MB (Winter 2015) - Issue #9

HOPECANADA's

GOD’S MISSION. OUR ADVENTURE.

A PUBLICATION OF

Winter/Spring 2015 Manitoba Edition

Issue 9

Partners in the Good News

Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy,

for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News

about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.

P H I L I P P I A N S 1 : 4 - 5 N L T

BIBLE CAMP

.

20152016

A coast to coast mobile discipleship school.

ENCOUN ER

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Inside this issue

GOD’S MISSION. OUR ADVENTURE.Canada’s Hope is the biannual publication of One Hope Canada. Letters, articles and photos are welcomed. Names of many of the children mentioned in articles have been changed.

EDITORMelanie Mushaluk

CIRCULATION & ADDRESS CORRECTION Melanie Mushaluk

SPONSORSHIPS Bill McCaskell

DESIGN Iced Tea Designs

COPY EDITOR Gloria PedersenJacquie BolenMenno Hamm

PRINTINGDerksen Printers Steinbach, MB

Publications agreement number 40019747

Undelivered copies, change of address and new requests should be addressed to:

ONE HOPE CANADA 200-189 Henderson HwyWinnipeg, MB R2L 1L7Telephone: 1-204-668-2776Fax: 1-204-663-0246Email: [email protected]

Please note that in order to save printing and postage costs, one magazine will be mailed out per household. If you would like to receive additional copies, please contact us at [email protected].

4 Field Director Editorial

6 Adventure Day Camp

10 His Partners of Reconciliation

12 Dauphin Bible Camp

16 Gimli Bible Camp

24 Roseau River Bible Camp

26 Turtle Mountain Bible Camp

32 Valley View Bible Camp

3 Executive Director’s Message

8 Band Bio: The Taylors

14 One Hope Canada Interview

18 Ministry Point Personnel

20 A Tribute to Shirley Stewart

22 Shout Out for Ministry Partners

28 Finding Hope through Pain

34 Cooking with Kathy

Winter/Spring 2015 Manitoba Edition Issue Nine

Cover Image taken at

Roseau River Bible Camp

Would you like some good news?

HOPECANADA's

OUR COMMUNITIES, OUR COUNTRY, AND EVEN

OUR FAMILIES LIKELY DO NOT NEED MORE NEWS. Blockbuster action movies, cute kitten youtube videos and social media have bombarded all of our lives whether intentionally or not – we are getting “news”.

Wouldn’t it be great to be receive good news? News that brings life, light and healing to our lives and to our hurting world.

This is the kind of news we discover when we realize what God has done for us through His Son. Jesus initiated the greatest rescue of all by breaking us free from our prison of selfishness, anger and pride. HE is the Good News story and He is the reason our nearly 200 year-round missionaries from across Canada, and thousands of summer workers and volunteers, are committed to sharing their lives at one of our ministry points. It is this news that puts the “hope” into One Hope Canada.

We have entitled this edition “Partners in the Good News”. Our prayer is that you too will see life, light and healing that has taken place at over 60 ministry points across Canada. God is alive and at work in His people.

Enjoy reading stories from people of all ages and all walks of life – proclaiming new life they have found in Christ. It is a most excellent reminder that there is only one thing better than hearing good news for yourself – it’s being part of a group of people who are committed to sharing this good news to all who have not yet heard of His Name.

CANADA MANITOBA

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ MESSAGEBY BILL & BEV McCASKELL

.

20152016

A coast to coast mobile discipleship school.

ENCOUN ER

THE ADVENTURE AWAITS.Now accepting applications for the 2015-2016 adventure.

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Canada’s Hope 3

The buddy system was for the security of everyone, particularly when we went swimming. Everyone had

a partner in the buddy system. Buddies look out for one another – they share in the risks and in the rewards.

The theme for this edition of Canada’s Hope magazine is “partnerships” and our theme verse is Philippians 1:6. Paul in the opening verses of Philippians is telling the church at Philippi that he and they are joined in partnership in a spiritual buddy system. They are partners (buddies) in the gospel.

What did that mean for the Philippians? It meant that they were working right alongside him in fulfilling the mission of Jesus. Paul knew he was not alone – even as he was sitting in prison and fac-ing an uncertain future. Paul knew that the gospel in Philippi was advancing because of their work in spreading the Gospel of Jesus and in their support of those, like Paul, who were on the front lines. They were partners in the good news.

It is the same for all of us who are part of One Hope Canada – whether on the front lines of ministry, or in the administrative offices, or as financial and prayer supporters. And, I thank God for each of you.

Throughout the pages that follow, you will encounter stories and

FIELD DIRECTOR EDITORIALBY WAYNE EISBRENNER, MANITOBA FIELD DIRECTOR

IF YOU’VE EVER BEEN A CAMPER, YOU PROBABLY KNOW

EXACTLY WHAT I MEAN WHEN I USE THE TERM “BUDDY SYSTEM.”

testimonies of the partnerships that make One Hope Canada a ministry that God is using in Canada to bring glory to Himself. You will read of partnerships where God’s Word has been proclaimed and those lost in sin have come to know Jesus in a personal way and have started a personal relationship with Him. Others will tell of how they have grown in their faith in Christ as a result of partnerships that God has put together. Be blessed by them and be encouraged by the reality that you are partners with us in the mission of Jesus Christ, and give God glory by what He is doing in and through your partnership with One Hope Canada.

