Ray Aldred
I got another room last night and it was SOOO nice.
This morning we were privileged to have Ray Aldred come and speak to us. Ray is an old old friend from the early 90's at First nations Alliance Church in Regina. I helped facilitate the meeting.
At the time I knew Ray was really smart, but I had no idea his stature would grow as much as it has. He now speaks internationally at large conferences. I think it is because he has almost divine insight into the way our society has gotten to where it is now. He knows philosophy, theology and the suffering of his own people.
Even though he knows intimately the oppression and injustices perpetuated on his people in Canada, he has such a gentle and kind spirit. After our time with him, one pastor remarked, "I'm glad he's so nice!"
That comment displays the fact that everyone in that room knew that he had a right to be angry. And also the simple fact that most non-native people feel uncomfortable around native people, mainly because we don't KNOW any native people. But, because Jesus is real in his life, he chooses forgiveness.
Ray said that at one time in his life he was in a fairly prominent role in a major denomination in Canada. He wondered if he was just a type of "Kit Carson". It was during this difficult time that he made the decision that if he was ever in a situation where he would need to choose between siding with the marginalized and the status quo, he would always choose the marginalized.
Later on in the parking lot he told me a funny story about Brian Mclaren, who it appears he has become quite close to.
Ray is awesome. His daughter and son-in-law live in Richmond, so I sometimes get to see him when he comes out here. Next time I hope I can get him to speak.
This morning we were privileged to have Ray Aldred come and speak to us. Ray is an old old friend from the early 90's at First nations Alliance Church in Regina. I helped facilitate the meeting.
At the time I knew Ray was really smart, but I had no idea his stature would grow as much as it has. He now speaks internationally at large conferences. I think it is because he has almost divine insight into the way our society has gotten to where it is now. He knows philosophy, theology and the suffering of his own people.
Even though he knows intimately the oppression and injustices perpetuated on his people in Canada, he has such a gentle and kind spirit. After our time with him, one pastor remarked, "I'm glad he's so nice!"
That comment displays the fact that everyone in that room knew that he had a right to be angry. And also the simple fact that most non-native people feel uncomfortable around native people, mainly because we don't KNOW any native people. But, because Jesus is real in his life, he chooses forgiveness.
Ray said that at one time in his life he was in a fairly prominent role in a major denomination in Canada. He wondered if he was just a type of "Kit Carson". It was during this difficult time that he made the decision that if he was ever in a situation where he would need to choose between siding with the marginalized and the status quo, he would always choose the marginalized.
Later on in the parking lot he told me a funny story about Brian Mclaren, who it appears he has become quite close to.
Ray is awesome. His daughter and son-in-law live in Richmond, so I sometimes get to see him when he comes out here. Next time I hope I can get him to speak.
Comments
Glad you got a new room. Hope you are enjoying our city a little more as a result.
Peace,
Jamie