SHORT TERM MISSION TRIP
Cree Reserves - Hobbema, Alberta, Canada
A group from LOPC returned to the Cree Reserves in Hobbema Canada July 18-25, 2009 for the third year to continue the work there. There were several construction projects completed during the week, along with Vacation Bible School. The following are testimonials from two of the mission trip team members. Please scroll to the bottom of the page to view the slideshow.
This was LOPC's third trip to Hobbema. On the first trip we were told that coming only one time can be negative to the people. Thus, we have felt that it was important to continue showing our Christian love and faithfulness to the people. Initially, there were negative attitudes towards a Christian group being there by the other bands beyond the Louis Bull which had invited us. Well, this year, when some our team members were working on a ball field, a man from one of the other tribes stopped by the diamond and asked how much it would cost his tribe to get a mission team to come to their reserve. Thus we are now being sought after....not rejected by other bands.
The Tribal Council has noticed the positive impact we are making and they showed their appreciation by giving a round dance party for us. Also, they presented each person on the Mission trip a small "thank you" gift. A Tribal Council member told us that the work our team does is better quality than they get from paid contractors.
God has answered prayers for the Hobbema people. Two years ago, we asked people in the congregation to choose children and to pray for them. While we don't have records for most of the children who were chosen, we do know of two specific instances where prayers have been answered.
The number of children has grown each year with approximately 85 children attending this year. There are some children who are attending for the third consecutive year.
I'd like to thank you on behalf of the children of the Louis Bull Reserve. Monday through Friday, after lunch, some of us put down our work gloves and paint rollers and picked up color markers, glue and stickers. We shared the love of Jesus with up to 85 children ranging in age from babes-in-arms to teenagers. Hope Presbyterian Church , a Korean Church form New Jersey, brought 15 youth and 2 adults armed with songs, skits, Bible stories and crafts. It was a privilege for us to support and encourage Hope Presbyterian as we worked hand in hand together to provide Vacation Bible School.
Life can be very difficult for the First Nations People. The circumstances of their birth are quite challenging. A lethal combination of drug addiction, alcoholism and gang related violence shatters many families. Abandoned and neglected, 60% of all the children on Louis Bull Reserve are in some type of foster care. Growing up in a tradition that places no value on education, less than 1 out of 100 kids graduate from High School.
Vacation Bible School is an opportunity to reach out to these children and offer them hope. This was my first trip to the Reserve, but I found it quite interesting to witness the response of some of the children as the returning missionaries said, "I remember you, I have been praying for you!" Through Vacation Bible School, relationships are clearly being established and the Word of God is going out.
A typical afternoon would start with a few high energy, catchy songs to engage the children. Then, a brief skit with an accompanying story from God's Holy Word. Next we would head down to the basement of the Jesus Church for a time of arts and crafts. This would allow us to walk around and give individual attention to the children as they created their masterpieces. Of course, there was also snack time!
Vacation Bible School would close with free play outside. Again this provided a great opportunity for us to interact with the children as we blew bubbles, played duck- duck- goose, or kicked a soccer ball. Some of the children were drawn to us. Several of them walked to the Jesus Church two hours early to sit on the steps with their name tags on, waiting for us to arrive. Other children were repelled by us, vehemently resisting our touch or smile. Only God knows what fruit will come from our efforts. But, as I pray for the ones God has impressed upon my heart I am standing on His promise that one day people from every nation, tribe and tongue will confess Jesus Christ is Lord. That took on a deeper meaning when I looked into the eyes of children immersed in a culture of spiritual darkness. The hopelessness of bringing food to the dead. A tradition of calling spirits with drums, casting spells on your enemies and dispelling unwanted spirits with the burning of sweet grass.
In the midst of this, Vacation Bible School was a beacon of truth and hope. My prayer is that seeds were planted in the hearts of First Nation Children and that God will be glorified by changed lives, one child at a time.
The slideshow below includes a few pictures of almost 300 that were taken by Robin Bish. Please go to http://RobinBishPhotography.zenfolio.com/sunday to view all of the pictures. The password is Canada (case sensitive).
Prior Mission Trip Info
We have a short term mission trip each year, and ongoing reconstruction missions trips to Gulfport Mississippi. Please click below for more information and photo galleries of past trips.
Reconstruction Missions Trip to Gulfport Mississippi
2007 Mission Trip to Hobbema, Canada
2008 Mission Trip to Hobbema, Canada
