Summer in Happy Valley Goose Bay

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith inthe Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
What does an iceberg entering the sub-arctic flow of Labrador, and our journey in faith have in common? Both are beautiful, and both are slow in motion.

I walked into a home once and the piano was covered in a mass of family photos beautifully framed. It was several generations of joy as so fluidly described at length by the woman of the house. We are more than willing to talk about that which is most important to us. It isn't a job, we don't need training, & need very little encouragement to talk about such things.1 My question then, is this ...Why doesn't this happen more often with Jesus?

"Jesus is the priceless treasure, the source of purest pleasure and friend to me so true" as the the hymn text goes. You can't hide it or keep it secret. The insurpassable joy He brings to a heart and soul can not be contained!
As the one person was digging; another looked for pearls; the 3rd sought fish in his net, each, through their active searching, found the treasure (Matt.13). And we are blessed to have scripture in our own language, so we can keep our faith in motion, and the treasure unfolding. Eureka!
The past year & 1/2 here has been about bringing forth the availability of scripture; regular, large, and giant print bibles. We've also added bibles for different-aged children. Thank you for your support in that effort - your generosity has made a huge difference. Our hope is to begin building a childrens' resource center with colorful bible story books, movies, puzzles, and bible software (we had a donation of an operational computer) for all ages.

A new tradition emerged here, that of the Moravian Chicken Pie. It turned out to be a nice addition to caribou stew, fish n brews, flakey ham sandwiches (yum!), and all the local favorites. Our Moravian Chicken Pie fundraising dinner brought $1100.00! It was fun to see all the new faces in the church.

Camp at Gosling lake has been quite exceptional this year; Jen Burtner from Staten Isl., a creative arts teacher, Sherry from Wisconsin, and 2 Moravian youth from NC; Becky & Bailey. They have also been of huge assistance in worship through music and childrens' church.

This is a beautiful season for fishing; cod, salmon, char, trout seem to be the favorites. The town is full of folks coming from everywhere to fish in these waters.

I am reminded daily the necessity and benefit of listening and in understanding the Inutitut language. These folks have most patient and loving hearts and I admire many things about them. My soul is blessed to have the privilege of serving our Lord and Saviour in such a way. There really are no words to describe this gift in our lives.

George and I continue to pray for each of you and your bless-ed journey with Jesus.
Our God loves us... all of us... forever.... no matter what... and nothing... no Nothing! can separate us from His love.

Esto mihi

As Paul's Gospel purports in an individual way, "..... I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me: (Galatians 2:20), the balance insists that Jesus Christ "gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good" (tit 2:14;Acts 2:40-41). I love that! A Gospel that speaks to us individually in infinite ways, and a Gospel that pulls us all together as one - in Him. His purpose of self-giving on the cross was not only to save each of us, but to create a new community who love each other and belong to Him; zealously serving a world hungry for His love. The door to a renewed and reunited humanity was created through the Cross of Christ. As we begin our journey to the Cross of Christ this week, may we humbly approach the Communion table with boldness, with love, and with joy; Our boldness in our witness and our prayers to Our Lord; Our love for Christ which begets more love; and when we carry seed to sow, we will return with songs of joy.

Happy Valley has been blanketed (and a thick, heavy one at that) in fluffy white snow, which happily opens up the door to the winter lifestyle - not as full-filling as the Cross, but filling to the freezer and our dinner table; fresh fish! The skidoo ride out to the bay is pleasant as you watch the scenery go by - seeing animal tracks and searching for the perfect place to build your fire.

It is great fun listening to the crackle of bologne on the frying pan and watching the water come to a boil for a hot cup of tea. You soak in the warmth of the fire so the warm will last as long as possible out on the ice. When you place your little line down in the ice hole, you wait with anticipation for the line to start moving (smelt), or for a tug (trout). Usually minutes later - the procession of bounty appears.

Planning for summer camp has raised volunteers from New York, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Five weeks of camp we have to look forward to and 1 of those weeks is a canoe trip!

Snow break is this week lending itself to all sorts of good food events, ice carving contest, snow shoe trails, skidoo treks, and a huge hockey tournament. This will be followed by Caines Quest - the grueling international skidoo race (check it out online!).

