The NCEM mission truck was loaded with luggage and boxes of Swag (t-shirts, jackets and caps with our mission logo).  Winding through forest and some fields, our first stop was Big River Bible Camp.  Located along the Delaronde Lake, the Bible camp was established almost 70 years ago by folks who had a vision to reach children, especially those on nearby First Nations.  Some years later, the camp leadership approached NCEM to bring the camp under its umbrella.  Now Jason and Anita Boucher direct the camp.  As we pulled into the camp property, we saw the new dining hall and chapel - a two-storey structure with a beautiful deck where the tables and chairs were set for the kids to eat.  Beyond that, we saw the cabins lined up along the trees and then a beautiful view of the lake.
     We are usually greeted by a couple of resident dogs and the Bouchers.  But during camp, Anita is in the kitchen and Jason is somewhere involved in the activities.  Today, the first people we saw were Dave and Timothy, two men working on maintenance projects.
     "Where is everybody?" we asked.  Not a kid or staff person was in sight.
     "It is FOBIC time."  Dave replied, grinning.
     Our confused looks showed our ignorance.  "What is FOBIC?"
     "Flat On Back In Cabin!"  Timothy explained.  "You can't call it nap time but that's supposed to be what is happening now!"
     It was exciting once the bell rang and kids came pouring out of the cabins.  We had arrived in time for Tuck, treat time.  So we wandered over to the Tuck Shop and met cabin leaders, staff and some kids.  Walter and I loved making conversation and trying to connect with whoever had time for us.
     That evening we joined in the chapel time, sitting in the very back row.  The kids were amazingly quiet and attentive as Aileen, a diminutive white-haired woman, read from the Bible and put up figures on her flannelgraph.  Simply but clearly, Aileen presented stories about Paul from the book of Acts and involved volunteers from the audience.  We were impressed with the flow and sense of God's presence during the chapel session.
     Early next morning, Walter joined the staff for their meeting.  As a token of thanks, he let the staff, everyone who was serving at the camp, take some Swag.  At breakfast, when I came to the dining hall, I saw so many wearing the black t-shirt or jacket, and many had on an NCEM cap!  Usually they sport the camp t-shirts but we wanted them to be aware of NCEM and how the larger umbrella organization appreciated their service.  I hope we left Big River with the encouragement and affirmation the staff needed at their mid-way point of the summer.
     Our next stop was two hours north and west at Pine Ridge Bible Camp.  The camp is reached by a winding. sandy road.  Located on Cunnings Lake, the layout of the camp is all up and down!  Paths between cabins, dining hall, chapel and outhouses form a web of connection, with a lovely set of wooden steps all the way down to the beach.
     Very rustic but beautifully set in the jack pines, we took in the scent of the pines and the sounds coming from the main log structure.  We were a bit late for lunch, but we joined the line up.  The staff who knew us greeted us with smiles and kept serving the meal.  some others stood and shook our hands or hugged us.  Again, we knew there wouldn't be much opportunity for visiting, but we came to encourage and give out Swag.
     Right after lunch, I was invited by a young female cabin leader on break to go berry picking!  I took that offer, hoping it would be an opening to hear what she was doing with her future.  She had finished one year of Bible college and was very interested in children's ministry.  We talked about what her vision is and what she has pursued in terms of an umbrella.  She was definitely open to looking into NCEM but made no promises or commitment.  That's okay.  It's often better to think these decisions through and pray much before making a decision.
     That night, we made our way to the old chapel building, a log structure up the hill.  We sat on the old church pews, crowding in with all the campers and staff.  The speaker had power point and some science experiments to illustrate his Bible teaching.  The kids were a more active and noisy, but for the most part they were interested and involved in the chapel time.  Right after the lesson, we all piled out to the campfire time.  We sang lots of songs and in between, two cabin leaders shared their testimonies.  What a powerful time as we heard how Jesus changed these two leaders by His grace.
     We fell into bed by 11 pm, very aware of our age and fitness level.  The fresh air and the hilly terrain wore us out!  Next morning, the alarm woke us and we joined the Pine Ridge camp staff for their morning staff meeting.  Everyone was looking weary; one more full day and they wanted to finish strong.  We handed out more NCEM items, thanking each one for serving at the camp.
     After a typical camp breakfast of baked oatmeal, toast and fruit, Walter and I had a decision to make.  An email had come in the day before, notifying of the sudden passing of a former NCEM missionary.  The funeral was to be in Elk Point, Alberta, which would be about four hours from the camp.  Heading back to the office in Prince Albert would be 3 1/2 hours.  When we reached the intersection, Walter suggested we flip a coin.  'Heads' we turn right, 'tails' we go left.
    I flipped the coin and...the next blog will let you know where we went next!

