Back in the Swing of Things

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. 

Galatians 6:9-10

It’s nice to be back to normal, so to speak, after a three-year hiatus from LAMP’s regular, ongoing ministry of vacation Bible schools. Last year, as some COVID restrictions lingered in place, we expected more of our teams to head north. However, as the summer waned, one-by-one trips had to be cancelled for one reason or another. In the end, we only ended up with about 7 teams being able to make the trip in 2022.

This year though, things were looking different.  Through the winter and spring, more and more teams were indicating that they would like to return to ministry, following God’s call to serve in northern Canada. 

It looks like we’ll have about 27 teams throughout the summer in communities all across northern Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and BC. Still, a far cry from our usual 50+, but everyone at LAMP is actively praying and working on getting back there soon.

Our first stop this year was at Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug… a bit of a tongue twister for me, so I tend to stick to calling it by its other name, Big Trout Lake. 

The last time I was there for a VBS was a number of years ago. As we walked from the airport to the church where the VBS was being held, we got stuck in a torrential downpour as a thunder storm hit shortly after we had landed.

This year wasn’t much different, as we had to weave around a number of heavy rain showers as we flew there from Thompson, where we are based for the summer.

As we approached the church, I could see the LAMP Bible Camp sign proudly displayed outside of the weathered building. When we entered, we were greeted by the familiar sound of children screaming and shouting with excitement and energy.

The team was in the middle of their VBS program when we arrived, and it was as if they hadn’t been forced to take a three-year break.  They were back where they left off, singing songs with the kids, doing crafts, playing games, and putting on puppet shows, all to help illustrate basic Gospel truths. Despite the roadblocks and ever-changing restrictions over the past few years, the teams did not give up and were excited to be able to return as soon as they could.

The Big Trout Lake team (from left to right): Becky, Dave, Kari & Jeanne

What a blessing to be back in the swing of things again. We stayed the night in Big Trout Lake and were able to help the team out with VBS the next day before heading back to Thompson.

It’s going to be a long summer, with many more teams to check in on. Primarily, I’ll be flying around with Pastor Randy. LAMP’s Executive Director, Steve Schave, is also helping cover a handful of communities this year, as is LAMP’s newest missionary, Michael Gillingham, who just started with us a few weeks ago.

We’re excited to be back in the communities and bringing the Gospel of Christ to those in the most remote areas of Canada, sharing His peace, joy, hope, and love with those that we serve.

Please keep us in your prayers as we and our teams of volunteers travel all across northern Canada to bring the love of Christ to those living in remote and isolated areas.