In a Fog? Walk By Faith
Lacy tendrils floating lazily, subtly along. Clammy spidery fingers reaching forward, engulfing everything in their path. Then entombed by life's circumstances, we sit, unable to see or feel the sun's warmth.
There is an eerieness about fog that is missing with other weather. You feel boxed in and alone, yet there is a fear of the unknown, that which cannot be seen, sounds reach out to you, their location and nearness as much a mystery to you as your present location. Everything that happens lends itself to the instability and loneliness of the moment.
Newly married, we lived in a place of rugged beauty overlooking the Bay of Fundy. Yet some mornings as we stood looking out the living room window, grey fog blanketed the whole area. Fog so thick that the edge of the porch was barely visible.
On those mornings unless a trip was necessary you stayed home. At other times though, duty called and the crawl into town would begin. We would slowly creep up the mountain, sensing the desolation, yet conscious of the unseen dangers. Finally we would reach the peak. Before us the dew washed trees would sparkle in the bright sunlight. No more insecurity, desolation or poor vision. The chosen path lay clear before us.
Sometimes our walk with the Creator of the fog and sunlight mirrors these forces of nature. We find ourselves confused in the fog. Time and distance lose perspective, as all around us is this thick heaviness. We struggle through the uphill climb hoping we do not make a misstep, certain that 'I' am the only one struggling through the murkiness.
Everything we hear is distorted, and everything we see is hazy and unrealistic at best. Yet we keep trudging on, plodding up the hill.
Finally, we reach the mountaintop and realize that God has already been there and washed everything clean. Our vision is so much clearer. Our appreciation of God's handiwork is so much greater. We realize that God was with us in the fog, ever leading upwards, picking us up if we stumbled and finally bringing us into the sunlight. The fog is not sin but uncertainty, knowing that God is in control and yet being uncertain of where He is leading us. When we are in the fog, the only way to walk is by faith and not by sight. We need to let the Lord be our light and hang tightly to His hand so that he can lead us up out of the fog.
Hang On! The Ride Ain't Over 'Til It's Over
It sure is a blessing to know that even what we cannot see ever takes God by surprise. Even when the fog surrounds us, He has a clear view.
May has only just arrived and already this year has been packed full.
In February, we travelled north to Moosonee and Moose Factory. We were privileged to be able to minister in both adult and children's services. While there, we were thrilled to see over 80 children respond to the call for salvation. We also experienced the Moose River ice road between the two communities. God had orchestrated our entire tour.
The whole trip was put together within one week of it actually taking place. The Tuesday before we left, Joel called up the pastor in Cochrane to see if he would be interested in having us come on the next Sunday. He agreed. We presented a special Sunday School program for the children and Joel ministered in both services - including using a French interpreter in the evening service.
On our way up north, services were confirmed in Iroquois Falls on our way out of the north. Again, God moved in a powerful way on the hearts of the people there. Anya, Charity and Rhian were also able to be part of a youth retreat in South Porcupine before we came back down.
In March, we travelled into Northern Quebec. This tour was supposed to coincide with the cold weather, which would enable us to travel into Waskaganish on the winter road. In the summer we had been there but the only way in was by plane. During the winter, you can travel in by winter road. This is a mud road cut through the bush and over streams. In the warm weather it is impassable but in the cold winter weather a solid road is created. The week before we went up there had been an unseasonable thaw and when we arrived at the winter road on Tuesday afternoon we were not able to take it in our van. That same day two tankers had actually bogged down on the road as well. So we drove back out to the paved highway.
We were in the far north and the closest gas station was over 100 km (60 mi) away. By this time we needed to get to that gas station. After getting gas, we called the pastor in Waskaganish. He sent us to another community where they would fly us in on Wednesday. When we arrived at the motel it was locked for the night. The weather was just around the freezing mark, so with the occasional turning on of the ignition, we spent the night in the van.
The next day, we headed out to the airport, where we were to be picked up by a charter. However, the plane would not be large enough for our luggage, our equipment, and us. We sorted our equipment and packed into one container what we absolutely needed and shipped it by commercial flight. It would be leaving about half an hour before us. Only there was one slight problem.
At about 1:00 the freezing rain began. Our pilot was not able to come and pick us up. He was going to try later if the weather changed to snow. It did but the wind had picked up and after take-off he had to return to Waskaganish. The commercial flight had not landed in Waskaganish either and our equipment was at another airport. The weather had turned bitterly cold during the day and we knew that this was not a night we could just spend in the van and the motel was full. We needed to be headed somewhere. Just as we were going into the motel to call the pastor, he called the motel to talk to us. So the decision was made for us to travel to the first checkpoint or gate on the road to Waskaganish where we would meet someone from the church. We would transfer everything to the other vehicle and he would drive us in.
