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.
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!
