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Grace and peace in the Name of Our Lord Jesus. Experiencing Makkovik and her people has been a beautiful blessing to me. The strain of leaving here was heavy. Some of the highlights of the ministry included the radio hour, preaching, visiting homes, and sharing music in homes, the school, and in worship.
The community of Makkovik is about the people and the land. That is your life. It is about survival 12 mo. a year - planning for the winter. Hunting, wooding, fishing, repairing, are done out of necessity not pleasure. One man cut down 60 trees. I asked him if he burned that himself, and he said "No-I burn the first 11, and give the rest to my sisters, cousins, uncle, etc. That is what this community is all about - people taking care of each other. They take care of each other's needs extending to food, sewing, making of boots/clothing, traveling escorts for seniors, babysitting, . . . everything.
I'm arrived back into the valley last week and life is quite different with the mts. of snow all but gone - only 4-5 ft. left. The roads are dry. I bike to the Senior home each morning for worship and to play the organ for them during their free time. I get to do Bible Study at the Correctional Center now - hmmm, I wonder if we could do handchimes? The church handchime group began practices immediately!
Worship was really beautiful yesterday. I am continually stunned how God puts all words into my mouth. There is nothing I do good here that hasn't come directly from our Father. I give Him all the credit. Such worshipful beauty. The congregation is a patient flock. They are so loving even when I massacre the Inutitut doxology printed in the bulletin. I love them dearly. It is not easy being a "learner" for 6 months, but I'm trying.
Thank you, from my whole heart for your prayers in this ministry. They are felt each and every day as God lifts me way beyond what I see myself capable of doing. I don't fret over much, as it all seems to unfold before me as I walk. Such a wonder of a time.
I'm getting some exercise so I can give George a big "bury-your-face HUG" when I see him. This journey has been unusual to say the least, but an amazing blessing to both of us and the entire family. May the God of peace, joy, and assurance, abide in each of you as we worship our Easter Lord.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
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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
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