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

Draw Us In The Spirit's Tether

Christ, our risen Lamb indeed, Christ, your ransomed people feed; at the end of earthly strife raise us, Lord, to endless life: Alleluia!

The Lord has Risen! He is Risen Indeed! These words echo in my mind - remembering that amazing morning. It was an incredible experience to share this time with the people here - in 2 languages and 3 services. Simplicity is so elegant by our God's design.

In approaching 4 weeks beyond that day, the sanctuary has been filled; many many new faces, singing at the top of one's voice, and especially children. All has been very moving, and humbling, as God provides restoration right before our eyes!

I've marveled at the people's natural sharing of one's resources; food, shelter, fostering children, firewood, to name a few. If someone is hungry, thirsty, needs healthcare, wood, or basically, a family to live with, people respond immediately. It comes from a long heritage of living on the land; providing for the needs of a distant neighbor whenever a need arises. It is not unusual for caribou meat to show up at one's door; enough to feed the family for a month. I am most thankful for what they teach me, and for their patience with me.

Our Unity Prayer Watch Day came last Friday where we opened the sanctuary, providing prayer stations equipped with prayer needs and hymn lyrics to sing silently or outloud;-however they were led. Only a handful of people came, but those few deeply appreciated the opportunity and experience.

The Men's Fellowship will be hosting a sanctuary roof-replacing fundrasiing dinner next week. The local grocery store, in their enthusiasm to see the men so united, has graciously donated all of the food for 150 people, are doing all of the advertising, selling tickets at their cash registers, and if that isn't enough - they're paying 5 employees to help serve the dinner! Takes my breath away; the providence and grace.

Recently, I invited a local youth I heard at a concert, to play her Euphonium at our worship service. She gratefully accepted, so I invited her to play anytime and to begin a beginners band. She accepted!

Most recently, one of the Girl Guide groups at the church invited me to teach their children handchimes along with their willingness to play for our worship, and again at their end-of-year ceremony. So we have begun practices, playing beautiful Moravian hymns. The girls are precious and excited to learn.

Limited only to space, I'll share one more recent opportunity to share the Gospel. The coastal community of Makkovik has invited me to continue my weekly Moravian Radio Hour. Thanks to the Women's Circle #3; providing the necessary equipment, I'm able to joyfully accomodate them - recording the exposition of the Sunday Daily Text lessons along with a variety of musical selections; vocal, keyboard, or musical artists. This is a tremendous blessing for me; a gift straight from God. Thank you Lord, for drawing us in the Spirit's tether together.

Thank you again and again for your prayers and support. Your words inspire both George and myself in all things. We look forward to engaging George's soccer gifts this summer in a home-grown VBS. You are welcome and invited to assist. We're looking at either early July, or the end of August.

Abundant grace and peace to you,

glenna & George

Call to Prayer

Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. 2 Corinth. 2:14

Dear prayerful people,

I am thankful for all things, especially when I know God will bring purpose to it (isn't that everything?). There are amazing things happening around here, somewhat a very slow, waking from sleep. People (the community) are attentive to what's happening at the church. A peace I am told has overcome many. I wish you all to be informed of points of prayer for the Labrador people knowing that you will pray for them as well as lead others to prayer. A profound thanks for your ongoing prayers you have offered already - they are heard. There are answers to prayers that I don't see, but I know it's happening. Here is where you can help right now ....

• pray for pastors to be called to the Moravian churches here. The people are hungry/thirsty for Christ.
• pray for all Labrador youth. They are a blessed bunch, but caught in a time without consistent church leadership, especially on the coast.
• pray for the Happy Valley congregation as this is a major transition for them, having a pastor after 10 years without, facing the financial reality that they have to support themselves. These are difficult decisions for them as it's always been a beautiful care & 'giving' (of material goods) to make things happen. Yet, the community/society is one that speaks financially now - so the church has to adjust.
• pray for HV chapel servants as they learn to lead in a new way.
• pray for HV youth and children to come and be a part of this movement of the Holy Spirit. Their presence is critical.
• pray for people to lead Sunday School in the fall. We have no one yet - but I feel confident that something is going to happen.
• pray for people to be lead to lead our youth in the fall.
• pray for the Word of God to speak and move within all hearts in powerful ways.
• pray for wisdom in my leadership in all things that come before me. We are a ministry team, and that attitude will take some time to develop.
• pray for George and I to reflect a beautiful witness in our marriage - this speaks so loudly to people.
• pray that God's will be done in all things. He is our cornerstone.

Thank you for your gracious giving of prayer support. Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus love and righteousness,

glenna & George

Path of Life!

