BC (Winter 2015) - Issue #2

HOPECANADA's

GODS MISSION. OUR ADVENTURE.

A PUBLICATION OF

Winter/Spring 2015 BC Edition

Issue 2

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

.

20152016

A coast to coast mobile discipleship school.

ENCOUN ER

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

www.encounterschool.caApply online!

Full Page Ad Encounter.indd 1 2015-01-17 10:59 AM

Inside this issue

GODS MISSION. OUR ADVENTURE.Canadas 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 Amasa Bible Camp 10 What I Can Learn from Skills12 Hope Bay Bible Camp16 Echo Lake Bible Camp20 Lake of the Trees Bible Camp24 Maple Springs Bible Camp28 Ness Lake Bible Camp32 Adventure Day Camp

3 Executive Directors Message8 Band Bio: The Taylors14 One Hope Canada Interview18 Ministry Point Personnel22 A Tribute to Shirley Stewart26 Shout Out for Ministry Partners30 Finding Hope through Pain34 Cooking with Kathy

Winter/Spring 2015 BC Edition Issue Two

Cover Image taken at

Lake of the Trees 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.

Wouldnt 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 its 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 BC

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.

www.encounterschool.caApply online!

Full Page Ad Encounter.indd 1 2015-01-17 10:59 AM

Canadas Hope 3

FIELD DIRECTOR EDITORIALBY ART THIESSEN, CAMP COACH FOR ONE HOPE CANADA/INTERIM BC FIELD DIRECTOR

In my time as a camp director and now traveling across the country, I have learned God is our true provider. I am so thankful for all the people in British Columbia who allow themselves to be used by God to make the ministry effective.

Here are some ways in which God provides for the camps in B.C.:

1. Guest groups many groups come and use the camps through the seasons they are open. This makes a big difference on the financial bottom line. Also as a result more people come back for summer camps.

2. Campers Another significant way God provides is by many parents, grandparents, guardians and others who send their kids to camp each summer. Many people give funds so under-privileged kids can come too. Full camps always help us to make the best use of the ministries.

God is our provider

3. Gifts-in-kind It has been a great blessing to see people give different things that camps can use. It can be on a permanent donation of tools or equipment or donations of equipment being loaned for a period of time rent free. The list is long. You might think, I cant give money, but I have this item that maybe one of the camps can use. Give us a call, we will be honest about whether we can use it and will greatly appreciate your help.

4. Manpower Another significant way in which God provides is through manpower. Many people use their gifts, talents, their hands and feet, and their time at camps. People who come and volunteer their time and expertise helps the camps save money. I believe this is one of Gods greatest provisions for the camps.

JAMES 1:17 SAYS, EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT IS FROM ABOVE, COMING DOWN FROM THE FATHER.

Winter/Spring 2015 | www.onehopecanada.ca4

5. Dollars and Cents Many have given to camps financially. This is always a large need. It was always so much like Christmas when I would go for the mail and find cheques there. It just made my day. You can encourage the director by sending a cheque or going on line to donate. We trust you will continue to choose to stay involved or get involved with a camp.

In closing, thank you for helping in the past and I trust you will continue to be involved. I pray that God will give you new eyes to see how He can use you to help provide for the ministries in B.C. I trust you will be a positive spokesperson for One Hope Canada.

Isaiah 45:3 says, I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.

Blessings on you all!

I pray that God will give you new eyes to see how He can use you to help provide for the ministries in B.C.

Canadas Hope 5


March 27-29 Weekend Retreat

July 610 Summer Camp

August 10-14 Summer Camp

October 30 - November 1 Weekend Retreat

I put out a call to arms via my newsletter, and several prayer warriors offered to be involved, from Boissevain, MB, to Surrey, BC, and several points in-between! The week before camp, I e-mailed each participant some names to pray for at camp: the name of a cabin leader and their campers, the nurse, speaker and director, and the kitchen staff. Every person at camp that week would be upheld before the Lord!

