LIGHT ABOUT MY PATH - LAMP

Rev. Dr. Steven L. Dreher Obituary

2011-11-15T11:42:00.000-06:00

Homecoming

2011-11-11T10:14:00.000-06:00

Dear Ones,
The LAMP community is mourning the loss of Rev. Steve Dreher, who went to be home with his Lord on Thursday, November 10th, 2011. Pastor Steve's plane went down just after leaving the Alamosa, Colorado airport. Please keep his wife Sarah and daughter Katie in your prayers, as well as all of his family and friends. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
Thank you.
The LAMP Staff

November Devotion:

2011-10-30T12:44:00.001-05:00

God’s Word:

“And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, ‘Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house’. . . and Jesus said, ‘Today slavation has come to this house . . . For the Son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.’” Luke 19:5,9,10 (NASB)

Devotional Thought:

The Anglican Church building in Fort Severn is condemned. The floor flexes under your feet, the ceiling drips with rain drops, and the frigid winter air blows through the cracks in the walls. This spring I called my friend Moses to set up the summer’s Vacation Bible School. He was humming and hawing and eventually told me he didn’t have a place large enough for LAMP’s small team of three VBS teachers to work with the kids. It was clear he was concerned for the security of the children telling me his church just wasn’t a safe place anymore.

Condemned Anglican Church in Fort Severn

Well, sometimes these things happen. As I tell my VBS teachers, “You have to be flexible.” I didn’t want to say it, but it came out of my mouth, that maybe after thirty years of VBS in Fort Severn we should skip a year and pray that a new church will be constructed for the following year. This was totally out of the question. Moses told me Bible school is very important in his community. In fact, he said, “Two weeks after the VBS team leaves our village, the children continue coming to the church every day, looking for the Bible School teachers.”

The kids in Fort Severn love VBS

Realizing the positive impact of this one special week for the children of Fort Severn, Moses did some scrambling and sure enough there was another building in town that became available for our planned week of VBS.

In our relationship with God, sometimes it seems our “place of meeting” has become condemned. Our prayers barely reach the ceiling as we struggle to keep our footing on solid ground. Life doesn’t seem fair, and if there is a God, He is not moving too fast to fix this discrepancy. The walls of communication seem to be falling apart with no promise of repairs. Everything we try seems to be in vain. David in Psalm 6 says, “I am weary with my sighing; Every night I make my bed swim, I dissolve my couch with my tears”(NASB). Sometimes we are left without an answer to prayer.

However, God comes to us, looking for us as He searched for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness….As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Ps. 103:8,12 (NASB). God finds a way, and opens the door for our salvation. (John 10).

Prayer:

Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; . . . In the day of my trouble I shall call upon Thee . . . There is no one like Thee among the gods, O Lord; . . . For thou art great and doest wondrous deeds; Thou alone art God. Ps 86 (NSB).

Video of VBS in Cat Lake, Ontario

2011-10-11T19:40:00.005-05:00

We have very talented VBS teachers go north to teach about the love, grace and forgiveness of God through His son Jesus. This video is the work of Gordon Gilbey, VBS teacher and missionary from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Thank you Gordon ! (It is worth the download wait time).

October Devotional Thought

2011-10-01T16:09:00.007-05:00

God’s Word:
“The signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked for me I am pleased to recount. How great are his signs. How mighty his wonders! His Kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his sovereignty is from generation to generation.” Daniel 4:2-3

Devotional Thought:
My weather briefing from Canada Fight Service indicated a low front moving into the area by late afternoon and should move through my desired flight path by tomorrow morning. If I am to return after 4:00 pm local, I should be aware that the air will be very unstable and I could expect imbedded towering cumulous.

When I left Bearskin Lake, a native community 250 miles north of Red Lake, Ontario (the end of the road as we know it) the sky looked rather dark and the wind was kicking up. My native friends and I both agreed it was time for me to get home. It didn’t take long after my departure when I experienced the accuracy of my morning flight briefing. There in front of me was a huge storm cell. Before I knew it, I was seeing flashes of bright light all around me. Without notice, I was blinded by a streak; no it was a bolt of lightening ripping out of the cloud next to me striking the ground with consuming power. The earth below tore apart as if it had been blasted by dynamite. My first thought was, “Wow that was awesome!” My next thought was, “I think I am flying way too close to this storm cell.”

In one second, I experienced the power of God which could have been my fate, and the grace of God keeping me in his everlasting protection. In both cases, I was humbled by the overwhelming power of judgment and the awesome comfort of grace.

There are numerous experiences in our lives that cause us to fear the judgment of God. For many individuals God’s judgment, His lightning strike is what drives their relationship with the creator God. They worship a God of fear, seeking to get out of God’s way.

As Christians, we worship a God of Grace who has not reached out to us with the thunder bolt of judgment. God has reached out to us through the love and obedience of His Son, Jesus Christ. God’s lightning strike of judgment hit Jesus squarely in His heart when Jesus became our sin on the cross of Calvary. Jesus has taken God’s punishment, earning for us forgiveness from all of our sins.

As a church in mission, we now strike out in love and gratitude. The Christian message, LAMP’s message, my message, as a Pastor/ Pilot, our message is not the all-consuming power of the judgment of God but the power of God unto salvation, His love in Jesus to all who believe.

Prayer:
Thank you God of power and might for reaching out to me in grace and love.

September Adventures

2011-09-25T23:44:00.003-05:00

Last week, September 17-24, I spent time in Thompson, MB north of the 55th parallel. There was much to do. Pastor/Pilot Bill Ney was in need of some flight review. I visited with the Deputy Chief of Wunnummin Lake concerning a request from a Minnesota university student asking if it might be possible for her to live in a northern community for six weeks fulfilling a class requirement. I visited a pastor’s daughter from Kitchener, ON who is teaching grade eight in a northern community. VBS in Cross Lake, MB and Sachigo, ON are now scheduled and awaiting VBS teams. I visited some great friends in Sandy Lake, Cross Lake and Muskrat Dam. And, I accompanied Pastor Bill to the communities he needed to visit. If you are interested in the ministry of Pastor Bill check out his blog at: flyingney.com

Every morning we waited for the sun to melt the frost off the wings of the airplane

Churchill, MB on the Hudson Bay is one of Bill's communities to visit

Pastor Bill in ministry

This is as close as we got to a polar bear. They are major threats to the people of Churchill

One of the signs along the beach we were walking. Yikes !

Fall colors from the air

My friends, the Fiddlers, dressing out a freshly killed moose.

September Devotional Thought

2011-09-04T18:44:00.001-05:00

God's Word:
“For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13 (NASB)

Devotional Thought:

9:30 am on a cold Sabbath morning, north of the fifty-fifth parallel, I am looking out a church window facing east. Along the outside wall of the next building cluttered with trash on the ground, huddled eight men sharing a bottle containing a liquid I am sure was not orange juice.

What was most interesting to me was how the empty mickey was disposed. The last guy stepped away from the group and tossed the bottle into a near-by stand of trees. Had the bottle been dropped outside the circle of friends, the environment around the guys would not have changed much for the worse. However, the method of disposal was to toss the empty container away from the group as if to say, “We are not associated with this litter.”

It is easy to make pious judgments on this team of eight while standing inside a nice warm well-kept place of worship on a Sunday morning. It is also easy to have feelings of guilt, thinking as a Christian I have somehow failed to reach these comrades with the Gospel. However, in my heart I realize I too am nothing more than a sinner symbolically lurking behind a building and yet in eyesight of the creator God, trying to toss any evidence of my connection with sin as far as I am able.

A wonderful attribute of God is He doesn’t just stand and watch our sin with disgust. He has taken action by reaching out to us in love and compassion. Our Creator entered into our lives even when we were not looking for His help. Our hiding from God is fruitless. He comes seeking us as He did Adam and Eve. He sees our sins, He calls our name, He reaches out to us with the blood-stained hands of Jesus. In love He declares our sins are forgiven.

Privileged with the knowledge of God’s grace and mercy, one can only ask for His forgiveness. In humility, our hearts turn to thanksgiving and gratitude to our Creator for His love, poured out on us through the blood of Jesus. “If it is possible,” we pray, “Lord, make my heart be as Yours.”

Prayer:

Forgive my sin O Lord and help me to be the person you called me to be. Empower me to serve You with Joy.

Pikwitonei, MB

2011-08-12T20:39:00.000-05:00

Pikwitonei is a great little community along the rail road to Church Hill, MB on the Hudson Bay. Less than one hundred people live in "Pik" and there are only twenty kids of various ages who attend school in a one room school house. Consequently, VBS is rather small in comparison to other communities LAMP serves.

Seven VBS posters are hanging on the church walls going back to 2005

The kids are practising for a program they will be giving for their parents

The LAMP Missionary / Pilot got involved in a hands on project with a couple of the older kids

We closed the day with prayer around the alter

Bearskin Lake, ON

2011-08-10T22:20:00.001-05:00

Reading the Gospel of John in our own Ojibwa language

We love God because of what Jesus did on the cross

"Jesus is my Savior" A picture designed by a student

Colorful totem poles with Christian symbols

A quiet time of playing cards and getting to know each other

Wunnummin Lake, ON

2011-08-09T18:13:00.001-05:00

Two VBS teams coming together just before they go their separte ways, one to Bearskin Lake, ON and the other to Wunnummin Lake, ON.

It is nice to know you are part of something bigger

The number of Children has increased from last year. "The kids remember us." It is encouraging to see a VBS team excited about their ministry. The second year is much easier since relationships are already developed. This is a ministry of relationships.

Our God is so strong and so mighty there's nothing that He cannot do

Everyone loves to make God's eyes

This "prayer cross" seems to be getting some use.

The hat (toque) is a telling sign that the weather is a bit nippy in August

Puppets tell the story of Blind Bart and Jesus

I think this little guy is having fun....?

Forest Fire Aftermath

2011-08-04T22:23:00.000-05:00

A look at the results of a fire burning hectares of Canadian wild forest. Although fire threatens human life it is important for plant, wildlife, and ultimately human life..... hmmmm....Luther once said, "We are thrust into hell before we are raised into heaven" It is true, the Gospel has very little meaning to us until we recognize the full weight of our sin. When I know my sin thrusts me into hell (fire) only then can I appreciate the life giving power of the Gospel offering forgiveness and a renewed relationship with our creator. Fire is important for life. Law proceeds the Gospel. Sin moved God to Grace. Death is conquered in Life.

Important for the growth of blueberries, renewal of the forest, and moose habitat

York Landing, MB

2011-08-04T19:43:00.002-05:00

York Landing is a great little community just north of the 55th parallel. The children seem to be very well behaved and willing to learn more about Jesus.

Native Art (wood ducks)

York Landing is not a fly-in community nor is it a drive-in village. It is accessible by a two hour ride on a ferry-boat (ferry-boat community)

12-16 cars can ride at a time

"High tech" helps make this VBS successful

A LAMP board member sings his way to fame

"The church back home" sent dozens of cookies for the VBS team to share with the kids. The chocolate chip cookies were the best

This VBS teacher has been coming to York Landing for twenty-six years

"I need to get my mom to cut my bangs"

Cross Lake, MB

2011-08-04T19:12:00.002-05:00

Cross Lake is a drive-in community. The VBS team drives tweenty-six hours hauling twenty-seven teachers (youth and adult) plus all of their gear. This is the third year for this team teaching in Cross Lake. Two hundred children participate in this very well organized Bible camp. There are many FBI individuals in Cross Lake.

FBI has a different meaning in Cross Lake

There are many challenges in ministry to Cross Lake. One of the largest is reaching out to those kids who gang together.

One of the schools is located in a "neutral zone" and gets tagged with graffiti

One of the local ladies show those interested VBS teachers how to make bannock

With so many kids, it is important to break them up into small groups....Bible Study, Bible Challenge, Games, Crafts, and Singing.

Group session of two hundred children

Game session

Crafts

Bible Study

Bible Challenge

Mass Game time to "love" on each other.

Berens River, MB

2011-07-29T09:10:00.002-05:00

Berens River, MB is located on the shore of Lake Winnipeg, the eleventh largest fresh water lake in the world. This year we have a first year team, a young family who is thoroughly enjoying themselves. When I hear them talk I hear them say, "when we come back next year..."

"It" is all about God and what He as done for us.

A great group of kids who love to sing to Jesus

Simple puppets tell a great story....The kids all wanted to make puppets like these used to tell the story

Glue the eyes at this place on the bag

A game of fox and squirrel

The older kids unload some energy in a game of kickball

Shamattawa, MB

2011-07-28T23:16:00.005-05:00

The community of Shamattawa has remarkably beautiful children who love to sing. The Bible School team from Trinity, Fergus Falls is one of four teams in the north this week teaching VBS. The other three teams are in Norway House, MB teaching about God's love at the Catholic Church, United Church and the Anglican Church. That is, all three churches in the same community at the same time. AMAZING !! LAMP ministry is a uniting ministry in the north. Thank You Trinity Lutheran Church !

The theme for LAMP's VBS

"What did you say your name is ....?"

"Let's see what the Bible says about these things."