Partners with us

Winter/Spring 2015 | www.onehopecanada.ca4

Developing passionate, relevant servants of Jesus Christ

In Partnership with Okanagan Bible College

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Canada’s Hope 5


will volunteer – ALL THE TIME! Even if my plate is already full. I literally have had to sit on my hands in order to prevent myself from volunteering at a Parent Council Meeting, Community Centre Meeting or anything, really. A friend eventually gave me a fridge magnet that says, “Stop me, before I volunteer again.” But, there are others who haven’t really gotten involved with volunteering. I often wonder why. As I write this I feel increasingly unapologetic, because I have personally found it so very rewarding when I volunteer:

• I am able to meet and make friends with people outside of my normal circle of friends. And sometimes, this gives me opportunity to share my faith and be a light in the darkness.

• I am able to help grow an idea into a reality. If someone has dreamed about an idea, but doesn’t have the resources, it feels really good to be a part of the team that made it happen.

• Especially while I was a stay-at-home Mom, my days pretty much consisted of the same things, over and over again. My house would never be perfectly clean, the budget never perfectly balanced, the kids never perfectly behaved. It was sometimes discouraging. So, when I was able to plug myself into a project, I felt challenged and enjoyed feeling that satisfaction when I positively contributed towards something.

So, if you are one who doesn’t spend too much time volunteering, please consider looking for ways to get involved. Follow me down the rabbit hole, you’ll be glad you did! What are you passionate about? What do you enjoy doing? Who do you love being with? Contact organizations in your area (your church, camp, community centre or school) and find out where they need help.

I can guarantee that there are volunteer opportunities that would perfectly match your interests. And I promise – volunteering will be a rewarding experience!

ADVENTURE DAY CAMP

[email protected]

A rewarding Experience

BY MELANIE MUSHALUK, ADVENTURE DAY CAMP COORDINATOR

I have spoken with a few different Children’s Ministry Pastors over the last few months, and they all said the same thing – finding volunteers to run a week long children’s program in the summer is hard. I agree, recruiting people who are willing to give of themselves without any compensation is difficult. I feel I need to get something out there once and for all, so here goes.

Confessions of a Serial VolunteerIf I see a need, and feel like it is something I can help out with, I

“

Contact organizations in your area and find out where they need help.”

Canada’s Hope 7

Our commitment to you and your child

To find out more about our commitment to safety visit us at:

insafehands.ca

Adventure Day Camp Provides• Fully training Directors and staff to provide

leadership throughout the entire week

• Complete curriculum including crafts, games,

and everything else needed to make your

summer ministry event fun and memorable

• Posters and promotional tools

for advertising in your area

• Pre-ministry support as you plan and

prepare for your event, and follow-up

support once it’s over

Church Responsibilities• A billet and meals for the ADC Staff

• Daily snack at the event

• Volunteers to help run the event

• A suggested fee is $250 per week,

but if this is financially taxing, please

speak to Melanie about other arrangements

• Additional honorarium is

welcome but optional

Do you want to provide a summer program to the kids in your community, but don’t know how to start?

Let Adventure Day Camp help!Contact [email protected]

The TaylorsThe Taylors are a brother-sister quartet from the heart of North Carolina. Jonathan, Suzanne, Christopher, and Leslie are dedicated to stirring up the faith of the Christian community, as well as reaching others with the good news of Jesus Christ through Gospel music. The Taylors are currently performing around 200 dates a year across the United States, including several mission-oriented trips abroad. Since their formation in 2006, God has allowed them to see over 5,000 decisions for Christ.


The Taylor siblings grew up as members of Fellowship Baptist Church, a small country church, where their father has been a Southern Baptist minister for over 27 years and their mother the minister of music. With their mother’s guidance, it was around the church piano that The Taylors learned their four-part family harmony.

Growing up in a Christian home has reinforced their faith and values and has created in each of them a strong desire to proclaim their salvation through the ministry of music. God is at the center of The Taylors’ ministry and at the center of their hearts. To Him be all the glory!

The Taylors will be our Concert Tour Group, touring throughout Manitoba and Saskatchewan this Spring (April 7 - 19).

Please check out the back cover and visit www.onehopecanada.ca/events for details about the tour.

cmu.ca

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Exemplary AcademicsFaith-filled Community

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CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY

Canada’s Hope 9

and Tonto. And for the Gen Y’er, even in The Little Mermaid, you have the partnership between Ariel and Flounder. Come to think of it, most of the popular movies and TV shows that are coming out have evidence of some type of partnership in play.

In keeping with that thinking, my mind went to another popular TV show that I watched as a young man…Mission Impossible. Intricate plot lines, dire situations, ingenious devices, split-second timing – all geared to keep you on the edge of your seat for the 60 minutes. Most Gen Y’ers probably don’t remember the old Mission Impossible TV episodes (about 150 or more), but you are probably familiar with the three Mission Impossible movies.

As the show began, Jim Phelps would play a tape that outlined some enemy plot that needed immediate attention. Only Mr. Phelps and the IMF (Impossible Mission Force) could remedy that desperate situation. Their assignment would always be perilous and failure would be disastrous for both the World and the IMF.

One of the joys of working at One Hope Canada is the intergenerational interactions that happen within our office. With missionaries ranging from us older Baby Boomers to the young Millennials or Generation Y, some interesting discussions take place that often lead to greater creativity. For example, not that long ago, our Gen Y’er was taking one of our Gen X’ers to task because they hadn’t ever watched The Little Mermaid. More recently, I was mentioning the Lone Ranger and Tonto to our Gen Y’er, and there was this incredulous look of confusion on her face. I couldn’t believe she didn’t know who the Lone Ranger was. Unbelievable!

You might ask what that conversation had to do with this article, and that would be a fair question. I had developed a bit of writer’s block and was trying hard to think of some creative way of broaching the subject of partnerships. As I was thinking of partnerships, many thoughts came to mind, such as the partnership that developed between the Lone Ranger

His partners of reconciliation

by wayne eisbrenner, manitoba field director

“With missionaries ranging from us older Baby Boomers to the young Millennials or Generation Y, some interesting discussions take place that often lead to greater creativity.”