One worker, upon hearing that these prayer partners had been interceding for them, wrote, Now I understand how and why, from the kitchen workers viewpoint, things went very smoothly. We were blessed by leaders and campers when we were able to serve suitable food choices, i.e. gluten-free, diabetic, etc. Each year it is increasingly difficult as more people with specific food needs are attending camp. It makes definitely more work for the cooks, but necessary to keep our campers and leaders healthy. We received such a blessing from leaders thanking us so much for accommodating their food issues. I am sure that we were greatly helped because of the prayers.

In Bill Hybels book, Too Busy Not To Pray, he reminds us that one of the main reasons that we, as hu-mans, are drawn to God in prayer is for peace beyond understanding. In Philippians 4:6, Paul writes, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all under-standing, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

So to all of you who prayed for us, from all of us at camp, thank you. And Gods peace to you!

AMASA BIBLE CAMP

www.amasa.ca250-832-6907

Partners inCamp

BY JACQUIE BOLEN, CAMP DIRECTOR

When we say the word camp, we are talking about all the people who come together in a single week, on-site, to make camp happen. But what about our partners off-site?

When I attended the personnel conference in Quebec City in 2012, I heard about an idea of getting people, off-site, to pray for specific cabin leaders and their campers during their stay at camp. What an awesome idea!

Every person at camp that week would be upheld before the Lord!

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

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 mothers 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.

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Canadas Hope 9

ways: First in their activity and then also with God.

We want you to know that there are rules and guidelines to follow in each of the activities. So to have the most fun, we will make sure you follow the rules. This is so that everyone will enjoy their day. So, too, it is with the Bible. It has guidelines for us to follow to have a great life with Christ. The Bible has so many good principles to follow which just gives good meaning to each day.

Skills or activities at camp are the tools for which the kids come to camp to have fun with. Without fun and activities, camp would not be where kids would want to go.

So we want to provide activities for the kids to do which will challenge them, excite them and make their day at camp.

We want parents and kids to know they will be supplied well with protec-tive gear, so they can go all out. We want them to know they can go all out in two

What I Can Learn from Skills at Campby Art Thiessen, Camp Coach/Interim BC Field Director


The Bible has so many good principles to follow which just gives good meaning to each day.

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their world for Christ.

In each of the activities, there will be someone in charge. They will keep things moving and making sure everyone is doing things correctly. In doing this, they will use tactfulness and love to share how and why we will work together in these activities. If you go and fellowship with other believers, they can also help you and you can help them to stay on track. You can mentor each other from Gods Word. Then you will live in a way

that you will hear well done, good and faithful servant when you are called home.

So, finally, to get the most out of each activity at camp, you need to get involved in the ones you choose to do. To just be a spectator at the activity, you will not get the full experience. So go and get involved. You might get a little scrape or bruise, but those are the memories you will talk about long after camp. Do you remember when So it

is in our Christian lives. There will be bumps and bruises along the way, but as we get up and keep moving forward, soon they will just be a memory of what we have been through. As we look back, we will say it was well worth it.

So come to camp. Get involved in all the different activities or skills and have fun to the max. And through it, learn to live your Christian life to the max.

Canadas Hope 11


and wandered, grumbled, and com-plained. We let our wounding blind us to the help and support God offers in Jesus. The absence of people has been a bitter gift that revealed our own tendency to isolate ourselves when we experience pain. We isolate ourselves from Gods heart, the very place of healing and hope. We cry out for God to help, to send support. We grumble that were alone, wish-ing for counsel, while the Counsellor whispers the Way, the Truth, and

the Life. We have been given the greatest treasure in this life, the very presence of Jesus. Where does my help come from? The Holy Spirit has been a faithful and delightful friend, a brilliant counsellor, a mentor who continues to lovingly correct and align, and a genius potter committed to remaking me.

This same Spirit, who works so diligently within us, applies Himself with the same diligence and passion all around us. We see Him drawing the isolated hearts of campers, volunteers, staff, students, and neighbours. We see Him setting captives free, leading wanderers into promise, and healing the brokenness that urges isolation. We see Him moving beyond Pender, knitting hearts together, kindling fires, draw-ing hearts into what Hes building here. The Spirit continues to build connection, to bind hearts together in prayer, to establish foundations of support, to provide resources, to build community. This work is the Holy Spirits great passionto build a glorious Church, to restore Christs lovely Bride, and to reveal Gods great glory to the world. This has also become our passion. It always has been, but we hadnt understood it. Through isolation, weve come to better understand our partners in sharing the gospelthe Holy Spirit and the Church.