"Can I have another one for my sister?"

Skyping with the VBS children at St Luke's in La Mesa, CA.....Totally Awesome

Pastor Mark and I coordinated our efforts to connect his VBS children at St. Luke's, La Mesa, CA with the VBS Children in Shamattawa, MB. With the help of the computer and Skype we asked and answered questions, did a lot of laughing, looked at each other and shared a song with one another. This was great fun for the kids in Shamattawa. They have no idea were California is except it is in the USA. Pastor Mark reports the kids at St. Luke's were very excited about the experience. "Our children's attention was caught despite the less than ideal technical capabilities. It also gave me a good introduction into telling them that through Christ our connection with God is perfect."

Bible Study with the older kids

VBS is a great time....ThankYou !

Sachigo Lake, ON

2011-07-28T22:10:00.006-05:00

Patty J takes one of her three teams from Trinty Utica, MI to Sachigo Lake. The other teams from this church are at Garden Hill, MB and Berens River MB. Thank you Trinity for the ministry you are doing in the Canadian North. Thank you Patty J.

Patty J playing games with he kids

"Stained glass" crosses tell us the story of God's love in Jesus

The kids love the bible school teachers. Three kids came up to Brian and gave him a hug....for no reason at all except they just need to hug him......very awesome !

Great fun on the baseball field...it is very difficult keeping these boys entertained...we are talking A LOT of energy

This little guy pulled out his tooth from is pocket to show me he pulled it out the night before...I couldn't get him to smile. It is not the only tooth missing.

Praising Jesus with song

Red Sucker Lake, MB

2011-07-26T22:18:00.001-05:00

It is always a joy to experience LAMP's VBS in Red Sucker Lake, MB. This team has been going to Red Sucker Lake for twenty-seven years. I am always amazed at how well they are able to control 200 energetic children.

I want to register for VBS...my name is....

"This young man was one of our hard to contol VBS students a few years ago"

Crazy John showing the kids how to Praise the Lord

This boy is wearing the bandana made from yesterday's craft activity

A great time of fun outside....another bandana from yesterday's craft

"I want to play with the big kids"

"Hey, whoes craft project is this?"

The cross is about God's love for us

Garden Hill, MB

2011-07-25T21:51:00.002-05:00

Garden Hill, MB is located on a huge lake with many islands...Island Lake. It is not uncommon for the LAMP VBS program to have 200 kids at Vacation Bible School. This year on the second day 150 children showed up to hear about the love of Jesus.

It seems the kids really like to color pictures with crayons

Standing on the rock of Jesus

The little ones are very attentive to hearing about Jesus

This is a miracle picture - 150 Kids standing in a circle

What is the result of 150 kids each holding a glow stick?

When the lights go out it sounds like Chaos but looks totally awesome. The kids stood in a circle and sang, "This Little Gospel Light Of Mine, I'm Going To Let It Shine"

The day ended with a "good o'l water fight" with sponge balls

Shamattawa, MB

2011-07-24T16:58:00.003-05:00

These doors to the Anglican church will be OPEN this week in Shamattawa, MB

I reaped the following information off the website of Trinity Lutheran Church, Fergus Fall, MN:

Thanks for visiting our Blog. We (The Shamattawa Team) will be traveling Friday July 22nd from Fergus Falls to Grand Rapids Manitoba, where we will stay overnight at the Anglican Church (on the floor). Early Saturday morning July 23rd we drive from Grand Rapids to Thompson Manitoba, where we then will travel by plane to Shamattawa Manitoba, a community of 1100 people that is very remote. This is a fly-in only community during the summer months. Please follow our journals as we teach Vacation Bible School from Sunday afternoon through Thursday. Keep our team in prayer each day as we bring the Gospel message to the children and adults of the Cree Nation People. Our other three teams in Norway house will be leaving Saturday morning, staying in Grand Rapids, and then driving to Norway House Sunday. We thank God for this opportunity once again this year!

Leon Dawkins

Little Grand Rapids,MB

2011-07-22T10:39:00.000-05:00

My friends tell me the elders call me "The Red Plane Pilot."

Yesterday "The Red Plan Pilot" made it to Little Grand Rapids to visit the LAMP VBS team. Little Grand Rapids is different from most communities because the airport and the community are separated by a very large lake called Family Lake. The wind yesterday was about 45 kts from the south. The waves on the lake were three feet tall and crashing onto the shore. Although I had a pocket full of cash, I couldn't get anyone to brave the unfriendly water to take me across to the community.

The day before, I was told, had winds that blew even harder and leveled the hydro lines and many trees. The electricity was out making phone calls difficult. Unfortunately, I was not able to visit this team. As I tell the VBS teachers, "Anyone who comes north needs to be flexible."

Muskrat Dam 2011

2011-07-22T09:54:00.003-05:00

The VBS team in Muskrat Dam has traveled all the way from Florida. They have been very fortunate to have a home and a truck given to them for help in making their stay in the community comfortable. Although they have all the luxuries of home they were without water for two days. It is amazing how much water we use in one day. Smoke from forest fires threaten the community which has put Muskrat Dam on "High Alert" status.

Some of the pieces are very small that need to be glued on projects

Everyone is having a great time

Morning hours are with the older kids and afternoon sessions are with the little kids.

Weagamow Lake (Round Lake)

2011-07-20T15:22:00.002-05:00

The VBS group that goes to Weagamow Lake is a family team which has been teaching VBS for eight years. I heard them say, "next year when we come north...." God bless this family.

Major creative wirering.

The children really enjoy singing with a little help from their friends

God doesn't make junk and God created you !

What is your favorite animal that God has made?

A rough game for the guys

Not everyone is a happy camper

Drip, drip, DROP !!!!

Forest fires are burning close to Weagamow

Fort Severn, ON

2011-07-20T12:57:00.002-05:00

Fort Severn, ON is along the Severn River on the Hudson Bay. The Bay has a weather of its own causing many cool and cloudy day in Fort Severn. The day I visited, I wished I would have taken my jacket. Red Lake temperature was 35 degrees Celcius. It felt good to get cooled down.

Winter fire wood is floated down the Severn River and set-up to dry

LAMP's VBS team is an experienced team. The kids are having fun learning about the new life we receive in Jesus.

The story of Jesus raising Jarius' daughter. The kids did a great job!

Last year's pictures, songs, and bible lessons were projected on the wall. This was helpful in quieting down the children.

Silhouette time

The kids really got into making tissue paper crosses.

This guy insisted on working by himself and he did a great job on his project

"This is my cousin." "This is my sister." These are the word we mostly hear when the children introduce each other to us.

This looks like potential trouble

Everyone is very proud of the work they do.

"Hey, look at mine !"

Mothers and grandmother often come to help the VBS team.

This grandma is very proud of her little grandson

A very successful VBS takes a lot of prayer from both teachers and students.

"Dear God........help."

"Amen"

Forest Fires in Northwestern Ontario

2011-07-19T21:54:00.003-05:00

Forest Fires continue to burn all across Northwestern Ontario. Today, LAMP's VBS in Sandy Lake, ON was evacuated with the rest of the community.

More than 100 forest fires are ablaze in northwestern Ontario

Sandy Lake, ON is only one of about ten northern communities that have been evacuated. Hercules airplanes are used to move the people to safe southern communities like Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Dryden, and Red Lake, ON.

Many individuals are packed into a Hercules and sent to safety

Fire crews come from all over Canada to fight the fires

Water bombers are very busy scooping water from lakes and bombing fires with water

One good thing about smoke is that it makes for nice sunrises

Please keep the people of the north in your prayers. Pray also for the safety our our VBS teams.

Interesting Day in the North

2011-07-18T22:01:00.003-05:00

Today was an interesting day with some very unusual northern sightings:

A Red Lake, ON home town boy came to visit his family in an F-18

When I arrived in Sandy Lake this Hurcules took up most of the tarmac

I found LAMP's VBS team in the radio station proclaiming the Gosel

We were all treated to moose head stew, jaw bone and all

Smoke was in the air all day long

Final Day at Kingfisher/Big Beaver House

2011-07-15T16:20:00.006-05:00

Kimmie and Darlyn 'hanging out' with some of the kids at Big Beaver House on Thursday afternoon.

The children at Big Beaver House acted out the skit telling the bible story of Jesus raising the daughter of Jarius from the dead - they did an excellent job of acting!

Pastor Pilot Steve Dreher took a few minutes on Thursday afternoon at Big Beaver House to play a round of Red Rover with the kids and as you can see - he couldn't break through the line!

Our VBS wound up a little early today (Friday) as the afternoon session was not done at Big Beaver House - the Bible Course wound up in the morning as the smoke from the nearby forest fire was starting to bother people.

So we plan another radio broadcast tonite to tell the community what their children have been been doing this week and to say 'goodbye' till next summer! God Bless everyone from LAMP team members Rev. Harry Huff, Dr. Hilli Huff, Rev. Sheilah Fletch, Dr. Andy Fletch, Kimmie Adie and Darlyn Sewap.

Big Trout Lake, ON

2011-07-15T13:38:00.003-05:00

Some VBS teams start with an adventure before they get to the northern community. This teacher slipped and fell during her travel to the mission field. The story for the day was the feeding of the five thousand. A miracle of cracker fish and bread in abundance.

WOW !!!! "I want some of those crackers."

In this village the community members help out to feed the children for lunch. VBS goes from 9:30 am until 4:00 pm. "Bannock is served."

A wind-sock to teach the miracle lesson.

Big Beaver House, ON

2011-07-15T13:07:00.008-05:00

Everywhere I fly I see forest fires. At times the smoke is so thick I can't see the ground when flying over the smoke. Sometimes the only route is to fly through the smoke and hope you come out the other end.

This is a small fire. When a large fire gets close to a community the people are evacuated to a major city center. Today, I was asked to fly a northern person having a hard time breathing away from the smoke in the air.

Big Beaver House is a camp close to Kingfisher Lake were LAMP does VBS. Individuals and families from many communities come for a time of learning and relaxation. LAMP is invited to teach the children about the love of God in Jesus Christ.

This bear cub walked into camp. He was the talk of the camp. I found out one of the campers was leaving food out in the bush for the bear. No wonder he came into camp.

The kids love to swim off the rocks. Check out the smoke that is in the air.

LAMP Vacation Bible School teachers hard at work. Where is Andy (the other VBS teacher?) This is the outdoor cooking tent were the moose meat and wild duck is cooked.

Everyone gathers to " gladly hear the word of God."

KingfisherLake&BigBeaverHouse

2011-07-14T21:50:00.013-05:00

Our VBS

curriculum

has a strong

emphasis on

prayer!

Kimmie, Adie and Darlyn Sewap travelled from Pelican Narrows, Saskatchewan initially by car to Flin Flon and then they made a 22 hour bus trip to Winnipeg and then to Thunder Bay to meet the Huff's and Fletch's enroute to Sioux Lookout and then Kingfisher Lake.

They raised funds for their trip by various fundraising activities including holding a rummage sale, cooking and selling celebration cakes, cleaning up after a house fire and doing neighbor's yard work.

They plan to meet this Friday with youth from Kingfisher Lake community as an extension of their own home youth program.

Kingfisher Lake & Big Beaver House 2011

2011-07-14T09:10:00.008-05:00

VBS curriculum for the week is “Jesus Is The Rock” supplied by LAMP. Special guests are parrot puppets ‘Schooner’ (Andy) and ‘Sam’ (Harry) and two clowns Mr. Pokey Dot (Andy) and Mrs. Precious Dot (Sheilah) who provides balloons, hugs and lots of laughter. Kimmie, Darylyn and Pastor Harry on the local radio station on Sunday night promoting VBS.

Kingfisher Lake July 11-15, 2011

2011-07-14T08:51:00.004-05:00

LAMP Team arriving at Kingfisher Lake airport on Saturday, July 9th. Left to right is Dr. Hilli Huff, Rev. Harry Huff, Rev. Sheilah Fletch, Darylyn Sewap and Kimmie Adie and Dr. Andy Fletch – photographer.

Cat Lake VBS - Part Deux

2011-07-07T11:59:00.004-05:00

There are forest fires burning north and south of Cat Lake and the smell of smoke is in the air. There have been two funerals since we have been here, and yet the number of children coming to VBS increases each day. We have been blessed by the children and adults we have been able to visit with so far this week. Our week here is quickly drawing to a close and we look forward to the hot dog lunch that will conclude VBS tomorrow and pray that the parents and grandparents feel comfortable coming like they did last year. Please keep us, and the Cat Lake Children in your prayers!

Thanks and many blessings, Judy, Gord and Kelly.

Cat Lake VBS

2011-07-04T23:04:00.003-05:00

Hi there! This is Judy, Kelly and Gord (he's behind the camera) being flown into Cat Lake, Northern Ontario, by Steve. VBS will start on Tuesday, but we have had a tremendous time with many of the local residents. There was a funeral today that rightfully became the focus of the community - but we were able to meet some folks who came back just for the funeral. Kelly admires the way Steve emulates Tom Cruise (from the movie Top Gun). She screamed a note that only dog's could hear during an intense banking maneuver (while, it wasn't that intense, it was her first time flying in a small plane.

