The GPS guided us through Fredericton, New Brunswick, and towards the Saint John River. We were headed decidedly downhill to the river's edge and as we followed the verbal directions, suddenly we found ourselves along a riverside road that led to a major bridge. On the other side of the bridge looked like more of the city, and we again, followed the voice of our trusty GPS!  There was no specific sign or noticeable change in scenery or neighbourhood - but soon we were on First Nation land.

Venus Cote lives on St. Mary's Reserve - a Maliseet First Nation that is basically part of the city of Fredericton.  As we pulled in front of the address, a two story house with Christmas decorations and a nativity scene already in place, we stepped out onto the sidewalk.  We knew from our visit five years ago, Venus lived above the garage in an apartment.  We wound our way among vehicles and a hockey net to the side entrance of the garage and rang the buzzer.  As in most First Nations homes, you often just knock and walk in, calling in the greetings as you go!  Sure enough, the door was open and we heard Venus telling us to come in.

Hugs and greetings ensued, and I assumed we would be heading out right away to have lunch.  Venus was already in her warm jacket and hat, purse slung across her shoulders, but she plunked herself onto the couch and said "Business first!"  So we seated ourselves and got down to business.

It was good to hear Venus' heart, giving her ample opportunity to share her burdens, her vision for the eastern field work of NCEM.  Venus graduated from the Bible school our mission had run for many years, Key-Way-Tin Bible Institute, and then joined as a full time missionary back in the mid-1980's.  She served in the Maritimes since then, working at Arrowhead and serving in the community where she now resides.  Her heart for children, youth and adults means this Saulteaux woman from the prairies is kept busy sharing the Lord Jesus with everyone she meets!

After over an hour of talking about her concerns and her joys, my stomach was growling pretty aggressively!  We descended the stairs and got into the camp truck to drive back over the bridge to the city.  Venus pointed out various buildings, the school and band office, homes of some of her friends and then just as suddenly, we were on the bridge and off the reserve.

One change we noticed in five years was that there was a "pot shop" on every corner it seemed!  Since the legalization of marijuana, many First Nations opened dispensaries and stores and St. Mary's had several.  On the upside, we saw some construction of much-needed housing, and the person Venus rents the apartment from was one of the local men working with the crews.  It was good to see positive things happening.

Over our pasta and salads at East Side Mario's, we continued our conversation and learned what new developments were happening in the ministry.  Another NCEM missionary was helping the small group of believers set up an official church on the reserve.  Two main families serve as pastors and Venus and the other single young man, Merrill, help with children and youth ministries each week.  The weekly Bible study group will soon begin worship services once a building can be secured for Sunday mornings.  Very exciting!

The waitress continued to offer us coffee and water while we occupied a booth most of the afternoon.  By 3:30 the sun was already dipping down. Walter wanted to interview Venus and take some drone shots of the river and the reserve so she directed us to "The Greens", a park along the Saint John River.  It was too cold and breezy there to interview outside, so we sat in the truck and Walter asked Venus about her testimony of coming to Christ and the journey that led her to becoming a missionary.

Venus came from a very traumatic past and has taken years to heal and overcome what she experienced in her childhood.  Hearing her testimony, we marveled at God's work of grace and her faithfulness in following and serving Him. (Venus has been a guest on Tribal Trails so you can look her up at tribaltrails.org).  As the sun set over the river, we sensed the presence of the Lord with us and we left our time encouraged and inspired.

We drove back to the camp in the dark - arriving by 6 pm - and rummaged in the kitchen of the suite for a light supper.  The next day didn't involve any travel; we were going to spend it at the camp helping the Fawcetts prepare for the big annual craft sale.  Our Maritime adventure continues...