One more exciting happening here is our class of 7 confirmands. What a joy and privilege it is to get to share all the basics of our faith, bible skills, and open the doors to discipleship. I love it!

We are most grateful for your prayers and support in this ministry. As our new bibles have been life-changing for many, we are about to receive Children's bibles; early readers up to teens. One of our acolytes, Regula, will be most excited I think. Her 83 years is only surpassed by her bottomless love for children. Her other passion is ministering to the men in the Correctional Center. They appreciate her care of their souls. I have learned so much from Regula.
Thank you again for your love and support. Christ unites us in our hearts; making the distance minimal. In Him, G & G

"Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrifiiced. therefore let us keep the Festival" 1 Cor 5:7

To Stumble or Not to Stumble.... THAT is the question.

Here's an almost first-hand view of skidooing on the mountain. Enjoy the view! It's nice that we can see all that is coming at us here. In the Hebrew [OT] language, the future is behind a person and not out in front. Instead of striding confidently into the future, the Hebrews talked about stumbling backward into it. We can see the past, but we cannot see the future, and can never tell exactly where our foot will land.* The beautiful picture that Christ so desperately wants us to grasp, is that when we place our hand, our lives within His hands, we are stable, secure and of good footing all the way. Our future is in His hands and He ever leads us there.
*D.Kinlaw

Wondrous Christmas

Grace and peace to you all as this day glows like a jewel that becomes unearthed from the rock. Awe is the only word that comes to mind as

we sing the songs that are so familiar, yet He

reveals new meaning that inspires our hearts to the wonder and amazement of Him.

The people were warm and welcoming in our two Christingle services; near capacity crowds for Happy Valley Moravian. It was so pleasant to see familiar faces and many new ones. The smell of beeswax and fresh greenery was a perfect fit for these outdoor people. And it was truly a privilege to worship with them.

It was a white Christmas, but this week promises to unload at least a meter of fresh snow. People can hardly wait as they have been itching to get their skiddoos and snowshoes out; me included (we don't have either, but I wish to acquire some of those shoes that keep you on top of the snow. (-;

My joy has been to see so many people come and worship; to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a new way. Our Christingle services were bi-lingual, and I had the privilege (again), of leading the Inuktitut worship on the 1st Sunday of Advent. She wanted me to also lead today, but I felt I wasn't ready yet.

On our 4 Sundays of Advent, we held a bilingual Christmas sing-song, a craft evening, Christmas caroling at the retirement homes, and a Bing Crosby Christmas movie nite. It was such fun.

Now more than ever, George and I thank you for your cards, gifts, and your prayers. It was comforting to be remembered as we miss you all so dearly. My hope is that through this blog, I can share our joy with you. We are truly grateful for all things God places within our lives. God's wonders are everywhere.

My the opportunities to share Jesus Christ with the world reveal themselves in a most beautiful way for you. love, us.

Advent and Christmas in Labrador

As has no doubt been the case for you during this season, life has been busy around here. Canadian Thanksgiving in October was truly a beautiful time. George & I invited over everyone we knew who also didn't have any family close-by, for a joint Thanksgiving feast & a fiesty banana scrabble game to let the food rest. It was a nice way to laugh, hear stories, and fellowship with many new friends.

Every day we wake up wondering what we're going to learn from the people. It's not about what we have to offer, it's about them. I love experiencing their age-old traditions, where they came from and how they got started. The Moravian band stories and the wild animal stories are my favorites.

As we approach Christmas Eve, all of the Chapel Servants (Elders/Trustees) have been busy preparing for the bilingual Christingle Services. All hymns will be sung simultaneously in 2 languages, and all children will receive a beeswax candle in an apple. The apples symbolizes the world and it's bounty, and the candle of course, Jesus, the Light of the World.

This month has been filled with community concerts for which our growing choir has gratefully performed for. We sing hymns and anthems in english and Inuktitut, and recently led worship with our own cantata "The Christmas Song". The choir is a group of very talented and giving people which project a beautiful singing spirit on Sunday mornings. My favorite songs are the Moravian Communion anthem and the hymns we do in 2 languages, like "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."