Looking forward to seeing all the kids tomorrow. We will make another report in a day or so. Blessings, Judy, Gord and Kelly (the newbie)

June Devotion:

2011-05-31T10:06:00.008-05:00

God’s Word: "And so faith comes from hearing and by hearing the words of Christ." (Rom 10:17 NASB) Devotional Thought: I was in Shamattawa, MB, one-hundred miles south of the Hudson Bay. A young girl had taken her own life and the community was in preparation for the up-coming funeral. Feelings of guilt run rampant at these confusing and horribly sad times. The young people are looking for possible ways to find peace of mind. For some suicide looks inviting. With the fear of “copy-cat” deaths, social organizations send support teams to work with the teenagers. My visit this day was with two members of LAMP’s VBS team who have been faithfully committed in God’s work among the children of Shamattawa for the past two years. The purpose of our short stopover was to mingle among the children. It was fun renewing relationships form last summer and reminding the kids of the upcoming July VBS. We also distributed quilts made by the quilting group from a small church in Colorado. Since it was very obvious we were not locals, we quickly came in contact with the social workers. Our discussion lead to the ministry of LAMP summer VBS. Because VBS is only one seemingly insignificant week out of the year and we were surrounded by the aftermath of a teen suicide, we were wondering out loud if this program really had any impact in the lives of the children. Rebecca, one of the workers quickly said, “Oh yes it does. LAMP has been coming to my small fly-in community for years. As I child I always attended VBS and it made a difference in my life.” And again she said, “It made a difference in my life.” Sugar and honey are sweet, but those words filled us with an amazing sense of satisfaction that God is directing our path in the north. There are times when we often feel our labors are not appreciated. It seems at times, no one is listening. Maybe our small program is not worth the time and effort. The surrounding events and apathy seem to indicate our efforts may possibly be a waste of time. As people from the south, we look for big successful numbers validating the time and money spent with a great return. In God’s economy, it is not about us. It is about what the Spirit of God works in and through our ministry, no matter how small it may seem. “ Faith comes from hearing by the word of Christ (Gospel).” In our proclamation of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, it is God at work in us, no matter how small. Prayer: At times I feel small and insignificant. Thank you Holy Spirit for using me as a tool, and filling my life with purpose. Amen

May Devotional Thought

2011-05-03T07:42:00.004-05:00

God’s Word: “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. “ John 21:3. Devotional Thought: Fishing nets are tools with which most of us are unfamiliar. When we go fishing we normally take a fishing pole with plans on catching a relatively small number of fish. In Northern Canada many native people use fishing nets year round. For them, fishing is a large part of their history and culture. The use of fishing nets has been a traditional way of providing large amounts of food for the whole community. This is a culture very different from ours. Even today they are very dependent on friends and family for their existence. Using nets, fixing nets, setting nets, and working around fishing nets is a part of life for these people. Superstitious sayings are also a large part of this fishing culture. Many of the elderly people teach the youth these fear-driven concerns. Because of the technological world around them, the young people are not so inclined to believe these superstitions, but cherish them because they are a part of their heritage. For example, losing the first fish of the day is considered bad luck. Kissing a fish before throwing it back in the water brings better luck and bigger fish. In the European culture, we have always been told that if you have a rotten day of fishing, you are to throw all loose change overboard to feed the legendary pirate Davy Jones. I would suppose the disciples of Jesus who were fishermen also had their superstitious sayings. It is not surprising Jesus would call these types of individuals to be His closest disciples. Jesus is in the habit of finding those persons who are fearful, uncertain about life’s direction, looking for success, and apprehensive about the wrath of the divine. Jesus did not follow superstitions but rather had the patience, perseverance, and persistence that bring success to fishing. Jesus’ obedience earned for us forgiveness and eternal life free from any false notions of appeasing the wrath of the gods to bring better luck. One of the greatest aspects of the Gospel is the freeing power of the grace of God. Our relationship with Jesus is a relationship in which we can relax. To be forgiven is relaxing. To be free of sin and guilt is relaxing. To be in Christ is to be relaxed. So when you are dipping your line in the world’s greatest fishing hole this summer. Keep in mind superstitions create fear. Life in Christ is relaxing. Prayer: Oh give thanks unto the Lord for His mercy endures forever. We thank you Lord for freeing us from the fears of superstitions and giving to us the promise of life and forgiveness. Amen.

2011 Summer VBS schedule:

2011-04-26T08:33:00.010-05:00

I have been very busy making arrangements for this summer’s Vacation Bible School. These preparations are made by personal visits, phone calls, and letters. Setting up VBS in isolated communities in northern Canada is interesting and sometimes very frustrating. What seems to be an easy task is often complicated by the many scheduling dynamics in both the southern and northern cultures. Each year our summer VBS program falls into place, which is nothing short of a yearly miracle. However, it is a privilege to see the hand of God a work in some of the last minute arrangements. I have twenty-four Bible Schools scheduled this year in my ministry area. As of yet, I still have six fly-in communities that need VBS teachers. It is my prayer that these villages will also hear the Gospel through our VBS program. In anyone is interested in more information about volunteering as a VBS teacher, please call the LAMP Edmonton office at 1-800-307-4036 and ask for Vanessa LAMP’s volunteer coordinator. The follow are the dates and communities where LAMP VBS will be held this summer in my 250,000 square mile ministry area. June 27-July 1 Church Hill, MB July 4-8 Cat Lake, ON July 11-15 Thompson, MB Easterville, MB Big Trout Lake, ON Kingfisher Lake, ON July 18-22 Fort Severn, ON Fisher River, MB Weagamow (Round) Lake, ON Sandy Lake, ON Little Grand Rapids, MB Muskrat Dam, ON July 25-29 Norway House, MB Shamattawa, MB Red Sucker Lake, MB Garden Hill, MB Aug 1-Aug 6 Cross Lake, MB York Landing, MB August 8-12 Bearskin Lake, ON Picwitonei, MB I am still looking for VBS teachers to teach in the following locations: Berens River, MB Oxford House, MB Wunnimmin Lake, ON Sachigo Lake, ON LAMP also serves many other communities in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. We have an unbelievable schedule of Vacation Bible Schools and Sport Camps. Last year 500 LAMP volunteers shared the Gospel in over 50 communities. So where do these Volunteers come from who teach VBS in the North? Manitoba, CAN ---------------------- Church Hill, MB Ontario, CAN -----------------------Kingfisher Lake, ON Minnesota, USA ---------------------Thompson, MB Minnesota, USA ---------------------Easterville, MB Nebraska, USA ----------------------Big Trout Lake, ON Michigan, USA ----------------------Fort Severn, ON Minnesota, USA ---------------------Fisher River, MB Ontario, CAN ------------------------Weagomow Lake, ON Wisconsin, USA ---------------------Sandy Lake, ON Ontario, CAN ------------------------Little Grand Rapids. MB Minnesota, USA ---------------------Norway House, MB Minnesota, USA ---------------------Shamattawa, MB Montana, USA -----------------------Cross Lake, MB Ontario, CAN ------------------------Bearskin Lake, ON Alberta, CAN & Minnesota, USA - York Landing, ON Michigan, USA-----------------------Garden Hill, MB Manitoba, CAN ----------------------Picwitonei, MB Florida, USA--------------------------Muskrat Dam, ON

April Devotion:

2011-04-25T11:03:00.004-05:00

God’s Word: “Mary Magdalene came, announcing to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord.” John 20:16 (NASB) Devotional Thought: The craft for the morning VBS was a mobile depicting the places Jesus prayed. The kids were supposed to put their own names on the top of the mobile because “Jesus also prays for us.” Tyler’s self portrait at the pinnacle of his craft was filled with flames. He explained to the VBS teacher that “this is hell and this is me because I’m going to burn in hell.” The next day Tyler was acting up during the chapel time. One of the VBS teachers sat him down and asked why he was so angry. Tyler began to cry and blurted out that he hated his community and the Bible school. In time, the real issues began to flow from this neglected child. With tears in his eyes, Tyler began to explain he had no friends nor a mom or dad. Mostly, he was just very unhappy. What else could the VBS team do but embrace this little boy and share the love of Jesus with him? By Wednesday morning, Tyler asked if he could write a prayer request for the pray box. His request was in picture form. Would the VBS teach like to look at it? The drawing was three faces and a cross. “See, he’s really mad and then he gets sad for a while, then he’s happy because of Jesus.” Later that afternoon the lesson was praying hands. After tracing the kid’s hands on paper, names were printed on each finger as a reminder of who the child wishes to actively pray. Tyler led the group in prayer. There is always a reason why we sometimes act the way we do. There is always a reason why others act the way they do as well. It is easy to get mad and impatient. Sometimes we refuse to listen and quickly “write others off” as weird or unfriendly. Jesus always had time to spend with those who were disenfranchised or emotionally compromised. Through love and understanding He would bring hope, and promise. Jesus was willing even to go the extra step for each of us as He gave of Himself totally on the cross for our hurts and tears, our anger and fears, our sins and rebellious actions. During Easter we also remember that in Jesus’ death came resurrection. In His resurrection we also find new life both in this world and the next. It has been said, “The resurrection of Jesus gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.” (Robert Flatt) Prayer: Dear Jesus, we come to the cross and the empty tomb looking for hope and promise of new life. In thanksgiving, we begin each day anew having met our living, merciful and forgiving Savior. Amen.

Final Paint on LAMP's Cessna 337 Skymaster

2011-03-07T16:44:00.009-06:00

Back to work after five years of down time.

The LAMP logo now flys in a Vegas Gold over the red tail of LAMP's Cessna 337 Skymaster

St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Stratford, ON unfortunately closed its doors. Those left to make decisions voted to continue St. Matthew's ministry by donating its remaining funds to LAMP. St. Matthew's ministry continues through LAMP as we reach the native people living in remote communities of northern Canada. LAMP's Cessna 337 Skymaster is looking very good with it's new paint job, Garmin 530 GPS, and two rebuilt engines.

Come in and take a look

March Devotional Reflections :

2011-03-03T21:05:00.004-06:00

God’s Word: Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everthing give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thess. 5:16-18 (NASB). Devotional Thought: The prayer box in Garden Hill, Manitoba was full of requests from the two hundred children who attended our Bible study, game, sing-a-long, and craft day. We sat around the table one evening reading and praying for the many requests deposited in the special container. “Pray for my mom.” “Pray that my brother would quit hitting me.” “I am afraid of the noises in my grandmother’s house.” “Pray that my dad will come home.” Among the petitions was one that caught my attention. “Thanks for making my life special:).” In all of the pleas for God to fix the hurts and heartaches of life was one of appreciation. Someone reached out in love to one of God’s little lambs and made her/him feel special. To me this prayer of gratitude stuck out like the black stick in a pile of pick-up-sticks. It was the one leper out of ten in the Biblical story who came back to thank Jesus for his healing. This little slip of paper contained a message making me feel our efforts are not wasted but rather “God blessed.” It is impossible to solve all of the social ills facing the 1.5 million children who live in isolated fly-in communities of Canada. However, for this young person we made a difference…”Thanks for making my life special:).” Like people in all corners of the earth we too are faced with rejection, brokenness, loss of friends or loved ones, loneliness, abandonment, difficult decisions or other burdensome feelings and experiences. In fact, sometimes we bring negative emotion into our lives through the words, thoughts, and actions of our own human nature. However, despite our sin, we have in the Gospel (the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus the Messiah) a God who has caused our lives to be filled with inner peace. As Christians, we also give thanks to our Heavenly Father that in this message of forgiveness we have a God who has made our lives special. Not because of something we have done, but rather because of what God has done for us. Today our prayer to God is extraordinary. It is not a petition but rather a word of thanksgiving. Prayer: “Thanks for making my life special and for those who make me feel special:).”

Progress on 337LC

2011-02-10T17:52:00.008-06:00

The weather has been below zero, but the painting progress of LAMP's Skymaster 337LC continues to move forward. It is exciting to watch the transformation !

What do you think about a green airplane? The military likes this color. Camouflage might look good. Don't worry, this is just the primer coat.

Ouch! It was very good that the ailerons needed to be removed for painting. A rip in the aluminum and a couple of dents were discovered. If this aileron were to fail in flight ....Yikes, I hate to think what would happen. Repairs are necessary to meet the federal airworthy requirements. The bad news is the repair cost is about $1,300.

Ahhh....back to the good ol' LAMP red.

These stripes are masked by hand. I think this is very interesting considering we are in the computer age. Even the wheel hubs have a new shine.

February Reflections:

2011-02-03T10:55:00.006-06:00

God’s Word: “Now it came about when he (David) had finished speaking to Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself.” I Sam 18:1 Devotional Thought: At six thousand feet above the earth’s surface, all fly-in remote communities in northern Canada look like wonderfully peaceful locations for a much deserved place to escape. What could be better than to be isolated from the city by lakes filled with walleye and northern pike? Can you imagine no stop lights in town? Every house in the village has a lake side view. The water looks pristine and the sunsets are spectacular. Can it get any better?

