October 2012

Thriving in Unusual Places  

It always amazes me the unusual places that trees will choose to grow.  But what amazes me even more is that they can actually thrive in those places.  It reminds me what God can do for us in the dry and challenging times of our lives. Ministry has to do with people, and all of us happen to be just that-- “human.”  All of us by virtue of our “humanness” have good times and bad times, times when we are full of energy, times when we lack energy, times when we’re passionate, and times when we really lack passion.  The wonderful thing is that no matter what, God is always the same and is always there for us. Because of that fact we can be like these trees that thrive even in the most difficult of circumstances. 

I repeatedly go back to the thing I felt God asked of me...that is to be a reflection to the people living here in BC of what He is like.  I, of course, cannot possibly do that in my own strength.  I can only do it with the power of Christ living in and through me. The good news is.... HE CAN DO IT!  That makes all of this possible, and leaves me with hope in the midst of the challenges.

Challenges!  Yes, there are challenges.  Oh, how we wish there were no challenges.  How we wish things would just go along smoothly.  Sometimes they do. One thing I notice is that when things go along well I don’t seek God as intensely as I do when life is challenging.  In these times, I see God’s love drawing me to depend on Him and experience who He is in a greater way.  It also equips me to help those I minister to, because they often face overwhelming challenges.  God’s grace is enough for each of us and, when you really ponder it, since He longs for us to be near to Him, these challenges can teach us to depend on Him.  The very challenges we face can become God’s amazing gift of grace to us.

Great Advances

We have been making progress lately.  The Bible Study in Kitwanga has been going very well.  We have been sharing deeply together.  Hearts have been touched.  Growth and ministry have been happening.  Deeper discipleship with couples has been taking place as we lay the foundations of biblical truth.  It has been a time of unparalleled growth and rejoicing.

Ministry Challenges

We should not wonder why, when these great things are happening, we are suddenly hit with many challenges.  The enemy of our souls does not want us to grow in Christ, and he certainly doesn’t want others to do the same as a result of our encouragement.  Opposition comes from different sources, be it friends or family who object to the new lifestyle that is starting to emerge, or a consternation that these believers no longer wish to join with their family and acquaintances in the things they used to do together.  Young believers faced with the pressure sometimes cave to the temptation; then feel overwhelmed with guilt and remorse.  They feel they might as well give up and quit.  They feel they will not be able to live for God. AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND WE MUST STAND IN PRAYER AND ENCOURAGEMENT, TELLING THEM THE TRUTH OF GOD’S LOVING MERCY AND FORGIVENESS.  WE MUST ENCOURAGE THEM TO STAND UP, DUST THEMSELVES OFF AND WALK AGAIN IN THE GRACE THAT GOD HAS GIVEN THEM.  Would you pray together with me? Would you stand with me to resist the enemy’s lies and discouragement so these young people will stand up and trust the gracious love and mercy of their Lord?  Thank you!

Looking to the Future

Instead of backing down, I believe we should be more determined than ever to press forward to do the things we have been doing. We need to continue believing God will show up in marvelous ways in the lives of these new followers of Jesus.  They are longing for Him; they are looking for Jesus to make a difference in their lives. He longs to meet them in their circumstances. He longs to use them to encourage others as His presence shines through their lives. God’s desire has not changed.  I continue to sense God’s burden for the people of the Nass.  I continue to sense God’s desire that some of these young people will play a role in reaching out to others in these more northern communities.  Would you join me in praying that God will strengthen them and place His burden on their hearts for their neighbours to the north? 

God's Mercy and  Goodness 

Old Hazelton Sunday School

I just talked again this past week with the young gal who is teaching the new Sunday School class along with her friend in Old Hazelton.  She tells me the Sunday School is continuing to run and five young kids are regularly coming to be part of the Sunday School there.  What a blessing it is to see them continuing to teach these children.  Please join me in praying that God will bless these young Sunday School teachers and the children that are gathering weekly in Old Hazelton.

Faith Challenge

I told you last month about a faith challenge we are facing due to the reduction in subsidy provided to us.  We have been approached by two individuals who are feeling led to help us fill that gap. Praise the Lord!  Their support gives us a twenty percent step forward in the goal of replacing those funds.  Please continue to pray that God will meet us in filling this gap.  If you feel God leading you to help, we would deeply appreciate your support to help us in furthering what God is doing here in the Hazelton area.

Things on the Horizon

LAMP Board and Staff Meetings Oct. 17 – 21
Please pray for LAMP staff and board meetings during this week. They will take place in Wisconsin.

RCAC Team October 24-28

The Richmond Chinese Alliance Church Team will be ministering in the community of Kispiox.  Please pray that many hearts will be touched with the gospel message.

My Dear Friends 

Thank you so much for continuing to pray.  I know that it is your faithful prayer that allows me to continue to share Christ with the young people in this area.  Thank you for partnering with us in this way.  May you be blessed and encouraged in your walk with God.  May you experience God’s grace in the challenges you are facing in your life right now.  I will be praying God will help you meet the challenges of life and grow closer to Him as you do.  God bless!

Partners together for the cause of Christ,

Bart