Makkovik Spring

Makkovik Spring

harbor ice melting, June 2009

Herd in Hebron

Herd in Hebron

Traditional Holy Communion

Traditional Holy Communion
Zipora reading in Inutitut

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

How does one thank ones parents for all the efforts, love, pain, and joy they put into you? You thank them by living a life pleasing to them; one that works hard, one that brings them joy, one that shows that you are trying to be the best you can be and that you were paying attention in your life.

How do we thank the One that created us and expends all of His infinite love upon you? How can I live my life pleasing to You this day Holy One? I will work hard, I will bring You joy, I will try to be the best I can be; in my prayers, in my thoughts, in my very words that are uttered out of my mouth. I will bow so low, I will fall to my knees, I will humble myself to You – completely. You complete me Blessed Savior. You move within me Holy Spirit as the wind tosses the snow from peak to peak here. Take my life and let it be – consecrating Lord to Thee. Take my hand and lead me where You need me to go.

As one walks on the streets of Makkovik, some steps will find solid ground beneath your boots – those are the easy steps. On some steps, you will sink several inches - those are the difficult steps. But You always pick me up to move on. I eventually get to my destination. I always arrive feeling so good; stronger. I’ve had time to ponder You on that walk. I’ve had time to see what You’ve created and the beauty that transcends from east to west; from north to south. Not one inch is less than perfect.

Can I strive for anything less as I move/journey through this day? I think not. Why should I try to work through my feeble strength? Lord, I don't deserve one of the blessings and the outpouring of Grace You have showered upon me. My soul just sings for joy, of wonder of You, trusting You on each journey I take today.

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Labrador Handchime Project 2-Octaves of Malmark Chimes


Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary,
Praise him in his mighty firmament!
Praise him for his mighty deeds;

Praise him according to his surpassing greatness!

Praise him with trumpet sound;
Praise him with lute and harp!
Praise him with tambourine and dance;
Praise him with strings and pipe!
Praise him with clanging cymbals;
Praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!
Ps.150

The psalmist here was praising God because of his mighty excellence in all of his works and was calling upon all [in the sanctuary] to praise God with whatever they had within their possession; a trumpet, a harp, a tambourine, dancing, even ones voice. Everything! And the book of Psalms appropriately ends with a Hallelujah!
It is with that joy that I find myself returning to Labrador in early 2009 and would like to share my handbell and chime experience with the Labrador youth. The Labrador Moravians have a rich history of music ministry which was so evident in the first Music Workshop this past summer. Not only do the youth have a noticeable passion to learn, but the congregations are hungry to play whenever the opportunity arises. The youth of the summer youth camp also took every advantage to participate in handchime ensembles thanks to the loaning of a set of handchimes by New Philadelphia Moravian Church.
Handchimes are the perfect percussive instrument to learn when few instruments are to be had as they lend themselves to all levels of musical skill and players can quickly succeed. They are affordable and produce some of the most heavenly sounds that can be created.
You, your congregation, or your Sunday School class have the opportunity to prayerfully sponsor an individual chime at $50./ each (including shipping) for which a 2-Octave Malmark set will be purchased and carried to Labrador in January. They will be introduced to all the communities I visit and eventually find their permanent home there.
Checks should be made out to “Board of World Mission"with “Labrador Handchimes” written on the lower line, and sent to 1021 Center St., POBox 1245, Bethlehem, PA. 18016-1245. In addition, you can keep up with your investment/support by viewing my ministry blog right here, hear all the most up-to-date news of this unfolding ministry, and stay in touch.
Prayerfully consider your PARTNERSHIP in this musical ministry, engaging the Labrador Moravians in a gift of praise to the Lord in their sanctuaries. Hallelujah!

Moravian Labrador History

In 1752, Moravians first explored Labrador lands. From Nisbet Harbour, the present communities of Nain(1771), Hopedale(1782), Makkovik(1896), Happy Valley(1950s) exist with the help of the local Inuit and German Moravians. Music & education were important along with fishing, hunting, and lumber trading.
Labradorans are gracious and loving people to this day and welcome and share the love of Christ each day. Today's Inuit (Eskimos) in the Arctic have been devastatingly affected by the impact of Western culture. Current Moravian news...
http://labradormoravian.blogspot.com/

Links to more info on Labrador Moravians

  • http://www.heritage.nf.ca/society/music.html
  • http://www.labradorvirtualmuseum.ca/wem/Moravian.html