"I See a Near Revival"

“You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again. You will increase my greatness and comfort me again.” 

~Psalm 71:20-21

     Praise God, because just as the above verse says, we see trouble, but we will be revived. There will be comfort in the future. I have sat, looking at this mostly blank word document for quite some time. I am struggling to convey the heaviness of the island. I feel that regardless of how much I write; I will produce nothing more than an inadequate attempt to explain the brokenness and sadness of the community.

     Since I’ve last posted, we have continued to live out our lives each day on the island, looking for and taking advantage of every opportunity given us. On Sunday, we were asked to teach the 4 & 5-year-old Sunday school class. The typical teacher was away from the church that morning, but left no plans in the classroom. Upon entering, with a group of 11 young Cree children with bright eyes starring at the 2 strangers, I noticed a paper with David and Goliath. I said, “Well, look we were are talking about today… David and Goliath!” We even went as far as to sing the “One Little Man Named David” song… 5 times! (It was a favorite!)

     Sunday afternoon, Alaina and I decided to prepare for our Children’s Camp. We walked across the street to the Eco-Lodge to sit in the “library” and read Daniel. After reading for about 10 minutes, a young man walked by and was startled by our presence. He told us that the Eco-Lodge is closed on Sunday and visitors are usually not welcomed. Yet, he allowed us to stay. He was the son of the general manager. Ben, that is his name, was one of the head cooks in the restaurant. About 30 minutes later, he came out with a plate of brownies and said that the baker made extra. He offered us tea and coffee. A little while later, he sat with us and answered every question that we could think to throw at him about himself and his involvement on the island. At one point, he mentioned somewhat randomly that he has not attended church for some time. At the end of our time there, Alaina and I invited him to dinner. I’ll keep you posted :-D

     On Sunday evening, Alaina and I were asked to give our testimonies. I should have expected that Allan would desire that, but every time, I am equally as hesitant and anxious. I know that in the Lord’s eyes, every conversion story is a victory and it is celebrated beyond my wildest imagination. The shepherd who brings home a lost sheep, however, I often feel that my testimony and my conversion lack a certain punch that so many include. In preparing to give a 10-minute speech, I quickly was given a topic: My testimony has yet to end, it is continuous and I am constantly learning and growing in Christ. So, I spoke about my family. Of course, I talked about the night I was saved, but more specifically, I talked about not being understood in the world.  We are not to be understood in the world and even in my home, I am still not be understood when my family does not believe in my God. I confessed my sin to the congregation (and the people watching on island television) and explained that I place an all-powerful, all mighty God in a box. I, all too often, doubt His ability to change the hearts of my family and friends because I want immediate results. I read 2 Peter 3:9 which says “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”  I feel as if many people here have lost hope or are on the verge of losing hope. I understand that feeling of giving up, but it is not because God cannot or will not, it is that I need to be Kingdom focused and leave my worldly timing behind.

      On Sunday evening, we also learned that there was a native suicide earlier that day. A 13-year-old girl, named Alexandrya. At 13-years-old, they do not understand anything about life, and they certainly do not understand the finality of their decisions. This young girl is a friend of many of the girls I know and interact with regularly.  Her family and her friends are devastated. Suicides on the island occur in waves or even worse in pacts. Many tears have been shed and even for those who did not know her, they live in fear that it may be their grandchild, daughter, son, or cousin next.

      Tonight, our women’s Bible study had its kick-off meeting. What an encouragement!!! I am joyfully looking forward to spending the next 4 weeks with a group of wonderful women. This evening we had 12 women total in attendance, including Alaina, Kristen, and myself. We began with prayer requests because I wanted them to speak so that I could feel their hearts. That time was incredibly powerful and eye-opening, yet again. The hurting and pain is unspeakable. I am confidently anticipating the Lord’s work in and through this group of women with this particular study on “revival.” I know that word can often sound so cheesy and full of fake achievements, but this is what the book says about revival: “Revival is not some emotion or worked up excitement; it is rather an invasion from heaven which brings to man a conscious awareness of God.” Lord, we are praying for a revival!!!

      For as quickly as I will admit that I miss my “home-life” with every ounce of my being, I can boldly say that right now, I am in the midst of God’s will (and far from my own), and that is a place that I never want to leave! So thankful He took me 800 miles from normal and placed me exactly where He wants me to be.

      Oh! And Jasmine and Carrington (both 12-year-old native friends of mine) are coming to dinner tomorrow night! Quick funny story: When I first arrived and we were talking about the people I knew on the island, Kristen asked “Did you make become very close with someone when you were on the island last year? A girl in the youth center asked if I knew you and when I said I knew of you, she responded by saying ‘She is my sister’s best friend.’” That girl was speaking about Jasmine. My 12-year-old BEST FRIEND! I love Moose Factory!

Prayer Requests:

• Please pray for Alexandrya’s family and friends, pray that there would be no “repeat” or “copycat” incidents, pray that an all-surpassing peace would be present in this time of mourning, and that doors would be opened to speak heart to heart with young students about the reality of suicide. 
• Please pray for the women who attended and who will attend the evening study. Pray that as individuals, we would each be revived and in turn, be used to revive and renew this place. 
• Please pray for our various ‘supper’ guests this week and numerous chances to demonstrate through our actions that we love and care for them.

Remember, you are LOVED!