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
A Winter Road and Answered Prayers
By Jeff Kirkpatrick and Colleen Estes
Near the end of February, a trailer home was delivered to Pikangikum via the winter road. This delivery is the culmination of over two years of prayer and hard work by Terry Janzen in partnership with Colleen Estes in Pikangikum. In June 2019, Terry led a six-member team from Shantz Mennonite Church in Baden, Ontario to visit Pikangikum with a desire to see first-hand the ministry needs.
Read moreImportant News for our LHNM Family
By Clarence Meekis, LHNM Board Chair
Stuart and Delores Swartzentruber have been serving us faithfully and with passion and dedicated commitment for the last few years in what has been an agreed upon position as interim Executive Director. At the last LHNM Board meeting in November 2021, Stuart informed the board that they will be ending the active leadership work and position of Executive Director on November 1, 2022.
Read moreI See Jesus in You
By Stuart Swartzentruber
Recently I sat in a Sunday service at New Hope Fellowship in Thunder Bay listening to a new Christian describe what drew him to follow Jesus. He said that he saw happiness and passion when individuals talked about Jesus. As he became part of the group, he observed how people took care of, prayed, and shared love with one another. He said, “I saw Jesus from looking at you. When I talk to you, I see Jesus’ personality in you.” I can think of no greater affirmation for a church than that comment! I was overwhelmed with gratefulness at that moment for the privilege of belonging to this local expression of the body of Christ.
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
Rob and Joy Weaver
Abbey, Sam, Jude, Micah
Morson
LaMar and Janice Weaver
Red Lake
Colleen Estes
Pikangikum
Merle and Rita Nisly
Red Lake
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
Ken and Sondra Funk
Nipigon/Thunder Bay
Rob and Sharlene Dilts
Jonathan
Golden Lake
Stan and Sally Bragg
Evan
Saugeen
Beverly and Sebai Yaman
Boaz, Zaccai, Galilee
Thunder Bay
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.