The taped voice gave Mr. Phelps the option to accept or to reject the impossible mission and always concluded with these famous words: “This tape will self-destruct in five seconds.” In the smoky demise of the tape, the memorable theme music would begin.

The mission was always accepted, and Mr. Phelps would gather his team of experts, and with unequaled skill, these partners in IMF would manage to defeat the forces of evil. The impossible mission turned out to be possible for the IMF, even if sometimes by the skin of their teeth.

We too face an impossible mission – one that is truly beyond our human potential and capacity. The problem is our sin nature and the results of living in a sin-fallen world. The mission is to bring reconciliation between God and humanity – a mission that only God can accomplish…and a mission that He has accomplished through Jesus Christ.

Only God Himself can fix what we have broken. God alone can restore what is beyond our power. God alone can reconcile us to Himself, and, as a result, bring reconciliation to a shattered world.

But amazingly, God has chosen to partner with us for His mission. He has chosen us as members of His Impossible Mission Force or more accurately, His Possible Mission Force. As His followers, we have been drafted into the unique mission of God, and while we cannot make reconciliation with God occur – only God can do that and He has accomplished it marvelously – He has chosen us to be His agents, His partners of reconciliation who share in His mission of healing all creation.

What an amazing thing that is! Imagine, Almighty God allows us to partner with Him in proclaiming His Good News and discipling His followers for service in His church. It’s almost unbelievable, isn’t it?

“As His followers, we have been drafted into the unique mission of God, and while we cannot make reconciliation with God occur – only God can do that.”

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Canada’s Hope 11


I personally think about my own story and all of the people involved in helping me become who I am today. My cabin leader shared the salvation story with me, but where was I when that happened? I was in my cabin, wait, who built that cabin? Who paid for the cabin to be built? Was there someone praying for the camp at that moment? When I think back to hearing the Gospel at camp, it was my cabin leader that told me, but so many more people were involved in sharing that story with me.

God is doing amazing things through the people on the front-line in ministry, but it is only because of those people that do so much behind the scenes that the front line workers are able to share the love of Christ with kids each and every summer.

WE together are the body of Christ, and together WE are able to share the love of God with the kids that come to camp.

1 Corinthians 12:27 (NLT) All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.

Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ, and being a part of the ministry.

DAUPHIN BIBLE CAMP

www.dauphinbiblecamp.com204-638-5568

Playing a part in ministry

BY ANDREW SEVIGNY, SITE DIRECTOR

The kids that come to camp usually only get to know their cabin leaders, the program staff, the directors, the cooks, and the nurse, because those are the people they see. Those are the people that they see sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with them, but it is not just those people. EVERYONE that has any kind of role within the ministry plays a vital part in sharing the Gospel. A camp does not run on only those people that the children see. The ministry is able to run because of the donors, the board members, the volunteers, the prayer warriors, the churches, and there are so many more people that could be listed. “

EVERYONE that has any kind of role within the ministry plays a vital part .”

Every Wednesday Kiddie Camp Ages 0-6

June 14 Spring Open House Everyone

June 22-26 Special Needs Camp Ages 18+

July 1-3 Young Campers 1 Ages 6-8

July 5-10 Teen Camp 1 Ages 13-17

July 5-10 Teen Horse Camp Ages 13-17

July 12-31 DNT Program 1 Ages 15-17

July 12-17 Junior Camp 1 Ages 8-12

July 19-24 Junior Horse Camp 1 Ages 8-12



July 26-31 Junior Horse Camp 2 Ages 8-12

August 5-21 DNT Program 2 Ages 15-17

August 5-7 Young Campers 2 Ages 6-8

August 9-14 Junior Camp 4 Ages 8-12

August 9-14 Advanced Junior Horse Camp Ages 8-12

August 16-21 Junior Camp 5 Ages 8-12

August 23-28 Teen Camp 2 Ages 13-17

September 25-27 Teen Discipleship Retreat Ages 13-17

September 27 Fall Open House Everyone

DAUPHIN BIBLE CAMP

dauphinbiblecamp.com

204-638-5568

Dauphin Bible Camp 2015

Canada’s Hope 13

CANADA’S HOPE SAT DOWN WITH ONE HOPE CANADA’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TEAM, BILL AND BEV McCASKELL, TO ASK THEM ABOUT THE HIGHLIGHTS OF LAST YEAR’S MINISTRY AND WHAT THEIR HOPES ARE FOR 2015.

After being known as the Canadian Sunday School Mission since 1927, this past year marked the introduction of the mission’s new name – One Hope Canada. What has the reaction been like?

BILL: I think everyone from the National Board to the leadership team were a little nervous to see how those who have be part of the mission for years would react. We all know the rich history CSSM has and we want to build on that richness. It was very encouraging to hear people’s positive response to the new name and at the same time letting us know that they still sometimes “slip” and call it CSSM. When you have been doing something for 86 years, it takes a while to change. :)

BEV: We found it really helped to explain to folks the reason behind the new name. For people to catch the vision, that this new name could describe the “why” behind what we do, was really helpful and is something we can all unite around. There really is only One hope for our country and it is found in the good news of Jesus Christ.

What were the other highlights for One Hope Canada in 2014?

BILL: This past year, over 28,000 children and youth from across Canada heard the gospel and saw it lived out at one of our ministry points. This is amazing, especially when you realize that close to 16,000 of them come from homes where there is no or very little Christian influence. And then combine that with fact that over 3,300 life-chang-ing one-on-one conversations took place – and that is just the ones we are aware of – it begins to paint an amazing picture of what God is doing.

