“The
separation is in the preparation.” This is the quote by Seattle Seahawks star
quarterback Russell Wilson when asked about leading to the success of winning a
football game, which happens a lot. J I am not quoting Russell Wilson because I have similar success or his
good looks. I reference this quote to emphasis the time of year LAMP and all
the churches are in -- getting ready for their summer mission trips to remote
Indigenous communities in northern Canada.
It’s preparation time! Time to plan
the trips, raise the funds, rent the vans, and most importantly prepare to
teach others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s exciting and sometimes
challenging.
Just
recently, preparations I had made for this past April trip to northern B.C. did
not come through in one community. However, after a few quick phone calls,
things were fixed. This most likely will not be the last time my summer plans
get changed. Those that have been on mission trips will tell you that it can be
day-to day with changes, but the important thing is to start those preparations
in prayer.
Pastor-pilot,
Dennis Ouellette, on his pre-check flight plan, begins with prayer. Every week,
the LAMP staff (including myself) end our meeting time in prayer for the
communities we serve, the volunteers that serve with us, and those that support
the ministries of LAMP. Even during the summer, LAMP’s mission teams are
encouraged to have prayer partners back home praying for them, the team, and
the families in the community.
You
can pray right now, whether you are reading this blog for the first time or at
any other time in the year. Chances are
that a mission team or missionary staff of LAMP is preparing or visiting a
community. Ephesians 6:18 says, “ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with
all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep
on praying for all the Lord’s people.” In a week, I will be leaving for
northern B.C. to do summer ministry with LAMP. I ask that you not only pray for
my safe travels but for God to work through me, that hearts and minds would be
open to receiving the gospel message. More posts to come shortly.
Blessings,
Nathan