Our handchime youth group has made chicken pies & greeting cards, performed their music at the long-term care facility, and are ready to begin beginner band lessons in January. We also have a new Chicken Pie-Making ministry which is an evening of laughs.

George has recently been driving a school bus part-time; introducing him to a huge bank of children in town; they enjoy each other's happiness.

In an effort to be more involved in the community, I found a community choir. They sing all the time..... (-;

The sun sets right now at 3:30ish (pm) and won't come up until 8:30ish (am). The community lights up with beautiful Christmas lights, and with the snow, makes for long, silent, nights of beauty - perfect for wondering why God has given us so much when we don't deserve it. Christ is the Lord most glorious - and hope that we can all shout aloud.

May your Christmas be full of joy and fullness in Christ, Our Lord, the Prince of Peace. Amen!

Love Divine, All Love Excelling

"Pivluta inolauravit, Pivluta, toKKogavit, Uvaptingnulle kissivit nertoraksatovotit. Ahagle, Piulijivut! Arlorpogut illingnut, Ullapirsautingnik mana Tunnitsivigittigut."

(Words to Love Divine, All Love Excelling)

Ministry over the past few months has been joyful, amazing, challenging, & sometimes sad. But the wonder of it all is that the presence of the Holy Spirit is always so sustaining, renewing, and total perfection.

George has been going full steam with local youth and soccer from the time summer began. He was invited to direct the Gosling Lake youth camp which brought over 60 children & youth to experience the lake grounds, canoeing, swimming, and Christ, in brand new ways.

Even during the July camp month, George was preparing soccer teams for tournament, and an all-star team for a trip to England in late September. One coach couldn't go, so George had to chaperone; 9 days in London, playing soccer games and attending 3 premier games, where he met up with his old friend; premier goalie Brad Friedel, on the field no less - a shock to both of them. George's highschool team won the Labrador tournament and now must travel to St.John's for the next rung of the ladder. George also leads a bible study & SS class and is the sturdy male presence in our church choir.

I continue to marvel each week at how God provides the inspiration and words to lead from the pulpit - I can take no credit there at all. Music continues to appear to be an open ministry door. Our choir is growing in a profound way; from 3, to sometimes 12. I also enjoy how Moravians from the coast feel free to jump into our choir, and just let go & sing with their whole heart. We sing Moravian and old Sankey hymns, some anthems, Inuit hymns, and some contemporary songs. Plans for a band are developing for Advent.

The youth have begun their handchime group again; playing for the congregation's 57th anniversary lovefeast. Over 50 in a 3pm worship service.

Of course there are the challenges that accompany any ministry; them adjusting to having a minister, and us growing slowly in the culture. But God will have His way, and continues to show His love Divine, excelling beyond all comprehension.

The rennovation of the manse is now complete, but living out ministry from different homes and finally a motel, presented it's special challenges. But, I love the mystery of God. When we breathe His presence, we are lost in wonder, love, and praise.

Finally, we began our 1st Sunday School 10 am hour, but the children didn't flock as I had hoped. But some really interesting dynamics and developments have come out of that; a rather large group of adults now come for Sunday school, and we have 4 new youth leaders. We'll keep you posted.

We have been priviledged to have the Rev. Olaf Andersen (Makkovik) and Rita here for a couple of weeks. their Moravian ministry has been spread from Labrador, to England, to Florida to Wisconsin. Spending as much time together as their schedule could afford, they have been the source of great cultural insight to us and encouragement.

George' and my heart are filled with gratitude for your love and support the past several months. Our prayers are also with you as your ministry's grow. All things are possible with Christ as our light. "As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me." Ps.40:17.

How great indeed, it is to be a lowly sheep of Jesus. Grace and peace to you with the love of Christ, George and glenna

June & July

It is almost August now, and yes, there is still snow easily seen in the mountains and fiord's of coastal Labrador. The spring made way for summer; I'm sure we've had 4 days of hot weather so far - but every evening as the sun is setting, God seems to promise another day ahead rich in love. The sunsets are magnificent and unique each evening. We live across from the Churchill River, which shows off reds, yellows, and oranges against a mountain silhouette.

