OBSTACLES & OPPORTUNITIES
As this goes to press, much of Canada is easing restrictions for COVID-19. Warnings of more waves of the virus, however, bring uncertainty. You, our readers, have been affected, too, and we need to continue praying for each other.
How has COVID affected NCEM? Briefly – Months with no local fellowship gatherings, home visits, care home, hospital or jail visits … Cancelled summer Bible camps … Postponed missionary visits to supporting churches … No staff conferences, or training sessions for new workers … Mission leaders unable to visit our stations … Missionary internships cancelled … No air or road outreach trips …
The reality, though, is that we have always faced restrictions and obstacles … distances, formidable territory, scattered populations, racial and linguistic barriers. So, as always, we share here what we can do.
Media Outreach … Our radio and TV broadcasts began reaching into First Nations homes decades ago. Never meant to replace the local church, but to facilitate the witness of First Nations believers, during these months of restrictions, more people have been tuning in.
Long Distance Bible Studies … Janet Ens (Yukon) was already having weekly Bible studies by phone with two ladies in a community 250 km away. “It’s exciting to see their hunger for the Word and growth in the Lord,” says Janet.
Men in Contact … In February Kevin Strout (New Brunswick) started a weekly devotional time with Reserve men who weren’t part of a church. Attendance was growing – there was disappointment when it had to end. Kevin keeps contact with these men by phone, text & social media. “It has given me opportunity to share the Hope that we can have in Christ, and answer questions,” he says.
Carrying on Connections … Relationships carry on even after missionaries move. Paul & Joanne Janzen (N. Battleford, SK) continue to “walk” alongside their long-time First Nations friends in northwestern Ontario by phone. “In February ‘K’ led her very first Bible study in her community,” they reported.
Working from Home … Our field missionaries were already home-based, but Jim Davis (our “IT” at Headquarters) is glad that we were already implementing technology enabling our HQ Office/media missionaries to work efficiently from home when necessary.
Checking in … Mark & Ruth Dana tell of calling neighbours, asking if they need anything. They have had occasions to show Christ’s love in practical ways – for example, delivering medication to a couple without transportation.
Virtual Camp … With all regular camps cancelled, we’re working to stay in contact with last summer’s campers. At Arrowhead Native Bible Center (NB), our missionaries have built an online “virtual” camp, incorporating many “camp” activities: music, drama, devotionals and games. Back in spring they began producing “Quarantine Kids Club” online videos. “It can be quiet in the woods,” says Grant Fawcett, “but God is good and we are all doing whatever we can to proclaim the Gospel.”
Sunday School Talks … Dennis & Amanda Anderson (The Pas, MB) mention their Fellowship’s web page sermons, lessons & children’s stories being accessed. While waiting till when they can again meet in person, a highlight for Amanda was an hour-long phone conversation with an 11 year-old Sunday school student who, she says, has “a sensitivity for God and His Word.”
Online Worship … Frank Ward pastors at Kikino (AB). Like other fellowships, they have been holding Sunday services and Bible studies online. It has prompted interaction with many who haven’t come to church before. “We’ve got to know more people through this pandemic,” say the Wards. “We’ve had people call or message us with questions. One lady gave her life to the Lord. We believe God is using this for His good!”
Bypassing Lock-down … With Reserves blocking access to visitors, our missionaries can’t drop in on their friends. But that doesn’t stop local believers from reaching out during COVID. Phil & Gracie Welch (Nova Scotia) tell how by long distance they encourage their friends on their former station in northern Quebec. “One lady in particular who loves the Lord is doing a lot of outreach and witnessing,” they report.
While practicing physical distancing, many of our missionaries have still been able to carry on face-to-face ministry outdoors and in other settings. Some fellowships are meeting again – an advantage that large churches don’t have.
And Always Above All … During these months of restrictions, we can still pray. As always, we must. If we rely only on what we can do – restrictions or not – we will only see what we can do. When we rely on prayer to see the Church built among Canada’s First Peoples, we will see what God can do!
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HELP & HOPE
Since early May NCEM has been partnering with other missions to bring help and hope to northern communities during the pandemic.
Donations from our “Minute-Man” supporters have made possible the distribution of “Community Preparedness Kits” provided by Samaritan’s Purse (face masks, disinfectant, gloves), to which we added Christian literature & DVDs, and offer of Bibles published especially for First Nations.
For NCEM’s part, we have delivered these resources mostly to northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba – mainly to smaller communities that aren’t as well equipped.
Along with a flight to northern Manitoba, we’ve made road trips – through Manitoba’s inter-lake region, and to northwestern Saskatchewan, the part of the province more affected.
With First Nations communities adding extra travel restrictions, our road teams anticipated blockades along the way. However, they were able to make transfer arrangements for the boxes when necessary – it is local people who have dispersed the supplies and Gospel resources.
Northern Indigenous communities face extra challenges from COVID with crowded living conditions. We’ve heard appreciative responses from community leaders, both for the health supplies and for the spiritual resources.
This outreach continued into the month of June. Your prayers are appreciated for the more than 2,000 Bibles distributed to be read, and its Message to touch hearts.
While we trust that these supplies help prevent the spread of sickness and death, this pandemic is a grim reminder that we all need to be prepared to face death, however it may come. Our world needs hope found only in Christ, who conquered death and makes it possible for us to have eternal life with Him!
To join our Minute-Man supporters contributing to timely ministries and projects, please contact us.
(from Northern Lights issue #552)