Beautiful Feet

Jane arrived in Saskatoon airport with joy and enthusiasm! She had spent two months in NCEM’s summer ministry program over 30 years ago (in La Loche, SK). Her heart had always been in First Nations ministry, but life took her on a different path. Now in her retirement years, she took a step of faith and applied to serve with NCEM as a part time missionary, reaching out to the nearby reserve of Bog Cove, New Brunswick. She was ready to take the training and learn all she could to serve the Lord!

Two young couples with kids drove up to Big River, SK, vehicles loaded with luggage, bedding and gear for three weeks at NCEM Candidate training. The weariness front he drive was lifted as the kids explained with pure delight at the wide open green space and playground at the camp! The Bueckerts and Sawatzkys came to learn and prepare for ministry, wiling to live in cabins for the next 20 days.

Linsey had just spent 11 months as an intern with NCEM at the headquarters in Prince Albert. She decided that she wanted to come on as full time in missionary work. She grinned as she unloaded her vehicle and moved into the camp’s lodge for the next weeks. Even though Linsey was also preparing for her upcoming wedding, she was a trooper and added life and energy to our experience together.

I could go on giving brief biographies of the 12 new candidates who joined us for 3 weeks of Candidate Orientation and Training! Each one sacrificed times and finances to obey the call into missionary service. We spent 2 weeks at Big River Bible Camp and finished our final week at Pine Ridge Bible Camp, near Beauval, SK. God met us through some very challenging times – including severe smoke from forest fires – enabling Walter and I to invest in these new recruits. We built relationships with them as we taught in class, share meals and lived life together in the camp environments.

A wonderful blessing was that Corrie – a new missionary who went through the training last year – helped us out by preparing binders, songbooks, and schedules for the participants. Each day after class, she led in the Debrief sessions, helping the new candidates process the information they were learning. With her musical gifts, she also coordinated/led some worship evenings. Corrie was a tremendous support and encouragement to us, helping carry the load.

Along with 3 others who want to volunteer and serve as Associates with NCEM, we now have fresh recruits ready to raise their support and begin their ministries in Indigenous communities to share the hope of Jesus Christ and bring the Gospel to those who haven’t heard.

Romans 10:14-15 “How then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those two bring good news!'”

Family Update

Daniel and Michaela – Daniel continues to commute to Estevan (Boundary Dam) as he works on his second year as an air conditioning/HVAC apprentice. Michaela has expanded responsibilities as a seamstress and developing the social media promotions for the online clothing company she works for. They took on teaching a Sunday Schoo class in their church, as well.

Caylea – God has provided Caylea with a one bedroom suite to rent in Big River. Thanks for praying! She has expanded tasks as camp season is around the corner. Pray for her and the leadership team of Big River Bible Camp as they prepare for campers this summer.

Mark and Amy – Big news! Mark and Amy are expecting a little one in early November! We are excited along with them as we become grandparents for the first time. Mark continues to work in the concrete/construction industry and Amy teaches music students.

Walter – Summer plans include taking the VW Beetle to a VW car show in July and…learning to sail! A friend gave us a sailboat and we hope to master this craft on Katepwa Lake.

Cindy – Enjoys puttering around her backyard, leading worship when she can and planning the family get-together for Labour Day weekend at the cabin!

Praise and Prayer

• Praise the Lord for 12 new missionaries at NCEM Candidate Training this spring.
• Praise for the Zimmermann family from Germany who are visiting Canada in preparation to move here and serve full time with NCEM.
• Pray for Walter as he temporarily takes on added roles in the mission until new leaders can be appointed – for wisdom, health, energy and grace for each situation.
• Pray for the summer season as camps are in full swing and out missionaries need some time for vacation/rest.

Upcoming Events

• NCEM Genral Conference – August 28-31, 2023 in Pinawa, MB
• Labour Day weekend with our family
• MissioNexus Conference – September 27-29, 2023 in Orlando, FL