HOPE BAY BIBLE CAMP

www.hopebaybiblecamp.com250-629-3194

Drawing the isolated hearts

BY DUSTIN HEIGH, MINISTRY DIRECTOR

Living on Pender Island for four years has been a surprising journey into isolation and partnership. We didnt know much about Pender when we moved here four years ago; we just knew it was an island. By its very nature, Pender is isolat-ing. But we didnt realize that the physical isolation was a significant part of our calling. The isolation we have been called to is not just the hardship of living on an island, but a picture of our heart problem.

Our own hearts have faded in isolation; we have felt the thirst for fellowship, support, and com-munity. We have been through seasons of great loss and wounding. Weve focused on the loss and pain, We see Him moving beyond Pender, knitting hearts together, kindling fires, drawing hearts into what Hes building here.

June 26 July 4 Staff Training Ages 14+

July 510 PreTeen 1 Camp Ages 11-13

July 12-24 Discipleship Camp 1 Ages 14-16

July 13-17 Day Camp 1 Ages 6-12

July 19-24 Junior Camp Ages 8-11

July 26-31 Teen Camp Ages 13-15

July 26 - August 7 Discipleship Camp 2 Ages 14-16

August 3-7 Day Camp 2 Ages 6-12 HOPE BAY BIBLE CAMP

hopebaybiblecamp.com

250-629-3194

Hope Bay Bible Camp 2015

Our commitment to you and your child

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

insafehands.ca

Canadas Hope 13

CANADAS HOPE SAT DOWN WITH ONE HOPE CANADAS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TEAM, BILL AND BEV McCASKELL, TO ASK THEM ABOUT THE HIGHLIGHTS OF LAST YEARS 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 missions 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 peoples 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 Canadas 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 Id 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 Gods leading them to serve together in this way and they continue to marvel that it can also be fun! :)

PROUD TO SUPPORT ONE HOPE CANADA

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Visit us online: onehopecanada.ca

Canadas Hope 15


warrior that prays, all are partners in

the Gospel, and all are needed.

I think of Jared, who got a call one

Sunday afternoon in July asking

him if he could be out at camp in five hours to serve for the next two weeks.

Jared came for the next four summers.

I think of Peter, whose goal during

the year was to earn enough money

so he could fix his truck, and pay for gas to drive the two hours out to

camp each week so he could serve.

I think of Ken, who will do

anything at camp that involves a

Quad and a power saw.

I think of Neil, who had more

projects going on, than time, but

willingly gave of his skills and

resources, and was actively involved

in every major project at camp over

the past ten years.

I think of Peter, a successful

businessman who sees his business

as a means of helping build Gods

Kingdom.

I think of Beth, who could never

see herself working with children,

but was willing to serve in the

kitchen.

And I think of my Dad, who despite being 6,000 miles away,

and in the later years of his life, still

continuing to be actively involved

in ministry through faithfully

praying for us every day.

These are but a few of the

many. Together, we serve as one,

in Him.

ECHO LAKE BIBLE CAMP

www.elbc.ca250-996-0227

Serving as one

BY STEVE DUNCAN, CAMP DIRECTOR

There are a few things I love about

camp ministry. I love seeing kids

lives being touched by the Gospel of

Jesus as they are loved on by our sum-

mer staff. I love seeing our summer

staff grow as they serve and give, and

are challenged to go beyond what

is comfortable. I love the surprise of

seeing seemingly impossible needs

being met whether it is staffing needs or financial needs. And I love seeing things getting done! When