BEV: Another highlight for the mission is what God is doing behind the scenes. This past year marked the coming together of eight separate offices (seven provincial offices and one national office) into a unified Ministry Resource Centre. The MRC is a “virtual office” comprised of people across the country and has the single purpose of directing, encouraging and equipping our ministry points to fulfill the purpose of One Hope Canada. What that means for our mission is that we can be more efficient in the handling of finances and administration and have freed up people and resources to assist our frontline missionaries.

A N I N T E R V I E W W I T H

One Hope Canada’s Executive Directors


Can you give an example?

BILL: Sure. One example would be that before the change, it took over six full-time people to handle the finance and administration of the provincial and national offices; today the Ministry Resource Centre has two and half full-time people working on finance and administration.

What would be your prayer as you lead One Hope Canada in 2015?

BEV: We continually ask God for wisdom to lead with open hands. We make our plans, but we trust the LORD to establish our steps. This would be our continued prayer for 2015. We are asking God to use One Hope Canada to reach children and youth for His Name sake. We may have lots of ideas on how we can do this, but what really matters is that we walk in step with the One whose plans are always best.

BILL: It is great to have a leadership team from across the country that is committed to the purpose of the Mission. We lead together as a team, knowing that discerning the will of God in a community that is focused on Him is the best way to keep in step with the Spirit.

One Hope Canada has nearly 200 missionaries serving across Canada. What is your hope for them in this coming year?

BEV: First off I’d just like to say how incredibly blessed Bill and I are to serve alongside such amazing men and women! My hope for each of them would be to experience Christ in new ways this coming year… that they would hunger for His Word and that they would see Him at work in all that they do – and that God would receive all of the glory for great things He is doing!

BILL & BEV McCASKELL live in Winnipeg, MB and have served as the Executive Director team of One Hope Canada since 2012. They continue to marvel at God’s leading them to serve together in this way – and they continue to marvel that it can also be “fun!” :)

A passion for the Gospel. A burden for Canada.

KensingtonCommunity Church

Canada’s Hope 15


Like marriage, camp brings out the best

and worst in people as they are stretched

and learn to rely on God. As staff share

experiences, good and bad, community is

developed and they experience serving

as a team. We emphasize, and they grow

to appreciate, how broad this team is.

How dependent we are on faithful prayer

warriors. How volunteers working in the

background are so vital to the ministry

that happens. How we need to be

committed to the same goal, even though

we have different gifts and strengths to

give to God. And how we all need to grow

in the understanding of God’s loving plan

for our lives; staff as much as campers.

Just like you don’t have a marriage if

only one person is trying to make it work,

ministry won’t happen if the volunteers

each have their own agenda.

Camp ministry has proven over

the last century to be the most

effective means God uses to bring

children to Himself. It started

with the vision and commitment

to develop the camp. Then, every

year, men and women invest their

time and passion to continue the

ministry to children who need to

hear the Good News. They give

their vacation time to be speakers,

cooks, do maintenance or be a

cabin leader; you’re never too old!

Younger people forego paying jobs

to do volunteer work that isn’t

very glamorous. Doing dishes six

hours a day. Cleaning washrooms

and sweating on the wrong end

of a shovel. 124 hour weeks in the

cabin, caring for the needs of eight

or more children with no rest and

no “overtime”. Usually happily,

sometimes joyfully, hopefully with

God’s empowering and usually

with the seep sense of fulfillment –

of being a part of something bigger

than yourself and making a change

in the world.

We appreciate everyone who

supports the ministry. I am sure

God is pleased seeing people work

together for His glory. Thank you

and bless you for the part you

play. There is no nagging doubt

that God’s will is being done and

that His ministry done His way is

having an impact every year on

the campers and staff.

GIMLI BIBLE CAMP

www.gimlibiblecamp.com204-642-5707

“

Like marriage, camp brings out the best and worst in people as they are stretched and learn to rely on God.”

Investing time and passion

BY DON ROE, CAMP DIRECTOR

This fall Krista and Frank got

married at our camp. It was a lovely

wedding – the weather was perfect,

the lakeside setting was beautiful

and the pelicans performed in the

background as if they’d been paid.

What also made it perfect was that

there was no nagging doubt in the

back of your mind that this might be

a mistake. They seem to be right for

each other in every way.

They met here at camp. Got to

know each other over many years.

Found that they shared values and

enjoyed each other’s company. Their

personalities and the way God was

directing their lives complemented

each other. It was all done right.

They are committed to be together

for life.

July 3-24 Leadership 15 and older

July 3-5 Teddy Bear 2006-2009

July 7-10 Family Camp All ages

July 12-17 Grizzly Bear 2001-2003

July 19-24 Polar Bear 2003-2006

July 26-31 Brown Bear 2002-2005

August 4-7 Panda Bear 2005-2008

August 9-14 Black Bear 2001-2004

August 17-21 Kodiak Bear 2004-2007

August 23-28 Youth 1999-2000GIMLI BIBLE CAMP

gimlibiblecamp.com

204-642-5707

Gimli Bible Camp 2015

204-

Canada’s Hope 17


Dale & Melody Buhler Valley View Bible Camp

Henry & Loretta EnnsValley View Bible Camp

Jon & Melanie MushalukAdventure Day Camp

Richard & Carma BankertDauphin Bible Camp

Andrew & Tasha SevignyDauphin Bible Camp

Jake & Martha FriesenGimli Bible Camp

Don & Charlotte RoeGimli Bible Camp

Duane & Sylvia GoertzenRoseau River Bible Camp

Boyd & Sharon KlieverRoseau River Bible Camp

Jared & Colleen FastRoseau River Bible Camp

(L-R) Menno & Brenda Bartsch, Chelsea White, Kathy & Howard WeirTurtle Mountain Bible Camp

Michael & Rebekah Bergen Valley View Bible Camp

One Hope Canada Ministry Point Personnel in Manitoba

Partnering with One Hope Canada to build into the lives of Canadian children, youth and their families

As a family business well into its third generation the Penner family has more than 50 years of experience in the construction industry.

