I picked up a Preacher from Big Trout Lake together with his wife and two grand kids who was ministering to the people from Island Lake during the revival and was also in charge of all the electrical connections necessary for the tent.
The start of the tent meetings fell on Pastor Joe Littles passing a year ago and therefore a Memorial Breakfast was organized and brought together a lot of Joe's family and friends.
Here is one of the VBS teachers report:
"Jesus said: Suffer little Children, and forbid them not to come unto me; for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven".
For four years we've been flying to Garden Hill for a time of bible school with them. This verse has been an inspiration to us as we've joyed to engrave the images of THE TRUTH in those young minds. Sometimes its been by presenting THE LIFE through the simple yet profound truth of the colourful stories and parables in the bible. Other times its been showing them THE WAY by the testimony of our own lives; long before (or after) school hours have expired.
From giving piggy back rides to holding their hands and walking them home late at night. From fishing and swimming with them to talking with them about the seriousness of sin. From visiting with some of their parents to praying over some of their needs.
From fun, laughter and games to having serious one-on-one talks with them about their future.
From cleaning their wounds to teaching them that the bible can be absolutely trusted in all of life....We have seen bible school not as “Bible School” but as “The Children;” not as the time spent in the sessions, but time spent all day.
The children are not projects to us but relationships. The times we've come here have not been islands but an ongoing building of trust, understanding and love. Our hearts have not cooled and warmed each time we’ve come and gone but rather grown in passion each time we've come here.
One afternoon on my way to the bible school facility (a 5 min. Walk from living quarters) I was accompanied (as usual) by some of the children. From fun, laughter and games to having serious one-on-one talks with them about their future.
From cleaning their wounds to teaching them that the bible can be absolutely trusted in all of life....We have seen bible school not as “Bible School” but as “The Children;” not as the time spent in the sessions, but time spent all day.
The children are not projects to us but relationships. The times we've come here have not been islands but an ongoing building of trust, understanding and love. Our hearts have not cooled and warmed each time we’ve come and gone but rather grown in passion each time we've come here.
This particular walk sticks out to me as a more serious, inquisitive young man joined me. I proceeded to give him a heads up on the bible lesson that we were planning to be teaching that afternoon. We were planning on talking about Adam and Eve. I tried conveying the concepts of 'the first sin,' 'the first parents,' 'the first condition of man before the fall' I felt like God was giving me words as this young man earnestly listened and asked questions.
I was thrilled the very next day as soon as he saw me he approached me and asked me a series of questions: Do you mean that we all have the same parents...does that make us all one family? Do you mean that we'd still be in heaven if Adam and Eve hadn't sinned? Do you mean that Jesus actually made a way where everything can be right again what Adam and Eve did wrong? Do you mean we can actually know God? His childlike earnest simple mind was sooo refreshing! I had a blessed time sharing the gospel with him and preparing him how to respond when God calls him.
Its been proven that some seeds sprout decades after they’re planted. May the seeds sown there sprout, flourish and bear fruit! May Gods name be glorified by his gospel working in Garden Hill.
A vital link to our involvement heavily relies on Northern Eagle Ministries. We could not reach this place any other way this time of the year. This is the only time of year where bible school would be possible. We are thankful for the willing support and fellowship of NEM as we serve the Lord together. Jonathan Waldner
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