Summer 2026 Ministry

 This past June, I found myself on one of my favorite drives heading north to Prince Rupert to catch the ferry to the island of Haida Gwaii! However, before that, I stopped at Zion Lutheran Church and School to lead a LAMP chapel. It also happened to be crazy hair/hat day, which was super fun. Unfortunately, I forgot my crazy hat. After an enjoyable chapel and answering many questions about baptism, I continued on my way. (I’m the big kid in the photo below.)

Once I arrived on the island with a minivan packed with camping supplies, I greeted the team from Orange Lutheran High School. Because I attended my last summer session with the CMC program the previous summer, I felt a bit like the new guy, as the team had been to the island the year before with our Executive Director, Steve Schave. 

They knew several people in the community and how to get around the area. It was a wonderful week of VBS. The Olu High School team was well-trained and did an amazing job teaching the children about Jesus. The group also enjoyed having a unique bonfire on the beach, a refreshing twist from what one would see in Southern California.

In addition, there was also a lot of learning about the rich Haida culture. They had the opportunity to learn from a skilled weaver in the community who was crafting a traditional net. Originally, the nets were made using nettle plant fibres, but since those were hard to find, he adapted by using hemp fibers. 

On another day during our VBS week in Old Massett, I watched a gentleman make a cedar hat, which is worn in several First Nations communities. The cedar hats are symbolic and functional, protecting the wearer from the harsh coastal weather, including the sun.  Overall, it was a great week, and I look forward to next summer.

After the Olu team left for home, I headed into Witset to meet with Pastor Doug. For the past few years, we have been discussing the possibility of organizing a prayer summit for First Nation pastors and lay leaders. However, it has been challenging to connect with those serving their communities. While we hoped for a two-day conference, we ultimately decided to hold a gathering during the morning at the Andersons’ house. 

Unfortunately, no First Nation individuals participated, but we had two other attendees who work with First Nations in their congregations. While they were already acquainted with each other, it was a meaningful time spent praying for one another. Looking ahead, we plan to start a weekly online prayer meeting beginning on September 1st.

    After a short stay at home, I traveled back to British Columbia to meet the team coming from Yuma, Arizona. This time, my wife, Tina, joined me for the trip and will be accompanying me all summer. To help keep costs down, we decided to rent a cargo van, which we are using not only for travel but also for sleeping while we stay in various communities. 

So far, this arrangement has worked well, as the weather has been cooler than usual. Unlike parts of Manitoba and Ontario that are struggling with wildfires, British Columbia has experienced cooler and wetter conditions to this point. It was fortunate that we had the cargo van, as I needed to stop by a church in Oliver, BC, to pick up over 100 quilts. The women from two Lutheran churches in the area have been making these quilts for the past year or so. Most of the quilts will be distributed in the Hazleton area to different groups that support young moms, young men without a home, and families who need assistance in getting started in their first homes.

The team from Yuma has been serving the community of Hazleton for over twenty years. This year, the group consisted mostly of returning high school and college students. The local children look forward to seeing the youth, and this year, the youth took the lead in organizing the entire VBS program on their own! 

They also played one of the best soccer games against the community members. Canada won, which was fitting since we played on Canada Day (July 1st). As there was no team coming the following week, Tina and I went home to spend time with our family and then gathered with my family on the day my dad passed away.

 A week later, we were back in BC as my home church marked its 20th year in Gitanyow. The team leader was ten years old when Christ the Vine started in Gitanyow. 

Ryan was one of those kids who, over the years, we wished had stayed home.  However, he has participated in mission trips to Gitanyow, which has prepared him to be the team leader this year. I’ve noticed, as we’ve been coming here over the years, how the children of the original participants are now coming to VBS. The community is also very supportive and often drops off fish and other gifts for the team. I look forward to what God will continue to do through our team for the community.

