September 2012

Whale watching

Time for R & R

It was great to get away the first week of this month and spend some time together as a couple. Korrin and I spent Labour day whale watching.  Unfortunately, our week was interrupted by a health crisis with one of our dogs.  We ended up having to put her to sleep, which was really hard for both of us. They really do become part of the family! 

Nass Valley

In addition to whale watching, we drove up into the Nass Valley. (It's in the northwest region of BC.)  I wanted to travel to the villages on the Nass and see what potential there might be for ministry up there.  I was heartened to be able to meet with a clergy person from the community of Gingolx.  Perhaps it will be possible to have a ministry team come for a week next summer. It would be really exciting if some of the young people we have been reaching in our area here would be a part of reaching out to the people in Nass Valley.  Would you ask God to give us the joy of taking some of the people we work with to minister to those in Nass Valley this coming summer?

Richmond Chinese Alliance Church August Visit

Thank you so much for your prayer for the RCAC team in August.  We had a wonderful time in Kitwanga.  RCAC was the first to use the new campfire gazebo built for the youth of Kitwanga at their drop-in centre.  It was great not to have to worry about the rain that fell that evening. We were really cozy as we sat around the fire singing and listening to skits and the Bible message. Hearts were touched with the message of the gospel. On Saturday we spent the day at Ross Lake.  We passed the evening around the campfire again, singing and talking about the good things of God.  What a wonderful time it was as people were encouraged and strengthened in their faith!

Prayer Updates

We have seen some progress in relating to some of the couples we are working with.  Keep praying that God would be with these couples and continue to work in their relationships.  Many of you will remember my telling you about the two teenage girls who wanted to help provide a Sunday School for children in the community of Old Hazelton.  Thank you for your prayer!  That Sunday School has started and is now ongoing. Their first Sunday they welcomed five children.  Please pray that the Old Hazelton Sunday School would continue to grow and be a real blessing to the community. Thank God for these girls who heard and answered God's call.

Faith Challenge

We are facing a new faith challenge in our ministry.  The district has stepped down it’s support of our ministry.  We are grateful for their support over the last six years and their ongoing reduced support. However, as a result of this decision, we will see a $500 per month reduction in subsidy from the district. We are trusting God will meet us in this new challenge.  We are looking at this as an opportunity to grow new relationships with people who have a burden for our ministry and sense God is leading them to share with us in meeting that financial need.  Becoming more fully self-supporting will make the ministry  stronger. Please join us in praying that God would provide for us financially. If the Lord prompts you to help meet that need, thank you for your obedience to Him.

Resilient Faith
It is true that at times life is a challenge.  But I want to encourage you to think about the fact that even in all the ups and downs, all the ebbs and flows of life, there is a resilient faith that God has planted in the hearts of His children; the likes of which will never be stemmed by the test and trials that come no matter how severe they may be.  I have young couples who are dealing with a lot of things, but as I talk with them, even in the midst of all their trials, they share their love for God and their commitment to continue in a growing relationship with Him.  This is a blessed testimony to the power of God’s presence in their lives. God's power gives them stability even in the midst of hard times. God be praised for the abiding faith that He has placed in all our hearts!

My prayer for you who so faithfully uphold our ministry in prayer is that God will be with you as you return to the busyness of the fall. I pray that you may sense His guidance and direction in every sphere of your life.  Thank you for joining with us in this ministry.  Your partnership is so greatly appreciated.  It is my desire that we minister to you in prayer and love as you are ministering to us. Please feel free to share your prayer requests, we would love to join with you in prayer!

Partners together for the cause of Christ,

Bart