Week #7 @ MDP

I was afflicted and about to die from my youth on; I suffer Your terrors; I am overcome. Your burning anger has passed over me; Your terrors have destroyed me. They have surrounded me like water all day long; They have encompassed me altogether. You have removed lover and friend far from me; My acquaintances are in darkness. Psalm 88:15-18

This text describes many Native Youth. What a sobering thought, yet we know how greatly God cares for people who are afflicted. That’s why He has called our family to share His love with First Nation’s (Native American) people. It only takes a quick history lesson to begin to understand why there is so much hurt amongst First Nations people. There are many differences in various tribes of First Nations peoples. Our facilitator this week shared that in his people long before the Europeans came to this land, a prophet spoke of Jesus and the forgiveness of sins he offered. The sad part is instead of hearing the pure gospel message from the bearers of Christianity; Satan used the government and empty ritualistic religion to hide the truth. Many of the First Nation’s people introduction to Christianity was to be ripped away from their families as children and taught how to act like a European, being told that who they were and there culture were heathen and therefore must be changed.

What a far cry from the grace and redemption offered in Christ. It is said that among Canadian First Nation’s only 8% of individuals have been touched by the gospel and that after 50 years of mission work! What an uphill battle to overcome the evil inflicted on aboriginal people in the name of Christ. What can we do to make a difference? Something that was stressed this week and throughout MDP has been the importance of keeping our cups full. How easy it is to get caught up in ministry and forget to fellowship with the Lord. Yet if we are not being filled with the life of Christ how can we give to others? And what is it others need? The truth of the gospel given with the unconditional love of Christ, when we are in Him we can give to those around us.

Let’s look at one more passage of scripture. “And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us” Acts 17:26-27 This text reminds us that God is sovereign. He has not forgotten about First Nation’s peoples. He knows their pain and longs to heal.

Thanks for all the love and support you show our family. We are doing well. The ladies blessed us this week with a surprise baby shower; the time is drawing close to when we can all meet this precious babe (July 12th)! We are so thankful for the time here at MDP, its gone by fast and soon we will be moving on. God is so amazing! Praise to Him for His Great Work!!