Ishtiaq Ahmed Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Stockholm University writes in Pakistan Daily Times, "What transpired in Chile was an affirmation of its successful transition to democracy and an open society." On the other side of the world, U.S. congressional candidate and social critic Star Parker echoes, "Chile stands out as an example of achievements only possible when people commit to freedom and free markets." Ishtiaq and Star's observations and many more around the world accurately draw our attention to a few of the key underlying sources for Chile's recent achievements of democracy, free markets and an open society. Star Parker went on to remind us that "less than 40 years ago, Chile was a typical, poor South American nation, with intrusive government and sluggish growth." I watched for weeks as the Chilean rescue unfolded, and I made a number of observations comparing Chile to Canada in terms of how their faith is allowed to inform their culture. It was refreshing to see and hear the unashamed profession of the Chilean people's faith in God.  This faith was not only exhibited by some miners who -- once rescued -- knelt and thanked God even before embracing their families but even more importantly, by their country's leader, President Sebastián Piñera, who repeatedly thanked God for the success of the rescue knowing the world was watching and still proud to give God the glory. Chile is a modern day example of how in less than 30 years a nation can transition from a merciless government that murdered and tortured thousands of its citizens into a democratic  society that overnight became a showcase to the world for ingenuity, determination, national pride, and their faith in God. Most of the rescued miners were wearing a tan T-shirt over their coveralls and viewers could clearly make out the name 'Jesus' on the left sleeve.  The T-shirts were reportedly a gift from Campus Crusade for Christ Chile, on the front of the T-Shirt it read, "Gracias Senor" -- 'Thank you Lord' and on the back was Psalm 95:4. Allow me a moment to draw a parallel to a Jesus incident when our Canadian government was also very aware that the world was watching Canada. Swiss Air flight 111 crashed just off Peggy's Cove, in Nova Scotia, September 2, 1988, killing all onboard. My pastor at the time, Rev. Carolyn Nicholson, was one of the two Nova Scotia clergy given the heartfelt responsibility to pray at the service to commemorate the 229 people killed in the crash, yet she was denied the right to mention Jesus Christ. A government representative told her that no reference to Christ or any New Testament (Christian Scripture) readings were permitted. In a country that considers itself world champions of human rights it was and remains, scandalous.    It's been 20+ years since Swiss Air 111 and the cancerous banishment of Christ from our public square; our Canadian schools, parliament, courts and more. Imagine for a moment the Chilean miners just before their rescue, being told that they were not allowed to have Jesus on their T-Shirt and/or the Chilean President being advised not to mention Christ when speaking with the media. What do you think their response would have been? At a time when our parliamentarians are digging for solutions and blaming each other for our economic crisis, rising debt and broken families, it's time they take a good hard look at our developing neighbour to the south. For instance, Chile's pension reform adopted in 1980 was first proposed for Canada in 1980 by a Christian politician, Dr. Robert N. Thomson but was rejected by Parliament. Chile recognized its value, and today this Chilean personal portable investment account, CHP Canada's pension platform   is now, after 30 years, reportedly having annual returns of 9.2 percent above inflation. Chile is becoming an economic powerhouse in Latin America. In fact, earlier this year   it became the first South American country to be invited to join the prestigious club of the world's top industrialized nations, the OECD - Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Our politicians must soon admit to, or at the least look to, wisdom beyond their own or they'll end up allowing our nation to slip into the mire Chile recently dug their way out of. Acknowledging Christ's sovereignty over this world is the first step toward recognising our dependence on Him for all of the blessings He bestows on us. Chile has sought, and received, healing in their land and they publicly honour Him who lifted them out of their blighted past. A Christian Heritage Party government would seek the healing of our land - the healing of our families, our economy and our environment. 2 Chronicles 7:14