After my home church, Christ the Vine,

departed, Tina and I made our way to Terrace, where we would stay for most of the week. There were no teams in the communities, but I wanted to visit some communities that LAMP had previously served. Although I was unable to make contact with one of the communities, two were very open to having a team come.

Our trip to Kitwanga, which is not far from Gitanyow, was a great visit. The young woman we met had attended a LAMP VBS program when she was younger and used to sing some of the camp songs to her children. We also visited the community of Gitsegukla, another community close to Gitanyow. Unfortunately, we didn’t connect with the main person who would help us, her assistant made it clear how excited her boss was to have a team come. She was already discussing the possibility of using the school! Please pray that churches would commit to serving in one of these communities.

    Next, we prepared for the arrival of the next team to visit. While the weather was nice and warm for the first few weeks of summer ministry, the following week turned cold and wet. And the team coming that week left California when it was hot and sunny. When it gets wet and cool in BC, the mosquitoe population explodes. The team landed late Sunday night, and after picking up their rental vehicle and supplies for the week on Monday morning, they hit the ground running with VBS in Laxgalts’ap. The group was very ambitious, engaging in prayer walks, meeting community members, and learning ways to best serve the community.

While the new team got settled, Tina and I split our time with the group from Stony Plain, who had also started their week in Witset. This team had used the lakefront as a way to connect with the kids in the community with a water slide. However, due to the rainy weather and several kids attending an offsite camp, few came to the waterfront activities. Most of the Witset team focused on adult and youth activities in the evenings. One evening, the team invited a local pastor from Smithers, Josh Green, who used to be a professional skateboarder, to speak with some of the youth.

Josh grew up with a gift for skating and at a young age traveled to do this sport. However, it also exposed him to the temptations of drinking and drugs. Fortunately, his wife helped him turn his life around, and he found his way back to the church, eventually becoming a pastor later in life. Josh loves to share his story with young people, especially at the local skate park, which was dedicated with the help of famous skater Tony Hawk. Josh’s powerful story truly resonated with the kids. You could tell they really listened to him.

The next day, Tina and I headed out to help the team from Laxgalts’ap head back home before flying back home ourselves for a week off before leaving again for our last week of summer ministry. Unfortunately, the team heading back to California flew with WestJet, which went on strike the next day, leaving them stranded in Calgary for about five days! Thankfully, through LAMP, a local church was able to help them out, including a family that our volunteer coordinator knew, who provided housing the team for the four nights they waited for their flight home. Although it was challenging to be away that long, the team grew closer together and each person is eager to return next summer.

            After a few days at home, Tina and I flew back to Terrace, picked up our rental van and headed to Gingolx. All the team returned from last summer, plus the addition of their Pastor Brian Falkenholt. The dedicated team from Trinity Lutheran Church of Richmond, B.C., did an amazing job during their VBS week in the vibrant community of Gingolx.  For those curious, VBS can be quite the lively affair! Just imagine a room buzzing with excited children–loud, silly, and full of energy. If we could bottle that spirit, funding for ministry would be a breeze, wouldn’t it? Just a lighthearted thought!

Pastor Brian Falkenholt brought a wealth of experience from his many years as a camp director. His ability to connect with the children through fun songs and engaging interactions was a true blessing. In the past few years, thankfully, the team has averaged more kids in attendance at their VBS and dealt with fewer behavioral issues.

An unforgettable moment occurred during Wednesday evening’s devotions, when an unexpected twist unfolded: no adults showed up, but an enthusiastic group of VBS kids did! I could see Pastor Brian's wheels turning as he quickly switched gears and adapted his message for a younger audience. He explained that they were in for a different experience than VBS, similar to a church service, and pointed out that they would need to sit in their chairs to listen and focus. Incredibly, the normally rambunctious boys began to calm down, captivated by their curiosity.

