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.