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Arctic Ministries This
page contains reports of trips to
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Skyline Foursquare
Church
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This is
a brief report of a weeklong trip to Anchorage, Alaska to attend the 4th
Indigenous
Ministries of Alaska (IMA) Summit held at Skyline Foursquare
Church. In addition, two more days were spent at the church under the
ministry of Alan Ross, a gifted prophet from
Glasgow Scotland. IMA Summit I was
invited by Pastor James Brenn, Senior Pastor of Skyline Foursquare Church to
attend the summit and make contact with the Christian Native leaders in
Alaska. I had met Pastor James and his wife Yvonne a year earlier at a 3-week
Leaders School put on by the Toronto Airport
Christian Fellowship in January 2007. At that
time I had shared with Pastor James that I had been doing some work with the
Inuit of Eastern Canada and had a heart to minister to our Northern brothers.
He felt this summit would be an opportunity to meet new leaders and listen to
their vision and be part of a significant “happening” in Alaska. His heart is
to forge closer ties with the Natives of Alaska and to seek bi-lateral
dialogue and ministry in the communities of the interior of Alaska. The
Summit ran from Monday night, February 18 to Thursday night, February 21 at
the church and was very well attended both during the daytime meetings and
worship sessions each evening. Pastor James and his staff had thoroughly
prepared for the summit and were honoured to be able to host this significant
event. Their prayer room dubbed the “War Room” was used by the leaders every
morning to prepare for the day, discuss issues and to invite God through His
Holy Spirit to take charge.
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Whenever you drive East in
Anchorage, Ian in front of Skyline
Foursquare Church this is the view before your
eyes. before the Summit
began |
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Spirit of Togetherness There
was a heavy anointing of the Holy Spirit throughout the four days that fell
on not only the leaders but on all who attended. During the mornings, the leaders
met for prayer and dialogue. They represented nearly all the 12 nations in
Alaska from the far North to the Aleutian chain to the Panhandle regions. Here is
a brief list of those leaders and representatives (my apologies if I have
forgotten anyone). Native & Non-native Alaskan Leaders Pastor
Mike Curtis – Athabascan/Inupiat – New Destiny
Church - Anchorage Barbara
Curtis – Inupiat Leonard
John – Tlingit Guy
Peters – Athabascan – pastor/leader/musician Will
Mayo – Athabascan, Yvonne
Mayo Eleanor
Roehl – Yupik - dancer Evangelist
Michael Tall from Nome - dancer Pastor
Luke Titus – Minto Worship Center Evangelist
Gary Simple - Athabascan/Dene. Ministry website: Scared Ground Ministries Pastor
Marvin Carroll of Golden Heart Fellowship Billy
Olsen - musician Other Leaders (Native and Non-native) Pastor
Dan Mosley – Paiute/Assiniboine - Nevada Rhonda
Mosley – Shishone/Lakota Sioux - Nevada Pastor
Jeff Yellow Owl – Blackfeet/Mt Tribe) – District
Supervisor First Nations Foursquare Churches– Toppenish, Washington – Hope For Nations Church Pastors
Frank and Mary East – Toppenish Washington - Hope For
Nations Church Pastor
Rick Turner – Yukon Bible Chapel – Whitehorse, Yukon Prophet
Alan Ross – Scotland – Ministry website G.O.I.A.M
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In this photo – (L-R) Guy
Peters, Will Mayo, Leonard John, Marvin Carroll, and on the right, Barbara
Curtis, Mike Curtis |
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Protocol and Understanding It is difficult
to tell all that happened over the 3-1/2 days but I want to share a few of
the highlights. Protocol was first addressed and many of the visitors and
non-natives learned a great deal about protocol. This went a long way in
establishing the communications and closeness experienced by all. Several
gifts were exchanged including hand-made gifts by Doug Yates to Pastor James
& Yvonne of Foursquare. Friendship necklaces were offered to all invited
guests and speakers. These were treasured by the recipients and represent a
“passport” to Native communities. Pastor James presented IMA a wonderful
photograph he took of an eagle during one of his fishing trips. I have
included some photos below. Many
prophetic words were spoken by the leaders indicating how God has begun a
mighty work among the native and non-native groups in Alaska. This summit was
charged with a spirit of new beginnings and a great hope for future
relationships. Evangelist
Gary Simple spoke and played guitar but
most importantly had us act out a prophetic action whereby the white leaders
present formed a circle, facing outwards with arms crossed. The native people
then entered the circle. The prophetic significance of this act was that these
white Christian leaders were protecting the Christian natives from the rest
of those (Christian, Churches, Ministries etc) wanting to come in and take
over what is happening in Alaska through IMA and like-minded groups.
