We live in a dark world...a world that suffers the affects of sin and evil. Yet this is the world into which God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world. Jesus brought us deliverance from the darkness of sin and evil. He also gives us his Word to light our path, to guide us, and for us to take to the far reaches of the earth. As His word says, "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of deep darkness, on them has light shined." Isaiah 9:2 (ESV)

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Summer 2024 Sowing the Seed

Off to Thompson, MB

Gifts from Supporters
Some will bring a harvest, some will wither, others will never take root, others will be choked out, (Matt.13:3-9) yet our Lord and God, Jesus Christ, tells us in the Bible that we are to go on and spread the seed. He, is of course, talking about sharing the Good News of His love, mercy, grace, and sacrifice for all the world. This is the seed planted. And the gift of faith given by the Holy Spirit is the plant grown from that seed. The plant producing the crop of hope, comfort and purpose.

Newly Minted team for Cross Lake, MB
We often talk about the fruits as peace, joy, and love. Yet more basic fruits of faith are having hope beyond the struggles of the day, having comfort amid trials, pain, and heartbreak, and having a purpose to stay grounded in this world, not stop it all through hedonism, addictions, and even the finality of suicide.

The Lake taken from near the church at Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (Big Trout Lake), ON

My new friend and driver in Garden Hill, MB

 Taking to the Air

This summer Andrew Anstey (MAF Missionary Pilot) and I flew over 60 hours visiting communities we serve. We made overnight visits and joined the work of 11 Teams in action.

The Lance worked well and saw us through our many hours of transporting community gifts along with our overnight packs as we moved in with the teams.

Andrew flew Church leaders from Kingfisher over to Kasabonika, ON
Again this summer, the flight ministry was based out of Thompson, MB. We were blessed to house sit the same family home once again, though after being spoiled for two summers, we will need to find a new location to base ourselves in Thompson next year.

The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) over Kingfisher, ON

Feast at Kingfisher (Bannock Donuts, Snow Goose Soup, fried potatoes, Tea)

Worship held Sunday morning and afternoon in Kingfisher

Recognizing the Past

The Harper family, who are strongly connected to their LAMP family, made the trek from Red Sucker Lake in Eastern Manitoba to The Pas in Western Manitoba for a special memorial visit, at which I was invited to participate, offering prayers. Andrew and I flew over from Thompson to join the family, and share in this very special memorial day visit.

Fanny Harper & Family @ the Six Mile Cemetery, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, The Pas, MB

Fanny Harper (Matriarch 93 years of age) had found the final resting place of her parents, who had been flown out of their community during the Tuberculosis Epidemic in the Late 1950s. All she knew was they went to a hospital when she was 16 and never returned.

Now after an in depth search their names were found on the Sanitorium List at Clear Lake, MB. The mass graveyard where they were laid to rest was found to be at 6 Mile Cemetery (on the Opaskwayak Cree Nation) North of The Pas. This was an opportunity for Fanny as she sat facing the graves to thank her parents in her Language for being good parents to her, raising her with faith in Jesus. Her family had brought earth from Red Sucker Lake which she dumped there symbolically bringing home to them since they could not bring them back to their home. After 77 years and before her leaving to join them in heaven, Fanny was blessed to be of sound mind and able body to travel, having some closure to a missing chapter from her life.

Bridge next to the Historic Hudson Bay Depot @ Norway House, MB

Supper with the team. aka... interrogation of the Pastor Pilot ;-)

Bringing the Good News of God’s Love

It is my prayer that all our teams, while building relationships in the community they serve, are planting those seeds of the gospel (Romans 10:17). Seeds that through faith lead to hope, comfort, and purpose.

There is joy in the eyes of the children we serve as they find acceptance from these strangers coming into their community. Strangers who become friends, friends who share the love and gift of acceptance they personally know. Friends who share about Jesus, who gives purpose for their sacrifice of time to come to their Northern Canadian community.

We can see the seeds of faith taking root, and the plant growing. As time passes, we see the pursuit of not only hope, comfort, and purpose, but also the gracious blessings of peace, joy, and love.

Sharing the Love of Jesus









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