September 2006

Welcome to Fall in the North!

I have been living and working in Thompson for almost 2 months now. What a busy time!

Midway Bible Camp

My first couple weeks in Thompson centered on the Bible camp ministry.

There is a saying that goes something like this:

“You don’t know what it’s like for somebody else,

until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes”

It took until I moved back to the North to realize how much work the staff in Thompson does on behalf of the camp…WOW!

For the staff living and working in Thompson, our activities for the camp included:

- Picking up and dropping off camp staff

- Shopping for needed supplies for the kitchen, the craft shop, the boats, the camp store….

- Delivering those supplies to the camp

Along with this, the three of us that make up the Mission’s leadership team, also helped out whenever needed with picking up and dropping off campers at the start and end of each week.

This meant regular trips to Thompson, Nelson House, Split Lake, the Thompson airport, and the Via Rail train station!

New Missionaries at Lynn Lake

Travis and Susan Vallinga and two of their children, Stephen and Bethany moved in just before September long weekend. Travis is the new missionary pastor at Lynn Lake Gospel Chapel

Drop-In Centre

We are looking forward to the opening of our Drop-In Centre. It will open September 25^th and will be open Monday to Friday from 10am to 1pm through out the winter.

The Drop-In works with the homeless people of Thompson and area by providing a place to get off the streets. While they are here, they can:

- Have a bowl of soup,

- Listen to Gospel music, and,

If they wish, have someone to pray with.

Leadership Training

Over the last 2 months, I have been learning a lot about what it means to be in leadership at Continental Mission.

A leader wears many different hats. At different points in the day it may mean:

- Providing rides for those without a vehicle

- Traveling to other communities to help with their ministries or building projects

- Being ready to stop what I am doing, so I can listen to others about their hurts and needs

- Praying (often!) for the work that we are doing here in the North

I’m an uncle (again)!

On September 2, 2006, William Alexis Loeppky (5 lbs, 8 oz. and 18 inches long) came into the world. He was born to my sister and brother-in-law, Marla and Mark Loeppky, who live in Winnipeg.

J

Praise Items

- For a good transition to the North and this new ministry opportunity

- For the supporters who have been giving

- For a great Bible camp season – about 300 campers joined us this summer

- For baby William’s safe arrival

Prayer Requests

- For much wisdom and knowledge as I continue to learn the ropes

- For continued safety in my travels here around Northern Manitoba

- For the Lord’s protection as we do the work God has for us

- For God to provide the donations needed for my support

Thank you for praying!