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The white people present formed
a protection ring around the native people keeping out those wanting to usurp the new
initiatives. |
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So much forgiveness, repentance
and healing As the
summit progressed it became obvious that a great and wonderful thing was
happening. Past hurts were healed, lives were transformed and a new
reconciliation was becoming evident. Some native leaders shared through
tears, their struggle and abuse while in residential schools. Some
repented of hostile thoughts, words and deeds toward the white people of
Alaska. And equally important, the white Alaska church leaders repented and
humbled themselves before the native Alaskans. Although
I don’t know the exact history of the Native and white people in Alaska, I
can glean from the conversations I had that the relationship was similar to
that in the south – both in the United States and Canada. Occupation
of lands, unbalanced treatment, and disrespect for each other etc had formed
deep seated feelings and even resentments. Jesus came that we be united and
not divided and this summit went a long way to seeking unilateral
reconciliation. I personally felt a heavy anointing and a sweet fragrance of
the Lord during the entire summit. There was
not a dry eye in the building when these acts of forgiveness and repentance
took place.
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Pastor James and Yvonne
humbled Prayers
continually went up for those themselves and were
emotionally wanting
healing and deliverance overcome during the healing times. from
past issues and life experiences. |
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Another
highlight of the summit was the preaching and prophesying of guest Pastor
Alan Ross from Scotland. Alan has a wonderful and powerful gift of prophesy
and spoke over several at the summit. In addition, he stayed on and spoke
four times on the Saturday and Sunday following the summit. Many were blessed
at his preaching and insight into God’s moving among the Alaskan natives and
churches in general. Alan
also spoke to the church leaders at Skyline and spoke at a luncheon held at
the home of Pastor James & Yvonne Brenn. His words were like pieces of
gold and fine jewels. Alan hears from God and speaks what he hears. It was a
blessing to come under his anointed ministry. |
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Prophet Alan Ross preaching at
the summit and afterwards at Skyline Church.
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It is
impossible to tell all that took place during the 3 ½ day summit and the following
two days with Alan. Suffice to say that I have never witnessed such power and
reconciliation between peoples. I had the privilege of attending a huge 5-day
conference in Quebec City, Canada a few years ago and witnessed a lot of the
same healing and reconciliation between English and French Canadians and
Inuit and First Nation peoples. This IMA summit was all as much and more. May the
Lord bless this reconciliation and move in a mighty way in Alaska and beyond
its borders into Canada and the world with the Good News that He is in
control of the affairs of people from whatever background, race and tribe. I want
to personally thank the leaders of IMA for allowing me to be an observer to
this summit. As well, I want to thank Pastor James & Yvonne Brenn of
Skyline Foursquare church for hosting this event and allowing me to
participate through my music and ministry. Lastly, I want to thank my hosts
Pastor Barry & Julie Hildebrand for opening their home to me for the
week. May you continue to be used by God. |
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Here
are a few general photographs of the IMA Summit and the activities that I was
involved in. |
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Initial Gathering of visitors
and leaders Eleanor Roehl’s first dance of the summit. Pastor Mike Curtis (IMA) receiving the gift to IMA from Pastor
James Brenn (The eagle photo was taken by Pastor James)
Evangelist Gary Simple playing
and singing Ministry time
happened many times and prophesying and preaching. many came forward to repent
and be healed and be saved. Music and Dance played a significant role during the summit.
Guy Peters ministering in
music Praise Team – led by
Jose Rolon.
