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Committed to Reconciliation
"Whatever happens, you should walk in a manner that brings honor to the good story about the Chosen One. In this way, whether or not I come to see you, I will hear that you are standing firm in one spirit, having one purpose, and struggling together to hold true to the good story in which we have put our trust."
Small Man to the Sacred Family in Village of Horses (Philippians) 1:27
Wildman, Terry M. First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament (p. 359). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.
I very much appreciate the First Nations Version’s rendering of our theme verse, Philippians 1:27. Paul’s charge to “walk in a manner that brings honor to the good story about the Chosen One [Jesus Christ]” is foundational to the ministry of reconciliation.
We continue to serve in the unceded lands of the Omàmìwinini (Alonquins) Anishinaabek in the Ottawa Valley in Eastern Ontario. Our focus is in learning to travel the river (of life) together with the Creator (Creator Sets Free, Jesus Christ), celebrating culture in friendship, peace and goodwill, and inviting others to join in this journey. In all honesty, this year has been particularly tough as we have faced some opposition and increasing division between communities and among the people we have a heart for. We were forced to put the summer youth camp on hold due to a lack of staff and in light of current cultural, religious, social and political influences we have seen our communities divided, impacting relationships and families all around, especially among followers of Jesus.
In the absence of camp this summer, we continue to strive as the Spirit has brought us into deeper relationship with families and individuals experiencing brokenness and various crises. We have been blessed with many opportunities to mentor and encourage various followers of Jesus experiencing a crisis of faith due in large part to pain suffered at the hands of religious and governing institutions. We have also been building relationships with churches and organizations more along the lines of learning and teaching in the areas of reconciliation and traveling together in right relations. We are especially excited to be part of The Right Relations Circle serving the EMCC and our family of churches.
We are particularly excited about being able to come alongside a local church as a resource and encouragement. We continue to provide opportunities and resources to equip and disciple leaders across Canada in the ministry of reconciliation. We are also very excited that the Spirit has brought a local church to come alongside us as we strive as one for the faith of the gospel to enable us to provide a wonderful opportunity for youth in the Golden Lake, Pikwakanagan area. The River Drop-in is intended to be a nondenominational, intercultural youth group for ages 12 to 16 providing a safe and welcoming place where local youth and families will have fun, develop community and experience Jesus in word and practice.
Prayer points:
- Pray for unity, healing and reconciliation within the Church body in our area.
- Pray for the youth and families that we have been traveling with and for the gatherings the Spirit has been calling together (healing circles, family gatherings, youth gatherings, celebrations and ceremonies). Especially pray that those who have been hurt by the Church would find healing in Jesus.
- Continue praying that the Spirit calls individuals or a team to commit to walking with us as we learn together what it means to be traveling in right relations, whether through camp, day camp or other opportunities.
- Pray for the Right Relations Circle as we seek the Spirit's guidance and walk alongside our EMCC family to walk in right relations with Indigenous Peoples and others in our communities and nation.
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