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
Discipleship Direction
Discipleship Direction
By Jeff and Mary Kirkpatrick
It’s hard to say when it started, but discipleship has been a growing desire for our family. When our home church in Pennsylvania announced that the topic for their annual conference this year would be “Making Disciples Who Make Disciples,” we decided to extend a family visit so we could attend. It wasn’t just good teaching for us, it was professional development!
True disciples make disciples. We want to do more than just keep youth off the streets or start a Bible Study (as much as we are crazy Bible nerds and LOVE that). We want to follow Jesus and bring other people along to follow him too – to be people who also bring others on the lifetime journey of following Jesus. It’s about the life we live, not about more knowledge or the “sinner’s prayer” we prayed one time…or over and over again.
The conference speaker was Galen Burkholder from Global Disciples. Their organization makes disciples in difficult situations around the world, but they claim it’s a simple process….
Read moreGo, Make Disciples
Go, Make Disciples
By Andrew Lang
Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Jesus has very explicit instructions for us here; he commands us to go, a call that isn’t tied to spiritual gifting or skills. This is a universal command for all of us who believe. We must all be active in spreading God’s word. It doesn’t mean we have to go far, but we do need to be an active agent in bringing the word of truth to those in the world.
Read moreHopelines March 2023
Discipleship – Is It Happening?
By Mary Keesic
One of the values of Living Hope Native Ministries is to develop local churches that disciple believers to learn and grow in faith and in their knowledge of Jesus. Why is discipleship important? In our busy world, is discipleship happening?
By definition, a disciple is a learner, a follower of Jesus. He is teachable and in training by instruction and exercise to grow into a mature believer. Jesus said in Matthew 29:19, “Go…and make disciples of all the nations”.
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
Stuart and Delores Swartzentruber
Thunder Bay
Andrew and Kristin Lang
Kalia, Samantha, Johnathan, Amelia
Thunder Bay
Colleen Estes
Pikangikum
Wendell and Lila Graber
Sault Ste. Marie
Jeff and Mary Kirkpatrick
Stephen, CJ, Isaac
Thunder Bay
Jamie and Rhonda Thornton
Parry Sound
Arthur and Iris Lyndaker
Evan, Olivia
Red Lake
Eun Sik Lee and Chun Ok Kim
Grassy Narrows
Beverly and Sebai Yaman
Boaz, Zaccai, Galilee
Thunder Bay
Merle and Rita Nisly
Red Lake
Our Associates
Associates are affiliated with Living Hope Native Ministries but are supported through other ministries or self supported.
Stan and Sally Bragg
Saugeen
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.
Albert James
Albert lives in Red Lake, ON, with his wife Ida. They have four children, and several grandchildren. Albert is a co-owner of a fishing and hunting lodge located on McDowell Lake First Nation. They are actively involved at Forestry Fellowship Centre, where Albert is an elder.
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.
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)
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.