Often what we see on the surface is not an indicator of what is going on inside. On a recent visit to one of these remote first nations reserve, I was greeted by a friend wearing sunglasses. There is nothing unusual about sunglasses in the North Country except I have never seen Samantha wearing glasses other than her prescription bifocals. She seemed extremely happy to see me. It didn’t take long before I noticed behind the “rose colored” glasses were two very bruised eyes. Immediately, I knew Samantha’s life was in turmoil. She cried, I listened. She was distraught and fearful, and I gave some advice which I knew she wouldn’t be able to follow. After all had been said and re-hashed over a few times, we just sat together, prayed and cried. I gave her a big hug and told her I cared a lot. If there was a way to help, I would do anything possible to facilitate healing. I wondered out loud if there was something I could do for her. Samantha responded, “Just keep being my friend. You have helped a lot.”

There is much I do not understand about native culture. However, I do know about friendship which seems to cross all cultural, racial, and other man made barriers. I have a great example of “a friend who sticks closer than a brother” Proverbs 18:24. This friend is found in the One who was willing to offer his life on a cross as payment for my sinful thoughts, words, and actions. “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” John 15:13. Jesus is our friend who promises to never leave or forsake us. Jesus is a friend who gives and forgives. Jesus is a friend who allows us to sit in his peaceful, loving and forgiving embrace. What we see on the outside may not always be what is reflected on the inside. One thing we all need is someone to be our friend who accepts whatever is hidden beneath the surface, a friend willing to give and forgive. Thank our God for His friendship in Jesus. Prayer: Heavenly Father, empower me to be a caring, loving friend. When I am unsuccessful, may your friendship shine through my failings. Amen.

A New Look for Skymaster 337LC

2011-01-26T06:17:00.004-06:00

LAMP’s twin Cessna Skymaster (337LC) was built in 1976. That was thirty five years ago! How many of us are still driving cars that old? Twenty years ago 337LC was repainted from its factory colors to a LAMP red airplane. Sun, rain, snow, ice with wear and tear on the airplane makes it necessary for 337LC to once again go into the paint shop for a fresh new look. This painting process will take about one month (400 man hours) of striping off the old red, filling in the dents, spraying on a primer coat, masking off the new lines, and covering the old bird with a new look. Take a look at some pictures as the process begins. Good-bye red.......It sort of makes you wonder what the final look will be......stay tuned for more updates as the progression continues.

January Devotion:

2010-12-29T13:27:00.003-06:00

God’s Word: “And moved with compassion, He (Jesus) stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’” Mark 1:41 NASB Devotional Thought: Wow! Let me tell you some statistics I just read about today’s mobile phone. The current mobile phones have thousands of times more computing power than the systems that guided the Apollo space program to the moon forty years ago. Findings from the Gartner research firm state that by 2013, mobile phones will overtake PCs as the most common Web access device worldwide (International Journal of Frontier Missiology Fall 2010). Even though the mobile phone wraps up the capabilities of a computer, TV, music player, camera, video recorder, GPS, and game system into on affordable and easy-to-carry package, there is one thing this small device can not do. It can not reach out and touch someone.

Even with all of the Facebook pictures and messaging that help me communicate back and forth with my friends in isolated northern Canadian communities, nothing is the same as face-to-face contact with a caring hug. It is not uncommon for a person to sign off Facebook with “love and hugs :-),” which will find its fulfillment in my next visit. We have a God who chooses to physically touch us in His Son Jesus Christ. As Christians today, God’s touch comes to us through Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. In Baptism, we are physically touched with the death and resurrection of Jesus. In Holy Communion, we are physically touched with the body and blood of Jesus, given and shed for us on the cross. In both of these sacraments, we are physically touched by God offering us the Gospel, love, grace, reconciliation, forgiveness and restoration as the people of God. The hug of God. Last week I was asked to bring the touch of God in Baptism to a friend sixty two years of age, dying of muscular disease. This touch of God was not digital. It came in the physical embrace of two individuals sharing the touch of God. It was a special touch, a human touch with water and the Word of God. Five days later my friend passed into the physical presence of his God.

Mobile phones are powerful and impressive. However, they will never take the place of the healing, caring, forgiving physical touch we offer as brothers and sisters in Christ. Prayer: Thank you our heavenly father for your gift of touch in Jesus. Amen

December Devotion:

2010-12-04T11:23:00.007-06:00

God's Word: "So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Somon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?' he said to Him, 'Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.'" John 21:14 Devotional Thought: “ . . . In the name of Jesus, Amen” was the closing phrase I spoke as my native friends and I gathered for lunch in an isolated fly-in native community during a Christian family gathering. We met in a rude, partially-finished dining hall, its electricity supplied by a small gas generator. A young, junior high school-aged girl sat opposite me at one of the tables. She looked at me and asked, “Do you love God?” I wasn’t sure what I was hearing. I asked myself, “Did this young person just ask me if I loved God?” Her question was the same when I asked her to repeat her inquiry. My response was a very positive yes. Again she impressed me by saying, “So do I.” What was it that caused this young person to confess her faith and love in God? Was it the LAMP VBS that had been present in her community for the past week, her participation in a gathering with Christian friends and family, or the movement of the Holy Spirit? There is no doubt God’s Spirit was at work. When the spirit of God moves, great “things” happen. The miracles of Christmas result in God’s movement in our world. It was no accident, “when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons (daughters).” Gal. 4:4. Christmas is a time when we feel free to tell the world,” For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior which is Christ the Lord.” The miracle I saw and heard took place in July, a young girl needed to express her joy and peace in her Savior, who is Christ the Lord. “Do you love God? … So do I.” Prayer: Thank you God for the joy of Christmas and our heart felt conviction to proclaim our love and gratitude of Salvation and forgiveness in you. Amen

After 2 years of Maintenance LAMP's 337 is now airborne

2010-11-09T17:53:00.005-06:00

Monday, November 1, 2010

Test Flight of LAMP's Cessna 337

Here's the video of Friday's test flight of LAMP's Cessna 337. The test flight went very well and, as test flights are supposed to do, revealed some minor adjustments which needed to be made before the airplane could return to mission service. The guys worked late into Saturday evening eliminating the "squawks" enabling the aircraft to return to missionary service Sunday morning. This airplane will soon be back in northern Canada expanding God's Kingdom across four provinces.

Thank you guys at MMS. It has been a major blessing working with you in getting LAMP's Skymaster flying again. May God continue to bless your ministry. We at LAMP are very Thankful for your call to God's mission service. Thanks again.

Steve

Missionary / Pilot, LAMP

November Devotion:

2010-11-09T16:51:00.009-06:00

God’s Word: “We love, because He first loved us.” I John 4:19. Devotional Thought: “My mom won’t come back and Sallial (my brother) beats me.” Summer VBS Prayer Boxes across the Canadian north were receiving prayer requests like this in many different remote fly-in communities. Bible school teachers from the south were not only busy teaching the message of Jesus’ love, but found themselves reaching out with the love of Jesus to these children of the north. One VBS teacher wrote, “To me, spending a week in a remote native Canadian community is not necessarily the focus of VBS. It’s the relationship you build with the people in the community. VBS is just a perk for the week or the excuse to be there. Of course we minister to the people, but to sit down and speak with children about issues they are dealing with and share your love and compassion with them leaves a feeling beyond description. Arms wrapped around me from a child, or adult, who a short time earlier were friends I hadn’t yet met, grabs at my heart strings. I was so blessed to feel those arms around me on many occasions. As a volunteer, I travel north hoping to make a difference in someone’s life, but what I have come home with the past two years has changed my life immensely.” What do you do with a prayer request that says, “My mom won’t come back and Sallial beats me?” Pray of course. However, for the week of VBS this little girl received more hugs and kisses than she had experience in her lifetime. Our love as Christians comes from The One who loves us unconditionally. Our prayer request is, “God take pity on us and help us… I believe, help me in my unbelief” Mark 9:22-24. As Christians we know the God of mercy, grace, forgiveness, reconciliation and restoration. In our human condition, we have been less than loving to God and our fellow sojourners on earth. In fact, in some cases we have been darn-right-mean and hateful. "But the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” I John 4:9-10. Why do we love? “…Because He first loved us.” I John 4:19. Prayer: Thank you, God, for loving us even as we continue today in our sin. Give us the same love for those around us that you have for us. Move us to show your love through our thoughts, words and actions. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

October Devotional Thought:

2010-10-14T16:26:00.005-05:00

God’s Word: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.” 1 John 1:1(NIV) Devotional Thought: “I got hugged today,” was the report of a young adult VBS teacher sharing the day’s activities with his VBS teacher coworkers at the end of the day. A native child must have appreciated something he had done and gave him a hug. When asked how he felt about being hugged by one of the children, he responded with, “It was ok.” When LAMP sends volunteers to the north to teach, it is not uncommon for both VBS teachers and native children to experience love and appreciation in the form of healthy human touch. In some cases, this may be a new experience worthy of reporting to anyone who is listening. The ministry of Jesus was a ministry of human touch. If we just look in the Gospel of Matthew we read: “And stretching out His hand, He touched him, saying, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’ And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” (8:3) “And He touched her hand, and the fever left her.” (8:15) “Then He touched their eyes, saying, “Be it done to you according to your faith.” (9:29) “And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid” (17:7) “And moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they received their sight, and followed Him.” Jesus continues his ministry of touch with us today. The touch of our savior comes in many different ways and may be as simple as a hug from an appreciative child. The greatest touch of God in our lives is in the hand of Jesus on a wooden cross. Nailed to the “tree,” Jesus’ touch now means forgiveness, acceptance, reconciliation, restoration, and a hope for the future.

Although LAMP VBS teachers go north to touch the children with the love of God in Jesus, once in a while, God works His touch of love through the hugs of the children we go to serve. Prayer: Thank You God for Your gift of touch. Thank You for caring enough about us that even in our sin You reach out Your hand of love with the hug of forgiveness and reconciliation. Give us Your power to be the hand of healing to those in our world. Amen.

Reflecting on the summer activities

2010-09-21T09:13:00.004-05:00

This summer, the words, “THANK YOU” were articulated as many times as the stars in the sky. There were grateful VBS teachers and native children expressing good-byes to the southern volunteers, LAMP mission supporters flying north to check out the northern ministry area, spiritual leaders of isolated communities showing indebtedness to LAMP’s VBS program, northern friends hugging in love and appreciation for help given, eyes filled with tears of thanks for a friend willing to listen and understand. It is a wonderful blessing to hear, see, feel and touch the love of individuals who have received acts of kindness and are unable to give in return. As Paul says to the church in Ephesus, so I also say to you my Partners-In-Northern-Ministry, “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” This summer has been three months of wonderful Christ-centered ministry taking the Good News of God in Christ Jesus to the ends of the earth. You, my PINM, have made this happen by your “acts of kindness” in support of my LAMP ministry. Thank you from Cross Lake, MB Almost two hundred children attended the VBS program in Cross Lake, MB conducted by a large team from the state of Montana. For the second year in a row, this team of youth and adults committed vacation time to share their lives in song, crafts, puppets, games and time expressing the love and forgiveness all people have in Jesus Christ. Sometimes measuring the impact of such an experience seems impossible. However, two days after the VBS teams started their twenty-six hour drive back to Billings, I received a phone call from Dion a native young man with a love and concern for the youth in Cross Lake, MB . With Gospel music playing in the background, I can hardly hear, “Hello Steven, this is Dion calling from Cross Lake. I just wanted to thank you for letting us be a part of what you guys are doing here in Canada… for bringing in guys in from Montana. I am sorry I wasn’t able to go with you to Red Lake, ON. I have never been in a plane like that. I would be willing to go. I was telling my wife about it. I hope everything works out alright. I hope you are all rested up. Anyways, thank you again. We love you. We miss you already… God bless, we will see you again.” “Thank you for letting us be a part of what you guys are doing in Canada…We love you. We miss you already…God bless, we will see you again.” These are words of love. Dion struggles to bring spiritual life to the children of his community. This summer’s VBS was an incredible boost to him and a blessing to the children of Cross Lake. Prayer Requests: Give thanks to our God for the safe travels of our VBS teams who journeyed north to teach the Gospel to the children living in isolated communities. Pray for those indigenous spiritual leaders like Dion who struggle greatly to be a light for Christ in their home communities. Pray for the many children of northern Canada. (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is 25 times higher than the world average; suicide is the leading cause of death among First Nations people between the ages of 10-24) Pray wisdom for the ministry staff at LAMP that we may be effective in our work among these people in northern Canada who struggle with life issues. Blogging: Stay in contact with me through my blog lightaboutmypath.blogspot.com. If you haven’t been keeping up with me, be sure to check out all of this summer’s VBS activities. You may have to look in the archive section. As time permits, my goal is to post at least one devotional a month. Personal Invitation: As you know, I am always open to share my ministry with those who support my mission work in Canada. This summer, I had two individuals who flew with me to Shamattawa, MB. These friends of LAMP were so moved by what they experienced that they offered to share their home with one of the young girls for a few weeks in Toronto so she could experience life off the reserve. Thank You: I can not thank you enough, my Partners in Northern Ministry, for your prayers and financial help, allowing me to reach out to those who are living in isolated fly-in communities of northern Canada. The only means to reach these individuals is by airplanes. As you know, flying airplanes can be very costly. Without your help, the children and adults of these northern communities would also be isolated from hearing the message of the Gospel. Together we are making it possible for the light of Christ to shine in the Canadian areas where roads do not exist. Thank you for your continued help to finance this ministry. Thank you for making it possible to send VBS teachers to teach the children about our God of love and grace. Reaching out in the name of Jesus, Steven L Dreher Missionary / Pilot, LAMP

York Landing, MB

2010-08-24T06:23:00.003-05:00

Al and Linda Larson are the highlights in York Landing. This couple has been teaching VBS in York Landing for twenty-six years.