Eleanor Roehl
starts off her dance
Ian helping out during the day |
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© Three
Cord Ministries – 2008 |
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December 2-10, 2007: Ministry Trip to Nain,
Labrador |
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This is
a brief report of a weeklong ministry trip to Nain,
Nunatsiavut (Northern Labrador) to work with Ray & Juanita Whalen of Shining
Light Ministries. Ray & Juanita are now starting
their fourth year living permanently in the community after ministering there
whenever they could over the past dozen or more years. The main purpose of
going there was to see what they are doing and to find out how I can bring
awareness to others that ultimately will bring needed resources to their
ministry. The
ministry they do in Nain is to bring the Gospel and
in the name of Jesus, provide food and clothing to dozens of people living in
the most Northerly occupied community on the Labrador Coast. Nain is located about 250 air miles North of Goose Bay
Labrador and has a population of approximately 1200. Unemployment is very
high and a lot of the jobs are seasonal. Many in the community work for the
various local, regional and provincial governments and in schools or other
community infrastructures. There is a small group of stores and other
commercial enterprises as well as a Health Clinic, and RCMP detachment. |
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Youth
find it particularly frustrating and somewhat hopeless as the availability of
work is very limited and all post-secondary education takes place in the
south (Newfoundland mainland and elsewhere in Canada). Many families are
fractured with the breadwinner being out of town most of the time working at
such large-scale projects as the Voisey’s Bay mining located many miles from Nain. Regardless
of the reason, the end result is that on any given day, Ray & Juanita are
asked to provide food parcels to several families and even feed individuals
in their own home. Periodically they provide warm clothing to the community
through large-scale distributions held in the local arena. In addition, they
provide bulk food supplies to some of the local resource centers and other
social outreaches. All
this is supplied free of charge through the large amount of food and clothing
donated to their ministry from individuals and corporations in the south of
the country. Most of the goods are stored in their home and around town in
various buildings. They must cover the cost of shipping to Nain and have relied on donations from other ministries
and individuals. Twice a
week they have services to youth and adults in a beautiful sanctuary created
in the basement of their home. They offer corporate worship and individual counseling and Bible studies. The ultimate dream of Ray & Juanita is to build a Christian Centre that offers not only spiritual food but practical helps such as a youth centre, food and clothing distribution centre and more located on an adjacent lot that they own. |
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A few
weeks before going to Nain, I met with Mr. Norm
Cheng of the Bible League
in Burlington who provided me with several information kits and some
resources to deliver to the Christian leadership in Nain.
I was amazed at the interest by lay people though, especially with such
material as the Manga Messiah Bible. I left
three copies there to serve as examples to show people. The reception
especially by young people was overwhelming. Their main comment was “.. is this really a Bible? ...
wow, I would show this to any of my friends!” Even youth as young as eight
years old read it and thought it was “neat”. In the
end I asked the League to send up a dozen more and Ray said he will use them
as a “Bible study” for his Thursday and Sunday night groups, having the youth
keep the Bibles and “show them off” to their friends. He also said he will be
taking copies to the school and ask to have them displayed there. I
personally believe that this Bible will be a major tool and key to reach the youth in the community and by
extension, the parents. A
husband and wife team was also staying with Ray & Juanita. Pastor Mike
and Flora Mason from Scotland have spent 7 weeks in Nain
seeing what is going on and learning first-hand about the Inuit and ministry
in the North. They will be returning to Ottawa where they are affiliated with
Bill Prankard and his worldwide outreach to aboriginal people in Arctic
Canada and Arctic Russia. Pastor Mike said that he firmly believes that this Manga Messiah Bible will be well received by the ministry in Ottawa and is praying for an expansion of its use in Inuit and First Nation communities. He is personally impressed with the quality and the method of presentation of the Gospel through the Manga Messiah Bible. |
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Although
the general socio-economic situation in the community is low in terms of
southern-Canadian standards there are several
‘lights’ of hope shining through community based outreaches and
individuals who are able to minister to the spiritual and social needs in the
community. The overall wellness of the community is very dependant upon the
working, hunting and fishing conditions that can vary from season to season
and year to year. In times of lack in these areas, the community can face an
increase in social problems that can only be alleviated by outside
