Our Mission
To encourage and develop local churches that matter in our world.
Our Vision
That in every First Nations context the local church would reach its full potential—worshiping in full devotion, attracting the seekers, mobilizing believers, restoring families, changing communities, affecting the world.
A Brief Introduction to LHNM
Latest News
Hopelines Dec 2024
In Thunder Bay, Rodney Martin is the Director of Public Relations. He writes, “In the past year I have met so many wonderful people. I have been opened to a side of Christianity that I have never been exposed to before. A very loving community, driven people devoted to missions, and helping people. Just to be able to witness this has been a highlight of my year.”
Read more2024 Year End Partnership Opportunities
Prayer Please pray for us as often as you remember us. In many places we are encountering a spiritual heaviness, and many of our staff often feel discouraged by the[…]
Read moreHopelines October 2024
Hospitality in Church
By Lila Graber
What does it look like to show hospitality at church? Life experiences are good teachers. Jesus’ words come to mind, “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.” I’ve appreciated warm welcomes when I’ve been a visitor. Less often, I’ve had those awkward, uncomfortable feelings of being an outsider when others either didn’t know how to engage or didn’t want to. Those experiences are important, too.
Years ago, when my sister was in the hospital being treated for cancer, I went to be with her for a week. On Sunday, I looked online for a church to attend. Since I was in a completely unfamiliar community, I chose one that was on the route to the hospital. I’m sure it was a good service, but the most distinct memory is that afterward, people gathered in clusters to visit. It was not a large church, but no one spoke to me or greeted me. At the time, it seemed most comfortable to leave. Another memory is the kindness of strangers who invited our family to their home for a meal after the service on the first visit to their church.
Read moreCanadian and American donors
An Invitation
It is a God-ordained privilege to work in partnerships that include both Canada’s First Peoples and those of other ethnic heritages. The history of European efforts to relate to these people groups is not entirely flattering – it is in some aspects shameful. Now, in our time, it seems imperative that peer relationships built upon trust and respect help to express what the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ means.
Continue ReadingOur Staff
We serve First Nations communities throughout Ontario in both urban and remote areas.
Kevin and Norma Moore
Sudbury
Ynze Flietstra
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Nicholas Backlund
Pikangikum First Nation
Stuart and Delores Swartzentruber
Thunder Bay
Andrew and Kristin Lang Kalia, Samantha, Johnathan, Amelia
Thunder Bay
Colleen Estes
Pikangikum First Nation
Wendell and Lila Graber
Sault Ste. Marie
Jamie and Rhonda Thornton
Parry Sound
Merle and Rita Nisly
Red Lake
Rodney and Betsy Martin
Thunder Bay
Our Associates
Associates are affiliated with Living Hope Native Ministries but are supported through other ministries or self supported.
Stan and Sally Bragg
Saugeen
Beverly and Sebai Yaman Boaz, Zaccai, Galilee
Thunder Bay
Rob and Sharlene Dilts Jonathan
Golden Lake
Rob and Joy Weaver Abbey, Sam, Jude, Micah
Morson
Ken and Sondra Funk
Nipigon/Thunder Bay
LaMar and Janice Weaver
Red Lake
Our Board of Directors
Clarence Meekis
Clarence has a lifelong connection with the ministry agencies that have been active in northwestern Ontario. He currently works as an infrastructure specialist with Ontario First Nations Technical Services, in Thunder Bay, ON. He is an elder in the local church, New Hope Fellowship. He is married to Karyn, and is the father of three children.
David Traintinger
David and Wendy live in Nipigon, ON, where David works as a water treatment specialist for the city. They are the parents of three children, and several grandchildren. They are actively involved in the local church.
Eric Sinclair
Eric has served on the board for the past three years. He works as a Family Well-being Worker in Kenora, ON. He is married to Michelle, and is the father of two children. Eric and Michelle are actively involved in Kenora Bible Church.
Anthony Shapwaykeesic
Anthony and Roberta have 8 children and 21 grandchildren. They split their time between Thunder Bay and Whitesand First Nation near Armstrong. Anthony has worked in many contexts, currently as Family Advocate for Namaygoosisagagun First Nation. He loves fishing, hunting, berry picking, anything outdoors.
Matthew Funk
Matt grew up in Red Lake and Thunder Bay. He is now living in PA with his wife and 4 daughters, one of whom is now married. Matt served as an associate pastor for 11 years at Buffalo Community Church and is now working full-time as an insurance agent. (United States Board)
Eldo Miller
Eldo Miller has a lifelong connection to Northwestern Ontario and to the missions agencies there. He works as a travel agent with Golden Rule Travel in Hutchinson, Kansas. He and his wife, Dorcas, are active in their local church. They have seven children. (United States Board)
Sheldon Swartzentruber
Sheldon and Sylvia Swartzentruber live in Greenwood, DE. Sheldon serves on the USA board of LHNM. They have a long relationship with ministries in northwestern Ontario, and are also very active in church and local ministries in their home area. (United States Board)