Al and Linda

Keith Bohlken, a LAMP board member has joined the Larson team teaching VBS in York Landing, MB for five years.

Smoke in the air made for an interesting picture on the way back to Winnipeg.

VBS in Cat Lake, ON

2010-08-24T05:40:00.005-05:00

Early this summer, a thunder and lightening storm forced me to land at Cat Lake. ON. I have some very good friends who live in this community which made it a great place for me to set the airplane down to wait out the storm. I was invited at Edith and Charlie's house for dinner. We had a great time catching up on "life" over the past year. It has been five years since LAMP has done VBS in Cat Lake. Edith was wondering if LAMP could send a team this year to teach the children about Jesus. The LAMP office got working on this request and a VBS team was sent to Cat Lake the end of August. The VBS team flew in the LAMP airplane to Cat Lake, ON Smiling faces.

Learning about the armor of God.

My good friend Margret showed up for VBS. You are never too old to learn.

Stickers get stuck on funny places.

Very good buds.

Katrina teaching about the armor of God

The Missionary /Pilot even gets into the action.

Teaching the Gospel with magic.

"The camera guy" and master magician.

VBS in Fort Severn, ON

2010-08-12T10:28:00.009-05:00

Fort Severn is located on Hudson Bay and is the most northern community in Ontario, Canada. It is often difficult to fly into this area because of the coastal weather which includes drizzle, mist, and fog. As you can see from the pictures the northern tree line starts at the southern shore of the Hudson Bay. What trees exist are very small and shrub like. Winter fire wood is gathered in early summer down stream on the Severn River and floated north to the community. LAMP has been going to Fort Severn for more than thirty years teaching the grace of God to the children of this community. The Severn River delta flowing into the Hudson Bay. The elevation of Fort Severn is 52 feet / 16m. The community of Fort Severn located on the same site the Hudson Bay Company built a trading post. These ladies show you are never too old to teach VBS in the North. One of these teachers is 81 years old and going strong.

VBS is about Jesus Understanding My uPs and downs (JUMP).

The old Anglican Church were VBS is conducted in the summer.

This is not a tepee but rather fire wood drying out to be used for heat in the winter.

To answer the most asked question, Yes polar bears walk through this community. Summer is not the bear season. Here is a picture of a polar bear attack.

VBS in Muskrat Dam

2010-08-10T16:08:00.005-05:00

I am short of pictures for this year's VBS in Muskrat Dam. I received a call from the community saying one of the VBS teachers has seriously hurt her ankle. Unfortunately, there is no x-ray machine in the community and the resident nurse felt it would be wise have an x-ray taken. So Gerry and I spent the afternoon together. There was great relief to find out nothing was broken. Thank you Gerry, this is my first medivac. Sorry Gerry, but I thought I should share this picture with my blog followers. Gerry is one of our very dedicated VBS teachers. She has taken her mission to Muskrat Dam very seriously. This is her sixth year of teaching LAMP VBS in the north. Thank you Gerry.

A busy week of VBS: Garden Hill, MB - Red Sucker Lake, MB - Cross Lake, MB

2010-08-07T11:06:00.011-05:00

VBS in Red Sucker Lake, Manitoba John and Sue Folger have been coming to Red Sucker Lake for over 25 years. John says, "When we come to Red Sucker Lake, it is like coming home." If you ever talk to John Folger, please do not believe all the stories he tells about me. 200 children attended this VBS. Welcome to VBS ! Leave your shoes at the door and come on in. A captivating bible time. Is every one listening? Praise Jesus !

Check out my smile

John comforting one of the young boys.

Is there something going on around me?

VBS in Garden Hill, Manitoba

Eight ladies from Michigan came to the community of Garden Hill, Manitoba to share their faith in Jesus Christ. Over 200 children attended which kept these energetic teachers on their toes. Some days rain forced all the children together in the gymnasium for the day's activities. The northern lights were fantastic!

Singing in the corner

Great hair, can I take your picture? !!

Take my picture !

Patti J teaching in another corner of the gym the story of the wise and foolish men.

Line up for games

Crafts sure do make a mess. Thank you God for tables.

Great work Reuben

The frogs tell the story of God great love.

Getting prepared for tomorrow's activities. Who's idea was this craft?

VBS in Cross Lake, Manitoba

Cross Lake is a large drive-in community. The VBS team comes from Billings Montana driving 26 hours to share the love of Jesus to the children of Cross Lake, Manitoba. About 200 children participated in this year’s VBS. Montana LCMS district president Rev. Terry Forke and his wife accompanied this team. It is great to have this level of support in LAMP’s ministry to the native people of northern Canada.

Game time.......

Singing praises to Jesus.......

Craft activities .........

Bible story time and communicating to God in dance and rap prayers.

The end of the day rap-up sing along session

A prayer of thanksgiving for a great VBS at Cross Lake, MB

LAMP Team in Shamattawa 2010

2010-07-28T19:44:00.007-05:00

We are a group of five, from Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls Mn USA. We are holding Vacation Bible School in Shamattawa Manitoba. We have had an average of 55-60 kids each day for 3 days now. We are using the LAMP material JUMP Jesus Understands Our Ups and Downs. We have experienced many things already in three days. God has worked in amazing ways to help us minister to the young people of Shamattawa. This is the second year that we have had this opportunity to work with the children of Shamattawa. There are so many distractions for the people in this community. The hope of Jesus is the only way for them to see a way out of the darkness that wants to prevail here. We had visitors today. Steve from LAMP flew into the community for the afternoon. He brought with him two friends who are also airplane enthusiasts. It was very nice to have them visit our Vacaton Bible School, and see how God is working in the lives of these wonderful children. We were happy to be a part of thier day. We also have 17 more people in Norway House teaching in three locations there. We want to thank LAMP for the support and direction they have given us this summer. We look forward to doing this for years to come. Trinity Lutheran Church Fergus Falls MN Leon Dawkins July 28, 2010

Ottawa meets Berens River, MB

2010-07-27T18:28:00.007-05:00

Berens River is located on the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg, the largest lake within the southern boarders of Canada and the eleventh-largest fresh water lake on earth.

For one week out of the year, LAMP sends in a VBS team to teach the children of this community the love of God through Jesus Christ.

Pelicans are a common site along the lake.

The children enjoy the songs of VBS.

Puppets tell the story of the foolish man who builds his house on sand and the wise man who builds his house upon the rock.

That looks a lot like a LAMP airplane.

Hard at work.

Very busy.

Jesus Understands My uPs and downs. How do you play hopscotch?

Playing soccer during free time.

VBS in Little Grand Rapids, Manitoba

2010-07-22T20:51:00.006-05:00

Hello to my friends at St. Luke's. Today was an interesting day in Little Grand Rapids, Manitoba. The highlight activity for today was threading fruit loops on a string of licorice to make an edible necklace. VBS in Little Grand Rapids is about how God sent help to human beings on earth. Jesus Understands My uPs and downs. This causes us to JUMP for joy. God's help to us is in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. God loves us and forgives us for the sins in our lives. God sends us Jesus to save us, and the Holy Spirit to give us faith. It is really nice to have a big sister help with the craft for today. "Look at the cross I made."

Keep the balloon in the air.

Everyone gets a T-shirt that says JUMP (Jesus Understands My uPs and downs)

When VBS is over the kids act like monkeys.

Soccer is a fun sport even in northern Canada.

On my way home I had to fly around big thunder storms.

Vacation Bible School in Round Lake, ON

2010-07-21T20:37:00.008-05:00

Hello to my friends at St. Luke's in Mesa, California. Today I went to Round Lake, ON to check up on the excitement happening at the Vacation Bible School in this fly-in community. The air was very still and all of the lakes looked like mirrors. These islands look like they are in the sky. This is what the community of Round Lake looks like from my airplane. The children made brown paper bag puppets. A lot of them looked like monsters.

Today we had sixty five students in VBS. WOW !!!

What do you suppose this young man did after he filled his bag with air?

Now this looks like a very comfortable class room.

The lesson today was about the Good Samaritan. These two girls are already good neighbors with each other.

I think that is a rubber worm on the teacher's head. Yikes !

This guy loves his hockey team.

Taking time to think about the lesson.

The older kids do crazy things with balloons.

This balloon is almost as big as this little girl.

A great game of kick ball.

Drip, drip, drop.....is a favorite game when the temperature is over 90 degrees F.

Enjoying the cool shade.

VBS in Bearskin Lake, ON

2010-07-20T22:55:00.006-05:00

Three bible school teachers from Portage, Wisconsin and one from Albert Lee, MN joined forces to share the Gospel to the children of Bearskin Lake, Ontario 200 miles from the end of the road in Ontario. Bearskin Lake from the air.

Getting close to sea level.

The kids love to hear the Bible stories

Even the little ones have an answer to the question.

It is great to have the older girls come to VBS.

You have to love the girl in the black and white hat

Action with beads and a string. This will become a necklace.

A very special gift from three of the young girls showing appreciation to the VBS teachers.

I just need a little help.

Here is that hat again.

My ride home at 8:30 pm was beautiful. Great sunbeams !

An awesome rainbow. I couldn't get the whole rainbow in the picture.

I hope my friends at St. Luke's are enjoying these pictures. Vacation Bible School in the north is a lot like VBS in California.

VBS in Wunnummin Lake, ON

2010-07-15T18:53:00.005-05:00

It has been five years since LAMP had VBS in Wunnummin Lake, ON. This winter three leaders of the community requested, independently of each other, to have a LAMP Bible Camp in their village.

Kathy and Jim Ridgway organized a team of VBS teachers all the way from Salida Colorado consisting of one team members from Alberta and two from Minnesota. There is great energy in this team that competed with other children programs taking place in Wunnummin Lake at the same time. Most kids chose to go to VBS. Kathy the oldest team member keeps the energy at a very high level Jim is learning how to lead songs and does a great job. The kids praise God in VBS Keep your eyes on Jesus !

Josie keeps the kids busy doing craft projects.

Jordan, do you really know how to make Jacob's ladder ?

Every person has a pile of craft projects to take home.

Is this a visor or a bird beak ?

Jesus Understands My/ our uPs and downs (JUMP)

Extra curricular activities.

Christian love flowing to each other.

Even the Missionary / Pilot gets into the action.

Kingfisher & Big Beaver House July 12-16,2010

2010-07-13T22:29:00.020-05:00

Team members at Sioux Lookout for overnight stay before flying to Kingfisher Lake for a Vacation Bible School organized by the Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots (LAMP). For a second year, pastor-pilot Steve Dreher has asked us to blog our VBS activities in this community located almost 500 km north of Thunder Bay, Ontario. The VBS team this year is made up of five members: Hilli and Harry Huff, Kimmy Adie, my wife Sheilah and myself Andy Fletch. Kimmy flew in from Pelican Narrows, Saskatchewan and joined our team as we travelled through Thunder Bay on our way to Kingfisher Lake. The theme of our VBS this year is JUMP (Jesus Understands My uPs and downs). The topics for five days include: Jesus Cares; Jesus Gives Good Advice; Jesus Sends Help; Jesus Teaches Us to Trust and Jesus Keeps Us Close. Two programs are given each day – the morning at the Mission House in Kingfisher Lake and after a short drive and boat trip – an afternoon session is given at Big Beaver House camp where the Dr. William Winter School of Ministry is being held. Ashlee loves to color a story about Jesus! Joy is the Flag flown high from the Castle of my Heart! Kimmy in action with children. Goodbyes from the dock at Big Beaver House camp. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Before you say good-by, as the Missionary/Pilot I would like to add my part to this great Vacation Bible School that takes place in Kingfisher Lake and at the Big Beaver House Camp. Here are some action pictures I took while visiting Harry, Hille, Andy, Sheila , and Kimmie.

Sheila telling the story of the Good Samaritan Davin are you making trouble again?

Water balloon toss

Help from "Daddy Andy" Yahoo!! Hilli showing her leadership "Color My World" donated sixty hats. Thank you! Scooter introduces his friend to the children.

VBS in Sandy Lake, ON

2010-07-08T12:07:00.005-05:00

Sandy Lake is one of the larger fly-in community in Northwestern Ontario. This was a sad day in Sandy Lake. One of the teenage girls of this community took her own life and the wake was in process. Our VBS teachers have made themselves available to talk with and support those who are grieving. LAMP volunteers are more than just VBS teachers to the little children, they are ambassadors for Christ, ministers to God's people. As Christians we have God's promise of victory over death because of the life, death and resurrection of His son Jesus Christ. Isolated rain showers made my flight to Sandy Lake exceptionally beautiful.

