40 Days and 40 Nights!

"He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Colossians 1:17

What is so amazing about serving Christ amidst the volumnes of snow, frigid temperatures, and two native cultures [Inue-Indian, Inuit-Eskimo], is God's provision and goodness. There is a long history of the ancestors of today's people here. It is very much a part of their every day life; especially in the winter months.

Labradorans are patient, listening, loving people - with a beautiful spirit and passion for the land. I think this is why snow is so beautiful; it is white and fills one with a sense of God's purity of His creation. When the sun is out, after the dryest of snowfalls, one can identify individual snowflakes sitting one on top of the other; mountains of them. At night, when the moon is out, the shine casts shadows of the trees upon the ground as if by day. I saw a small red fox last week, so perfectly beautiful; burnt red, black shiney legs, little pointed ears full inside with white fluff, and a tail so bushy, it seemed about the size of his entire body. Not to spoil the picture here, but he was sitting at the local coffee house parking lot munching on donuts people threw to him. He was a joy to watch even for the locals.

Preaching has been the greatest of wonders and privileges for me in my life. The Word empowers one as if nothing, NOTHING will stand in its way. It is The Way. Although I spend countless hours preparing, God will have His way in what will be presented on a Sunday morning. I pray that I won't get in His way, but the worship experience leaves me with amazing joy and excitement. Everyone laughs at me that I talk too much on Sunday evening in fellowship (imagine that!). The truth is, I'm so thrilled about having "released" the Good News, that I can't hold it in and go home to begin preparing for the following Sunday's sermon. Enough of me.

HANDCHIMES! What a blessing they have been, to me, to the community, and to the church. We have two groups practicing each week (we're in Week 4). The Brownies of Wednesday evening, are working towards their Music Badge with the chimes. We have 10-12 ringers including the leaders which wouldn't have it any other way. A couple of adults and children from other churches joined the group as well. Thursday evenings we have a smaller group; mostly musicians who rejoice at this opportunity to make beautiful sounds. They are so thrilled, we practice, then play on Sunday, practice something new, and play on Sunday, and on & on. They are a passionate group. One woman in worship, walked up before the service and asked to play with us. Of course I couldn't refuse, and she filled a needed spot with such pride (her son and her mother looking on).

The congregation seems to welcome not only the beauty of the music, but seeing their own members in a brand new way; gifts come alive - gifts of Grace! I am thankful that I can witness these things. Many many thanks to all partners in this ministry. You are faithful and your love is greatly appreciated among all here. Your continued prayers for these people seeking renewal and inspiration from Our Lord. I am only a vessel, relying on you through Christ Our Lord.

May God bless you richly in all things - in your ministries. We are all ministers of hope - the hope of the Cross of Jesus.

glenna




FIRST 8 DAYS - Happy Valley Moravian Church, Happy Valley Goose Bay, Labrador

"Jesus makes my heart rejoice. I am His sheep and know His voice." Whenever one follows Christ as a sheep, they are blest beyond all comprehension. From the first moment of stepping on a plane, to setting foot on Labrador soil, the journey has been a humbling and joyful one. Arriving in Happy Valley Goose Bay in the evening, some Christmas lights still up, the quiet, snowy scene that unfolded driving from the airport to the church reminded me of the choir anthem "Silent Night, Peaceful Night". I was met by some friends who quietly gathered my luggage and brought me home to the manse. The manse was recently rennovated and is so conveniently situated between the Moravian church and .... the grocery store. So I can worship in the sanctuary any hour of the day or night now; one of my favorite places to be.

It's been pretty stormy here; there was a heatwave of 6 degrees (celcius) above zero for a day, but otherwise, the temperature seems to hover around 25 (c) below.

Sunday service was one of total embrace and welcome followed by a wonderful potluck. True to form, the Moravians here love food in abundance; and we saw (and ate) a variety of fish, red berries (alot like cranberries only they grow on the ground), and of course pizza. I introduced the handchimes in worship on Sunday and you could see the eyes light up across the sanctuary. The sign-up sheet filled up immediately and practices begin on the 26th (Jan). Members are also signing up to be lay readers, thanks to Evelyn's wonderful instruction for us at Calvary Moravian. These people are so willing to learn and engage in service opportunities, and I am learning so much about the Inu and Inuktitut culture, the people, worship, and pastoral ministry.

My commissioning as a Lay Pastor in Labrador is coming up on Sunday and the Inutitut Bible Launch is happening for all of Labrador on the 20th right here! I will be here in Happy Valley until early March when I will move to the coast of Labrador. A mailing address for these 2 mos. is: Happy Valley Moravian Church, POBox 220, Station B, Happy Valley, Labrador-New Foundland, Canada A0P1E0

God bless you all for your participation in this ministry through all ways. I may be weathering the frigid temperatures, but I feel your presence, love, and support with every step. I'll keep you posted with frequent updates here as the internet allows, and please know that I am ever thankful for your part in this ministry and that you are in my prayers always as I trek, and fall quite frequently on the ice and mountains of snow.

With the warm love of Jesus,

glenna