you see vision becoming a reality,

or a long-awaited project nearing

completion, the heart of a camp

Director gets excited. Through this

tapestry of ministry, there is a thread

that weaves through it all. Whether

it is a volunteer that helps, a cabin

leader who serves, a missionary who

leads, a donor that gives, or a prayer

July 7-11 Junior 1 Ages 7-10

July 7-25 LIT (Leaders in training) Ages 15-17

July 13-18 Action Camp Ages 10-12

July 13-25 LTS 1 (Learning to Serve) Ages 14-16

July 20-25 Splashdown Ages 9-12

July 27-29 Rookie Ages 5-7

August 4-8 Junior 2 Ages 7-10

August 4-15 LTS 2 (Learning to Serve) Ages 14-16

August 10-15 i-Wild Ages 10-13

August 17-23 Teen Ages 13-16ECHO LAKE BIBLE CAMP

www.elbc.ca

250-996-0227

Echo Lake Bible Camp 2015

204-

Canadas Hope 17


Roland McQuadeAdventure Day Camp

Jacquie BolenAmasa Bible Camp

Derek & Sarah BroughtonEcho Lake Bible Camp

Kyle & Katie BramanHope Bay Bible Camp

Dustin & Christy HeighHope Bay Bible Camp

Derek & Jamie LoewenHope Bay Bible Camp

Rob & Katheryn Hasenbank Maple Springs Bible Camp

One Hope Canada Ministry Point Personnel in BC

Danny PennerEcho Lake Bible Camp

Terry & Twyla ThompsonEcho Lake Bible Camp

Steve & Jen DuncanEcho Lake Bible Camp

Tom & Jody McIntosh, Mirko & Janette Blahut, Elisha SchaffLake of the Trees Bible Camp

Tom & Jody McIntosh Lake of the Trees Bible Camp

Canadas Hope 19

Keith & Kerri WarkentinNess Lake Bible Camp

Ness Lake Bible Camp

Randy & Janice McDonaldMobile Ministry

Kall & Jenny CloarecNess Lake Bible Camp

Scott & Trish AndersonNess Lake Bible Camp

Rob & Robin DuerksenNess Lake Bible Camp

Andrew & Leslie MiltonNess Lake Bible Camp

Dave & Janine HortonNess Lake Bible Camp

Neil & Judy Serup Ness Lake Bible Camp

Mark & Chelsea WilsonMaple Springs Bible Camp

Darrel & Debbie BaergMaple Springs Bible Camp

The faces behind our

camps!

Missing Photos for:Patrick Johnson

Eva Schultz

Diane Zwozdesky


Cabin Leaders teach, Work Crew serve, Cooks feed the flock, Speakers feed the flock, Nurses patch up the flock. Program staff lead the flock, Videographers keep the cameras rolling, Maintenance staff fix, Woodchucks fill the wood shed each person vital.

I also ask partners to pray earnest-ly that God would open doors for the Gospel. A record number of campers arrived, each with a God story how they came to Bible Camp. We praise God for the 61 campers counseled for salvation and 96 counseled to better know and represent Jesus Christ.

Thank God for the donors, skilled workers, prayer warriors, and encouragers behind the scenes. Bible Camp also needs partners who invest in the care and capital development of facilities and equipment. Last season, a local

church donated and constructed a beautiful amphitheatre. This Fall and Winter, it was the Staff Residence expansion and renovation. 42 skilled volunteers and 6 One Hope Canada missionaries have already invested a conservatively estimated 3,500 hours.

Our parents have been our biggest cheerleaders investing their faith, funds and friends. Jodys folks have come from Arizona (recently California) the last 10 summers to lead food services. Toms folks have been involved in maintenance, construction and cooking from before I became director 14 years ago. We thank God upon every remembrance of them and of each vital partner.

LAKE OF THE TREES BIBLE CAMP

www.lakeofthetrees.com250-791-5502

The Harvest FieldBY TOM McINTOSH, CAMP DIRECTOR

What amazing folks who make Bible Camp a relevant, life-chang-ing experience! They are dedicated and forfeit lifestyle options to serve and give. And theyre blessed!