The winter road in the summer.

Story time.

Everyone loves VBS

The theme for this year's VBS program.

Wow, is this a miracle?

Hugs and Kisses.

Joan is sharing the story of the Good Samaritan.

Major trouble !

Father Abraham had many sons and daughters.

Good buddies !

Great story, Pastor Chad.

Life is not always fun and games.

VBS 2010 starts in Big Trout Lake

2010-07-06T22:40:00.007-05:00

The VBS summer season is off to a great start. The first VBS team for the year in Northwestern Ontario is in the large community of Big Trout Lake. It was a beautiful day for traveling by air.

The Chief and council are happy to welcome all visitors to Big Trout Lake

Kids and dogs come to VBS

Teenagers don't want to miss out on the action.

We are kids of King Jesus

Good friends

Giving glory to God !

Personal care giving.

One of the happy cooks. Lake Trout was on the lunch menu.

The lost sheep was found.

One of the local helpers.

Puppets are easy to love !!

Beautifying the "Old Rugged Cross."

VBS is fun for everyone !

Wunnummin Lake, ON

2010-06-29T23:50:00.005-05:00

For five months I promised the VBS team going to Wunnummin Lake I would post some pictures of the community. Bad weather and other factors have made it very difficult for me. Yesterday, June 29 I finally made personal contact with the community. Hopefully these pictures will give this year's VBS team some idea about what to expect when they go north to teach this summer.

Greetings to Wunnummin Lake, ON

Wasaya commuter airline flies into Wunnummin Lake from Sioux Lookout, ON.

The Northern store is the mall of the north. This is were you will purchase any food and water for the week.

OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) office

There are nurses in the community who can be found in the Community Health Center.

Home sweet home for the week. The VBS team will stay in one of the teacher's houses owned by the tribal band.

The Anglican Church....a great place to worship and to conduct VBS

The church leaders said 35 or more kids will attend VBS

2010-06-29T23:39:00.006-05:00

Here are some pictures for the Sandy Lake VBS team showing them their boxes have arrived in Sandy Lake. Thank you Christine...you are awesome. Sidney Fiddler you should not be lifting heavy boxes. Sidney is recovering from heart surgery. OK now, here is the real worker. He is getting paid for lifting boxes.

Summer 2010 VBS Schedule

2010-06-01T11:46:00.013-05:00

I have been very busy in April / May making arrangements for this summer's Vacation Bible School. These preparations are made by personal visits, phone calls, and letters. Setting up Vacation Bible Schools in isolated communities in northern Canada is interesting and sometimes very frustrating. What seems to be an easy task is often complicated by the many scheduling dynamics i both the southern and northern cultures. Each year our summer VBS program falls into place, which is nothing short of a yearly miracle. However, it is a privilege to see the hand of God at work in some of the last minute arrangements.

I have fifteen Vacation Bible Schools scheduled this year in my ministry area. This winter three community leaders of Wunnummin Lake, ON invited LAMP to bring a VBS team to their community. We were able to meet this request which has opened for us one more village we now serve in sharing the Gospel of Jesus to the children of the north. Check out my summer VBS Schedule: July 5-9 Big Trout Lake, ON Sachigo Lake, ON Sandy Lake, ON July 12-16 Kingfisher Lake, ON Wunnummin Lake, ON July 19-23 Red Sucker Lake, MB Little Grand Rapids, MB Round Lake, ON Bearskin Lake, ON July 26-30 Shamattawa, MB Berens River, MB August 2-6 Cross Lake, MB August 9-13 Muskrat Dam, ON Fisher River, MB Fort Servern, ON

Last year LAMP shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ to over fifty northern Canadian communities. Five hundred volunteers from southern churches went north to teach reaching over five thousand children with the message of Jesus Christ. This year's VBS curriculum is entitled JUMP (Jesus Understands my Ups and Downs). Keep checking my blog this summer. I will be reporting each community's VBS activities through pictures.

LAMP also serves many other communities in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. We have an unbelievable schedule of Vacation Bible Schools and SportCamps.

So Where Do These Volunteers Come From Who Teach VBS In The North ? It amazes me how LAMP is able to connect people from all over the US and Canada to do ministry among the First Nations people of northern Canada. This year in my ministry area individuals are coming great distances to teach VBS in remote isolated communities. Check this out !! Where the teams are from --- Where they are teaching VBS: Minneapolis, MN -- Red Sucker Lake, Manitoba Kitchner, ON-------- Little Grand Rapids, Manitoba Kanata, ON ---------- Berens River, Manitoba Fergus Falls, MN --- Shamattawa, Manitoba Billings, MT ---------- Cross Lake, Manitoba California ------------ Fisher River, Manitoba Omaha, NE ---------- Big Trout Lake, ON Lodi, WI -------------- Sandy Lake, ON Owen Sound, ON --- Kingfisher Lake, ON Salida, CO ------------ Wunnimmun Lake, ON Portage, WI -----------Bearskin Lake, ON Sandusky, MI ---------Fort Severn Dunnville, ON --------Muskrat Dam, ON Carleton Place, ON ------Round Lake, ON Thank you VBS teams. We couldn't do our ministry without you. You make it possible to reach the ends of the earth with the Gosple of Jesus Christ. Blessings to you all this summer.

May Devotion

2010-04-30T22:01:00.006-05:00

God's Word: Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the loss sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, "Rejoice with me, I have found my lost sheep." Devotional Thought: It was minus thirty-five degrees in Kingfisher Lake this February. I had just taught a class on the difference between the law and the gospel to a group of future native church workers. The next scheduled hour was with a local Elder. I decided to take a walk to get some fresh air. So I put on my parka, boots, toque and headed for the outside door. . I heard some giggling from the back of the room. In the far corner were some women, one who very comfortably called out to me, "Steve, is that the same hat?" The answer was yes, it is the same hat we all remember back in 1996. A stocking hat is not a common sight in the far north. A real man wears a moose skin trooper's hat with beaver fur on the front and lining the ear flaps. While attending a youth camp in Wunnummin Lake, ON in 1996, my newly purchased toque attracted much laughter and ridicule. The Eddie Bauer special was the joke of my good friends in the north. It got pulled over my eyes, passed around, and stuffed in various pockets. All in great fun and jovial fellowship, my hat took its licks until it was really missing. No one knew where it was. Even though I said it was no big deal, I missed my head warmer and continued to look for it, tracing my steps from the night before. To my surprise, there it was! Lying directly in front of the Community Hall steps, the white rag wool hat was barely visible under the murky ice that coated the large gooey mud puddle. Doing what no person in all the north would do, I reached down and rescued my hat, inviting all my friends to come and rejoice with me. I had found my toque. It was lost and now it was found. Returning home, I discovered a little love, soap and water restored my hat to an acceptable shape and color for wearing in public. Looking at it today, no one would ever realize that it was left for lost along the path of destruction. We have a God who searches for His creatures who become lost in the mud of self-love and pride. Because the mud is so much a part of our nature and it is woven into the very fabric of our human nature, we are unable to cleanse ourselves and to make ourselves acceptable to God. However, out of His great love for us, He found us, carried us home, and cleansed us with the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son. As forgiven people of God, we rejoice and give thanks that we have life in the family of God. What a comfort it is to know that our God has come to walk among us "to seek and to save that which was lost (Lk 19:10)." " We were dead and are alive again, lost and now found." (Lk 15). Prayer:

Thank you Lord for coming to me every day with your love, kindness and forgiveness. Help me to better appreciate what it means to have been lost, found, and now cleansed by the blood of Jesus. In your name we pray, Amen.

April Devotion:

2010-03-31T17:19:00.006-05:00

God's Word: "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you." Heb. 13:5 (NASB) Devotional Thought: "Hey my friend, I am coming up to your area in May. Are you going to be around?" The facebook reply quickly came back, "The pillar of the community is always around. Bring your fishing rod." My friends in the north have a great sense of humor. Fishing most likely will not take place on my visit, but we will have a great discussion about our relationship with our God. This "pillar of the community" knows what it is like to ask God, "Are you going to be around?" A few years ago he was by himself on a snowmobile ten miles away from home. Suddenly the ice broke, sending his skidoo twenty five feet to the lake's bottom. Somehow he was able to swim his way through the ice to the shore, start a fire, get thawed out and wait for someone to come and look for him. God's reply to him was, "The Pillar of the community is always around."

How many times do we find ourselves asking, "Hey God, are you going to be around? I need to talk. I need your help. I need your forgiveness. I need your understanding." Easter is a time when God has shown His commitment to never leave or forsake us. The blood-stanined cross and the empty tomb reveal God's action of love, forgiveness, and His constant presence in our lives. It makes no difference what need we have for God in our lives. His reply sounds something like this, "The Pillar of the Community is always around. 'I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.'" Heb. 13:5 (NASB). Prayer: Thank you God for being "The Pillar" of our community. May we always embrace your forgiving omnipresence through the resurrection of your son Jesus Christ.

March Devotion:

2010-03-02T15:30:00.012-06:00

God's Word: "Come to Me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light." Matt. 11:28:30 NASB. Devotional Thought: "I am not welcomed in my home community. I used to be a bootlegger and the chief and council did not like what I was doing to my own people." My new friend has been walking with Christ for eight years now and he continues to feel the weight of his sin. He hasn't touched a drop of alcohol since God called him out of darkness into the marvelous light of Christ. However, he is certain everyone he sees from his community is shunning him. In Biblical terms, this sinner can relate to David of the Bible, "My sin is ever before me." There are some remarkably creative skills and ideas that make a bootlegger successful. My friend was good at his trade. He was never convicted, only rightfully suspected. As we developed our relationship, I discovered this young man was incredibly intelligent and creative. He is a risk taker, an entrepreneur, and filled with energy to strike out to take a chance. Needless to say, I was impressed. However, because the sin of his past weighs him down, he has been very reluctant to move forward in his life. He feels the whole world knows his past and will never again give him a second chance. I turned to him one evening , called him by name, and said, "My friend, you are a very smart man. You have shown you are intelligent and creative. In fact, you have been very successful. Unfortunately, your success has not had legal approval. If you want, you can be successful again, you just need to apply yourself in a wholesome direction." Shocked by my comment he responded with, "Wow, no one has ever told me these things, thanks." In our relationship with God, we often feel the weight of our past sins. Our "big sins" sometimes fade very slowly causing us depression, feelings of rejection, shunning by our peers, ill feelings toward the church and those who fill the pews. and unfortunately, we are not drawn closer to God, but driven further away. In the midst of our confusion, running as far away from the church as our feet will take us, we sometimes bump into Jesus outside of the four walls of the religious buildings. The voice of Jesus, in a soft compassionate tone, calls to us and says, "Come to Me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light." In other words, in God's grace through Christ we have forgiveness and newness of life though the life, death and resurrection of our Savior. "Wow...thanks." Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for your gentle and humble heart, giving us rest for our souls. Amen.

Help -- Guitars Wanted

2010-02-24T09:23:00.004-06:00

"I am not sure why I am telling you this." The chief of the very remote community of Kingfisher Lake, ON has a problem. It is an honor that he considers I might be part of the solution to his quandary. The youth of his community have become consumed with sitting in front of a computer screen pushing little buttons as they control the virtual world of war games. "We need to do something to help these kids get a life." This insightful chief has identified an interest that he shares with the youth in his community. They both love music. He is hopeful. If "we could get some guitars in the hands of these youth" maybe they will experience and understand there is something more important than video games. There is a parallel story to this request. I spent a week with a new friend from another remote fly-in village in Canada. He has a personal history which is rather colorful and has tarnished his reputation in a number of remote communities. Over the last eight years, he has repented of his past sins, and God, in Jesus Christ, has become a very real force in his life. He has changed his behavior, and now seeks to be forgiven, reconciled, and restored with his people. He continues to study the scriptures (I met him at a two week Christian retreat), desires to serve his Lord, and waits on God's direction in his life. "One thing I have learned," my friend tells me. "It is important to be patient and wait for the leading of God." This young man is a great guitar player. In his "former life" he played his guitar, sang and entertained young people across the north with his music. He tells me he would like to do ministry of some type, but is unsure what God has in mind for him. He now writes and sings Christian music. One evening while I was hunkered down watching the Olympics, my friend asked if we could pray over a score he just wrote. I walked away from the opening Olympic ceremony, to a nearby room. He played and sang, I listened, we talked, and then we joined together in prayer asking God's blessing on his new work. I believe it is possible to join these two paths together. My new friend was excited about the possibility of using his musical gift and his zeal in Christ to help the kids of Kingfisher Lake. Aisha deBruyn, a fellow staff member at the LAMP Edmonton office, has agreed to help me answer the request of the chief in Kingfisher Lake. We are working together to acquire a small fleet of guitars with the plan of flying them north this summer. If you are interested, please contact Aisha on our toll free number 1-800-307-4036.

