It is a joy to share the following updates with you. Once again, this year-end reflection shows God’s faithfulness as the LHNM team looks back on a year which was still affected by the pandemic—probably more than anyone would have guessed!
By Jamie Thornton
Over the years I’ve enjoyed following the Living Hope Native Ministries (LHNM) website and looked forward to receiving the Hopelines newsletter in the mail. Rhonda and I feel blessed and humbled to be able to share our calling to serve with you in this issue.
Where we live in Parry Sound, Ontario there is only a swing bridge separating the town from Parry Island (Wasauksing First Nation). When I started school in the mid 60’s many of the students from Wasauksing were bused to Isabella school where I attended and many friendships where formed. I’ve always had a special place in my heart for our First Nations neighbours….
By Stuart Swartzentruber
I have memories of baling hay as a boy on our farm in Delaware. The hay was compacted into a chamber where strands of twine were knotted around the bale. The right amount of tension was needed to produce a bale that was firm, but not too heavy. Too little tension and the bales were soft and unstackable; too much tension and the bales were heavy and the twine in danger of snapping. I remember tightening or loosening the tension on the machine.
Words like “restriction,” “stress,” “tension,” and “constraint” bring up negative emotions in many of us these days. But can there be tensions that strengthen? Is there a stress that produces beauty?
By Merle Nisly
In the year 2005, an inspiring idea became a topic of conversation that led to the birth of a new reality. Almost one year later, in January 2006, that reality was the newly-incorporated Living Hope Native Ministries of Ontario.
As I reflect on the conversations and the hopes that fueled this new conversation, I remember one inspiring phrase the founding group repeated many times in our meetings: “We’re going to stop with the ‘us and them’ language.” I haven’t forgotten that.
As the year comes to a close, we also come to the time of year where we celebrate that the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. As you read these reflections from the LHNM staff, notice how the Incarnation is mirrored in the hearts of these faithful workers. The characteristics of the God they serve become flesh in the communities and churches they serve with deep commitment.
Vacation Bible School During Covid
by Christine Jantzi, Wellesley, ON
We were blessed to truly experience the Lord’s presence and leading this summer as we worked with New Hope Fellowship to offer a children’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) in the city of Thunder Bay in August.
“For the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.” Isaiah 52:12b
By Stuart Swartzentruber
I am grateful for this opportunity to introduce our staff at LHNM. Each one has a passion for seeing God’s kingdom expand in First Nations settings across Ontario. Church often happens in slower, smaller, incarnational contexts for us. We believe this setting best meets the need for building trust and community life in our corner of the kingdom. What is needed or required in your corner?
This issue of Hopelines is focused on Thunder Bay, with the desire that God will receive glory for the work he is doing in this city. Each story highlights a different angle of God moving and working in Thunder Bay.
by Ken Funk and Rhonda Slaubaugh
In this issue we give you a glimpse into the lives and activities of the Living Hope Native Ministries staff team. These are the faithful labourers who have sacrificially given their lives to Kingdom-first living, and bringing the powerful message of redemption to those in their place of calling.
Infectious Joy in Weagamow
By Michael Nowling
With tongue in cheek, we always ask the people going to northwestern Ontario to pack a flexible attitude. Generally speaking, it is not possible to travel 1700 miles by bus and plane without encountering a few logistical hurdles…
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