News & Notes for Praise & Prayer …
KEYWAYTIN LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENT
David Lilly has been appointed Administrator of NCEM’s newly organized Keywaytin Discipleship Center in Lac La Biche, Alberta.
David and his wife, Elizabeth, have served among his own Metis people in and around Big Valley, Alberta, and in chaplaincy for a number of years, joining NCEM as associate members in 2022. David has shared Bible messages on Tribal Trails TV.
Renovations have progressed sufficiently on the former Key-Way-Tin Bible Institute campus to accommodate a small number of students who began Bible and discipleship sessions in early January, in an eight-week start-up program. Lord willing, by the fall of 2026 a more fully developed program will be in place.
Pray for the Lillys as they build their personal prayer/financial support team (as associate members, they had other employment), and relocate to Lac La Biche this summer. Pray for David as he assumes administrative leadership, and for Liz as Administrator’s Assistant.
Pray for a good number of students of God’s choosing to enroll, and pray for additional staff. Currently missionaries, Jeremy & Justine Sherwood and Frank & Lori Ward (pastor at nearby Kikino, AB), are involved with KDC teaching and oversight.
NEW in NCEM
In December Michael Williams joined us as a intern (half-time). Michael will serve in our Printshop in Prince Albert, along with facilities maintenance. Part-time employment will take up some of his time while building his prayer/financial support team.
Michael grew up in Meadow Lake (SK), attended Nipawin (SK) Bible College, and most recently resided in Steinbach (MB).
For several years he had felt a call to serve year-round with NCEM. Last summer, while at Steeprock Bay Bible Camp, he sensed the Lord telling him that it was “decision time.”
WITH the LORD
Our hearts were saddened to hear of the too soon passing of our coworker Venus Cote on September 27, 2025, in Fredericton, New Brunswick, from organ failure at age 65.
Raised on Cote First Nation, near Kamsack, Saskatchewan, Venus was saved as a young adult, with a radical life transformation. She attended Key-Way-Tin Bible Institute and joined NCEM in 1989.
Expecting to be stationed in western Canada, Venus was surprised to be sent to New Brunswick. It was an adjustment, “But now this is my home,” she had shared, while often conflicted about missing opportunities to minister to her extended family back in Saskatchewan.
Venus’s positive personality was used of the Lord as she made many friends in ministry. “I love the Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik people,” she said, “and I think I have become like them. I want them to know Jesus, and I want to use every opportunity to tell what the Lord has done for me.”
Venus was part of a fellowship group from St. Mary’s First Nation, where she resided, and she also spoke passionately about opportunities to serve at Arrowhead Native Bible Center. Venus chose to be buried in New Brunswick. She is survived by one sister, her aunt Elvira Cote (NCEM missionary), and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Venus’s recorded testimony can be viewed by visiting www.tribaltrails.org (type “Venus Cote” in the search box).
WITH the LORD
Following over 60 years of faithful service with NCEM, emeritus missionary Shirley Jackson passed away on January 8, 2026, in Lac La Biche, Alberta, at age 91.
Bill & Shirley Jackson joined the Mission in 1964. With northern ministry already on her heart, Shirley (nee McLeod) met Bill in Calgary, Alberta, during their Bible school years together. Following their marriage, they began as independent missionaries in the Battlefords (SK) area, then joined NCEM and moved to serve in northern Alberta.
The Jackson family later settled at Whitefish Lake First Nation, Bill’s home community, with pastoral service at nearby Kikino, and teaching ministry for Shirley, as well, at Key-Way-Tin Bible Institute in Lac La Biche.
There were outreaches far and wide that on many occasions took Bill away from home. In all these ventures, including radio and TV broadcasting, Bible camp, evangelistic services, teaching, and writing, Shirley faithfully served in partnership with Bill, while raising their children. She was a faithful prayer warrior for Bill and their sons in ministry. Tribal Trails TV viewers are familiar with Shirley’s voice, singing with Bill.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Bill, five children and their families. To request a complimentary copy of the Jacksons’ life story book “As Long as the Rivers Run” email: info@tribaltrails.org … or phone: 306-764-3388.
A NORTHERN MEMORIAL
Our fall issue mentioned the passing of former missionary, Evelyn Matthews. Evelyn & Charles (“Buzz”) Matthews joined us in 1961 and served together until 1964 when Buzz and their son “Chuck” tragically passed away at Weagamow Lake (ON) in a boating accident. Evelyn, with four young daughters, continued with NCEM until 1967.
In mid-October the four daughters flew to Weagamow. “Our mother was buried on October 16th, between her husband and son. We were surrounded by old and new friends,” writes Twyla Penner, the youngest of the four.
Weagamow Evangelical Fellowship (NEFC) held a memorial service, and former pastor, Gary Quequish, oversaw the interment. As a boy, he remembered the tragic drowning and how it affected the whole community. “We felt deeply embraced,” Twyla shared, “both in the death of our mother, and in the loss of our father and brother in 1964.”
FORMER MEMBERS with the LORD
Nellie Taylor passed away March 17, 2025 at age 94. She and her husband Norman (d.) served from 1956-1965 in Pickle Lake, ON and at NCEM’s Bible School at Island Lake, MB. The Taylors continued in First Nations ministries for many years.
Frank Wiens passed away December 1, 2025, in Mountain Lake, Minnesota, at age 94. A retired pastor, Frank and his wife, Ethel (d.), managed NCEM’s USA Office from 1994 to 2007. Frank also served on NCEM’s USA Board.
BOARD MEMBERS APPOINTED
Gerald Wiebe was recently welcomed as a new member of NCEM’s Governing Board. Gerald and his wife, Deb, live in Osler, Saskatchewan, and he is involved in Christian education as a teacher/administrator. The Wiebes’ first involvement with NCEM was a short-term northern missionary experience years ago in Turnor Lake, northwestern Saskatchewan.
NCEM also has a USA Board, helping to facilitate the support of our American friends. Recently we welcomed two new board members:
George (& Ulli) Hertwig is a retired missionary with Ethnos. The Hertwigs previously served with NCEM in church planting in northern BC, Northwest Territories, and southern Alberta. They now reside in Kalispell, Montana.
Also joining our USA Board is Tom (& Meagan) Brown who lives in Granada Hills, California, where he is employed in banking.