Hopelines Dec 2024

Recently LHNM staff were asked the question, “What  brought you the most joy in ministry in 2024?” Following are some of the answers that came back. May they encourage you to give God glory for what he’s doing across Ontario!

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.”

Wendell and Lila Graber live in Sault Ste. Marie, and lead The Lighthouse. This year they share that, “Seeing specific answers to prayer and seeing how God is working in and through the church” is what brought them joy.

In the area around Morson, associates Rob and Joy Weaver and their family share Christ’s love with the community. From Rob, “I was the main teacher on a canoe trip with 28 teenagers. My theme was "Living Sacrifice," with 5 lessons from the book of Romans. I was encouraged by their receptiveness to the Word and their desire to grow in the Lord.”

Associates Rob and Sharlene Dilts live near Golden Lake, and their story of joy is as follows: “The River Drop-In has brought us the most joy in ministry recently. Though small in numbers, both in youth and volunteers, we have been blessed in being able to fellowship every Friday with people who share a commitment and heart to reconciliation and community. It has been a blessing to be praying regularly with others for our youth and community, and for each other.”

Pastor Sebai Yaman from Thunder Bay ministers to the New Hope Fellowship congregation. He told that “Wednesday evenings are still the ministry highlight of my weeks. There is something special about worshipping together with brothers and sisters who aren't coming out just as a habit, but with a genuine desire to foster community. It brightens my day.”

Colleen Estes lives and works in the northern community of Pikangikum. She is involved in the school and with youth ministries. She writes, “Seeing the Lord work through some young adults in reaching out to others, having ministry help especially with the teaching, and seeing our youth worship Jesus at Warrior Leadership Summit.”

From Red Lake, Merle and Rita Nisly offer mentorship and encouragement to individuals and churches. Merle shares that he feels joy “When we are able to help people find their place in the church community, and keep growing in their relationship with God and with others; when teaching topics seem to meet the needs felt by individuals and groups to grow in knowledge and grace.”

Jamie and Rhonda Thornton are in Parry Sound. They felt joy in 2024 in the following ways: “To be able to reconnect with youth and young adults from our Bible camp days, and be part of their lives again after a number of years. Knowing that when they see us they immediately think of Bible Camp and the teachings about Jesus, and to be able to tell them that we still love them and are there for them no matter what they are going through in their lives, and most importantly that Jesus is right there with them every step of the way!”

Staff Care Directors Stuart and Delores Swartzentruber are based in Thunder Bay. Stuart writes, “I am so encouraged by Nick [and other Christian teachers] working together in Pikangikum. It brings me joy to see the commitment and energy young people bring. It was also very encouraging to see the Northern Lights Association of Churches Gathering so well attended, including young families.”

Executive Director, Andrew Lang lives with his family outside Thunder Bay. He shared about his joy in 2024, “I’ve been encouraged with seeing more First Nations believers step up and take increasing roles in First Nations ministry.”