After singing a few camp songs, Pastor Brian joined in on the keyboard while another team member played the violin and sang songs from the Gingolx church’s songbook. To my surprise, most of the kids attempted to follow along. Pastor Brian began his talk by sharing a Bible verse: “For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 6:23. He then carefully explained what Paul meant, asking the kids if they knew what “wages” were and why it mattered. He explained that every person sins, and the only way to free ourselves from sin is through Jesus’ death on the cross. However, because Jesus overcame death, we too will live with God in heaven forever. That’s when one boy started asking insightful questions, prompting Pastor Brian to teach not only that boy but also his group of rowdy friends.

The next couple of days at VBS were transformed. Those boys were more manageable, making the entire experience even more rewarding.This was the longest summer I have served with LAMP. Eight total weeks from May 28th until August 15th. I was fortunate to serve alongside six different teams, each one doing an amazing job. I was also blessed to have my wife, Tina, with me, and often teams looked forward to seeing her more than me. I witnessed God at work in so many ways, with each team already looking forward to their next opportunity to serve in the community. To God be the glory!

 For the past several springs, we have been conducting a program called Spring Fling. Except for the years during COVID, we have been going into communities for a one to three-day VBS program since 2018. Each year, we have been going into different communities with different team members and serving a variety of people. Most of the time, we travel north near the end of March. However, due to Easter and people’s schedules, we found ourselves leaving much later this year, from April 15th to 17th. We served in three different communities: Gingolx, Laxgalts’ap, and Hazelton. Like most trips, communication and spreading the word were slow. So…I doubted God, a mistake I shouldn’t have made.

Day One: Gingolx

I advised our Spring Fling team, including volunteer missionary Karen Bergstreiser, missionary deacon Michael Gillingham, Pastor Joel Held, and volunteer missionary Luke Mayan, not to expect a large number of children. I also instructed them to have backup plans ‘B’ and ‘C’ ready in case no kids showed up. However, God demonstrated He was in control, and on the first day in Gingolx, we ended up with seventeen children!  We ran out of craft supplies and snacks, but our amazing team quickly adapted and found ways to make everything work. 

Day Two: Laxgalts’ap

The next day, we arrived in Laxgalts’ap, and the team joked with me about my doubting God, as I explained to them that it had been five years since a team had last visited this community. When we arrived, we found the church doors locked, so we had to wait at the government office until someone came to unlock them.

Although we saw children around the community, no one came when we first started our VBS. However, one girl eventually came in, and soon after, another three children followed. Before we knew it, there were twelve kids in total! This time, we had enough craft supplies and snacks for everyone.

Pastor Joel from Riverside, California, will be taking his church to this community.  He was able to tour the place where his team will stay, prepare meals, and see the church. 

Day Three: Hazelton

The next day, we traveled to Hazelton to support a group of adults attempting to engage with the youth in their community. So far, it has been a struggle. We tried to put on a BB gun shoot with one of the missionaries I know in the area. In the past, he has had good turnouts for these events, but unfortunately, no kids or youth showed up this time. However, we did spend time talking around the campfire with a retired missionary who served among indigenous people in camps close to the northern territories. We also discussed the possibility of organizing another youth event this summer when the team from Yuma is serving in Hazelton. 

We then headed over to Pastor Bart Metcalf’s church, who previously served as the BC missionary to LAMP. Bart conducts a time of gathering on Fridays, featuring music and Bible study. It was great to be with Bart and his congregation.

Since I have been conducting the Spring Fling trip, it accomplishes several purposes. First, it teaches the children about Jesus. Second, it helps the teams prepare their plans and details for their summer ministry, and the children to understand that we will be returning soon. Third, a benefit of these trips is the chance to meet and connect with people in the community. In both Gingolx and Laxgalts’ap, we met adults who wanted to know more about our work and how they could help. Both of these adults offered to help spread the word during the summer and plan to be there to support us. 

As always, I am humbled by God, and I am blessed to serve alongside so many wonderful people. It is also a blessing to serve year after year with volunteer missionaries who make the commitment to serve every summer. I look forward to the summer when all the teams gather to teach about Jesus in each of their communities.

