As summer turns to fall, many people put away their beach towels, pull out the potato sacks, and make room in their sheds to pack away the lawn chairs till next year. Others, however, pull those lawn chairs into the living room because now is when Bible study starts up again. That potato sack isn’t for the garden, but for the relay races at the kids club that is starting back up. Fall can look very different for each person, and this year more so than many others.
In talking to missionaries across NCEM, there is one thing that stands out among them all. It seems that each one is asking for prayer for wisdom and God’s guidance in how to still reach people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in these unusual times. The good news is that in every conversation, despite the obstacles, our missionaries have the desire to start up their fall programing again. One of the biggest challenges that groups are facing is the loss of their venue. This is mostly a challenge for programs like kids clubs where the number of kids is larger than can fit in your average living room. Many are looking into how they can move their programs online, outdoors, or into a larger venue with physical distance that will allow this kind of program.
Kids Club in Big River, SK (pre-COVID-19) with lesson being taught by Laura Block
Ed & Karen Lytle, Timothy & Laura Block, and others have been running kids programs in the heart of their communities using the local schools. However, as different regulations develop, the opportunity to use these venues has been removed for the time being. We are thankful to see some churches stepping up, opening their doors, and working with the different clubs to modify their programs so that they meet the regulations, while still maintaining a safe, fun, and Gospel-centred ministry. As one missionary stated, “There is no point in trying to circumvent the restrictions that are in place; we need to respect them in that area and will work with what the Lord provides.”
Not all fall programs have been affected as drastically as kids clubs. It has been incredibly encouraging to hear from missionaries like Dennis & Amanda Anderson, who say that regarding the Bible studies they run out of their church building, “we plan on going forward as normal.” In a time when nothing feels normal, it is so encouraging to hear that there are people who are still able to meet together and grow in God’s Word as a group.
There are still others who, as they make changes to their routine or their “normal,” have found new opportunities. Tom & Donna Cnossen shared this example: “Our church was set up with rows of people all looking forward. When we heard that we needed to space people out, we moved to circular seating. This has really helped with our First Nation people, as they feel more comfortable and are more intimate. We have seen more prayer and sharing through this simple change in seating arrangement. As people are more fearful, they are more open to the truth and ready to hear. We haven’t really been experiencing anything negative. Things are challenging, but in reality, these have opened up opportunities to share and an openness that wasn’t there before.”
Youth Social Distancing Hangout at Maskwacis Bible Fellowship, Ponoka County, AB
If there is a final thought to this topic, it is everyone’s deep desire for prayer during this time. Please pray for wisdom and creativity in working through the challenges to create not only a physically and emotionally safe place, but more importantly, to create a place of spiritual safety. It is our heartfelt desire to work within the government guidelines to develop places where teaching, learning, and growing can be done, and to see people coming closer to Jesus Christ and growing in right relationship with Him.
