Flipbooks

ADVERTISEMENT Reaching these communities with God's Word has been the mission of LAMP—Lutheran Association of Mission- aries and Pilots Inc.—over the past fifty-one years. With his heart aching for a people he had come to love, pas- tor and bush pilot Les Stahlke promised God he would not forget them. From that time on, the vision of taking the Gospel to Canada's northern frontier evolved. Today, staff and volunteer missionaries are committed to sharing the Gospel in a loving way through Vacation Bible School, often the first step into a community. Churches and clergy in the North have few resources. Christian outreach and education for children is not available unless cross-cultural ministry holds VBS or local people provide support to lead similar programs in their communities. Children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of LAMP's first VBS attendees are now elders. They invite us to keep coming for the sake of their children and grandchildren because of the worldly influences and challenges that often lead them to hopelessness and despair. Recognizing that deep, meaningful relationships are essential—a key factor in effectively sharing the Gospel—a commitment of five years of service within the same community is asked of missionaries. Teams are encouraged to communicate throughout the year. Some mission teams go on off-season visits to continue ministering to the community they serve. Many chiefs and band councils have stated: "LAMP can come back anytime and as often as you can." LAMP has had an impact on many volunteer missionar- ies' Christian growth and service. Judi, who felt called to serve with LAMP in 2008, explained that she had no idea the impact her service would have on her life, spiritual growth, and her own relationship with God. "I have spent more time in God's Word than ever before. Daily devotions were not part of my schedule. This didn't happen overnight, but in His own way and in His perfect timing." On her first trip to the North during the school year, Judi wasn't sure what to expect but believed it was another step toward building relationships within the community. They set up in their usual classroom (one used during summer mission trips) with the stipulation to remove their cots before the first bell. However, the classroom's teacher arrived early that day, took one look at the "Bible people" (as the kids called them), snorted, and headed down to the principal's office. Betty* was not a happy camper! Judi and her husband extended grace, faithful to what they believed God wanted them to do while there. On the last night of their stay, Judi met with a few women who wished she could stay forever. Whenever the "Bi- ble people" left, it felt as if Jesus left with them. Judi reassured them Jesus was always there, but she knew the little community lacked spiritual guidance without a pastor, church services, or other means of spiritual nourishment. How easy it would be to feel discouraged, lost, and abandoned. With God's help, Judi started a Sister-to-Sister group of three, which has grown to over twenty-five! Not only are these women in God's Word, so is Judi. They pray about challenges the group faces as sisters in Christ. They also provide support to one another, especially in difficult and uncertain times. Not long after Betty started working at the office of the First Nations band council, our two key community contacts decided to quit. Judi voiced concern since these women helped promote VBS and other activi- ties. Not having support from those who governed the affairs of the community would be a huge roadblock in efforts to share the Gospel and build relationships. Fast forward through the years. Betty is often the first to respond to Judi's devotional message. "I love to watch how Betty's life is changing and the community is appreciating her in ways they never did before. To think that this is the same angry, hostile person who banned me from using her classroom . . . God truly does work miracles in people's lives!" Judi said. By His grace, strength, and love, our volunteer missionary has received such big blessings in return for the little steps she took to share Jesus' love. Just as Jesus "came not to be served but to serve" (Mark 10:45), you, too, are called to serve God's king- dom. There are thousands more in northern Canada like Betty who are eager to hear the Good News. We at LAMP envision a day when nations walk together in the light of Christ. Will you be a part of that vision by becoming a volunteer? w By Catherine Williams, for LAMP Ministry Inc. Call 1-800-307-4036 or visit www.lampministry.org to learn about opportunities to serve and be bountifully blessed in return! Lutheran Life 25

• Cover