On April 27 -30, I attended the Youth and Family conference at Camp Lutherhaven in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, put on by the LCMS NW District. For the third time in a row, I got a cold before attending, yuck. The presenter was Deaconess Rhoda Schuler, ThD Professor Emerita, of Concordia University, St. Paul. Dr. Schuler did a wonderful job with her presentation on our baptismal identity and exploring interactive Scripture study methods. It was also nice to see so many young DCEs coming into our district. I was one of those old guys who went to bed at 10 pm instead of staying up to 1 am in the morning.

 Winter 2026 Newsletter

Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 

For the twenty-some years I served as a DCE in two different parishes, I frequently would get asked questions about why youth engaged in games instead of just doing a Bible Study.”  While we incorporated Bible studies into nearly every youth night and Sunday morning, we recognized the importance of allowing time for kids to connect and decompress from their day first.

There have been studies over the years that have shown that groups of people who do an activity together, especially ones that are more challenging, activate certain chemicals in the brain that foster connections and trust among the individuals with whom they are with.  Often, groups will function better together. This is why you might have heard about the LAMP staff spending time together on a retreat in Phoenix as part of attending the Best Practices Ministry Conference. By inviting our spouses, we connected faces with names and strengthened our bonds, all while enjoying the warmth of the Phoenix sun. 

During the event, we attended BPM and were able to connect with some of our volunteers and other mission organizations at our table promoting LAMP. There were numerous engaging workshops and presentations in the main sessions. As usual, I hosted a meet-up for CMC graduates and current students at the Organ Stop in Mesa. I was able to meet three alumni for the first time, including Rev. Stephen Heimer, who is the Manager of the All Nations Ministry at the LCMS Office of National Mission. Pretty cool to see a CMC alumnus become part of the synodical office!

After my time with the staff at BMP, I visited some donors in the Tucson area before heading to Yuma to meet with the team preparing for the trip to Old Hazelton this summer. The former team leader will collaborate with a new team leader to help plan both the trip and the Vacation Bible School (VBS). Overall, my visits went very well, and I am looking forward to this summer. 

Spring Fling is just around the corner. Last year, due to my final year in seminary and the conflicting schedules of others, we weren’t able to organize a spring trip. However, this year we have a team of six ready to visit three communities.  With Easter being early, we have decided to schedule our trip for a bit later in April. We held a meeting for those interested in participating in the Spring Fling trip. Please pray that all the details come together smoothly.

 

Please pray for the LAMP First Nations communities as they wait for the snow to melt and for the days to become longer. As you worship God, I ask that you pray for guidance for all people–to listen deeply, embrace compassion, and seek understanding. Thank you for journeying with me as we work to foster the spirit of reconciliation.

 Planes, trains, automobiles, and ferries

Over the past month and a half, my frequent flyer miles card has been filling up as I attended several events for LAMP. While I didn’t actually travel by train, I did use the light rail to get to my gate for a flight home.

My first trip as a pastor–it’s still weird to say–was to attend the ABC (Alberta/British Columbia) District Pastor and Deacons’ conference in Calgary (pronounced ‘cow gary’). Having attended the Pastor & Deacon conference last fall, I recognized a few people but was also able to connect with many others I had previously seen in newsletters. This conference not only provided a great opportunity to network with other pastors, but the presenter also shared helpful information for church workers. Rev. Dr. Stephen Pietsch from Concordia St. Louis Seminary spoke on a subject highly relevant to our time: The New Age of Melancholy and other psychological effects people are experiencing in the post-modern world following the COVID pandemic.

After a day off, I headed over to Osoyoos, B.C., for the LWML rally at Grace Lutheran. I presented on my work with the First Nations in B.C. with LAMP and answered several questions.

On Sunday, I preached at both Grace Lutheran Church and later that day at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Osoyoos before making my way back home to Oregon.