154040 RD 58N, Box 2350, Virden, Manitoba R0M 2C0 • Phone: (204) 748 -1400 • Fax: (204) 748-2600

After a three year career as an elementary school teacher, Shirley joined the Canadian Sunday School Mission to serve as an itinerant missionary in her home area. Teaching almost forty half-hour Bible lessons per week in public schools was a full-time job, especially considering the miles of travel between rural schools. Her ministry, located mainly in the Algoma District of Northern Ontario, east of Sault Ste Marie, once reached 1800 students in her bi-weekly rotation. She often said the Lord called her from teaching reading, writing and ‘rithmetic to teaching stories about Jesus. With boundless energy, she added a number of other

A tribute to Shirley Stewart

A young person who

came into my siblings’ lives and mine when we were growing up was Shirley Stewart. She lived a life

of service to her Lord. She had no children of her own, but countless people continue “to rise up and call her blessed.” Shirley was grounded in a solid Bible teaching background from being raised in a godly home. As a teenager, she dedicated her life to serving the Lord and never turned back.

“She often said the Lord called her from teaching reading, writing and ‘rithmetic to teaching stories about Jesus.”

ministries to her school ministry, reaching out to children, youth, and adults. One of her key roles was directing CSSM’s Galilean Bible Camp, where many were influenced for the Lord. During her leadership at Galilean, enrolment went from less than one hundred summer campers to over seven hundred. In various stages of her ministry, she also held ladies’ home Bible studies, helped create a vibrant youth group on Saturday evenings, and on Sundays in her early career held two Sunday schools in neighbouring communities. Summer Bible schools, annual youth rallies, and home visitation also fitted into her already full schedule.

HOWARD McLEOD


“Aunt Shirley”, as she was affectionately called by many campers at Galilean Bible Camp, had a deep interest in the lives of those she met. Many look back and value the heart-to-heart conversations with Aunt Shirley. Her ministry of letter writing and telephone contacts is treasured by many.

When her ministry of teaching Bible lessons as part of the day schedule in local schools changed to after-school Bible clubs, Shirley entered that ministry with enthusiasm. In her later years, when the Lord supplied other staff to relieve her of a very full schedule, she became spare teacher for Bible clubs and teacher for a seniors’ Bible study group. She focused a great deal of her energy on ladies’ and seniors’ retreats at Galilean Bible Camp.

Shirley was known as a godly lady with tremendous energy, a pioneer in the CSSM work in our district, a loyal staff person, a loving servant to many, an encourager, and someone deeply concerned for the spiritual well-being of people. I am one who will be in heaven because of Shirley’s dedication to spreading the gospel by many means, so souls might be brought into the kingdom.

It is with sadness but with peace that we announce the passing of Shirley Stewart

on January 24, 2015.

“Shirley was known as a godly lady with tremendous energy, a pioneer in the CSSM work in our district, a loyal staff

person, a loving servant to many, an encourager, and someone deeply concerned for the spiritual well-being of people.”

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Canada’s Hope 21

H ave you ever been at an event where the host invites the audience to recognize the volunteers who have made the event a success

with the invitation “how about a shout out for (fill in the volunteer name here) for (volunteer position here)”? Some volunteers have been quite public in their organizational role while others have worked behind the scenes ensuring everything ran smoothly.

If I picture summer camp ministry as an event there are many different partners who make each season a success. The camp director may be the official face of the camp, but cabin leaders, staff, cooks and maintenance personnel each do their part to make camp a success. If any partner of the ministry is unable to do their part the load can become overwhelming or impossible for the remaining partners.

The reality is that each year there is change in many ministry positions as some staff graduate and begin year-round employment, some move to others part of the country and others marry or have growing family commitments that reduce their ability to be involved.

Stepping back from direct involvement in summer camp ministry doesn’t mean you need to end your participation as a camp ministry partner. There is still

plenty of room to serve as a camp board member, prayer warrior or a financial supporter. There is always an opening for these very critical roles in summer camp ministry.

If you are transitioning out of active summer staff ministry consider maintaining the partnership by becoming a prayer and financial partner. Even if you can only afford a few dollars a month right now, you can continue to share in the joy of being a partner in spreading the Good News about Christ.

If you have been a regular financial partner for many years, you may now be in a position to provide more significant support, either toward the annual operation of your favorite camp or a building project or a long-term fund to benefit the camp ministry for years to come. Talk to your camp director about project options and to a Mennonite Foundation consultant about the most effective method of supporting the project. Your generosity will result in joyful shouts for years to come.

Harold and the other Mennonite Foundation of Canada consultants enjoy talking with generous people and helping them achieve their charitable passions, from lifetime gifting to charitable bequests. You can find us at www.MennoFoundation.ca

A Shout Out for Camp Ministry Partners

BY HAROLD PENNER


800.772.3257MennoFoundation.ca

Mennonite Foundation of Canada makes giving to the charities you love simple, strategic and fun. We offer complimentary tools that facilitate your Generosity Plan. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.

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Canada’s Hope 23


of us, whether on the mission field or at home, can be partners in God’s overall plan, His story for humanity, His Mission. As believers, we serve one God and our purpose should be the same as His, from the least to the greatest.

James 1:13 says, “Therefore prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” As members of the body of Christ, we are all called to action, so why not acknowledge those who can help fulfil your calling? Let us exhort one another towards greater things and be the team God has called us to.

I leave you with one last thought found in Philippians 2:1-4:

“Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or vain conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”

ROSEAU RIVER BIBLE CAMP

www.roseauriver.ca 204-427-2445

“

As believers, we serve one God and our purpose should be the same as His, from the least to the greatest.”

