We headed out only slightly behind our departure time goal with the van loaded with luggage for a week for 6 people, as well as our MAF display and promotional materials. We were excited to see this trip come together and we headed out with great anticipation, knowing God was at work in bringing our partnership team together.
After a couple short delays along the way, mostly traffic and construction, we arrived in Callander shortly after supper. We were meeting and staying with Nathan's friends parents, who are part of a wonderful fellowship of believers at South Shores Community Church. Though the timing didn't work out to host an event at their church, we were thrilled to be able to chat with the pastor and his wife as well as the new intern pastor. This body of believers is a great example of living by faith and we look forward to connecting with them again in the months ahead.
After a restful sleep and a fabulous pancake breakfast, we headed out on the next leg of our journey to Porcupine. This community is just outside Timmins so we passed lots of rocks, lakes and trees, (and construction)
Our first event was a dessert night at Porcupine Bible Fellowship Assembly. We had a great turn out and enjoyed meeting so many new people who were interested in hearing about the work of MAF and our ministry with them. We left there very encouraged and thankful for the new friends we made with a shared heart for mission work. Thank you to Wally and his team for bringing the evening together.
(Sharing some reasons why MAF is so important)
(The back row guests)
From Porcupine it was onto King Kirkland to stay with friends and share our ministry with the fabulous people of Swastika, at Riverside Community Church. This body of believers had just recently bought a school and it was exciting for us to hear how God had brought this to happen and how they intend to use this building to reach out to their community.
We enjoyed staying with our friends the Hardwicks and the girls especially liked hanging out with their kids. Nathan even helped mow the grass at the church and then the school yard the next day. Getting a true initiation to northern living and dealing with the black flies. It was great to relax with our friends and enjoy life at their house. Thanks for having us.
We traveled south for our weekend stay at Marsh Bay Resort in Cobalt. Among all the traveling and sharing about our ministry, we were so grateful to be able to stay at a cottage here and enjoy some family time.
The weather was amazing and it felt like a little vacation. Swimming and exploring were on the agenda for the weekend. We found some cool playgrounds and swam in Lake Timiskaming in Haileybury.
The spinner.
Checking out part of the mining heritage of Cobalt
A little rock climbing.
Sunday we worshiped at First Baptist New Liskeard and shared our passion and calling to serve with MAF with the congregation there. Giving them a glimps of how God has been at work in our lives, but inviting them to come out to Marsh Bay Resort that evening to hear the full story. And they came. Along with a few from the resort we had a great evening. Sharing our calling but also meeting some wonderful people who blessed and encouraged in this journey. The rhubarb pies were also a delicious contribution to the evening and many thanks to Mrs. Siemens for making them.
(A little Sunday afternoon fun)
(A little windy and cool to swim, but perfect for a water fight)
As we headed home on Monday and thought back over the week, we were so grateful for the many people that God saw fit to bring into our path. Grateful for those that partnered with us in our MAF ministry, for those who were praying for us, and for who gave us an encouraging word and made us feel so welcomed, thank you. The details came together, not because of our efforts, but because God was at work and we give thanks to Him for giving us such an encouraging week.
Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples. - 1 Chronicles 16:8