It begs the questions: Why dont they take those extra vacations? Eat out more? Pursue more hobbies? Invest more in financial security? I suspect one answer would be a great love for God who calls each of us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

Each summer is an amazing story of partnership. Every spring, I ask partners to pray fervently for the Lord of the Harvest to send workers out into the harvest field. God provided 78 volunteer staff and 49 work crew to run camp. Bible Camp is ideal to find Gods unique suitability in each individual.

June 29 July 4 Preteen 1 Ages 10-13

July 611 Junior 1 Ages 7-10

July 1322 Preteen 2 Ages 10-13

July 2830 Squirts Ages 6-9

July 31 August 3 Family Camp

August 48 Junior 2 Ages 7-10

August 1015 Teen Ages 13-16

August 1722 Preteen 3 Ages 10-13 LAKE OF THE TREES

lakeofthetrees.com

250-791-5502

Lake Of The Trees Bible Camp 2015

Developing passionate, relevant servants of Jesus Christ

In Partnership with Okanagan Bible College

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Canadas Hope 21

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 CSSMs 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 Shirleys 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.

Developing passionate followers of Jesus Christ with a heart to serve.

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Canadas Hope 23


Nearly eight years ago, I distinctly remember rolling onto the camp property for the first time it was my interview with the board. I was a little nervous as most would be. I mean, these are the people that I am going to work with in this

ministry. Its not always easy to find a group of people that have the same passions as you do. Not only that, finding a common understanding on how things need to be done is a whole different area that needs to be established. Having worked in

ministry for several years already, I knew that the board could really make it or break it. I was ready to ask some hard questions and make sure we were going to be a good fit. Several hours later, following long meetings and lengthy camp tours, I was driving away thinking this seems too good to be true! I took the job based on what I witnessed in that group that day. Not the camp facility, or the great location, but the heart of ministry that the board had. The true passion for the Gospel, and the mission Jesus laid out before us in the Bible.

I was once told by another camp director that it is imperative to treat your board as a group of allies, not as a bunch of guys that you need to work around to get what you want done. It seems obvious when you say it, but it is not often practiced in ministry. Since hearing those words I have never been able to get them off my mind while working with my board. I believe that it is the single most important factor in the strength and growth we have witnessed in the ministry here at MSBC.

I thank God for each one of my partners on the board and I am so thankful to have such a great team. When we work together, there is nothing we cant accomplish!

MAPLE SPRINGS BIBLE CAMP

www.maplesprings.ca 250-767-2354

Heart of ministry

BY ROB HASENBANK, CAMP DIRECTOR

When we work together, there is nothing we cant accomplish!

March 15-20 Spring Break Camp Ages 8-12

May 1-3 Spring Mini Camp Ages 9-13

July 2-4 Explorer Camp Ages 5-8

July 6-10 Adventure #1 Camp Ages 7-10



July 26-31 Junior Teen Camp Ages 11-14

August 4-8 Wilderness Camp Ages 10-13

August 10-17 Mega Camp Ages 9-12

August 19-24 Senior Teen Camp Ages 13-16

October 23-25 Fall Mini Camp Ages 9-13

MAPLE SPRINGS BIBLE CAMP

maplesprings.ca

250-767-2354

Maple Springs Bible Camp 2015

Maple Springs Bible Camp is home to over 1000 children and young people every year. We are thrilled that each year this number grows. In order to continue to share the hope of the Gospel to the Okanagan, we need to purchase the 27 acre lot (and buildings) we currently lease. Within the next 22 months we must raise the remaining funds ($590,000).

Will you join us in prayer?

A Call to

Prayer

To be kept informed of the latest needs and current progress please send an email to [email protected]

TARGET $750,000

RAISED $160,000

Canadas Hope 25

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 doesnt 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.

A Shout Out for Camp Ministry Partners

BY HAROLD PENNER

If any partner of the ministry is unable to do their part the load can become overwhelming or impossible for the remaining partners.


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.

If you are transitioning out of active summer staff ministry con-sider 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

Talk to your camp director about project options and to a Mennonite Foundation consultant about the most effective method of supporting the project.