His Mission

BY JARED FAST, MINISTRY DIRECTOR

How easy to look at ministry opportunities as something we, ourselves, are accountable for main-taining and bringing to fruition. We deceive ourselves into thinking that it falls on our shoulders. I have witnessed countless people, myself included, worn out and tired from trying to hold the one thing that only God can control.

Isaiah 41:10 says that God will strengthen us and uphold us with His righteous right hand. Each

BIBLE CAMP

April 24-26 Man Camp

May 1-3 Ladies Retreat

May 22-24 25th Anniversary Alumni Weekend

June 7 Open House & Annual Meeting

June 13 Ride-a-thon

July 2-4 Pee Wee Camp Grades 1-3

July 5-11 Teen 1 Camp Grades 7-9

July 5-17 Servant Leadership Training WC/WIT1 Ages 14-16

July 12-17 Preteen 1 Camp Grades 5-7

July 12-30 Servant Leadership Training CLP1 Ages 15-18

July 19-25 Teen 2 Camp Grades 6-8

July 19-30 Servant Leadership Training WC/WIT2 Ages 14-16

July 26-30 Junior 1 Camp Grades 2-4

August 2-7 Horsemanship Fanatic Camp Ages 7-12

August 2-7 Paintball Fanatic Camp Ages 8-12

August 2-7 BMX Fanatic Camp Ages 6-12

August 2-7 Kayak Fanatic Camp Ages 6-12

August 2-7 Wilderness Fanatic Camp Ages 8-12

August 2-14 Servant Leadership Training WC/WIT3 Ages 14-16

August 2-20 Servant Leadership Training CLP2 Ages 15-18

August 9-14 Preteen 2 Camp Grades 4-6

August 16-20 Junior 2 Camp Grades 3-5

August 16-29 Servant Leadership Training WC/WIT4 Ages 14-16

August 20-29 Senior Teen Camp Grades 9-12

September 1-3 Family Camp

October 25 Fall Supper

November 20-22 Teen Retreat Grades 7-12

ROSEAU RIVER

roseauriver.ca

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Roseau River Bible Camp 2015

Visit us online: www.onehopecanada.ca

Canada’s Hope 25


As a child, I loved camp. My week as a camper at Turtle Mountain Bible Camp (TMBC) was always the highlight of my year. I simply couldn’t get enough of it. From horseback riding to tuck time to cha-pels to tetherball and everything in-between, I loved every aspect of it. The week always went by too fast and the drive home was always the saddest part, knowing that I had to wait until next year to return.

But little did I know back then the investment made by literally thousands of people to make it all possible.

I didn’t know there were countless people and many churches who freely gave money in order to finance the camp, I didn’t know that the counselors and other staff worked for very little, I didn’t know that there was a camp board comprised of volunteers from local churches working year-round to organize everything behind the scenes, I didn’t know that nearly every aspect of the camp buildings and grounds had been constructed and maintained by volunteers, I didn’t know that there were countless numbers of people praying

for the camp and, specifically, that girls and boys would be touched by the love of God. I didn’t know – yet all of those partnerships and more needed to happen in order for me to simply love camp.

Now as an adult, I still love camp, but the reason has changed.

As a boy it was simple: camp was FUN! Now it’s equally as simple: I love camp because that is where I fell in love with Jesus.

Since then, I’ve been able to become a partner in God’s work at TMBC and have been privileged to be able to see firsthand many more girls and boys fall in love with Jesus as a result. So let me invite you to become a partner – someone that helps makes it possible for kids to love camp AND be touched by the love of God.

P.S. The past 68 years at TMBC is marked with the footprints of God, as His people have prayed, supported and been involved in this ministry. We have been privileged to evidence countless God stories of how God in His grace has impacted lives with the Gospel. God has proven Himself faithful and we move forward with faith trusting Him to meet the urgent financial need for the new kitchen and dining hall facility. We appreciate your partnership and investment in TMBC as we ‘RISE UP and BUILD!’

TURTLE MOUNTAIN BIBLE CAMP

www.tmbc.ca 204-534-6844

Why I love camp

BY PASTOR DANNY GROENING

May 15-18 College & Career Camp Ages 19-28

June 7 Family Day

June 8-12 J.O.Y. Ages 55 & up

July 2-4 Pee Wee Camp Ages 6-7

July 2-11 DNT Ages 15-16

July 5-11 Junior High Camp Ages 12-14

July 12-17 Intermediate 1 Camp Ages 9-11

July 19-24 Skills Camp Ages 12-15

July 26-29 Junior 1 Camp Ages 7-9

July 30 Special Needs Day Camp

July 31-August 3 Family Camp

August 4-8 Junior 2 Camp Ages 8-10

August 9-14 Intermediate 2 Camp Ages 11-13

August 16-22 High School Camp Ages 15-18

August 22-24 Staff Wind-up

August 24-27 Horse Camp Ages 16 & up

TURTLE MOUNTAIN BIBLE CAMP

tmbc.ca

204-534-6844

Turtle Mountain Bible Camp 2015

Canada’s Hope 27

O ur story begins in 2001, when friends invited us to Ness Lake Bible Camp (NLBC) to help

run the water ski program at the camp’s Specialty Teen Week. We continued to do this for the next five or six years.

Our sons, Karl and Kris, joined us that first summer and were a part of the program and got to know camp a little bit. During the summers of 2002 and 2003, Kris, our youngest son, joined the camp’s summer team as a volunteer. After graduating from high school, Kris

spent various amounts of time working at NLBC in-between other jobs or during his time off.

We owned and operated our own business, but found it difficult to take the time that we wanted to volunteer at camp. So in 2007, we sold the business.

