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.