Canadas Hope 27


I grew up as a missionary kid (MK) in Moricetown, a native reserve in Northern BC, where our family were missionaries to the Wetsuweten people. After becoming a chiropractor and practicing for ten years, I never dreamed of becoming a missionary. But here I am, officially a One Hope Canada missionary, typing an article for the Canadas Hope magazine.

This past August as I was desperately seeking Gods will for our family (my wife, me, and four daughters), the field director said: One Hope Canada functions as an arm of the Church. This phrase resonated in my mind and spirit as I wrestled with God about our future and His will for our lives. The idea

of serving with One Hope Canada as an arm of the Church excited me and played a huge role in our finally praying,ANYTHING, LORD!

Growing up around Christian camping as a missionary kid, I was keenly aware of the stress of finding volunteers to carry out the summer camp ministry. Each year it seemed to come down to the eleventh hour before the camp had enough staff.

I believe that many camps are not connecting with our potential to bless the Body of Christ by being an arm of the Church. Often, camps ask churches for volunteers, help, and finances to support their vision and burden for their camps. I propose flipping this thinking on its head!

What if we as camps, rather than asking churches for help, began focusing on the needs of the churches we partner with? Do we know the visions/missions that churches around us are living by and aspiring to in His strength? I believe God wants to use camps as an arm of the local Church, to help her be who God has called her to be.

At camp, walls come down, helping each one recognize their special part in the Body of Christ. God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be (1 Corinthians 12:18). People encounter Him and grow in Him at camp. If you could listen to the hearts of pastors across this floundering nation, you would probably hear a deep desire for their congregations to encounter Christ and grow in Him!

As an arm of the Church, we provide an environment where not only children and adults encounter Him for the first time, but Gods sons and daughters this side of heaven grow in their intimacy with Him, too. Since we are an arm of the Church, we should start asking ourselves, How can we help the local church journey toward the vision God has for them?

As an arm of the Church, Christian camping is about far more than fun, relationship, or even telling children about Jesus. It is about making CHRIST the center of everything we do!!!

NESS LAKE BIBLE CAMP

www.nlbc.bc.ca 250-967-4248

An arm of the church

BY DR. SCOTT ANDERSON, DIRECTOR

June 26-28 Squirt 1 Ages 6-9

June 29 - July 3 Junior 1 Ages 7-10

July 5-10 Intermediate 1 Ages 10-13

July 12-17 Intermediate 2 Ages 10-13

July 19-23 Junior 2 Ages 7-10

July 27-29 Squirt 2 Ages 6-9

July 31 - August 3 Family Camp All Ages

August 4-8 Junior 3 Ages 7-10

August 9-15 Teen Camp Ages 13-18

August 17-22 Intermediate 3 Ages 10-13

August 24-29 Intermediate 4 (morning dismissal) Ages 9-13

June 29 - July 3 WilderNESS 1 - Overload Ages 10-14

July 5-10 WilderNESS 2 - Boys Paintball Ages 11-15

July 12-17 WilderNESS 3 - Teen Out-Trip Excursion Ages 13-18

July 19-23 WilderNESS 4 - Boys Paintball Ages 11-15

July 27-29 WilderNESS 5 - Junior Explore Ages 8-10

August 4-8 WilderNESS 6 - Extreme Teen Ages 13-18

August 9-15 WilderNESS 7 - Out-Trip Excursion Ages 10-13

August 17-22 WilderNESS 8 - Teen Paintball Excursion Ages 13-18

NESS LAKE BIBLE CAMP

nlbc.bc.ca

250-967-4248

Ness Lake Bible Camp 2015

Box 669 - 405 Stampede Drive, Morris, Manitoba, R0G 1K0 Toll Free Number: 1-800-746-4449 Email: [email protected]

www.bartelfreight.ca

ServicesTransportation ServicesWe cover all of Canada, and the United States.

Terminal ServicesHeated Warehouse with

two loading docks.

Canadas Hope 29

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 camps 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 camps 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.

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 shouldnt 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 wasnt for the long-term.

Finding hope through painBy Randy and Janice McDonald, Capital Projects Ministry Team

THIS IS THE STORY OF OUR JOURNEY IN FULL-TIME MINISTRY

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 resourc-es 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

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 wasnt for the long-term.