"you have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11
This psalmist writes not of the path to life, but rather of the path of life. The one who finds it, lives! Psalm 16:11 is the OT version of Jesus' "I am the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6). Our life is in him. The psalmist knew that humans could dwell in the presence of God right now, and know real life.
Could it be that our highest duty is to come to know God and His ways? As one of the Unity's newest ministers, I am awestruck by the joy it is to deliver the gospel message through a myriad of ways; preaching, singing outloud, the witness of our marriage, how we look at each other, praying, holding one's hand in a hospital room, listening, watching, how one dresses, smiling, to name a few.
Denis Kinlaw says "there is no higher calling available, no higher privilege than dwelling in his presence and feeding on the pleasures there. The key to living here is the wisdom found in God and in His Word."
Life is alot simpler in Labrador; less choices in everything. Only 3 kinds of dish detergents rather than 27 (size, color,scent, price, ingredients) on the shelves. I brought too many clothes. I'll never wear all the shoes (and I'm a favorite one-pair shoe-wearer!). I love the simplicity as it's given me more time for the important things; Bible study, prayer, worship, relationships, reading, and then outdoor fun and admiring the general beauty of the land and her people. In short, the 'path of life' is alot more visible. Just as our children and grandchildren were discovering their young world/path in front of them; watching them see life with anticipation and awe? God wants us to do the same through Jesus Christ. "Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven." Matt. 6:10

Our Redeemer's coming

Writing and music is like praying to me. So many have poured their prayers into the text for hymns, and so many musicians souls have overflowed with notes to create the beautiful tunes we live to sing each opportunity of worship. What a privilege it is to sing our prayers to a God that hears what's emanating from the heart. Moravians love to sing, and in Labrador, with over 200 years of practice, that is especially true. Happy Valley Moravian worshipped in a Lessons and Hymn Service for the 5th Sunday of Lent. With the sound of a pump organ, it was a joyful experience.

Thank you Spirit, for dwelling in our presence May you ever triumph in our hearts!

Moravian Light in the HV Community

Give a girl a chainsaw, and look what can happen?! Winter games have come and gone - all the athletes went home, but the Happy Valley schools go on Easter break and a whole new week-long celebration begins; Sno Break. Opening competition is an ice-sculpting event George & I went to watch - not realizing that the "celebs" weren't going to show up for the competition, so I was recruited. My only thought was that George was going to do the chain saw part, and I would do the hand drill fine-tuning.
The chainsaw was really lite, and it was like all this power in your hands (heh-heh) - so I sawed away - and wa-la! A Moravian lovefeast candle. It was a beautiful hour and George & I met alot of people in the process. I handed out alot of my new pastor cards, so we'll see how Our Lord works with this. Jesus is the light of the World!

Baby Steps in Large Pastures

O God, make the door to our church wide enough for all searching hearts. Make the windows able to reveal your light. Make the sidewalk smooth enough that no one will trip and fall, and make the church bell a beakon of invitation to your eternal Kingdom. Gracious God, make our congregation one of infinite grace that receives all peoples; rich, poor, hurting, fearful, seeking, searching, and in need of your love. May we be witnesses to your grace and love, and servants for Christ.
The past 4 weeks have whizzed by with Lent almost over. We have settled in - quite actually, it feels so much like home I almost feel guilty about not missing state-side life. George and I miss our friends, Moravian family, and of course our kids, but pretty much feel like they're all 'with us' in spirit. George I know misses his regular soccer and it gets old being unemployed, but he's making the best of the situation. He bakes alot of bread - hopefully a small income at some point - and is upping his computer tech skills as our computers both crashed.
We're still settling in, but there was a little bit of time to enjoy the Labrador Winter games, held every 4 years here in Happy Valley Goose Bay. Their Inuit Games are the favorite thing to watch where people of all ages compete in the Seal Walk, the High Kick, and many many more events. Imagine kicking a little stuffed seal toy hanging 6'9" from the ground.... and then landing on one foot! The girl that did that was only 5'5".
For the most part, most of my work to date has been in meeting and visiting people where they are; homes, senior care, hospital, and in community events. It is quite humbling to offer prayer and be thanked. My heart simply weeps for the spiritual hunger of these people. Surely God has amazing things in store for them over the coming year. Some of the exciting things happening include:

• A choir has begun at Happy Valley Moravian. They are a faithful few, and are bilingual.
• Table Talk - a Lenten Bible study where a subject is put out for the evening, and people are free to discuss, ask questions and share about it's relevancy in their lives. It was an idea taken from Martin Luther's passion for piety which has been well attended here since Ash Wednesday.
• Lenten Services on Wednesday evenings full of music, stories, and prayer.
• George is assisting with a men's fellowship breakfast to plan action for the year.
• Finance-Stewardship Committee. A wonderful group of people that whave been effective in prayerful planning.
• An education team working to begin planning an education program for Sunday School and a youth program come the fall; preparing teachers and leaders as well.

One exciting thing going this year is an anniversary "homecoming"; their first real one. In checking the archives, the foundation stone was first laid in October. So they're excited about this opportunity for a lovefeast, & they're inviting people to come in before the snow.

Another bit of excitement is a wedding taking place in July for which I was invited to officiate, and will be delivering the vows in sign language for the groom. I'll be brushing up on my sign language over the coming months, and the congregation is absolutely joyed for this occasion.

Last Sunday was especially nice in that as people left, it felt like they had just gotten up from a big "Thanksgiving' meal; full to the brim. What an amazing feeling. God is so good - and has been dwelling among us all around here. Staying focussed on Christ at all times is the challenge. We are so blessed by being here - I can scarcely fathom why this gift has been given to George and I. Then shall he give the rain of thy seed, that thou shalt sow the ground withal; and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and pleneous; in that day shall thy cattle feed in large pastures. Eze.36:30. It's like Happy Valley is ready to grow in Christ. My hope is that all will come to the table and be refreshed, renewed, find peace, and find that the joy of this earthly life is Him, not all the other things. What wondrous love is this?! These people are a bless-ed beloved lot. Thank you for your prayers as we walk; one step at a time.

Your humbled servants, Glenna & George