Celebrating the Epiphany of our Lord

Celebrating the Epiphany of our Lord

Introducing Brim Leigh Buchanan - our newest grandchild!

Introducing Brim Leigh Buchanan - our newest grandchild!

Monday, May 24, 2010

God's Invitation Into His Mighty Work

Our Father, sometimes You seem so far away, as if You are a God in hiding, as if You are determined to elude all who seek You. Yet we know that You are far more willing to be found than we are to seek. You have promised "If with all Your heart you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me." PETER MARSHALL And have You not assured us that You are with us always?
For a God that is so mighty, how is it that He comes before us humble and meek? He places us in the position of being obedient out of our devotion to Him. He longs for us and invites us.
Being in Happy Valley has been much like that. We see God working all around us in a myriad of ways; inviting us to be a part of something, and wondrous joy, or sometimes even disappoint emerges - but without a doubt, a new dynamic to our relationship with Him.
The little guys shown, are waiting for a wedding to take place; busy about building their own version of an inukshuk (please google that in the interest of space here). They remind me of the beauty of simplicity in life. Labradoreans are as close to the land as one can get. They understand it's perfection of beauty, provision, and it's Creator. It is an extreme wonder and joy to be invited to serve here. They have so much to teach us.
The weeks beyond Easter have flown by. One of my greatest loves is being a pastoral presence in the hospital and in the Paddon Home; a home for their Seniors. The seniors worship every weekday morning, so I go to worship with them, which helps me, and I can also chat afterwards with the blessed souls. The newest addition to the Home is the WII (wee). Even more exciting is that I've been given permission to do some music therapy with the residents through the handchimes. Who would've thought! The people are excited to begin, and I rejoice in their enthusiasm. What a perfect opportunity to worship!
The hospital also continues to be a source of healing. I see a constantly changing array of faces from all over eastern Labrador - many who don't have a pastoral presence in their community. One man uses a Shaman (one who invokes a spirit). He uncomfortably avoided my request to pray, but God will not have it. I simply offer prayer unobtrusively.
Speaking of Spirits, Pentecost Sunday was a wonder in that with the Shaman, he believes he controls the spirit(s). We, as believers, know we have the opportunity to invite the Holy Spirit in, and then he enables, revives, encourages, gives life, peace, and calm to us.
We continue to be humbled by the generosity when a huge caribou roast or 3 dozen eggs show up at the front door.
We've had a guest youth musician come in to play in worship with great joy in the hearts of the congregation. Our congregation is referred to now as a 'singing congregation.' The choir, small as it is, brings additional beauty to the service, and I'm now working towards an Inutitut choir.
I'm thrilled to share that we now have 2 youth lay readers. They are so willing, and read with such beauty, it raises my hopes for years to come. I remember reading to my own 3 children when they were only months old, and how our first sittings were only 10 seconds long, but they gradually grew; 30 seconds, 3 minutes, etc. God has His perfect timing and rhythm for growth, so I will abide.
Thanks to you, we are ordering pew Bibles for the congregation. My sense is that there will be a vacuum of souls into the Word on Sunday morning.
George is now the Technical Director of Coaches and Players for the HVGB soccer region. At the moment, it's a volunteer position - but we have hope. George's enthusiasm for playing has been noticed around town, so he's invited to play pick-up games regularly, is going to coach an U-10 boys team this summer, and it looks as though he may be sent to England in the fall with a boys regional team on tour. This is tremendous opportunity to share the Gospel and we both welcome these developments.
George has also been busy helping the men of the congregation engage their Men's Fellowship. They held a spaghetti dinner for the community in order to raise money to replace the sanctuary roof this summer. The men raised $1200. thanks to the help of the local grocery store which purchased all of the food (for 130 people) and supplied 5 staff members to assist. It was a joyous nite to be sure.
Although there is so much more to share, I'll end with this latest development. I was invited by the aboriginal govt. to apply for grant funds they had available. So, after my second try at grant writing, the congregation was awarded $30,000.00 to renovate the manse, and anything else the money might cover in repairs. So the manse will be under construction beginning tomorrow; rewiring and replumbing after 60 years. In addition, the town has agreed to replace all of the plumbing and sewer on the property this summer!
Grace and peace in great abundance to you all - we are humbled by the strength and love of your prayer support. Please feel free to call us: 709-896-3119!
In all joy and awe of our beautiful Savior,
George and Glenna