fully bought into the Longevity Village diet.