Category: Hopelines

Hopelines June 2021: Staff Edition

Tensions that Strengthen

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?

Hopelines April 2021: Living Hope Native Ministries Celebrates 15 Years

Beyond “Us” and “Them”

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.

Hopelines December 2020

2020: A Year of Unique Challanges

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.

Hopelines Sept 2020

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

Hopelines June 2020

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?

Hopelines March 2020

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.

Hopelines December 2019

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.

Hopelines September 2019

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…

Hopelines July 2019

A large forest fire this spring threatened the Pikangikum First Nation and forced an evacuation by air to many host communities. The nearly 4,000 hectare fire was only several kilometers away from the community and took two weeks to bring under control. Pray for rain as another fire is causing another evacuation in July. North…
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Hopelines March 2019

A Place to Belong Stuart Swartzentruber Growing up with six siblings in my family meant that as we gathered for supper every evening, all nine of us had our spot around the table. I distinctly remember sitting on the long bench between my brothers, joining in the conversations about everyone’s day. I felt included, cared…
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