Many miles, amazing views and special people.
That's our life.
Last week we were in Prince Albert for NCEM's Day of Prayer.  The DVD, that was supposed to be the message for the day before we spent some time in prayer, wouldn't work.  So Walter shared a sermon he was preparing for the next Sunday from Luke 9 and 10.  It was a God-moment as the message was very powerful on counting the cost to be a follower of Jesus.  More than just being involved in church, but being committed fully to the Kingdom of God.
As we broke into prayer groups, we were to think of names of people we knew who may be interested in missions.  Some names were students, interns, volunteers who have been associated with NCEM or folks we think may be well-suited for ministry. 
Three days later, we were meeting with a young couple whose names had been on the prayer list for potential missionaries...Wow!  Just by sharing the opportunities we thought could be a great fit for them, the wife was in tears and the husband was doing some deep soul-searching.  Prayer is the most we can do.
On Thursday, we had an all-day Executive meeting.  Sometimes meetings can be long, boring but of course necessary for the conducting of business, even God's business.  The neat thing about serving with the men who God has brought together is that these meetings become exciting!  We see how God has answered prayer and brought resolution and hope to some tough situations.  Properties have sold.  Staff are serving with renewed vision.  Donations are increasing. 
On Sunday, we drove 2 1/2 hours to Coronach, SK, for Walter to preach in the Alliance Church.  The ride was beautiful: early morning, little traffic, green fields, lots of hay bales.  It was raining when we left the city and the skies cleared as we drove south...it was breathtaking as we came over a rise and then gazed at the Big Muddy.  The valley is like a scene from the old T.V. show, Bonanza.  Saskatchewan Badlands are an unexpected and glorious sign that God is God.  It was an amazing way to prepare for worship.
After service - yes, we were the last ones to leave the church - and the fellow who was locking up invited us to lunch.  His wife whipped up a little something and we ate fresh produce from her garden.  This couple signed up to receive our letters and want to know how to give to our ministry.
We live a crazy life, but when I take the time to count the blessings, they are beyond counting!
This week we have plans on the road and hopefully I will get the chance to update you all.  So stay tuned...

Well, we had a few nice days lazing at our cabin at Sandy Beach, Katepwa Lake.
Then it rained.
Not that we couldn't have stayed indoors - I had plenty of reading material and Walter had his computer!  But Walter couldn't rest knowing the rain was also pouring in the city...and we had an unfinished shed needing attention.  The basic walls were up and the roof was covered with tin.  The problem was the slope of the roof without the eaves troughs to catch the water would mean it was flooding into our neighbours' yard!
We drove back to the city, leaving some groceries and our bedding, fully anticipating we would be back in a day or two.  By the second evening home, we did complete the projects needed for the shed to function adequately.  I got some errands done and was able to visit Dinah, who is now home after her surgery.  In my mind, I was gearing up to return to the lake and enjoy more of our vacation.
When Walter checked the weather, it was to be +34, a regular heat wave throughout the southern part of the province.  It was wise for us to stay in our air conditioned house and just relax with the comforts of the CFL on TSN!  Taking advantage of the hot weather, I spent some time writing, editing my next devotional book.  I also opted not to cook so we drove to a favourite Chinese Buffet place nearby.  Walter was able to putter in his cool garage and made a picture frame of barn wood.
Nice to be in a holiday mood!
The Bible reading and devotional I read this week reminded me that our plans don't always come to pass.  I think I was so set on a perfect vacation, relaxing at the lake and having uninterrupted days to do whatever I wanted that the rain and the shed project and even phone calls felt like intrusions!  In Proverbs 16:9 - "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."
Yep!  Over and over, I have experienced this truth.  I may set a course but many times that course gets diverted.  And God somehow has His way either through my plans or in spite of my plans!  So even with vacation times, we may have a place and time and itinerary but it seems we are at the mercy of God's sovereignty.  The weather?  Not in my control.  Letting God have

His way?  I can do that!

"I can't believe it!  I just had it!"  Walter exclaimed as he patted his pockets.
"Let's retrace our steps," I suggested and we drove from the Co-op grocery store back to the Dollar Tree in Fort Qu'Appelle.  On our second day of vacation, Walter had somehow misplaced his wallet.
Now we have had our share of "bad luck" on holidays.  Sick kids, poison oak, stolen cooler full of food, vehicle breakdowns and no access to a bank back in the day before ATM's and debit cards.
But to lose a wallet on vacation is a real bummer!  So we scanned the sidewalk and then Walter went in to the store where he had last used his credit card. I personally had my doubts that anyone would turn it in; I felt pretty skeptical and cynical-probably an indication that I needed to be on vacation and get my perspective realigned!
Maybe it was there...
As Walter inquired of the clerk at the till, she said, "Yes, a lady just came in here with a wallet, asking if anyone had come in looking for it."  So Walter was able to track down the woman and she gladly gave it back to him. 
The woman was maybe thirty-ish, First Nations likely from one of the reserves near Fort Qu'Appelle.  Walter noticed she must have rifled through it, although he had little cash, but none of the I.D. or credit cards were missing.  Because she had been honest, Walter wanted to bless her.
So, as I sat in the car, he went to the nearest bank and withdrew some money to pay her a reward.  Perhaps that looked a little sketchy, a middle-aged man taking money out to pay a younger woman who may or may not have some street life experience!?!  But it was all in public and he felt the need to use the opportunity to share something positive with this lady.
"You ever heard of "Tribal Trails?"  Walter asked her, as he handed her the cash.  She nodded affirmatively.  "Well, I am the Director of the organization that puts on that TV show...and you have just helped that program out by returning my wallet!  Here's my business card."  The lady took the card and looked a little confused.  "Do you see how God is maybe trying to get your attention through this?  I want you to know that God used your honesty and now He is wanting you to think about how you can know Him."
The woman was sheepish, maybe a little unsure as this man would more than likely be accusing her of taking something out of the wallet (and later Walter noticed some Cuban pesos he had were missing but that would be pretty useless and disappointing to her once she realized it!). 
Back at the car, Walter explained the encounter to me and we both were so relieved that the lost was found. We prayed for this stranger and we thanked God for His hand on the whole situation. Maybe another "lost one" would be found for the Kingdom.