Everlasting Father

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  

Isaiah 9:6

This fall, as with other years, I made the rounds with one of our missionaries to many of the communities we serve.  We do this in order to continue to build relationships, as we meet with various friends and contacts.  We also want to find out how people felt things went during the summer and learn other potential ways that we can better serve and love the people of the community.

During our travels, we talked with many Chiefs,  council members, elders, principals and teachers, priests, medical workers, and parents in the communities.  Before we leave, we always ask them, “What can we pray for?” Without fail, the first words out of almost everyone’s mouth are, “Please pray for our children and youth.”

Walking Together in Sorrow

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away                              

                                                                                                                                                            Revelation 21:4

New VBS teams at LAMP are always asked to make at least a five-year commitment. To some, this requirement may seem onerous, but there is purpose behind the request. It’s important because that longer-term commitment allows time for our volunteers to make connections and build relationships in the community that they serve. As the years go by, they become a part of people’s lives as they develop not only relationships, but friendships.

This was the case for Roger and Pam who have been leading a team to South Indian Lake, MB for more than 15 years. Over the years, they have developed many friendships, including a meaningful personal connection with one of the leaders in the community. This summer, due to that friendship, Pam was asked to be a part of a very personal ceremony. Shortly before they arrived in the community to teach VBS, this leader's daughter had lost a baby. With no full-time pastor or minister in the community, Pam was asked to help lead the funeral.

Where My Help Comes From

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—

    where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord,

    the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2

I often get asked when Andrew and I go to speak at different churches, “So what do you do?” 

That’s an understandable question because I am not a pilot like Andrew and I do not have the ability to fly missionaries and leaders to the remote northern reserves of Canada.