Sending along our update from Day 2 of our time here in Meadow Lake!
Following our update last night, there was quite a storm that rolled through Meadow Lake - with lightning for over an hour, wind and significant hail.
We know of several houses in Meadow Lake that had flooding and damage from the storm, we are so grateful for our hosts Tim and Judy and their care and attention rain or shine. While we lost power here at the house for a couple of hours and there was one broken window from the hail that came with the storm - we were safe and secure!
We were reflecting on God's provision of safe travel from us during the day yesterday. Oftentimes these hail storms happen in the afternoon or early evening and with the severity of this storm, it would have made the drive very challenging. Many that we spoke with today mentioned it was one of the strongest storms they had seen in some time and that is was unique that it happened so late at night. God's hand was on us during the journey and his hedge of protection over the house for us as well. You can be in prayer for the people of Meadow Lake that sustained damage to their homes and for the days ahead as they clean up debris.
We woke up this morning to an amazing breakfast from our hosts Tim and Judy - the french toast even had rhubarb compote that Judy had made from her garden harvest! We enjoyed visiting with Tim, Judy and Maurice and talking about some of their road trip adventures in Alberta this year.
We were able to join the congregation today at the Evangelical Free church for service this morning with a great time of worship and a powerful message from Pastor Jhune surrounding our fears referencing scripture from Joshua. Joshua often found many reasons to be afraid and we have a tendency to focus on the same, sometimes before anything has even happened. It doesn't matter what is ahead of you, ONLY that God is with you.
We were reminded that our calling to serve is God's idea - that if we remain focused on what God will do in our lives that it will diminish our fear. When God makes a promise is certain. His scripture is our Prescription - just like we do for any medical prescriptions - we should read and apply his specific instructions in His word. God doesn't give us a spirit of fear but the ability to live a full and glorious life.
We shared lunch at the church with friends from Turning Point Youth Center and had the opportunity to learn more about their passions for Meadow Lake and the work that is ongoing in the community and what has drawn them to engage in ministry here! We had the absolute pleasure to have some baby cuddles with twin girls that belong to a young couple here Michael and Kim who have been involved both with Turning Point Youth Center as well as the Bethel Bible Camp and who will soon be off to Barrhead to begin ministry there as a pastoral family.
We next were headed out to Bethel Bible Camp - but took a quick stop to check in on Belinda (Executive Director and Turning Point) and her husband Matt's incredible renovation project. They purchased an old church and have been gradually renovating it - they are making great progress but lots of work to go still. We were really impressed with the potential and some of the really interesting elements they are using - Belinda's uncle is making handrails out of willow trees from their land!
Once we made it out to Bethel Bible Camp - through another rain storm - we were able to tour their amazing camp with the director Cory and his wife Olivia. Olivia was an amazing tour guide and we were able to see their great facility that can accommodate up to 64 campers a week - with a cool craft cabin (seen below) great activities and water sports on a very clean but cold lake! The mosquitos certainly were a force out there but we kept the bug spray on hand and really enjoyed seeing all facets of the camp - including all the wild berries that grow there - raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and saskatoons - we may have slowed this down a little hunting and sampling the "organic" treats!
Craft Cabin at Bethel Bible Camp
Water Sports at Bethel Bible Camp
We had a great meal with Belinda following our camp trip and ended the evening with a team debrief where we reflected on the impact of the day, the impact of the message of putting aside our fears and embracing what God has in store for us really resonated through our conversation and the excitement of meeting up with new and old friends throughout the day.
Our individual and team prayers really surround being aware of opportunities to serve, share and make connections as we interact with people in our areas of service. Please pray for us to be aware and bold to make an impact for God!
Tomorrow half of our team are headed to Door of Hope to prepare and serve food at the drop in center and half will be heading to camp to prepare food for the campers! Help us to be present, focused and flexible to God's plans!
Week 1 - Meadow Lake Team!