At just after midnight on Thursday morning, we began the 102 km (65 mi) drive into Waskaganish and somehow completely missed the first checkpoint. Uknown to us, our contact person had been waiting there since 11:15 pm. The second checkpoint was in Waskaganish.
About half way through, we talked with someone and found out we had missed the gate. We were already half way in, no sense in stopping now so we just kept going. Many of the partially frozen mud holes we prayed our way through. Finally, four and half hours after we began, we found ourselves in Waskaganish. We drove to the church, parked in the parking lot and attempted to sleep the rest of the night away. This time the weather was well below freezing.
At 8:00 the next morning, we called the pastor and after 48 hours in the van, we finally were able to fall into bed. After sleeping and eating, we felt much better. Now we were ready to minister.
Thursday night, Joel preached at the Bible Study. Friday was Youth Night where he shared the story of Dave Roever, a minister who had a grenade explode inches from his head and lived to tell about it. Saturday was a children's service in the afternoon with teacher training at night. Sunday, Joel ministered powerfully in both services. Then it was Monday and time to leave.
While in Waskaganish the weather had stayed well below freezing the entire time and our trip out was delightful. The weather was gorgeous, the road was fairly smooth and it only took us two and a half hours to get out. And this time we found the checkpoint.
After reaching the main highway, we travelled on paved road for about half an hour and then for the next six hours, we travelled on 400 km (260 mi) of gravel road through the Laurentian Mountains. We had steep hills and sharp curves and only saw six vehicles the entire time. The next day we reached our next stop in Mistissini, Quebec. Again God moved in a mighty way while we were there ministering to both children and adults. About 35 children responded to an altar call for salvation. We are looking forward to returning there for a week in June.
April saw us back in New York State for the NYSSSA Conference. All of our hard work of the past year paid off and the conference went very well. Because a major transition is taking place with several of the long standing board members leaving and brand new members coming on, we have agreed to remain on the committee for at least another year during the transition period.
Following the conference we went to another of the Hamburg churches, where we presented, 'He Took My Place', one of our ministry favourites that presents the gospel so well. Not only did several children respond to the altar call, but several teens were also impacted by the message of God's unconditional love and forgiveness.
Another change has taken place as well. At the end of February, we were talking with the managers of the camp we were living at. Their vision for the development for the camp has changed. They are wanting to make the facilities functional all year round and so are looking towards building a lodge. This means that at this time they will not be rezoning the grounds for a trailer park. When we moved the trailer there, we knew that it's present location was only temporary but had planned on moving the trailer to its permanent site as zoning regulations permitted. The camp is only zoned for four temporary sites and so we have had to locate another place for our trailer. We found it about 10 km (6 mi) south of Goderich on the shores of Lake Huron.
As of April 29, we have a new address. It is RR# 1, Box X17, Bayfield, Ontario, N0M 1G0. Although there are still a few things that still have to be put together - we have moved. We would like to take this opportunity to say a special thank you to all the people and churches who have given generously to us over this past few months. This move has cost us quite a bit and without your gifts it would not have been possible.
We have also had to cancel plans for Camp Rustic this year. With all the changes we will also need to locate a new home for the camp. We hope to be up and operational next summer however. There is one other change that we are also excited about. We are in the early stages, very early stages, of developing an American office for the ministry. We are looking forward to this change opening up new opportunities for ministry in the States.
In May, we are taking about ten days of holidays. Joel's parents are coming from Western Canada and we are taking them to visit with family in North Carolina, USA and Quebec, Canada. We are looking forward to this time of relaxation before the summer tour hits. Our summer is jam packed full with only a couple of days off late in August.
Anya's Additions
It's me again!
Last time, I wrote about our move to Wiarton. Well, we are moving again to a mobile home park in Bayfield. (Northwood Beach on Hwy #21.) We have also had some great adventures while up north.
In February, we were in Moose Factory, Moosonee, Cochrane and Iroquois Falls. We had a great time. We also went snowmobiling. God moved in the services we had.
In March, we went to Waskaganish and Mistissini in Quebec. The weather was so nice that there was a thaw and the winter road into Waskaganish started getting soft. The road was like a plowed field with lots of snow banks and rocks. We didn't drive through because it was too soft and mushy. The church tried to fly us in but the weather turned bad. Finally we were able to drive in.
On our way to Mistissini, we drove over gravel road for seven hours and our van was completely covered with dirt. In both communities, God really moved and we had a great time.