intervention. The greatest spiritual need is a renewal of hope only to be found in a relationship with Christ. This will come about as people in the community shed their bindings of religiosity and tradition and individually seek Christ. Practically of course the greatest need is food, clothing and shelter that is presently not provided by government to the degree needed. Secondly, the greatest need is to address the social evils of alcohol, drugs, abuse and abandonment found in the community. |
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Here
are a few photographs of Nain and the ministry
activities that I was involved in. |
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View of part of the community of
Nain
Overlooking the Bay – still not frozen over Pastor Ray Whalen of Shining
Light Ministries The
Moravian Church in Nain
Ian & some of the kids
outside the Arena Unloading
Supplies for the Resource Centre
Sunday night Worship gathering
at Ray’s Praise &
Worship with Ian & Mike |
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© Three
Cord Ministries – 2007 |
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October 16-25, 2005: Taivititut
Gospel Music Festival in Salluit, Nunavik
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September
2003 – Arctic Bible Conference –
The Northern Lights over For the first time, a large-scale
Arctic Bible conference was held in the community of
Baker Lake, Nunavut. Nearly 500
people flew by scheduled air services and charters from all around the Planning started many months ago
and was spearheaded by Pastors Joan and Bill Kashla
of
Panoramic View of the 500-plus
attendees in the Baker Lake Arena Many Inuit Pastors such as James
Arreak from Iqaluit,
Billy Arnaquq from Qikiqtarjuaq, Leoni
Duffy from The weather in
God’s Hand Over Baker Lake ( Homes were opened for billeting
conference goers as the population of The messages given were focussed
on many Christian topics including Spiritual gifts, walking the walk in
silence, submission to His will among others. Each evening several came for
prayer and gave themselves to the Lord. One significant event took place on
the Sunday night service. Those from Nunavik who had lost loved ones to
suicide were matched up with those from Praise and worship times were to say the least ‘lively’
– the Praise Team from Arviat and from Salluit were
the major teams and brought the attendees into the presence of God with their
music. They ministered during offering time and before ministry time – the
Inuit know how to worship and dance and be ‘undignified’ before the Lord –
Praise the Lord. I returned before the end of the conference because of
flight schedules but the time in Here are some more of the 150 pictures that I took.
Sandy Kakayuk
of Salluit Pastor
Georges Kakayuk of Salluit
Setting Up the Arena with 500+
chairs The flag of
Flags from various Arctic
Communities Pastor Joan and
Bill Kashla
Janet Mills preaching Some of the
500 plus attendees
Many families picnic-ed in
snow Caribou and
all the ‘fixings’
Views of |
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© Three
Cord Ministries – 2003 |
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February 2003: Ian spent nearly a week
attending the Eastern Arctic Bible Conference in the small community of
PUVIRNITUQ on the East coast of En route to and from
Puvirnituq, Ian stayed overnight with Paul and Eva Lapage
in Kuujjuaq. They have a small house-church
ministering to several local people as well as to any saints passing through Kuujjuaq. Paul & Eva, two friends and Ed Tetrault from Here
are a few photos from that trip.
Paul, Ian & Eva at
The one STAR Hotel NOVA
LINGA One morning we when we ran
out of water, we
had to melt snow!
Ministry Time was Wonderful ……………..….
as was the Praise and Worship
Josh & Janet Mills, Joan
& Dave Ellyatt
Paul Lapage, Tom Mesher,
Eva, Ian and
Ed Tetrault from |
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© Three Cord Ministries – 2003 |
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October
2002 – Taivititut Gospel
Music Festival in Salluit, Nunavik Ian’s first trip to
Canada’s arctic region took place between October 18 and 29 2002 when he
attended the Taivitatut [David-a-toot] Gospel Music
Festival held in the most northerly community in Quebec in the region called
Nunavik. Taivitatut translates as “Praising like
David”. Earlier that year he attended the 30th Anniversary of the Bill
Prankard Evangelistic Association ministry in Getting to Salluit from
Paul and his wife Elaisa and their four children made Ian most welcome, let
him have a whole bedroom (in their two bedroom house) to himself and provided
wonderful hospitality. The music festival started several days later, so in
the meanwhile, he help wherever there was a need.
Others from the South such as Josh Mills of New Wine
International and David Ellyatt
of Arctic Missions Outreach both from
London, Ontario were there along with many Inuit from across the Eastern
Arctic. The festival was five
days (nights) of non-stop Praise and Worship bands and groups playing from
7pm to sometimes as late as 3am. Those scheduled to play at What a joy it was to be
part of this celebration. The Lord gave Ian his first song “I’m Gonna
Dance, Gonna Sing” while staying at Paul’s
home. On the way back, Ian stayed again at Paul & Eva Lapage’s
and took part in their home-church service. Here are some pictures
of the nearly two week trip.
Arriving in Kuujjuaq,
Nunavik Twin Otter ready to
leave for Salluit
Paulusie Saviadjuk in his home
office The crowds were the best part
of the festival
Overlooking the community of
Salluit Time for Bible Study – Ian,
James Arreak, Dave
Ellyatt, Billy Arnaquq and Bobby Deer
All set to leave – WOW, what an
experience Arctic tundra and |
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© Three
Cord Ministries – 2002 |
