Two Farewells, a 50th Anniversary and an Engagement

The past two months have held some special moments for Walter and me.

Our long time friends and coworkers stepped down from their leadership/pastoral role at Healing Hearts Ministry.  For 23 years, Bob and Gwen Lydiate served as co-pastors in our Regina church.  Our kids grew up together with theirs.  From baptisms, weddings and funerals to Hallowe'en parties and New Years' Eve celebrations, we shared in so many ministry moments.  

Their final service was held outdoors on a beautifully hot Sunday morning.  Bob led in worship, sharing some favourite songs that he either wrote or introduced to Healing Hearts.  He also preached from Isaiah 61, sharing the call of Jesus Christ (as He quoted this passage in the Gospel of Luke).  Just as Jesus' ministry was to proclaim the Good News, to heal and set free, Bob and Gwen still feel very much that they are to continue that focus even though they will no longer serve in full time pastoral ministry. They see Healing Hearts as a vital ministry within north central Regina and encouraged the flock to carry on reaching out to the wounded in the community.  They served cold drinks and packaged snacks - wishing we could have had a meal to share in this day.

A couple of speeches were given in appreciation and a lovely star blanket was presented to them.  The Board and leadership gathered to pray over and bless this faithful couple into the next season of their lives.  I know it was an emotional day for them and for those of us who have known and served alongside them.  Farewells are difficult but God's grace is there for these occasions.

On July 11, Healing Hearts gave us a "second farewell", which Caylea affectionately called our "memorial"!!!  The afternoon was a scorcher so we met indoors.  It was special to have a nice gathering of folks to wish us well and to honour our years of serving as founders and leaders in Healing Hearts Ministry for 27 years.  some nice speeches were given and a special prayer, as well as a star blanket was draped over us!  (The first farewell was in February, but with the restricted numbers and the service on Facebook Live, they wanted to have a larger gathering to send us off.)  

They had lovely fruit-kabobs, Munchie Mix and a special cake for us - Caylea had chosen a couple old pictures of us for the cake so we had a good laugh!  We felt loved and appreciated as many came to encourage and appreciate us.

The following Friday, we made a quick trip to Alberta to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of NEFC (Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada).  They had planned a virtual celebration but then with restrictions being lifted, they invited several folks last minute.  It was another super hot day on the prairies.  We arrived at Kikino Metis Settlement and waited until just before 7 pm to enter the already hot church.  

The little NEFC church in Kikino hosted a radio broadcast and Facebook Live of the festivities.  A Native man shared some Gospel songs, and the Director and his wife, Kene & Milly Jackson, also sang several songs.  They all were perspiring so profusely, we were worried someone would pass out!  Walter was also called up to give some words and present a special certificate.  Then one of the co-founders, Bill Jackson, shared a sermon.  Four First Nations men were the originals when NEFC was formed back in 1971 and it was an honour to have met each of them over our years in Native ministry.  It was amazing to hear Bill, in his 80's, share so passionately about his faith and the truth of God's Word.  We were so blessed to be part of this celebration.  It was encouraging to see many First Nations church leaders and church members gather to sing, worship and fellowship together!  May the Lord keep blessing this organization and bring many more First Nations to know Jesus!

And then a real highlight in our lives...our son, Daniel, proposed to his girlfriend, Michaela Klassen, and she said YES!  We are so thankful that God has led in their lives and brought them together!  They haven't set a date for the wedding yet, but are working on the logistics of work/home base once they are a married couple.  Stay tuned for the details!

                                                               Daniel & Michaela