After a few days at home, I repacked and headed south to preach at a classmate's church in Ontario, California. I went from cool afternoons in Canada to summer-like weather in southern California. Since I was in the area, I was able to teach three classes at Orange Lutheran High School, one of the teams that serves in Old Masset. Since this was the time of year when kids began to choose which mission trip they would like to attend, I shared about LAMP’s ministry and provided information on the Haida people.

 

That Sunday, I was able to both preach and present on LAMP at Edgewater Lutheran, as they will be partnering with LAMP this coming summer. Please pray for wisdom and guidance as Pastor Joel Held recruits members for their team. Pictured are Joel’s two sons and future daughter-in-law leading the worship music.

 

I returned home for a couple of days before leaving for our staff retreat and LAMP joint board meetings in Cincinnati, Ohio. Our staff spent a day together to discuss what went well in summer ministry and where we might need to focus for success next summer, assuming half of Manitoba is not on fire. Then we toured the Creation Museum in Kentucky. No, we did not have time to go through the Ark, but the museum was very well done. 

        I spent the remainder of my time in Ohio attending meetings and taking an intensive tour of Madisonville. After that, I returned home for a brief 18-hour stop before heading back to California for MAP (Ministry Applied Practices). This program is intended for all new pastors, regardless of their age or years of ministry experience. Its goal is to bridge the gap between the academic training received in seminary and the practical knowledge needed for the effective parish ministry.

While I am not serving in parish ministry, I chose to attend the program to build connections with other new pastors as a partner with all three west coast districts: CNH (California, Nevada, and Hawaii), PSD (Pacific Southwest District), which serves southern California, southern Nevada, and Arizona, and the NOW District, which serves Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. The bonus of attending was that four of my CMC cohorts were there.

 

After returning from MAP, the following Saturday I presented at the LWML Mt. Hood district, which my home church hosted. It was a nice way to end all my business-type trips before heading north for my fall community visits. 

        I was home for just over a week before heading north to catch the ferry from Prince Rupert to the island of Haida Gwaii. Because of the ferry schedule, O was required to stay on the island for four days. While it was enjoyable and my hosts, Pastor Jim and Deaconess Judy Wally, are truly wonderful people, the extended stay limited my opportunities to visit other communities. Pastor Jim served on the LAMP board many years ago and volunteered to help during a few summers. 

    In addition to my long stay on the island, I was only able to spend about an hour with Pastor Lilly from the Anglican church we use during our summer mission trips. Now, that might seem like a lot for a short visit; however, the value of building relationships cannot be overstated. It turns out that Pastor Lilly has been dealing with a lot of family issues. At the start of our visit, Pastor Lilly was quite anxious, but by the end of our conversation and after we prayed together, she thanked me for my time and said, "This was good."

 

The view from Pastor Jim & Deacon Judy’s house.

Once back on the mainland, it was a matter of visiting most of the communities. In one day, I had four visits before heading back to Terrace, where I was staying. Along the way, some visits had to be canceled, which allowed me to visit with other people.

Despite the lateness of my trip, I never had to deal with snow. When the clouds cleared from the mountains, their stunning beauty reminded me of God’s masterpiece in creation. More importantly, we are His masterpiece, being shaped into His restored image of Christ. We are loved by Him. May we always be drawn to praise and glorify God in all we do. 

 It has been a while since I last updated my blog, and a lot has happened. Normally, I focus on ministry, but for this blog, I will spend a bit more time updating on my life events. 

My final year of the CMC program was the fullest yet, having to complete my language requirements and take a full load. On top of all the school work, I was also trying to get my new ministry start going. Despite my workload, I was able to drive up north and drop off items needed for the summer. After a quick trip, is was back home to work on finals and preach at the youth & family conference for the northwest district. In between these events, I was also guest preaching at a couple of churches. Finally, one of the big days for my path in becoming a missionary pastor happened: Call Day at the St. Louis Seminary. 

