We arrived Saturday and arrived just in time for a hearty lunch, guitar hero, and swimming at Long Dock (pictures are on the other computer though)… It was great to see the relationships that had been built over the last week, and even better to hear of the testimonies of the small steps, giant leaps, and transformations that have been witnessed! It was such a blessing for the entire team to be together!
Sunday, Daniel and Ryan had the opportunity to lead worship for the combined service for the multiple churches in Longlac. It was great to worship together and “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit” as we are called to (Eph 4). Afterwards it was nostalgic to run into M, one of the first people I met when I came to Longlac in 2004… and then to be invited to St. John’s in the Wilderness church (the little red church where we stayed for many years) for refreshments as they celebrated their 60th anniversary!
We had many guests over to say goodbye to Daniel, Elaine, Ryan, and Wilson! It was great to see D, who we visited our first year driving from Longlac to Toronto in North Bay, and hear her testimonies of how God’s been working so powerfully in her life and how she’ll be starting Bible college come September! It was also great to see T all grown up and be there for her and partner with Pastor Rolland to pray and support her in any way we could.
Our first night (Sunday) without Team A, we went on a Prayer Drive through Ginoogaming #77 and Longlac #58. We went as two vans, praying through our walkie talkies, for everything in sight, from the mill closing down and jobs lost, to every family and house that we know God holds close to His infinite heart. It was a powerful time to be open to the Spirit and the Lord’s heart.
So now I come to today (Monday), where we began our day with breakfast, devotions, showers, and then prepared for lunch (productive, I know). In the afternoon, we met with P, our partner here at #77 helping us to plan and arrange opportunities for us to get to know the community. We made a banner with the kids at the Head Start program and interacted with the older guys who were leaving to go to their conference to be taught by the elders. Although we were worried about what we would be doing since the kids were leaving for the week, Dom enlightened us of the wonderful way that God works. Since we don’t have as many of our “manly men” (eg. Wilson, Ryan, and Daniel), it may have been difficult for us to keep up with #77’s manly men! Now we have the opportunity to work with the kids at the Head Start program, a younger crowd, where we can build relationships and are less likely to get pushed over the edge of Long Dock!
In the late afternoon, the team went back as P and T were preparing for the community feast as elders from Hamilton area were coming to give teachings on the Prophecies of the End times. Taketo, Nadine and I stuck around, and were invited to take part in their feast, which included bannock, which Taketo did not hesitate to bring back for the team! We were able to watch their smudging ceremony prior to their meal, where cedar, tobacco, sweet grass, and sage were burned, and everyone was invited to use it to cleanse and purify themselves. They waived the smoke towards their eyes, so that they would see good, and towards their ears so they could hear the good from what others were saying and towards their mouth so they would speak positively. There were many great discussions that led to even more interesting discussions back at church! Please pray for wisdom, sensitivity and understanding as we learn more of the culture and beliefs here!
At night, as you can see, we went fishing again; the catch of the night was Pastor Rolland’s huge pike!
Thank you for your prayers and support… more pictures and updates to come!
Posted by Ada
T3C team unite!
Joining in on the festivities with banner making!
Pastor Rolland (catcher of fish and men!)
... in awe...
Nadine really misses Mike! (Happy early birthday!!)
2 comments:
TEAM B WOOOOT!!
wow a second team sounds good. As Dom has probably said. God provides for every situation. Though D, R, W were good leadership development, and male bonding, God may be doing something different during your time. Take comfort in that God provides for every situation.
Be blessed my friends. Love passionately, and salt and light.
mmmmm. salty fish...... =P******* drool
nate sending his love, an ocean away.
Keep shining brightly! We're all encouraged to hear of the great things God has been doing through your team. Praise the Lord! As the team maybe weary and burnt out, continue to pray and to make the most out of the time left with the kids and the people of Longlac. We're praying for you and the people too!
I remember a short conversation I had with Dom during the short overlap - If God can do all these amazing things from our teams in just a short 2 weeks, imagine the goodness and changes that would happen if we stayed even longer? Maybe a even year? Truly amazing!
Come home safely Team - We all miss you!
(P.S. - Dan and I took R
"the ice man" to the ROM yesterday. Truly awesome for the opportunity and blessing to continue to connect with the people of Longlac)
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