So on November 1, 2010, we moved to Ness Lake Bible Camp for Randy to take on the position of Facilities Manager. Dur-ing 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, construction of the new Gate House (which was to be our new home) had just really gotten underway when tragedy 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 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. It was decided that we would resign from NLBC, but remain missionaries 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 applica-tion 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.

Canadas Hope 31


the Evangelical Free Church in Pritchard, the only church in the community. Without our daughters, we were very grateful for our son, James, eagerly stepping into the role of running our technology. But we still needed so much help with the rest of the program. So God provided some great ministry partnersfour teens and four adults from the church, and did they step up!

They prepared and led a craft, helping kids build birdhouses. They led many of our games in the morning and at lunch. The teens boldly took on parts in skits and puppet shows. What a joy to see God empower these eager and faithful servants with a passion to reach the children of their community! God brought out the

children who needed to hear the gospel! At least 90% of them do not attend church.

What a joy to see local volunteers building relationships with these boys and girls.

While this week of day camp was going on in Pritchard, we were praying for Gods supply for the next. We knew that, for our day camp in Pinantan Lake, we had only one extra volunteer, Norm Listoen. We wondered how we would be able to pull off what is usually our largest day camp.

Gods answer came in the form of two teens. They were from the volunteers at Pritchard. I approached them toward the end of day camp and asked, Jenna, Daneka, would you be willing to join our team next week in Pinantan Lake? We are really short on staff.

Both teens willingly and eagerly said yes, partnering with us to reach their neighboring community. They drove up each day (or rather their mom and grandma did). They came with a passion for the children and came already knowing all the parts of skits and puppet plays. They were clearly Gods provision.

Thanks to Gods provision of amazing and passionate partners in the gospel, Adventure Day Camps again impacted the hearts and lives of many kids, children who live in communities and homes with little chance of hearing the great gospel message of Jesus Christ.

ADVENTURE DAY CAMP

www.adventuredaycampsbc.com 604-858-5205

Gods provision

Oh no, theyre leaving us! The frantic thought kept churning through my mind. How are we ever going to run the Day Camps without them?

For over ten years, our three children have served as the core of our team at Adventure Day Camps in BC. Each year theyve taken on more and more responsibility. But this past summer it happened. Our oldest, Sarah, headed off to be a cabin leader at Lake of the Trees Bible Camp while Melissa, who runs our technology, took a job in Manitoba. We had come to rely heavily on their gifts on the team.

But thanks to the prayers of many, we saw God answer. Partners in the Gospel took on a whole new meaning for us in 2014.

We returned for a sixth time to

BY ROLAND MCQUADE,CAMP DIRECTOR

Hours: Monday Friday, 7:30 am 5:00 pmLocated at the west end of Portage la Prairie

204 857 4286 Fax: 204 857 4282www.paracletetrans.com

PARACLETE TRUCK & TRAILER REPAIR

Transport Services ServicetowesternCanadaandtheUSA Fullloadandlessthanfullloadserviceofdry,nonhazardousfreight

Crossdockingability Personaltouchforallcustomerrelatedquestions

Truck and Trailer RepairContact: 204 856 5531 or [email protected] Manitobainspectionstationfortrucksandtrailers

Providingserviceincludingoilchanges,inspectionsandalltypesofrepairs

Equipmentfordiagnostics-includingcomputerECMcodes

Largepartsinventoryonhandforquickrepairs

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 couldnt 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 dont 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 moms 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 mothers daughter. At times Ive 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 wont 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


Midland Manufacturingcongratulates

One Hope Canadaon this edition of

Canadas Hope

Manufacturer of quality gravel trailers

Ask your dealer about the new SLX end dump

Publications Mail Agreement #: 40019747Canadas Hope One Hope Canada BC200-189 Henderson HwyWinnipeg, MB R2L 1L7

Fundraising Tour 2015April 7-19, 2015 | Manitoba & Saskatchewan

For up-to-date concert info: www.onehopecanada.ca/events/ www.thetaylorsmusic.com

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

BC (Winter 2015) - Issue #2