I was blessed to have my wife, Tina, come; two of my classmates, my boss, and my aunt and uncle were also in attendance to see who their new pastor would be at the church in Iowa. (Pictured are my classmates with their spouses and Dr. Thormodson, who oversaw all our new ministry start projects.)

As classes finished up I began to get ready for my last summer intensive at Concordia Irvine. Just as I was getting ready to leave, my father fell from the ladder in the garage. He had a few injuries and was sent home from the hospital to rest at home. My final summer was 

However, as I was getting ready to head north for the summer, life threw a curveball.

On June 25th, my mom called to inform me that I needed to head to the hospital in Tacoma because my dad was not doing well. While he was initially improving, some complications arose. Ultimately, he developed Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). He was placed on a ventilator several times, which meant he had to be sedated. During the moments when he was alert, I was able to visit with him. Although he was very weak, he could still talk. We shared with him about me finishing school, the foster grandkids, and, of course, one of our favorite topics: the Seattle Mariners baseball team.

Unfortunately, his oxygen levels continued to drop. He was put on the ventilator for the third time, but his lungs could no longer expel the CO2 that was building up in his body. At 1:40 a.m. on July 7th, while holding his hand, my dad took his last breath. This is the last picture taken of my dad. While it might seem out of place with my dad holding a drink; for me it serves as a reminder of how he enjoyed life especially when the family gathered together. Months before we passed, he shared how it reminded him of his father and the times they would gather as a family and the laughter they shared around the table as they told stories and drank beer. I will miss my dad, he served as a mentor for me especially as I was studying to be a pastor and I always enjoyed our time when we did things together.

After a few weeks off to help plan my father’s funeral and take some time to grieve, Tina and I headed north to help with the last two mission groups serving in B.C. There were three other teams that served earlier in the summer that I was not able to participate with. One was a new team to Old Masset on Haida Gwaii, which was in June, while I was at my summer session. The other two teams were in July, during which my father passed away. 

During our first week, we joined a team that has been going to Witset for the past four summers. Last summer, Tina joined me in helping teach Vacation Bible School (VBS) as part of a summer daycare program. This year, the daycare requested that we run the VBS program for two hours instead of the one hour we had the previous year. While the team was a little nervous about extending the VBS program, it went by quickly and was a true blessing. Many returning kids remembered us from last year, and because of that, everything went smoothly. Several team members even received artwork from the kids to take home.

The evening programs for the adults and youth also went well, though the afternoon water slide saw fewer kids participating. One factor was the wet weather, as did the fact that another kids' program was running at the same time. Despite the water slide being bigger and better than last year, sometimes you have to work with what’s available.  However, the morning activities were undoubtedly a blessing.

 

During the second week, we joined a team that was returning for their second year in Gingolx. The previous year, the group had been short-handed, but this year, they brought along three additional new members. It was a fantastic week of VBS and reconnecting with the community. Typically, first-year mission trips can be challenging as the team learns about the community, so when the team leader mentioned how much easier this year was, I wasn’t surprised. With each passing year, the team becomes more integrated into the community. Every day, the team conducted their prayer walks and connected with more residents. As a result, the team had an excellent turnout for the evening meal on Friday.

 

After the two weeks with the mission teams, Tina and I returned home to prepare for my ordination and installation as a missionary pastor with LAMP. Before that could take place, our granddaughter was born on August 27th to Caleb and Brianna. We are very excited to welcome our first grandchild, adding her to our two foster grandchildren.

 

On August 31st, the four-year journey of becoming a missionary pastor was completed. It was a very exciting day, filled with the presence of many family members, colleagues, and friends who gathered at my home church, Christ the Vine, for my ordination. I felt truly blessed to have my dad’s older brother and his son–both of whom are pastors–attend the ceremony.