By 2008, both our sons were back living closer to us and, in fact, Kris was working with his dad in construction. We started the process of building our own Timber Frame on five acres of property in Enderby, with Randy and Kris doing most of the work on it themselves.

Finding hope through pain

By Randy and Janice McDonald, Capital Projects Ministry Team

TH I S I S TH E STO RY O F O U R J O U R N E Y I N F U LL-T I M E M I N I STRY


By 2010, the house was complete and Kris had moved back up north to operate heavy equipment which was his first passion and at which he was very gifted (even as a young boy). Much of the work that he did at NLBC involved him coming in to operate the equipment to excavate or rework the land. Our older son, Karl, had moved to Saskatchewan to work on a dairy farm and was telling us that it was a permanent move. So by that summer, Randy and I were really wondering why we were spending all of our time and resources on this big home and yard for just the two of us? We committed to take a week in August to go camping and really seek the Lord about what He wanted of us at this point in time. We came home from this week with both of us being completely convinced that He wanted us to get rid of the house – but not knowing what the next step would be or when it would come about. In obedience, we put the house up for sale.

Not knowing how quickly it might sell or what we would be doing next, I started looking online at trailers that we would be able to live in, if needed. Kris came into my office while I was looking and after asking about what I was doing, announced that he felt that we shouldn’t be buying a trailer but rather going to camp as he thought that there was a maintenance position open at NLBC as a missionary. So we made the very large leap of faith from always being self-employed to becoming a

missionary. Ironically, Karl would move back to the Okanagan shortly after we had committed ourselves to NLBC. God knew that He had to

move the boys away from home so that I would have the freedom to be able to move away – even if it wasn’t for the long-term.

“God knew that He had to move the boys away from home so that I would have the freedom to be able to move away – even if it wasn’t for the long-term.”

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Canada’s Hope 29

So on November 1, 2010, we moved to Ness Lake Bible Camp for Randy to take on the position of Facilities Manager. During our four years at NLBC, we learned a lot about many different aspects of camp ministry. Randy oversaw many different building projects as well as the regular maintenance needs of camp. A new gym was built to replace the one lost to a fire, a new water reservoir / treatment system was put in, and a new timber frame residence was constructed. I helped out around camp in many different areas as the need arose. We also came to know and love the larger mission family of CSSM (now One Hope Canada) and learned how large and how blessed with resources NLBC really is in comparison to many other camps.

In September of 2013, construc-tion of the new Gate House (which was to be our new home) had just really gotten underway when trag-edy struck our family. While Randy was down in Enderby working on the timber frame for the house, I got word that Kris had passed away. Then five weeks after that, my father also passed away. The house project that Kris was supposed to come and help his dad raise became our therapy to work through our loss and grief. Through many long hours and the donations of time and materials from many people, we were able to move into the house on Dec 23, 2013 and continue to finish it while we lived in it.

We had a dream that as we were ready to retire from a full-time vocation (maybe in 7 – 10 years), we would like to have an RV and be able to go from camp to camp and volunteer. God started to work

in our hearts and also within the mission to move us forward in this direction sooner rather than later; even though we were still too young and not financially able to retire. We saw God provide so much and in so many ways through this really difficult time. He helped us to come to a real un-derstanding of our son and what was important to him and worked out all the details that would move us forward in our new calling. It was decided that we would resign from NLBC, but remain missionar-ies with One Hope Canada. A new ministry would be created to allow us to keep raising support in order to be able to move from one camp to the next to provide help or oversight, primarily for their building projects.

In order to be able to do this, it would mean that we would need to be able to purchase a 5th wheel that was large enough and well equipped enough for us to live in year-round and to purchase a truck that would be able to tow it.

As it turned out, Kris had left a life insurance policy through his employer that would be used to purchase the 5th wheel. We feel incredibly blessed and honoured to be able to continue his legacy of supporting the camping ministry and serving those we can, to increase their ministry potential with our skills and abilities.

So at the beginning of November 2014, we rolled out in our truck and 5th wheel to start in on our new role as a Capital Projects Ministry Team serving with One Hope Canada. Ministry points can make application to have us come and work on their projects. Our first place of deployment is at Lake Of The Trees Bible Camp where we are working to complete a 1400 sq. ft. addition to the home of the director and his family.

It continues to amaze us how faithful our God is and how He can use the most awful things in life and bring about good out of them and how He walks through the whole process with us.

“He helped us to come to a real understanding of our son and what was important to him and worked out all the details that would move us forward in our new calling.”


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PRAYER: Support also comes through the avenue of prayer. Without the prayers of our support-ers this ministry quickly becomes an effort of humanity, resulting in a lot of our own effort with little, if any, eternal significance.

FINANCES: Financial support is essential in our ministry. We continue to be blessed by people who share financially so that we can “present the gospel to those with least opportunity and disciple others for service in Christ’s church.”

VOLUNTEERS: I cannot say enough about our volunteers. They come to us from any age bracket and serve in various ways. We have been blessed with maintenance and development help, people who serve in the kitchen, others who spend many hours running

the tubing hill in the winter, and many who promote our ministry individually.

SUMMER STAFF: The camp program needs cabin leaders, skill coaches, a summer leadership team, as well as people for many other roles. We have been blessed with young people as well as some middle-aged individuals who believe in giving time to make a difference in the life of a child. This is an investment that is never regretted.

SPEAKERS: Throughout the year we have many speakers that teach from God’s word. They share at a variety of camps, ladies’ events, men’s breakfast, and men’s discipleship weekend we call 24/7. These individuals are invaluable in using their gifts to share the Word of God that transforms lives.

LOCAL BUSINESSES: Our local business community has also partnered with us through financial contributions, gifts in kind, and encouragement in our day-to-day ministry.