Ministry has been equally rich and yet challenging at times; meeting new people, praying with people, bringing comfort following some very difficult circumstances. George's soccer training sessions with the community youth have made him sort of a celebrity. Youth stopping to speak to him in the streets and grocery store. The kids have so much fun training with him, I would like to sign up too. He's busy helping a parent/coach begin a "munchkins" league (George's words).

George is also working hard this month directing the Labrador Christian Youth Camp. Into his 3rd week now, and climaxing with the teen wilderness camp in August, counselors and campers alike have enjoyed the swimming, canoeing, and the wonder of seeing God's creation in a new way with a program called "Abide in Me".

The manse is under construction, and the church roof is almost completely replaced - these major projects have been an opportunity for the congregation to come together.

Two weeks ago the Moravian Music Festival was held in coastal Makkovik. Youth from 3 communities arrived; held workshops and a beautiful concert of all generations. One of the highlights was "Shine Jesus Shine" with the Inuit drums playing. The kids were a treasure to watch bloom before your eyes.

God continues to nurture these people; grieving with them through this long stream of suicides. This crisis time has an impact on all. Thank you for your prayers for these beloved people.

We're looking forward to arriving in NC next week for our daughter's wedding. What a joy and privilege it will be to share the past brief 6 months at the Calvary Moravian Mission Lovefeast.

We are deeply grateful for your prayers and support. You are an integral part of this ministry for which we are so thankful. Your gifts in ministry and your words are an inspiration to me. With the love of Jesus - Grace and peace.

Our Hope Is In Him and Through Him

For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. Romans 14:8

I was informed this morning that spring has sprung. We're looking at nights that are above 5 degrees celcius, and they're expecting a "warm rain" (all relative), so the local farmers are ecstatic and busy about getting the seed in today. So new life springs forth, even in the midst of hard challenges.

The past month has been especially difficult for most in Labrador. The coastal community of Hopedale experienced the suicide of one of it's young members; an 18 year old. This sadly, was followed by a house fire that took the life of a middle-aged mother. And then Monday evening, a suicide of another young man. I had to deliver this sad news to family in the Correctional Center. As small as Hopedale is, alot like a rural community that we know, Hopedale is isolated on the coast. They rely totally upon their lay ministers - and at times like this - the grief is too much for them to bear. As this small community and their families throughout Labrador grieve these losses, because understanding them in this rapid succession is simply hard, my prayer is that all can bring their mind upon God; trusting in Him and then rest in His perfect peace.

In addition to those tragedies, a small group of young adults went hiking, and 3 young men took a canoe that was resting on the side of a river, and got caught in the rapids, going over the 50 ft. Muskrat Falls. The 2 girls with them helplessly witnessed the entire event. The boys were 1/2 of the class entering the local community college. They have now acquired a high tech team after 3 weeks of searching for the boys. Please keep these families, and the entire Happy Valley community in your prayers, as they had all recently graduated from high school; keeping the search & rescue teams and their families also in your prayers.

If that wasn't enough to endure, a small plane out of Happy Valley went down in the mountains last week; killing all. It took several days to locate the plane. "Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus love and righteousness."

A major concern around here is of increased depression followed by a succession of new suicides; in the communities as well as in the Correctional Center. Thank you for your uplifting for all Labradoreans right now. People are very interconnected; it is a verbal society. Especially the younger generation need to see hope of their personal worthiness and purpose.

On a precariously more up-side of our days the past 2 weeks, the church has been given some monies to rewire and replumb the Manse (where we live). Although the manse is only 50 years old, it was built with materials and limited local volunteer labor that was available at the time. Layer upon layer has been pealed away; revealing some very poignant memories of European Moravian missionaries and the simple but hard life that unfolded. God has preserved this manse and its residents despite wood stove fires, live wires in the walls & highly flammable materials. A local member is putting us up in their art gallery (sweet!) for the time being, and thankfully, although it will be months before this project is fully completed, we are seeing some hope of moving back within another 7 days.

Finally, the Head Chapel Servant informed me yesterday, that the local trust for the Nunasiavut Govt. has approved monies to replace the sanctuary roof this summer; a project long overdue, and enabling us to retain the historical integrity of this building!

God has blessed us in immeasureable ways through these efforts, and many many others. "Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us."

I am thankful that we belong to the Lord. Our hope is in Him and through Him.

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