School of Ministry in Kingfisher Lake, ON

2010-02-22T08:22:00.013-06:00

"I feel filled up" Stewart said before leaving early on Thursday. This young native man had just completed two weeks of intensive study in God's Word.

I was invited to the isolated fly-in community of Kingfisher Lake, Ontario. The local Christian leadership hosted a school for any individual looking for Christian growth, study of God's Word, Christian retreat and possibly training to become a leader in his/her home village.

Men and women came from the isolated Ontario communities of Kingfisher Lake, Webequie, Wunnummin Lake and Long Dog to hear lectures on Genesis and Exodus.

An Elder, in traditional fashion, sat down with the students and expounded on the practical application of the Scriptures to his life.

A young local woman taught the sounds and punctuations associated with the syllabics assigned to their first language of Oji-cree (a mix of Ojibwa and Cree). We prayed, studied, worshiped, made melodies, and shared the joys and pains of life together.

I was asked to teach twenty hours of "Introduction to Preaching." I directed most of my time to a clear understanding of the Law and Gospel. Students in these isolated communities are extremely shy and very seldom, out of respect for their teacher, ask questions. Traditional learning takes the form of watching and listening, always giving the highest respect to one's elders. At times, I wondered if anyone understood anything of what I was saying. The room was always very quiet and eyes were often turned down toward the notes these young students were so vigorously copying from the black board.

It was a Wednesday morning, at breakfast, when I received some great feedback on my teaching. Fruit, vegetables, and fruit juices are extremely expensive foods to fly into these villages. It is understandable why one very seldom has these items offered at any meal. However, there it was, a bottle of orange juice! My enthusiasm over this greatly missed breakfast drink must have been obvious. One student whose voice I hadn't heard in four days very softly remarked, "That is Gospel," meaning the orange juice was clearly a gift and grace of God.

Our time together ended in a healing service. It was somewhat formal. I was asked to preach. A guitar and keyboard were used as tools of music. The songs were sung in the traditional Oji-cree "twang" known throughout the north. The climax of the service came when the Christian leaders of Kingfisher Lake invited anyone in need of prayer and blessing to come forward for the "laying on of hands." It was beautiful. We spent this time together in song, prayer, tears, hand shakes, and hugs asking for the power of God to move into the hurting areas of our lives. Everyone came forward. Time was of no essence.

In the darkness of the cold winter days, it was clear for these two weeks in February that the light of Jesus shines in the hearts of my friends living in the isolation of the Canadian north.

Prayer Flight over Winnipeg

2010-02-18T17:39:00.005-06:00

At 1000 feet in the air above the host congregation, we prayed for the success of the Manitoba Mission Festival held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, February 5-7, 2010.

"God, bless the efforts of all the mission groups gathered together this weekend at Grant Memorial Church below us, as they seek to proclaim the message of grace and forgiveness to our hurting and hopeless world."

This was one of the prayers offered to God while flying over Grant Memorial Church in LAMP's red Piper Lance. This 2:00 pm "Prayer Flight" was LAMP's way of supporting the mission groups in Manitoba gathered together to embrace each concerted effort within the Christian church, reaching out with the healing Gospel of Jesus Christ. Each mission organization presented its ministry with displays for all to examine, providing information and answering questions. Each day until 10:00 pm opportunities for worship, song, entertainment, and fellowship were offered for Christians in the Winnipeg area.

This is the second "Prayer Flight" LAMP has offered to the gathering of mission-minded Christians. LAMP is a flying ministry to the native people living in isolated Canadian communities, but we also feel we have a unique ministry to offer the Church at large. "Prayer Flights" are just one expression of our support to the "Church" active in God's mission.

February Devotion:

2010-02-02T14:10:00.006-06:00

God's Word: "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus Himself said: "It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Acts 20:35 (NIV) Devotional Thought: "Do you have any more of those quilts you gave us last summer?" The Christian leader of Sachigo Lake, ON enthusiastically reported the quilts I gave him on my previous visit resulted in double blessing. It was my hope when I delivered these twenty hand made blankets that they would be given to those in the community who were in need of winter warmth. However, my intended blessing was multiplied when the tribal ban council bought the bundle of quilts from my friend. This unexpected purchase supplied money to the local church for ministry programs. The band council then turned around and distributed the quilts free of charge to the elderly needing blankets. What happens to those blankets and quilts sent to the native people living in the isolated communities? I have seen them hanging up as doors in outhouses, lying on floors as rugs, wrapped around infants for comfort, and even used as blankets on beds. I know it is the prayer of those who cut, stitch, fill and sew these quilts that they are used in whatever fashion is most needed by the receiver. In the case of Sachigo Lake, the quilts actually resulted in quadruple blessings. the first blessing was in the hands that made and gave the gifts with Christian intent. Second was the blessing the tribal council received in giving money to support the small fellowship of believers. The third blessing came when the money earned by the church was given to help a family with medical needs. And the forth blessing came as the Chief and council gave the quilts to those in need. We have a God who has taught us about the blessing of giving. There is much reward in giving to each other the things of this world. However spiritually, we have received life and forgiveness through the giving of the body and blood of Jesus. Although we have much joy in this gift of eternal life, the greatest blessing is in reaching out, like our God, with forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration to those who are lost in the pain of sin. As Christians who have received the grace of God, we seek to be about the work of our heavenly Father, offering the bread of life and giving the living water to those who hunger and thirst. As Christians, it is much better to give than it is to receive. Prayer: Lord, forgive us for seeking those things that give us our creature comforts. Empower us with you gift of grace and mercy to reach out with your love, forgiveness, reconciliation and restoration. In the name of our giving God, Amen.

January Devotion:

2010-01-12T15:53:00.008-06:00

God's Word: "Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy." II Tim. 1:2-4 Devotional Thought: "The founding mother" of the Happy Quilters was in the hospital. The last time I visited with her was eighteen years ago when she was a younger, healthy woman. Last week I was in the Ottawa Valley in Canada sharing the ministry of LAMP with a church who has supported LAMP for over 20 years. The ladies quilting group has been very generous in making quilts for me to give to the people of the north. The Happy Quilters have been hand stitching quilts for over 20 years, sending them to Red Lake, Ontario so I can give them as gifts of warmth. Together the Happy Quilters and I have agreed these quilts symbolize the warm gift of God's grace and forgiveness purchased for us in Jesus Christ. Unfortunately for both of us, while I was visiting and telling the LAMP story to Ronnie's home church, she was in a hospital bed recovering from a fall. I could not leave the area without seeing this dedicated Christian woman. My visit with Ronnie ended with a prayer and her saying to me with tears in her eyes, "You have no idea how much this means to me." To this I responded with, "Yes I do, that is why I am here." Together,that afternoon we embraced 20 years of joint ministry; a ministry that separated us by hundreds of miles, with only two face-to-face visits, many phone calls and letters, and yet a common purpose to share the love and warmth of the Gospel message to the First Nations people living on isolated Canadian Indian reserves. The work I do as a missionary is connected to the body of Christ. I am constantly reminded I am not alone. I have Christian brothers and sisters who join with me so together we can fulfill our Lord's great commission to go into all the world, making disciples, baptizing and teaching so all can know God's peace in the forgiveness of sins purchased for us by Jesus' death and resurrection. I can relate to the words of Paul when he writes to Timothy in chapter 1 verse 4 of his second epistle, "I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I my be filled with joy." It is a joy to be in ministry with those who empower the work to be accomplished. Prayer: It is a great privilege, Lord to be in ministry together with all the Saints. Grant us your Holy Spirit to stay focused,to empower, to encourage, to support and to accomplish your good and perfect will. In Jesus' name. Amen

VBS in Grandmother's Bay, Saskatchewan

2009-12-28T16:08:00.013-06:00

I just received this VBS summary from a LAMP team that went north to teach. I thought it would be interesting for my blog watchers to hear first hand what VBS team member are saying about their summer experiences. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Grandmother's Bay (GMB) is a Cree village set on beautiful Otter Lake about 60 miles north of La Ronge, Saskatchewan Canada. Across the lake is Thompson's Camp at Missinipee where fishermen spend thousands of dollars to fish Otter Lake or to fly out on float planes to other remote lakes, a good example of the contrast in lifestyles from one side of the lake to the other. Small homes are provided and set in loops heading out in different directions. Many sit right on the shores of Otter Lake. The Cree Tribal Band governs the village where there is a zero tolerance for use of alcohol and use of drugs, however, alcohol and drug abuse does still exist and continues to be a problem. Leon Charles is the Tribal Council leader. Leon attended Vacation Bible School with our predecessors from LAMP, Grandma Lou, Fran, and Dorothy during the late 1990s. It was Leon who invited the return of the "Grandma's" now, Lorna, Jan, and Kathleen to teach the children. LAMP assigned Kathleen Tobertson, form Edmonton, Alberta as the third Grandma, and it was a good decision as all three of us were definitely needed. We felt we were a well-matched team.

In the summer, the children roam about the village from the time they get up until dark, not unlike children in the small towns in our generation - before computers.

While we were there in August it was beginning to get dark around 9:00, and there had been recent bear sightings near the school ground, so the children were supposed to be inside before dark. This does not necessarily mean they go home. They may go to their Auntie's or there Kohkum's (Cree for Grandmother) or somewhere else. There appears to be little parental guidance. It is as if these children are "every one's children and no one's children." They seem to be related to each other in one way or another. However, they do not necessarily live with their brothers or sisters, although many had the same last names. The small community received us well. About eight children were at the school when we arrived on Sunday afternoon. They all gathered around us, helped us unload the car, and hung out in and out of the car. Later we drove over to the community store and Tribal Band office and then drove around the village, knocking on doors and telling people we were having Bible School at the school. On the Monday following our arrival, a woman name Martha brought us a gift of four Walleye (Pickerel) fillets, which she had caught and cleaned. We ate well !!! Our accommodations were much better than expected. We stayed and taught in the school. We had use of the kitchen, girl's washroom and shower, a classroom for sleeping, the gym, and the large Kindergarten room for lessons. Robert was the night watchman and was generally in or around the school from 6 pm to 2 am.

The children who attended our VBS totalled 55, and ranged in age from 3-12 years. They were generally quiet yet friendly at first. They were always tired and quiet for the first half hour in the morning, preferring to color. They love to color. All the children are beautiful with a sweet side as well as a ready to fight scrapper side. They are not one bit shy about their need for attention, snacks, juice, love, and anything else we were offering. They love to make crafts but rarely care about taking home what they have made. They like songs, games in the gym, and very short stories. Their attention span is very sort. Most of the children already are familiar with Jesus and many offered their concerns up for prayer. Their concerns helped us to understand their sad eyes, quickness to anger, and their longing for attention, love, and something to fill the presumed void. Some of their prayer concerns included trouble with their breathing, physical abuse, neglect, and mean treatment by adults. We also found that when children get hurt, they do not even consider a doctor's care. Instead they came to us for help. The older children (age 8+) take care of the younger children. A nine year old girl seems to be older than her years but will act out like a child. Some of the children expressed fear of monsters and medicine men.

Still they are great fun and like to have fun. We sincerely love all these children and we thank God we were appointed to visit them if for only a week each summer Even though we thought we were volunteering, we believe we are appointed by God to bring faith and hope to these children and this community. As Grandma Fran had said to us, "We are sent to plant the seed and God will do the rest." We are committed to maintaining a connection to the children in GMB throughout the coming year and to pray continuously for them. We look forward to our next visit to see how the children are and how they have grown. LAMP is a good organization doing a good work. It is LAMP's positive efforts over the years, that has cleared the way for us to "pop-in" to these remote native villages and to be warmly received to share God's word. We believe it is God that places us where he wants us to serve and we thank our home congregation for the tremendous support and prayers offered for our mission. Thanks be to God, The "New" Grandmothers

December Devotion

2009-12-10T10:58:00.030-06:00

God's Word: "His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6(NASB) Devotional Thought: "She came to us because her father was afraid." My good friend and Christian brother, Meryl and his wife, were asked by Absalom to help him care for his daughter Jessie. Absalom's fear was that in the imminent days ahead, Jessie would take her life. When she was asked about her future as an adult, Jessie's shocking response was, "I have never thought I would be an adult." Jessie's small fly-in home community has one of the highest rates of teen suicide in all of northern Canada. Teen suicide is the leading cause of death among First Nations People between the ages of 10-24, making suicide of Canadian aboriginal youth 5-6 times higher than that of non-aboriginal youth. Is there hope for these youth? Jessie went back to her community for a friend's funeral. When she left, Meryl was uncertain if she would come back to her "foster" home with his family in Red Lake, Ontario. Jessie spent one month in her small native fly-in reserve, continuing in her familiar life-style of playing with death. Absalom intervened for a second time. He brought his daughter back to his trusted friend in Red Lake. She agreed to give life a chance, to continue in the life directed by her father away from the influence of her friends. This is a story about the love of a father, the love of an Ojibwa man who wants the very best for his "little girl." Christmas is also a story of a father who has love for his children. The first Christmas was God's gift to his children living in a "lifeless" world. As inhabitants of this world, we did not choose life, rather it was God who chose life for us. While we were yet unwilling and still in our sin. God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, into our world. This baby was the very life of God who was given over to death for the sake of our forgiveness and spiritual life. Like Jessie, we are privileged to have a Heavenly Father who cares enough to make it possible for us to know life with hope and a future. We celebrate God's gift of life given to us in Christmas. May our God continue to reach out with his gift so all may know the Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Prayer: In thanksgiving, our Heavenly Father, we rejoice in the gift of life given to us in your Son, Jesus Chrsit. Continue to touch us, and those like Jessie, with your Holy Spirit so we can experience a life with hope and a future. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Current Status on 337LC

2009-11-19T17:21:00.008-06:00

I have had many inquiries about the status of LAMP's Cessna 337. As some of you may know 337LC (337 Lutheran Church) is in the "shop" for major overhaul. The mechanics at Mission Maintenance Service (MMS) in Coshocton, Ohio tell me the airplane might be ready by early summer 2010. By the pictures you can tell there is much to be done by that time.

