MX Journal Entry

Yet another journal entry from my trip to the North.

January 14, 2012. Second full day in Split Lake.

            I think I’m still adjusting to a different pace of life and the impact that adjustment plays on my expectations of what ministry looks like here in Split Lake. Coming in I had certain expectations of what it would look like. In southern Manitoba we would have done a whole list of activities already and a schedule would have been absolutely essential. Up here though, life is different. I’ve been trying to adjust to the realization that likely our most effective ministry here will be our contact with the Christians here. It’s hard not to feel guilty about sitting around at our host homes when in our culture we would be doing something.  But I’m beginning to see that our ministry here is living in the moment and building relationships with whomever happens to be around at the moment.

            Today was a pretty laid back day but it ended really well. With it being Saturday we enjoyed the local culture and slept in. We headed to rink around noon and watched the community high school team play a team from Thompson. Split Lake killed them, 13-3. I thought this was actually a very effective way of connecting with kids. We ran into a few from the school and got some exposure in the community as well. After lunch we spent a good chunk of the day at Sophie’s house. Eventually we decided to drive around the community for a bit and drive over some ice-roads as well. I’m proud to say that I’m officially Canadian now. Ice-road driving I’m pretty sure is an essential requirement for that. Our team is getting stronger every day and I’m encouraged by them. We had supper with Sophie and played some Blitz with her as well. She is a hilarious lady.

            After supper we went out to visit some of the local Christians. We stopped at the home of Margaret Keeper. We sang some songs for her and prayed with her. We prayed for her health and for her husband, who is a believer but is addicted to alcohol. It was definitely an eye-opening experience of seeing God at work here. Her husband, Walter, came in drunk while we were singing and sat and watched us. When we were leaving everyone shook his hand and introduced themselves. When I told him my name he paused and said, as only a drunk man can, “That’s a stupid name.” It was excellent.

            Following that we stopped by the home of the local pastor, Eli, and his wife. The Anglican church he pastors is the only church in the town of about 2500. He and his wife were really encouraging. They are a vibrant example of serving God no matter the cost. Everyone here is very genuine and their hurts are never hidden. This particular culture trait I think has much potential for Christianity and faith takes on a new perspective through that lens of authenticity as well. Much could be accomplished in the North American Church if only everyone was genuine and authentic.