Update – First Nations Ministry Partnership
Posted by: Jacob Friesen
Church: Gospel Mennonite Winnipeg
Date: April 5th, 2011
Attached is a note from our Interim General Manager on the Board’s Meeting last weekend. If you have an interest in this ministry I want to encourage you to attend the Continental Mission’s annual meetings and Spring Conference May 20-23 in Hilbre, Manitoba.
The board is completing the first phase of the Re-Visioning Project and will be presenting recommendations to the CMI stakeholders and friends. Please pray for wisdom, patience, gentleness and understanding.
Dear CMI partner,
It has been quite a week! Last Saturday the building started to buzz as the Thompson Bible Chapel and CMI welcomed the CMI board as well as a Youth Group from Blumenort, Man., to our facilities. The board was here for a board meeting and a whirlwind listening tour, and the Blumenort EMC youth came here to do practical work projects and to minister in the area in various ways. It was exciting to see the building so full of enthusiasm and life.
The Board could only stay the weekend, but crammed the time full with visits to many people in Pikwitonei, Thompson, Split Lake, Thompson, and Nelson House as they ensure hearing the voice of local Christians in the re-visioning process. We were reminded again that The Lord is building his church and gained fresh enthusiasm for the privilege of being a part of that.
The board will be mulling over the multitude of responses received and heard and seeking God’s wisdom for future direction. They had plenty of ideas to discuss on the road home and in ongoing conversations. God has given wise and committed leaders to serve in this important time, but they need to be supported by the prayers of God’s people and we trust you will do that.
The youth group is under the leadership of Vince and Mavis Kehler who have brought their Youth Group here for the last few years during the school spring break. Together with ministry trip facilitators Bill and Anna Penner, they were busy right away doing practical work projects like changing windows, removing and repairing walls and shelving, painting and cleaning, and assorted other jobs.
This work all needed to be squeezed into the times that were not as appropriate for ministry trips to various communities or local events. They had prepared a delightful program and received warm welcomes everywhere they presented it. They are especially excited about opportunities to connect with children and youth, but also with adults as they travelled with seasoned missionaries and yet found special opportunities where they could offer encouragement as well.
Thank you for standing with us in prayer and financial support.
Sincerely,
Ferlin Abrahamson
Interim General Manager
Gerald & or Ferlin, Please keep us posted in terms of times, place and how to register for that Annual Meeting and Conference.