I really enjoy being in YASM. I have been ministring for thirteen years. I value the time spent travelling with my family. God has worked in my life in a miraculous way. I am so glad He died for me and that He loves me very much. I am constantly thanking Him for everything.
Ever notice how beautiful this world is? God made it - every single thing.
Thanks for praying for us. Please continue praying that God will do His work in His time. Thanks. God bless.
Charity's Chatter
Well, these past few months have really been a ride. It has been like a roller coaster, not the up and down but the excitement, fast pace, and thrill. All I can say is that God is in control and He always has been.
The trip up north, both to Moosonee and Waskaganish, were awesome and God really moved in the hearts and lives of people there. Over 80 children came to know Jesus as their Saviour in Moosonee and Moose Factory. In Waskaganish, we knew something awesome was going to happen because we had such a hard time getting in. First the weather was too nice for us to go in on the winter road and then it was too bad for us to fly in. When we finally arrived the Lord moved in. The same happened in Mistissini. Once we found out where to go and got there we were fine. About 35 children came to Jesus there. The Lord is good.
We are moving again. It is comforting to know that the Lord is in control all the time and nothing takes Him by surprise. We are heading back to familiar ground, just outside of Goderich. We are moving to Bayfield, about 20 minutes from family. We are all looking forward to the move and having running water in our trailer. :o)
Rhian's Remarks
April showers bring May flowers.
Well, it's that time again when God's beautiful earth needs the rain. We may not like the rain but it's good for everything, even us - God's special little lambs.
Did you know that 'You Are Special'? Well, you are! You are special to God and to us.
Please pray for us in this year. You Are Special!
Prayer Requests
Please remember Cleveland Howell and family. Cleveland and Leta Howell were part of the board of NYSSSA. Right after the conference they left for a mission trip to Mexico. While there, Leta suffered a heart attack which resulted in her death. Although we grieve at our loss, we rejoice that Leta is now with the one she has loved and served for many years.
For a fresh touch of God each time we minister. We do not want to just trust in our own talents and abilities but be wholly dependent on God.
Travelling safety as we minister this spring and summer and during our vacation.
A new utility trailer and other equipment.
To have our mobile home fully established before we leave for the summer.
We have seen about 200 children accept Christ so far this year. Pray that these children will become well grounded in Christ.
Lacy tendrils floating lazily, subtly along. Clammy spidery fingers reaching forward, engulfing everything in their path. Then entombed by life's circumstances, we sit, unable to see or feel the sun's warmth.
There is an eerieness about fog that is missing with other weather. You feel boxed in and alone, yet there is a fear of the unknown, that which cannot be seen, sounds reach out to you, their location and nearness as much a mystery to you as your present location. Everything that happens lends itself to the instability and loneliness of the moment.
Newly married, we lived in a place of rugged beauty overlooking the Bay of Fundy. Yet some mornings as we stood looking out the living room window, grey fog blanketed the whole area. Fog so thick that the edge of the porch was barely visible.
On those mornings unless a trip was necessary you stayed home. At other times though, duty called and the crawl into town would begin. We would slowly creep up the mountain, sensing the desolation, yet conscious of the unseen dangers. Finally we would reach the peak. Before us the dew washed trees would sparkle in the bright sunlight. No more insecurity, desolation or poor vision. The chosen path lay clear before us.
Sometimes our walk with the Creator of the fog and sunlight mirrors these forces of nature. We find ourselves confused in the fog. Time and distance lose perspective, as all around us is this thick heaviness. We struggle through the uphill climb hoping we do not make a misstep, certain that 'I' am the only one struggling through the murkiness.
Everything we hear is distorted, and everything we see is hazy and unrealistic at best. Yet we keep trudging on, plodding up the hill.
Finally, we reach the mountaintop and realize that God has already been there and washed everything clean. Our vision is so much clearer. Our appreciation of God's handiwork is so much greater. We realize that God was with us in the fog, ever leading upwards, picking us up if we stumbled and finally bringing us into the sunlight. The fog is not sin but uncertainty, knowing that God is in control and yet being uncertain of where He is leading us. When we are in the fog, the only way to walk is by faith and not by sight. We need to let the Lord be our light and hang tightly to His hand so that he can lead us up out of the fog.
Hang On! The Ride Ain't Over 'Til It's Over
It sure is a blessing to know that even what we cannot see ever takes God by surprise. Even when the fog surrounds us, He has a clear view.
May has only just arrived and already this year has been packed full.