OUR LEADERS: We also have a very important partner in our One Hope Canada leadership team. We are grateful for the Ministry Resource Centre and our Field Director who work tirelessly so we at Valley View can serve in the ways that we do.

So, how many people does it take to run camp for a year? Well... join us and see as we partner in bringing the gospel to a future generation.

VALLEY VIEW BIBLE CAMP

www.valleyviewbiblecamp.com 204-685-2999

Partners in ministryBY DALE BUHLER,

SITE DIRECTOR

How many people does it take to run camp for a year? No, this is not a joke or a riddle, rather it is a question that needs to be asked so we reflect on the blessing of being “...partners in the gospel.” Here is my answer.

STAFF: Valley View Bible Camp is blessed to have three full-time staff working at camp every day. This team gives leadership to the overall ministry, oversees the yearly camp programs,and ensures the facilities and infrastructure are maintained.

CHURCHES: We would be unable to function without the support of our local churches. Each church plays an important role by providing board members who give direction to the ministry but also work behind the scenes making sure all things are taken care of.

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July 5-10 Senior Teen Camp Ages 14-17

July 5-10 Trail Horse Camp Ages 14-17




July 26-28 Junior Horse 1 Camp Ages 9-11

July 26-30 Outdoor Adventure Camp Ages 12-14

July 26-30 Creative Arts & Photography Camp Ages 15-17

July 31-August 3 Family Camp All ages

August 3-5 Squirt Camp Ages 5-7

August 3-5 Junior Horse 2 Camp Ages 9-11

August 9-14 Junior Teen Camp Ages 12-14

August 9-14 Junior Teen Horse Camp Ages 12-14

August 16-21 Intermediate 4 Camp Ages 10-12

August 9-28 Leadership Development Program Ages 15-17

VALLEY VIEW BIBLE CAMP

valleyviewbiblecamp.com

204-685-2999

Valley View Bible Camp 2015

Canada’s Hope 33

dates...and we all survived! Besides, one never knows when you may need a great science experiment in the fridge.

However, I had a change in my “theology” recently when preparing a quick lunch of Kraft Dinner and discovered there is obvious discern-ment in knowing when it is time for items to meet their demise. Things were going well until I opened and poured in the contents of the cheese packet. The macaroni turned a disgusting brown colour, followed by an odor a skunk couldn’t outdo! Whoa! Checking the date on the box, I was stunned to see 1998! I carefully checked the second packet of cheese from the other box and the color and smell seemed fine. Unfortunately, I discovered small dried “worms” as I stirred the contents! Ugh!

Let me assure you we don’t serve “expired” food to guests and I have recently done a complete “cleansing” of pantry, freezer and medicine cabinet. However, time

does have a way of passing quickly, and perhaps it would do us well to check expiry dates. At funerals we are reminded that we all have an “expiry date” and appointment with God. “It is appointed unto man once to die, and after this the judgement” (Hebrews 9:27). As we recognize the brevity of life, we need to take inventory to be sure we are investing in eternity while we have the opportunity. Trust me, being unprepared for that appointment will have far greater implications that a 16-year-old box of macaroni!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Howard and Kathy Weir have been serving as Camp Directors at Turtle Mountain Bible

Camp (Manitoba) since 2002, but previously served at Galilean Bible Camp (Ontario) for many years before that.

MOM WOULD BE DEVASTATED

AT THE STUFF WE THREW

AWAY. When my bag at the airport was three pounds overweight, the fel-low saw the choice of foods I got from mom’s pantry (kidney beans, spam, old spices, etc). I suggested to him I must have been the favoured child and offered him his pick of items!

Yes, I am my mother’s daughter. At times I’ve been criticized for not liking to “waste” food. I sometimes had irrational thoughts like, “If you keep something in the refrigerator long enough, the expiration date will even-tually fade and you won’t have to worry about it going bad,” or “If food is ‘frozen,’ how can it possibly spoil?” I tended to ignore expiry dates and saw them merely as “suggestions.”

I admit I was perhaps unfair and judgmental of those who seemed paranoid and thought anything a day past the expiry date must be discarded! Sorry, but I grew up in a large fam-ily where nothing was wasted and nobody adhered much to expiry

WHEN CLEANING OUT CUPBOARDS AFTER MY MOM DIED, WE DISCOVERED PUDDING

BOXES FROM THE LATE 70S THAT COULD HAVE BEEN SOLD AS “ANTIQUES” ON EBAY!

COOKING WITH KATHYBY KATHY WEIR

Expiry Date


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Tuesday, April 7 Rosenort, MB Rosenort EMC 7:00 PM

Wednesday, April 8 Killarney, MB Bay Avenue Mennonite Church 7:00 PM

Thursday, April 9 Winkler, MB Winkler Mennonite Church 7:00 PM

Friday, April 10 Portage la Prairie, MB Portage Evangelical Church 7:00 PM

Saturday, April 11 Steinbach, MB Steinbach CMC 7:00 PM

Sunday, April 12 Oakbank, MB Oakbank Baptist Church 6:30 PM

Monday, April 13 Gladstone, MB Gladstone Christian Fellowship 7:00 PM

Tuesday, April 14 Virden, MB Virden Alliance Church 7:00 PM

Wednesday, April 15 Nipawin, SK Emmanuel Baptist Church 7:00 PM

Thursday, April 16 Lloydminster, SK Lloydminster Gospel Fellowship 7:00 PM

Friday, April 17 Kindersley, SK Kindersley Alliance Church 7:00 PM

Saturday, April 18 Saskatoon, SK Cornerstone Church 7:00 PM

Sunday, April 19 Winnipeg, MB Calvary Temple 6:00 PM

The Taylors

Documents

MB (Winter 2015) - Issue #9