January 15, 2012. Third day in Split Lake.
Alarm clocks are great to wake up to
but a recent study has found that drunken death threats are 100% more
effective. Interesting fact: Jeff and I are the subjects of the aforementioned
recent study. Life in Split Lake got much more exciting this morning and it
kicked off with a bang. Literally. A banging at the door followed by one of
Winston’s old friends, who was drunk and still drinking, making his presence
very known through some colourful language with an “I’m gonna kill you” or two
thrown in for emphasis. Needless to say, sleep was no longer an option.
Apparently quitting alcohol and turning down an invitation to be in a mutual
friends wedding has some serious consequences up here. After a quick shower
Jeff and I beat it to Sophies to let that situation cool down. We were a little shaken up that day. Looking
back it makes for a great story though, which is always a worthwhile bonus. And
the guy was drunk out of his mind at 9 in the morning, so it was probably a
little less serious than it sounded.
After spending the morning doing
team devotions and prayer we went to church with Sophie. Church here starts at
1 pm. It was a fascinating English/Cree Anglican service. At this time you can
also add “Having my first alcohol” to the list of
things accomplished today. And you thought these journals were going to be
boring. It was communion Sunday and let’s just say those Anglicans don’t mess
around when it comes to the blood of Christ.
After church our team ran a Sunday
school for about 25 kids. We sang some songs, told stories, did a puppet show,
and did crafts. This was a huge success, and Winston, who isn’t a believer,
keeps telling us that the way to reach the community is through reaching the
kids. Sunday School was definitely a step in the right direction.
In the evening we went back to
Sophie’s and visited with her and her friend, Mary-Jane. We talked, shared
songs, and Scripture. The ladies shared very openly about the obstacles the
church faces and about the decline of the church in Split Lake. Apart from the
abuse suffered in the residential schools there were two men, one a pastor and
one a principal, who sexually abused boys in the community. These men where
both white. Some of these boys committed suicide and the men never went to
jail. Because of this the church has been steadily declining ever since. That,
along with the church building burning down four years ago and the mistrust
associated with the church and especially white Christians has done a number on
Split Lake. When we visited Margaret yesterday she said her children were
“hiding because they were scared of the Christians.” While we laughed at the
time I have no doubt it is in large part true because of these events. The
church faces much distrust built on a long history of misdeeds done to these
Native people. I wonder if there is a place for training leaders from in these
communities and using those leaders, who face much less distrust, to build the
church and reach these people?
Faith continues to connect with the
believers here on the level of their pain. While far too many drown their hurt,
those who have believed have a way to deal with the many hurts they have
experienced. Jesus the Healer is a huge connecting point with the believers
here.I’m disgusted
by all the horrible wrongs committed in the name of the God I love and serve
with all my life. How could these white leaders pretend to be believers and do
so much damage to these Native communities? How will these people ever recover?
The injustice I’m seeing is infuriating and overwhelming. I know I serve a big
God and it’s a good thing because this is a big stinkin’ mess.
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