In February, we travelled north to Moosonee and Moose Factory. We were privileged to be able to minister in both adult and children's services. While there, we were thrilled to see over 80 children respond to the call for salvation. We also experienced the Moose River ice road between the two communities. God had orchestrated our entire tour.
The whole trip was put together within one week of it actually taking place. The Tuesday before we left, Joel called up the pastor in Cochrane to see if he would be interested in having us come on the next Sunday. He agreed. We presented a special Sunday School program for the children and Joel ministered in both services - including using a French interpreter in the evening service.
On our way up north, services were confirmed in Iroquois Falls on our way out of the north. Again, God moved in a powerful way on the hearts of the people there. Anya, Charity and Rhian were also able to be part of a youth retreat in South Porcupine before we came back down.
In March, we travelled into Northern Quebec. This tour was supposed to coincide with the cold weather, which would enable us to travel into Waskaganish on the winter road. In the summer we had been there but the only way in was by plane. During the winter, you can travel in by winter road. This is a mud road cut through the bush and over streams. In the warm weather it is impassable but in the cold winter weather a solid road is created. The week before we went up there had been an unseasonable thaw and when we arrived at the winter road on Tuesday afternoon we were not able to take it in our van. That same day two tankers had actually bogged down on the road as well. So we drove back out to the paved highway.
We were in the far north and the closest gas station was over 100 km (60 mi) away. By this time we needed to get to that gas station. After getting gas, we called the pastor in Waskaganish. He sent us to another community where they would fly us in on Wednesday. When we arrived at the motel it was locked for the night. The weather was just around the freezing mark, so with the occasional turning on of the ignition, we spent the night in the van.
The next day, we headed out to the airport, where we were to be picked up by a charter. However, the plane would not be large enough for our luggage, our equipment, and us. We sorted our equipment and packed into one container what we absolutely needed and shipped it by commercial flight. It would be leaving about half an hour before us. Only there was one slight problem.
At about 1:00 the freezing rain began. Our pilot was not able to come and pick us up. He was going to try later if the weather changed to snow. It did but the wind had picked up and after take-off he had to return to Waskaganish. The commercial flight had not landed in Waskaganish either and our equipment was at another airport. The weather had turned bitterly cold during the day and we knew that this was not a night we could just spend in the van and the motel was full. We needed to be headed somewhere. Just as we were going into the motel to call the pastor, he called the motel to talk to us. So the decision was made for us to travel to the first checkpoint or gate on the road to Waskaganish where we would meet someone from the church. We would transfer everything to the other vehicle and he would drive us in.
At just after midnight on Thursday morning, we began the 102 km (65 mi) drive into Waskaganish and somehow completely missed the first checkpoint. Uknown to us, our contact person had been waiting there since 11:15 pm. The second checkpoint was in Waskaganish.
About half way through, we talked with someone and found out we had missed the gate. We were already half way in, no sense in stopping now so we just kept going. Many of the partially frozen mud holes we prayed our way through. Finally, four and half hours after we began, we found ourselves in Waskaganish. We drove to the church, parked in the parking lot and attempted to sleep the rest of the night away. This time the weather was well below freezing.
At 8:00 the next morning, we called the pastor and after 48 hours in the van, we finally were able to fall into bed. After sleeping and eating, we felt much better. Now we were ready to minister.
Thursday night, Joel preached at the Bible Study. Friday was Youth Night where he shared the story of Dave Roever, a minister who had a grenade explode inches from his head and lived to tell about it. Saturday was a children's service in the afternoon with teacher training at night. Sunday, Joel ministered powerfully in both services. Then it was Monday and time to leave.
While in Waskaganish the weather had stayed well below freezing the entire time and our trip out was delightful. The weather was gorgeous, the road was fairly smooth and it only took us two and a half hours to get out. And this time we found the checkpoint.
After reaching the main highway, we travelled on paved road for about half an hour and then for the next six hours, we travelled on 400 km (260 mi) of gravel road through the Laurentian Mountains. We had steep hills and sharp curves and only saw six vehicles the entire time. The next day we reached our next stop in Mistissini, Quebec. Again God moved in a mighty way while we were there ministering to both children and adults. About 35 children responded to an altar call for salvation. We are looking forward to returning there for a week in June.
April saw us back in New York State for the NYSSSA Conference. All of our hard work of the past year paid off and the conference went very well. Because a major transition is taking place with several of the long standing board members leaving and brand new members coming on, we have agreed to remain on the committee for at least another year during the transition period.
Following the conference we went to another of the Hamburg churches, where we presented, 'He Took My Place', one of our ministry favourites that presents the gospel so well. Not only did several children respond to the altar call, but several teens were also impacted by the message of God's unconditional love and forgiveness.
