Just as quickly as the fires arrived in B.C., so did the rain, and it was just in time. As my home church team left Oregon and drove through thick smoke for most of the day, I headed over to Kitimaat Village, B.C. in preparation for another team traveling from Edmonton, Alberta.
This was going to be a different week since we partnered with the cultural camp for the kids in the community. It would also be different because we were working with a non-religious group. But what an amazing week it turned out to be!
In the first half of the day, the team helped with the cultural camp. We played games and learned the Haisla language alongside the kids, including having to say, “Please listen.” We also learned about their culture, which included some dances and songs. We ate lunch with them. One meal was made of baked salmon and Oolican grease, Kathleen’s favorite!
In the afternoon, we were able to conduct our VBS. Not only were we able to use the brand-new youth center, but the cultural camp helpers assisted with our program. Despite the long days, the team was greatly encouraged by all the new relationships being built at the camp.
An afternoon session listening to Nadine’s story.
Two members of the Haisla dance group shared details about their masks and dances.
Kathleen's fifteenth year serving with LAMP.
A few weeks later, I was back in Witset to help support the team coming from Stony Plain, AB. Unfortunately, one of their team members ended up getting sick and could not come. The team planned similar activities as last year but without the hot, sunny weather. Despite being cool and wet most of the week, there was a good turnout from the community.
Scott Anderson sharing a message at the lake.
This marks the third year in a row that Stony Plain has returned to Witset. It is around year three that most teams feel settled in and are told “welcome home” by people in the community. However, this group has maintained a strong connection with Pastor Doug and Sherry and several of the members from the church in Witset right from the start.
Every week, the Andersons (Pastor Doug and Sherry) gather online for prayer. Sometimes, there are only a few of them, other times more, but the team leaders from Stony Plain, Carolyn and Ralph, have participated and been able to build on the relationships developed during their summer visits.
Once a week, the Andersons host pizza nights for the community at their house. It Is especially fun in the summer when the kids can play games in the backyard.
I wish I had gotten my camera out faster, because there was a moment I witnessed that best describes this team. While at the lake, people started to clean up after the event. Kids were running around. Right in the middle of the chaos, I saw Carolyn and Ralph with their hands on a gentleman from the community. All their heads were bowed in prayer. It was a beautiful moment to see God working through Carolyn and Ralph as they prayed for this person.
This past week, I started year number three of the CMC program. I have really enjoyed the classes taught over the summer, and I’m looking forward to Systematics II being taught by a Concordia Seminary, St. Louis prof. I will also be updating my new ministry start as I look for ways to help the First Nations people grow deeper in their faith.
.
