L.O.V.E.

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” ~Romans 8:37-39

LOVE. You ARE loved. First, by God, then by us! Moose Factory is loved. We LOVE Moose Factory! (Even if it is slowly trying to destroy me…I’ll explain a little later). We have talked a lot about love this week. Truly, we all find ourselves somewhere on the universal love spectrum. Either you are overjoyed because you are surrounded by love and are able to feel its effects on you, or possibly, quite the contrary, and you are desperately searching to feel just a touch of love from anyone or anything willing to grant it to you.  Like most things that cannot be classified as black or white, there are many in that gray area on the love spectrum.

            There were 7 ladies that came out to the study last night. Although due to various, uncontrollable island circumstances, this was only the second time we’ve met together. It was just as much of a joy and encouragement to get together with women, as it was the first time. During the study, we continued to discuss revival. We read several passages of scripture that talked about how the Lord graciously offers rest, hope, healing, and love to entire places that have fallen away from Him. Moose Factory, and especially believers living here desperately need to feel all of those promises. Last night, Chen, a nurse from Toronto (originally from somewhere very Asian), came to dinner before she accompanied us to the study. Immediately upon entering, we could sense how battered and discouraged her spirit was. She is a nurse, working at the hospital on the island. Many times, she explained how difficult her job is and that staying positive has been her biggest challenge. She is not alone in this thinking and often; nurses, teachers, and other hospital staff that move to Moose Factory are quickly disheartened and experience the same type of purposelessness as the natives.

            In our summer Bible camp, we have also discussed love. On Wednesday morning, we had 10 bright-eyed three-thru-five year-olds wide-awake and ready to play. What a precious group of children. When I think about what these babies have experienced at such a young age and the way they live, my heart breaks. Yet, it is encouraging to know, that even though it appears their lives have been set for them, God does way more than change circumstances, He changes hearts. In particular, in this age group there was one little boy, Brylan, who stole my heart. He is a young 3-year-old but young does not mean easily distracted. When singing songs, I would place him in his chair, and with bullets in his eyes, he would respond with “CHUGGA CHUGGA CHOOO CHOOO!!!!”  I would gently tell him that we are singing now and that he could play with the train at the end. And this pattern continued at least 5 times. We will be spending the next 3 weeks with this age group, loving them and teaching them that there is a God, much greater than anything we know who also wants to love them. This God knows what it is like to lose, because for our sake, He gave us His only son, born of a virgin, who suffered terribly, and was killed in order to make the perfect transfer: He took our punishment and our sin in exchange for His righteousness.

            On Monday and Wednesday afternoons, we are discussing similar lessons, but with 6 to 8 year-olds. This Wednesday, we had 20 students! Praise the Lord for such a large and energetic group! Although, several times throughout the afternoon, I started to rethink my stance against cloning, Alaina and I survived. Despite the fact that, while going over the rules, I took one look at the large group in front of us and specifically told them “Rule #1: You may not band together and tie us up at any point. There is power in numbers, and I am fully aware that there are 20 of you and 2 of us!” Some of the students in this age group have been coming to VBS activities for the past 4 years, and yet, I do not feel like I will ever become apathetic to the fact that some of them know my name before I even remind them. I LOVE Moose Factory and I LOVE these children!

            On Thursday, several other youth programs began and we are somewhat competing for age and time-slots. But, let me assure you that truly, there is no competition. We are aware that the Lord has selected those He will have attend. We welcome as many as come, but truthfully, a smaller more intimate group is beneficial and certainly enjoyable! We had 7 nine-to-ten year-olds. We continued our study on Daniel and taught the importance to take risks, but to trust the Lord for guidance.

            Overall, we had a great week of ministry with some really special children. Frequently, I am reminded of my job at home. Much of the despair and bleakness seen here in Moose Factory is an exact representation of what my co-workers and I face daily in the western edge of Greene County. I certainly did not have to travel 800 miles to find an area on the map that urgently needs to be revived and to start living a purpose-driven, Godly life, nevertheless, each day, I am increasingly grateful that Moose Factory holds a unique place in my heart. I love the people, the creation, the history, and the culture that infiltrates this small island. “OH WE LOVE THE PEOPLE OF MOOSE FACTORY, DEEP DOWN IN OUR HEARTS! <3”

            And finally, I know I mentioned that despite how much I love this place, it is single-handedly trying to destroy me. Praise God for His endless healing and provision, as the last 2 weeks have not been entirely positive. Because I hate admitting weakness, especially my own, I’ve neglected to write about the strange, mysterious “attack” I have been under since our arrival here. Several days after settling, two lymph nodes on my neck decided to produce a look similar to that of Frankenstein. In time, the swelling subsided, just to be replaced with a spider’s bite on the opposite side of my neck. The spider bite swelled and grew and has now been reduced to simply a tiny bite mark. Two days ago, I awoke with white spots over my tonsils, congestion, and a feeling of general achiness. So thankful the Lord works quickly and my throat is back to its original state. And we arrive at my current state. Yesterday, I was bit, by what we are referring to as a “Black Fly with Rabies”. My ear is twice the size it should be and has been cherry red since the little creature stole my blood. Jokingly, I said that I’m sure I could fry an egg on my ear because of the heat, however, I’m not so sure it is a joke. I’ve spent the day resting, filling my system with antihistamines, and praying that this is the end of my assail. Truthfully, I am learning to be content, even when I am spending the day in my bed, listening to sermons from home, instead of spending the day with my 12-year-old friends on the island. Yet, I am beginning to wonder what type of “work” the Lord may have for me at the hospital. If things continue (or if my ear triples), I will quickly be ministering to the staff, as they are mending me. Still, each week of sacrifice spent here this summer pales in comparison to even one second spent nailed to a cross. We are LOVED!

Prayer Requests:

•  Please continue to pray for our summer Bible camp. Pray that the youth would truly receive the message presented. Pray that attendance would stay consistent or increase. Pray that they would feel Christ’s love for them through us. 
• Please pray for Project George as our dates were finalized. I will explain in detail as the trip approaches, but currently, we are attempting to confirm what youth will be in attendance. 
• Please pray for the other camps and organizations running youth programs. Specifically: reading camp, right to play, MoCree Healthy babies, and Nathan Cheechoo’s sports camp.