Not only are the two engines being rebuilt, but the gas tanks have been removed for repair as well.

By the time MMS is finished with 337LC it should nearly be a new airplane.

Estimated costs for the repair, overhaul work, paint, and a new GPS on LAMP's Cessna 337 are about $80,000. Thanks to the ministry of MMS we are only asked to supply costs for the materials. MMS offers labor expenses as their donation to mission organizations like LAMP who use airplanes to reach isolated people around the world. This is just another example of the body of Christ using individual gifts and working together for the proclamation of God's grace in Jesus Christ.

If you are willing to help get LAMP's Cessna 337 back into the ministry, I personally would appreciate your donation. Flying over the vast Canadian bush is somewhat dangerous in a single engine airplane (there just aren't many places to land in an emergency).

Currently I am flying a single engine Piper Lance to reach the villages of the North .

Although CG-CSS is a very mechanically sound airplane, I sometimes wonder....What if?....It wouldn't be my first "glider" experience. However, I am not looking forward to another. It is my goal to be as safe as possible when traveling over the wild northern bush country.

November Devotion

2009-11-05T13:18:00.007-06:00

God's Word: To Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I many be filled with joy." II Tim. 1:2-4 NASB Devotional Thought: Rick Watson shared these thoughts with me after viewing my pictures of Pikwitonei, Manitoba: My father (Nick Watson) and I used to go up to Pikwitonei from Thompson every few months or so back in, I am guessing a little here, the early 70's? He was a layreader from the Anglican Chruch and he used to give services in the church shown in your pictures.

I was around 10 at the time and when we would go there I would ring the bell (it worked!!!) before the services as well as goof around on the organ shown in the picture (it is an oooold pump style if I recall)....as well in the summer months I would spend an hour killing all of the houseflies in the church.

Whenever we arrived (Friday nights) we would be greeted by one of the locals who would give us all the food we needed for the weekend...we stayed in a small house attached to the church. On Saturdays he would go visit a very old blind lady (last name Moose...cannnot remember the first name) and read to her. Afterward, without fail, she would reach under her mattress and pull out a sock with what I am sure was her life savings and give him a donation for the church.

Thanks for the great memories!! Rick Watson

Rick reports his father is now seventy eight and that "he will be quite happy to hear that the town still lives on!!!" It is my guess that Rick's memories are not only being shared in this reminiscaence of Pikwitonei but also prayers are being offered to our God on behalf of the people living in this small (less than 100 individuals) isloated community.

The people in the romote northern parts of Canada have been discribed as the "forgotten people" of the world. Although isolated, it is clear from the ministry of LAMP and Rick's father, these people are not totally forgotten.

We all have memories of places, events and individuals that cause us to be filled with joy even though we might be looking through tears. Like St. Paul writing to Timothy, it is our desire to extend "Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord" to those who have touched our lives with special memories. We may be absent from each other but our friends are not forgotten

Prayer:

In prayer we lift up to you, our Heavenly Father, those who are special in our memories. Grant to them your grace, mercy and peace that passes all understanding through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

The Canadian North in October

2009-10-31T15:14:00.010-05:00

Should I put the wing covers and engine tent on the airplane? I looked around the tarmac, half of the airplanes were buttoned up in winter garb. I figured it was worth the effort to protect LAMP's Piper Lance from the evening frost than wishing the next morning I had taken the time to cover the airplane.

I spent some time during the end of October flying to the communities that hosted VBS this summer. All northern evaluations were very positive and our VBS teams are invited to came back next year. In Sachigo Lake, Ontario the VBS teachers have been invited to participate next July in the local family camp. It is an honor to be asked to camp-out in the bush with the families of the community. This experience will include traditional living, a very relaxed atmospere, and traditional food of moose, caribou, and fresh fish. I was introduced to a great young Christian couple in Cross Lake, Manitoba. They have in their home a mobile made of 27 plastic hearts with the names of last summer's VBS teachers printed on each red heart. Dion and Zelina told us, "We pray for these people every day." Yikes, who is doing the ministry? There is a mutual ministry commitment between our VBS teams and the individuals of these northern villages. On my way back to Winnipeg, I had in my pocket a list of names. My friends had asked me to drop in on their loved ones living in Winnipeg. One visit took me to Saint Boniface Hospital to see a mother in the intensive care unit recovering from heart surgery. Another requested visit was to make contact with a daughter lost in the drug culture. As it turned out the weather was beautiful and the wing covers were not necessary. I wonder if I will be able to say the same in February?

Monthly Devotion

2009-10-05T17:29:00.004-05:00

God’s Word: “For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; and whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s shall save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?” Mark 8: 35-36 NASB. Devotional thought: “Chicago against Bearskin Lake,” yelled the youth counselor. Fifteen high school kids from the USA lined up in front of the western goal post. About one hundred native kids ages 5-12, living in an isolated Canadian village, swarmed around the field’s eastern goal. The children from Bearskin Lake went wild with the idea of totally “hammering” these friends from the south. One of the Chicago youth whined to his youth leader, complaining they would never win because there are so many of “them.” With wisdom in her voice, the team leader shouted back, “It’s not about winning.” The idea of achieving the “King of the Mountain” seems to run through our veins. We want to win, to be the best, to “be all you can be,” climb the highest mountain, cross the largest ocean, and some day become the leader of a great country. Achievements are wonderful. How could anyone say, “It’s not about winning?” Sometimes winning can make us losers. If the Chicago VBS team would have won their game, the Bearskin children would have been disappointed. However, the reverse is also true. Losing may be the best possible way to create a winning situation for all involved. Could it be this youth leader understood losing may just result in everyone becoming winners? Jesus demonstrated this concept of servant leadership (losing so all can be winners) with his life and death. He allowed Himself to suffer defeat, death on the cross, so that we might be the ultimate winners. Jesus understood it was about losing His perfect life to make it possible for us to be the winners of God’s forgiveness. There are times when we may be misdirected in our striving to be the “best of the best,” guided by our selfish dreams of winning. We have in our God the greatest example of, “It’s not about winning.” Sometimes losing creates the greatest winners. Prayer: We give thanks to you, our God, for allowing us to be the winners. Thank you for the loss of Jesus’ blood that now cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

Vacation Bible School 2009 Reflections

2009-09-06T15:47:00.025-05:00

It took months of phone calls, letter writing, and personal visits on both VBS teams and the northern community leaders to set up this past summer’s Vacation Bible School. Everything seemed to be going very smoothly until the Winnipeg Press published and article about the H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus. It was reported that Island Lake, MB had confirmed cases of the flu. However, it was what followed that scared the “bejeebers” out of the northern people. It was believed that this H1N1 virus was the same strain that killed many native people in the 1800s and that native people were once again in danger. One friend e-mailed me saying, “Hi Steve, we are swined here…and school has been cancelled since last Wednesday and all this week…people are sick!" I received phone calls from the north either cancelling VBS or suggesting our VBS teams not come north this summer. 100% of our teachers said they didn’t care about the scare and were coming to teach as planned. Sanitary Hand Gel became the new northern craze. As it turned out, only one fly-in community cancelled VBS this summer. Over 500 individuals from the USA and Canada volunteered to teach, conduct sport camps, or work in supporting roles to make LAMP’s summer program a great success. WOW !!!! Our southern churches are in ministry. I am proud to be a part of an organization that helps Christians get their “hands dirty” in mission ministry. The number of children touched this year with the Gospel has not yet been tabulated. My guess is somewhere around 5000.

“Do we make a difference?” is a question I often hear. A 12 year old girl asked one of our returning VBS teachers if she remembered the “Jesus Loves You” poster they made the year before. Well, that poster now hangs over her baby sister’s crib. One of our goals in LAMP is to inspire the local people to reach out to their children through a Sunday School program. This year in my ministry area, two local ladies requested help and materials to begin a Sunday school program in their communities.

Many of our VBS teams had a “Prayer Box” available for the kids to request prayers. Although I feel the need to keep these prayer requests private I can assure you there was phenomenal ministry that happened around these boxes. Many of these requests will put tears in your eyes.

One little boy was acting as if he was sent from the lower spiritual region of the cosmos. The VBS teachers were just about ready to throw in the towel when this youngster slipped, fell, hurt his side and began to cry out of control. The love and hugs of one of LAMP’s VBS teaches became a place of safety and healing. For 20 minutes he sat on this stranger's lap, soothed by the attention he was receiving.

The cultural exchange is one of the most remarkable experiences that goes on when LAMP sends VBS teachers north to fly-in communities. There are questions, curiosities, and new discoveries that are shared in both directions. “What is your house like in Chicago?” “Is your hair real?” “What is it like in the bush?” “Wow, you have a lot of stars.”

Although Vacation Bible School lasts only one week, the children in these communities remember the teachers, look forward to the summer activities, and experience the love of Jesus in the hands of caring Christians. The answer to the question, “Do we make a difference?” is undeniably YES. What follows are some pictures that highlight this summer’s activities which took place in fly-in communities (two drive-in communities) in northwestern Ontario and Manitoba.

Wisconsin meets Fisher River, MB

2009-08-21T08:08:00.017-05:00

Fisher River is a community located between Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba. This community is very different from the many villages I have been working with in Ontario. There is an all weather road which connects Fisher River to the cities in the south. LAMP has been invited by the United Church for may years to help them proclaim the Gospel to the children of their community.

United church

The community Band Shell.

Drawing each child's hand

A "hand" quilt in the making

A little "Monster"

Good buddies

A pile of work

Precise work

Snack time

Thank you Janet for making VBS possible in Fisher River

Sherman hard at work

Finishing touches

VBS in Sandy Lake, ON

2009-08-14T08:51:00.013-05:00

Sandy Lake is one of the largest fly-in communities in Northwestern Ontario with a population over 3000. The Catholic, United and Mennonite churches are the three major denominations represented in this community. The LAMP VBS team has been invited by the United and Catholic Churches to help proclaim the Gospel in Sandy Lake. It is a very busy schedule for this team....three hours in the morning at the Catholic church and three hours in the afternoon at the United church. Like most of our VBS teams they also hold an evening youth/teen program. Awesome !!!

Lifting High the Cross of Christ in Sandy Lake

The kids love listening to Bible stories.

A fun craft to help us remember for whom we are to pray.

"Hey, that's my camera."

Everyone loves a little help once in a while."

"This is the day that the Lord has made."

Jesus loves the little children, all God's children of the world .....

Simon says, "get close to everyone."

The "cat" looking for the mouse.

Cool hair.....

Here is the "mouse."

Thank God for the energy of our young people.

Bearskin Lake, ON excited about VBS

2009-08-14T07:31:00.013-05:00

Bearskin Lake is a small community of about 400 individuals. For over 20 years, LAMP has been invited to teach VBS to the children of this community. We are fortunate to have dedicated VBS teachers like those you will see in these pictures. As we began to share stories of past years (going back 17 years), we discovered it would take a few hours to tell all our experiences. What great fun! In any language, Jesus is our victor over death.

Hard at work

Great craft work !!

"Are you sure you know what you are talking about?"

Dealing with issues in the corner

A sad accident story.

You can't help but love these children of God.

"Bubble time"

A ball is always a lot of fun.

Sticker Mania

There are some amazing prayer request. "Lord hear our prayer."

Vacation Bible School in Muskrat Dam, ON

2009-08-11T19:00:00.023-05:00

Muskrat Dam is a great community in the romote area of Ontario. The community built Anglican church is one of the prides of this village. For many years LAMP has been invited in this community to share our love of Jesus Christ through our VBS volunteer teachers. Muskrat Dam from the air. The church is at the end of the road (the little green dot).

Lifting the name of the Lord on high

Pelican Pete teaches the lesson on prayer

Some of the children actually listen to the Gospel message.

" I like the puppets the best."

John George is having fun !!

Nothing is going to stop Stephanie from finishing her project.

What was the lesson Pelican Pete told us today?

A remnant from the past.....

Passing the water balloon.

This is a fun game !!!!!

Just plain "cute."

"Watch out !!!!"

After a day of teaching the VBS lesson two times in this day the team walks back to their home base to get ready for the next day. Yahoo !!!