This Too Shall Pass

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.  

Psalm 30:5

It feels like it’s been ages since I wrote our last newsletter.  That’s not because I wrote it that long ago, but more so just how much the world has changed in those short, few months.  When I wrote the last letter, most of us had never heard of Coronavirus, but now, our lives have been completely altered by this sickness.

Like many of you, our lives have changed drastically in the last few weeks.  In early March, most LAMP staff began working from home instead of the office, other than when necessary.  A number of speaking engagements I had lined up for the spring were cancelled.  For the last few weeks, Linnea and I have been staying at home, other than when we needed groceries or when I’ve had to do work on the airplanes at the hangar.  Any interaction with friends and family has been over the phone or by video chat.  Life has changed dramatically.

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. 

God, Our Protector

The Lord will keep you from all harm—

he will watch over your life;

the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Psalm 121:7-8

The one word I would use to describe our flight operations for this past year at LAMP, is tumultuous.  As much as we had prepared and tried to get things ready for our busy flying season throughout the spring, summer, and fall, there were many days where it felt like everything that could go wrong, did.

Beautiful Feet

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!

                                                                 Isaiah 52:7

It was a warm July evening. We showed up early because it was going to be their first time in the community and we wanted to be able to meet them there. We found the janitor, who had the keys to the school, and then we unlocked the school building and waited. And waited. And waited. They were supposed to be there at six, but six came and went and soon it was seven, then eight o’clock. Did they get lost? Did something happen? Maybe we had the wrong time.  Cell phone coverage is spotty in northern Saskatchewan, so we had no way to contact them.

Facing our Fears

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:6-7

Growing up, every year, there was one week that struck fear in my heart; one week that I dreaded increasingly as it approached: the week of the Speech Meet.  I don’t know about your school, but at mine, every spring, one week of the year was dedicated to giving speeches.