October 16-25, 2005: Taivititut Gospel Music Festival in Salluit, Nunavik

	“Let Everything that has breath Praise the Lord” Psalm 150
For the second time in three years, I found myself flying into Salluit, Northern Québec for the Taivititut-2005 Gospel Music Festival. This year was different though because my wife Marg was with me. This was her first trip to the North and she was a bit apprehensive in the beginning. But she clearly heard from the Lord that she was to go. We really must thank Paulusie Saviadjuk the lead organizer of Taivititut and the board for allowing us to come and minister in song and Word. We also want to thank Air Inuit and especially Gilbert, our host on-board for the flight up to Salluit, for his fantastic service and attitude – the flights were really enjoyable! At Montréal airport, I introduced myself to another person ‘from the South’ whom I overheard say he was going to the festival. It turned out to be Pastor Jason Harris from Cottam, Ontario near Windsor. He was going up on his own and we didn’t really contact again until the planning meeting on the Tuesday. Others from the South were Pastor David Ellyatt and his daughter Faith. They had been to the Leader’s Conference in Kangirsujuaq just a few days before. Our intention in Salluit besides being involved in the music was to present small-group workshops on Marriage and Healing Life’s Hurts based on well-known Precept Ministries material. But, as the Lord does so often, He had a different plan – a better plan that we became aware of only after being in Salluit a day or so. When it became clear that all of the teachings were all to be in the hall, we regrouped and sought the Lord’s advice. Marg and I prepared a session for Satuday on ‘Marriage’ using the Precept Ministries ‘40-minute’ book on that topic. Pastor Jason had had a word for us right from the time we first met at Montréal although he did not speak it out at the time. He did speak that word out to us in Salluit and the word was ‘stretching’. I realize now what that meant in terms of our being in Salluit! The Taivititut Festival itself was as expected lively yet worshipful. Many groups from around the Arctic participated as well as Jason and me. Groups from Coral Harbour, Kngiqsujuaq, Iqaluit and other Northern Communities all added to the wonderful atmosphere. Every morning and afternoon teaching sessions were presented by people such as Tagak Curly of Rankin Inlet, Pastor David Ellyatt, Pastor Jason Harris and Marg and myslef.  Every night main speakers and Pastors such as Tagak, Pastor Georges Kakayuk of Salluit, Leoni Duffy of Coral Harbour, and Pastor Elyassie Sallualuk from Puvirnituq preached powerful messages for not only the adults but especially for the youth. The set up of the hall was well done and except for a few glitches, the sound and recording systems under the direction of Bobby Deer and Pastor Georges went off without a hitch. Small book and product tables were set up at the back on the hall with a wide assortment of Christian ‘goodies’. The hospitality in Salluit was fantastic and we enjoyed meeting old-time and new friends. The weather was surprising mild and for several days, sunshine and blue sky. Even when it was cloudy, it was still pleasant weather for late October. We were graciously billeted at Annie Aluka’s home along with several others. Annie’s home is beautiful and we want to thank her so much for her hospitality. There in the house were also Leoni Duffy, her daughter Amy and her granddaughter Zoey as well as Margaret and Tina, members of the Coral Harbour praise team. Later Bobby Deer and his wife Eva from Quaqtaq joined all of at Annie’s. We left Salluit on Monday afternoon and had an uneventful trip south to Montréal. After an overnight near the airport, we returned to Toronto on Tuesday, tired but pleased that we had been blessed so much by our experience. We also learned several important Christian lessons – namely, plan but let God make the plans happen. Be patient and expect the unexpected from God. He always has a better way! Blessings to all who read this. The Communities and Saints in the North covet all our prayers. Pray that God will continue to move mightily in the Arctic and that the schemes of the devil such as drugs, alcohol and social disunity come under authority. We believe a new fresh wind is blowing not only in the North but from the North as well. Ian & Marg Ridpath
Here are a few pictures of the near week-long event in Salluit.
Flying into Salluit, northern Québec		The Northern Village of Salluit from Annie’s house
The wonderful saints gathered in the hall.		Paulusie, his wife Elaisa and Sammy Saviadjuk
Pastor Jason Harris, Ian & Marg enjoying the praise and worship.		Praise and Worship went up for hours each night.
Fellowship took place in homes. Here is Tagak and Sally Curley, Tina from Coral Harbour and Harry from Puvirnituq at Annie’s home.		Young and old enjoyed and were ministered to by the Praise and Worship.
And we all thought Bobby Deer was just a ‘sound man’. Great playing Bobby!
There was even a wedding on Sunday after the service. Bride and groom (centre) with friends after the ceremony in the hall.

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