Another change has taken place as well. At the end of February, we were talking with the managers of the camp we were living at. Their vision for the development for the camp has changed. They are wanting to make the facilities functional all year round and so are looking towards building a lodge. This means that at this time they will not be rezoning the grounds for a trailer park. When we moved the trailer there, we knew that it's present location was only temporary but had planned on moving the trailer to its permanent site as zoning regulations permitted. The camp is only zoned for four temporary sites and so we have had to locate another place for our trailer. We found it about 10 km (6 mi) south of Goderich on the shores of Lake Huron.
As of April 29, we have a new address. It is RR# 1, Box X17, Bayfield, Ontario, N0M 1G0. Although there are still a few things that still have to be put together - we have moved. We would like to take this opportunity to say a special thank you to all the people and churches who have given generously to us over this past few months. This move has cost us quite a bit and without your gifts it would not have been possible.
We have also had to cancel plans for Camp Rustic this year. With all the changes we will also need to locate a new home for the camp. We hope to be up and operational next summer however. There is one other change that we are also excited about. We are in the early stages, very early stages, of developing an American office for the ministry. We are looking forward to this change opening up new opportunities for ministry in the States.
In May, we are taking about ten days of holidays. Joel's parents are coming from Western Canada and we are taking them to visit with family in North Carolina, USA and Quebec, Canada. We are looking forward to this time of relaxation before the summer tour hits. Our summer is jam packed full with only a couple of days off late in August.
Anya's Additions
It's me again!
Last time, I wrote about our move to Wiarton. Well, we are moving again to a mobile home park in Bayfield. (Northwood Beach on Hwy #21.) We have also had some great adventures while up north.
In February, we were in Moose Factory, Moosonee, Cochrane and Iroquois Falls. We had a great time. We also went snowmobiling. God moved in the services we had.
In March, we went to Waskaganish and Mistissini in Quebec. The weather was so nice that there was a thaw and the winter road into Waskaganish started getting soft. The road was like a plowed field with lots of snow banks and rocks. We didn't drive through because it was too soft and mushy. The church tried to fly us in but the weather turned bad. Finally we were able to drive in.
On our way to Mistissini, we drove over gravel road for seven hours and our van was completely covered with dirt. In both communities, God really moved and we had a great time.
I really enjoy being in YASM. I have been ministring for thirteen years. I value the time spent travelling with my family. God has worked in my life in a miraculous way. I am so glad He died for me and that He loves me very much. I am constantly thanking Him for everything.
Ever notice how beautiful this world is? God made it - every single thing.
Thanks for praying for us. Please continue praying that God will do His work in His time. Thanks. God bless.
Charity's Chatter
Well, these past few months have really been a ride. It has been like a roller coaster, not the up and down but the excitement, fast pace, and thrill. All I can say is that God is in control and He always has been.
The trip up north, both to Moosonee and Waskaganish, were awesome and God really moved in the hearts and lives of people there. Over 80 children came to know Jesus as their Saviour in Moosonee and Moose Factory. In Waskaganish, we knew something awesome was going to happen because we had such a hard time getting in. First the weather was too nice for us to go in on the winter road and then it was too bad for us to fly in. When we finally arrived the Lord moved in. The same happened in Mistissini. Once we found out where to go and got there we were fine. About 35 children came to Jesus there. The Lord is good.
We are moving again. It is comforting to know that the Lord is in control all the time and nothing takes Him by surprise. We are heading back to familiar ground, just outside of Goderich. We are moving to Bayfield, about 20 minutes from family. We are all looking forward to the move and having running water in our trailer. :o)
Rhian's Remarks
April showers bring May flowers.
Well, it's that time again when God's beautiful earth needs the rain. We may not like the rain but it's good for everything, even us - God's special little lambs.
Did you know that 'You Are Special'? Well, you are! You are special to God and to us.
Please pray for us in this year. You Are Special!
Prayer Requests
Please remember Cleveland Howell and family. Cleveland and Leta Howell were part of the board of NYSSSA. Right after the conference they left for a mission trip to Mexico. While there, Leta suffered a heart attack which resulted in her death. Although we grieve at our loss, we rejoice that Leta is now with the one she has loved and served for many years.
For a fresh touch of God each time we minister. We do not want to just trust in our own talents and abilities but be wholly dependent on God.
Travelling safety as we minister this spring and summer and during our vacation.
A new utility trailer and other equipment.
To have our mobile home fully established before we leave for the summer.
We have seen about 200 children accept Christ so far this year. Pray that these children will become well grounded in Christ.
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