 

The question I often get asked these days is, “Now that you’re a pastor, what are you doing?” I want to assure you that my work with LAMP continues, and now that I have more time, I look forward to embarking on more trips to both the communities that I serve and visiting churches to share about LAMP. I also have new business cards with the title, “Missionary Pastor.”

 Fall Newsletter 2024

May you be free of any major rain, wind, or snowstorm. I’ve often heard stories from my uncles and aunts about their experiences driving home for American Thanksgiving during snowstorms. They would sometimes drive through five feet of snow with only half a tank of gas, all while driving rear-wheel drive vehicles without tire chains, or so the stories go.

As always, this fall has been rather busy with school work. Between studies, I have been keeping busy with trips up north and engaging with my community contacts around the northwest. 

This fall, I attended the B.C. Church Workers Conference (Lutheran Church-Canada) in Kamloops with Deacon Michael Gillingham, our newest missionary with LAMP. Not only was the topic relevant and very informative, but I also enjoyed getting to know this group and hearing their stories. Another blessing was being able to share alongside Michael in a panel discussion the work of LAMP with the B.C. church workers. 

A few weeks later, I attended the NW District All Workers Conference (LCMS) in Seaside, Oregon. The keynote speaker was Tod Bolsinger, the author of “Canoeing the Mountains.” The sessions I was able to attend spoke about how the church is leading in a time when we no longer have a map to nowhere to go in reaching today’s culture. It was also a great time to connect with colleagues and have a table to share about the ministry of LAMP.

As a member of the NW District DCE encourager team, I was asked to serve communion at the evening worship service. The only problem is that I have never served the common cup before, but after a few tries I got the hang of it.

I was home for a few days before heading out on an elk hunt with my youngest son. My older son joined us for the weekend when Isaac bagged his first elk, which turned out to be the largest one in the family.

It was a fantastic hunt–one that will be shared around the campfire for years to come.

I headed north to visit several of the communities I serve. Lisa Bearman of Orange Lutheran High School joined me on one visit to check out arrangements for next summer when a group of high school students will conduct a kid's program in Old Masset. Pictured is Pastor Lilly who serves at St. John Anglican Church in the community of Old Masset (Haida Gwaii). Pastor Lilly has called the LAMP office over the past few years asking us to return to share Jesus with her people as she witnesses hopelessness and a declining belief in God.

Following Lisa’s return to the U.S., Dr. Thormondson joined me in three LAMP community visits, including a visit with my two Gitxsanimaxx language teachers. As part of my final year of the CMC program, a facility member has to visit on-site. On our travels, we connected with many people that I knew. It was a fruitful experience.

While visiting with people in Hazelton, I was able to give the rest of the donated quilts I had received to the area food bank, where a friend of mine, Alex, helps out part-time. I know that Alex will see to it that those in need receive a quilt. Thanks are extended to the women who contributed their time and energies to create a hug of love for these folks!

Part of my other connections in the Hazelton area was visiting with Pastor Doug Anderson of Khya Fellowship, who is the community contact for Witset. We plan to invite First Nation pastors from the area to attend a prayer summit at Rock Nest Ranch in Houston, B.C. this spring. Pastor Doug is part of The 6:4 Fellowship and has also received training to teach other pastors to help members of their church develop a healthier habit of praying together. Dr. Thormondson was able to provide some insight as we started the planning process.

 

My final visit was with the new pastor at Redeemer Lutheran in Kitmat, Pastor Daniel Cunningham.  Pastor Dan is hoping to help out the church in nearby Kitamaat Village as they have been asking for more Bible studies at their church. This would be a great opportunity to learn and support one another in God’s Word and build relationships.

 

I have started my final year of schooling in the CMC program. If everything goes as planned, I should be at the call service in St. Louis on April 30th, 2025 with my ordination at Christ the Vine at the end of August in 2025. This year will be the most challenging year since I will be working on starting my new ministry, taking language classes, and completing my portfolio.