We have just returned from a week of visiting the First Nation communities in the mid-north and ministering at the Six Nations Pentecostal Church at Ohsweken on the weekend. This weekend we will be ministering at Bridle Trail Baptist Church with Pastor Lee Wong whose folk are planning to spend a week at camp working with the children at Awana Landing. There will be some last visits in the south before calling on our northern communities that attend Dorothy Lake Bible Camp. On that visit, Carol and I will travel north to minister with Pastor George Paraskevopoulos at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church.
At this time of the year our focus is usually on connecting with the children and teens, and their leadership that live on the various reserves and communities both large like Sudbury and North Bay, and small like Cochrane and Massey. This we are doing as we travel and visit more than 50 reserves and friendship centres. The other important focus is our need for staff members. At the moment we need a program director, a number of counsellors, cooks and kitchen staff, and lifeguards, literacy and craft workers at all three camps. The minimal response to that critical need keeps it high on our priority list. Your prayerful consideration would be much appreciated.
Another area of concern is our vehicles. With the huge territory, and Ontario is vast, our vehicles begin showing their age. Not only is the area large, the roads we travel are less than gentle on our vehicles. Many of them are hard on the back, and harder on the teeth. The road into the Dokis Reserve doubles as a haul road for lumber trucks bring timber out of the bush. Elaine's vehicle and ours are ready for retirement. Harvey also mentioned to me that a small to medium trailer to transport the supplies for the northern reserves would cut in half the number of long trips we would need to make into those remote reserves.
Harvey is chomping at the bit to get into Dorothy Lake. There was still snow & mud on the road and he knows there is a lot of work to be accomplished before camp begins. He would appreciate anyone who might have time to lend a hand. They are wanting to begin the "Back Pack Ministry," or "Shoe Box Ministry" once they have enlisted sufficient support.
Elaine & Ron continue to prepare for the summer training program. The opportunity of holding a training week for our summer staff at Awana Landing is available. We are trusting the Lord for the staff numbers that would make this viable. This would give our missionaries opportunity to connect with the staff before camp. They have begun planning for a Fair & Daily Vacation Bible School in conjunction with the Massey Fair. Pray this outreach would be profitable and that many children in the area which includes the Sagamok Reserve would be reached for the Lord Jesus.
Good Seed- The Arabic version of "All the Prophets Have Spoken" has been reprinted and is available. Call us to order any and all of the Good Seed materials for your teaching and outreach with adults and children.
PRAISE
*for good visits with First Nation communities along Hwy 17 & Manitoulin Is. last week.
*for support coming in for all staff, Elaine & Ron, Harvey & Margo, & ourselves. P.T.L. *for campers who are contacting us on FACEBOOK & are excited about attending camp.
*for Carol as her laser treatment for her eyes on April 12, seems to be working.
*for Alice May, a former camp cook, good news, she is in remission!
*for Scott who is employed part time. He & Gillian need permanent jobs.
PRAYER
*continue to keep Harvey & Margo & their soon to be larger extended family in prayer.
*invitations for Carol & I & our two associate couples to minister this spring & fall.
*for a new to us vehicle to replace our 02 Focus wagon that now has close to 300KM.
*for a new to Elaine vehicle to replace her 03 Impala that has about the same mileage.
*for an understudy couple for Carol & I that would prepare us for a leadership transition....
*for Josalyn one of our campers as she has surgery for neck problem.
*for Six Nations Pentecostal Church need of a pastor with the home going of Pastor Dan.
*for Pastor John Williamson & new building would have God's blessing & provision.
*for those who would be interested in receiving training for ministry at camp chapels.
*for a trailer to carry items donated by knitting ladies for northern First Nations reserves. s
*for our mission team as we recruit camp staff. Very Slow response to date.
*for camp staff members needed in all positions for all three camps.
*for visits & preaching at New Liskeard & First Nation villages from North Bay to Hearst
*for the possibility of a D.V.B.S. week in Massey following camp.
*NOTE:Smoky Trail will pay for lifeguard training fees if you join our staff this summer.
We press on by faith knowing that this is the work of the Lord and He watches over His work. " For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister." Heb. 6:10. We do appreciate the fact that so many of you have responded to the needs of our First Nation children. Since the need is great and the time is short we have inserted both a sponsorship and a staff form in case you had put it aside and mislaid it. Thank you for all your prayers and support that make this outreach possible. Please keep these, your fellow servants, in your prayers.
Hugh & Carol
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