Summer months just rock. It’s hot, and I love to be outside. January, however, gets a bad rap. After all, it follows all the festivities and bright lights of Christmas. A lot of New Year’s resolutions have been broken (at least according to the internet), and the days are short and cold. Many people, especially those residing in remote communities of northern Canada, struggle with seasonal depression. I can relate.

Just this past week, a young adult that I have known for quite some time messaged me. I could tell right away he wasn’t doing well. In the past, he would make Facebook comments about struggling with depression in the winter months. This time in the chat messenger, he commented about not doing well in school and that he might not graduate. He also mentioned things were different at home (common for an eighteen-year-old). He is struggling. I offered him some advice and mentioned that, as always, I would keep him in my prayers. I continue to check in with him online and will try to meet up when I make a trip back up north. What can you do to help those that struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts? And how can you help those living in aboriginal communities? Personally, I find the following video very helpful in supporting people around us and have used it for ministry for several years now: Although we can’t fix someone struggling with depression, being a compassionate listener is much more important than giving advice. Being supportive means offering encouragement and hope. More and more people need to hear the message of hope that can be theirs through Jesus Christ. You can bring hope to others. If you haven’t been on a summer mission trip, how about coordinating a trip with your church? Or contact me at 1-800-307-4036, ext. 5 to find out how to join a team already serving in the North. Another option to help those struggling is to support me and others that make trips in the off-season. This March I will be traveling with several people from different VBS teams from the summer. We will be visiting 3-4 communities to spend time with children and adults. Finally, continue to pray for all those that struggle to experience comfort and peace within that comes from the Holy Spirit. Be certain to make time for others, listen and be present. Pray and trust in God’s purpose for you live, to love Him and to love others.