2010 Updates

The Occidental was the last of the old-time bucket-of-blood bars.  I am sure that no patch of real estate in the West beheld more muggings, knifings, bar brawls and murders than this location at Logan and Main.

As one broken wreck of humanity told me as I threw him out the back door on a busy Saturday night: ‘I’ve seen honky-tonks and bars from Shanghai ta ‘Frisco, Cape Cod ta Cape Town.  This plashe is da worst.”

Buzz Baizely,

Occidental Bouncer for 30 Years

Many have asked “Why do you meet at the Occidental Hotel?” (now named the Red Road Lodge).  Growing up in Winnipeg, the Occidental Hotel had a reputation as a dangerous hotel, filled with alcoholics, prostitutes and the homeless.  The bar was notorious for being a hangout for the most broken and lost in our society. It was not the type of place any ‘reputable’ person would be seen in. Yet one afternoon, several years ago, as my car was stopped at a red light at the intersection of Main Street & Logan Avenue, the Holy Spirit told me that this is where I was to build his Church and it should be called the Twelve Pillars. For several years I prayed and meditated about the message that was spoken to me.  Since this time the Lord has revealed to me that his Church will be one of ‘Humility’.  In addition, it was his desire to see the gospel shared as he had instructed in Luke 10:1.   “After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.”

I believe that if Jesus Christ were physically living in Winnipeg today, he would live in the Occidental.  As Christ said, “the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Luke 19:10.  I believe that the Lord chose this hotel as for many years it had come to symbolize a home for “the Lost”.  As believers, the Lord has commanded us “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous.”  Joshua 10:25. We are to seek the lost and let our light shine from the darkness. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6.

I believe it is not “Accidental” that the “Occidental” is located at the corner of Main & Logan, a street corner with much heritage and formerly the “heart” of Winnipeg, a city located in the “heart” of North America (Winnipeg is in the very centre of the Continent).  If we were to walk around this neighborhood today, we would see many homeless and impoverished people.  While the government has tried to solve this problem with money and programs, none have proven effective. 

Since the Lord spoke to me, the Occidental has been transformed in many ways.  The present owner has shut down the bar and they no longer serve alcohol.  We now meet in the renovated recreation centre which has been transformed under the new ownership.  We believe that a personal encounter with Jesus Christ will similarly transform the many lost sheep in this city from the darkness that they live in.  We are planting seeds each weekend that we believe will produce a harvest.  Please join us!

See Photo of  First Meeting at The Red Road Lodge (double click) 

GO! GO! GO!  (See Luke 10) That is the message the Lord has been calling on believers.  I am truly thankful for the group of men and women that are hungry to share the Good News.  We are at a critical point in which we have been called as believers to “Pave the Way” for the coming of the Lord.  Are you ready for this?  Some people, even many believers doubt that this will happen in their lifetime or for many generations to come (I used to think the same way).  Although no one but the Father knows the exact time and date, scripture teaches us “in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 3:4

The days are growing shorter and we need to UNITE and share the gospel.  People on the streets of Winnipeg are hungry to hear the message.  We have witnessed many people accept Christ as their Saviour and this is truly exciting.  Sure some people are offended but many more are truly grateful that someone is willing to spend time with them and show them they are loved. I used to sit on the sidelines but I am unable to do this any longer. Perhaps you are tired of watching “reality TV” or being a spectator at “sporting events.”  The Lord wants you to get off the couch and start participating.  It is for the courageous and those that truly want to live life to the fullest.  Is has been said that “The glory of God is man fully alive,”. Perhaps you have been dying a slow death.  Waiting for the next job, the next house, the next vacation to bring you joy.  In the end these things will only provide short term happiness.  If you are reading this you know that I am speaking the truth.  I have seen how the pursuit of money can lead to pride, jealousy, envy and sin.  Quit striving for these things and focus on what truly matters, your relationship with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Once you know him, nothing else will compare.   

 Do you know what I believe is one of the main reasons the Gospel is not being shared?   It is the fact that people are consumed with what others will think.  I say “Who cares!!” It only matters what the Lord thinks of you.  For the Lord says Luke 9:26 “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. “ Wow!  Quit worrying about what others think and seek the Lord.

I believe that if you try witnessing on one occasion, your HEART will change and you will have a revelation as to your purpose in life.

Peace to all of you who are in Christ,

DEREK