Day 7 - street outreach

 Today is Friday, July 26

Happy Friday! It's the last day we will be working directly with people that Northwind serves. Today we have the privilege of doing a prayer walk and also doing some street outreach combined with Transformation Church, and with Northwind Family Ministries.

As we are winding down, everyone had a bit more time this morning to rest before coming into town.  We enjoyed some of the water front and also had lunch at the Cove. 

At breakfast we realized that some animals the past two days had gotten into the food stores - and had even learned how to open the freezer (bottom freezer)!!  So last night, we emptied the one and then barricaded the other.  Well they weren't too happy - they knocked over the recycling, and knocked our coffee maker off the counter!  Fortunately it still worked!

We did a devotional this morning from Lectio 365 - today's was called "One Giant Leap" which started the focus on mission to the nations.  Timely as we were going to go out to minister to those out on the street today.  We wanted to have open hearts and minds towards these people God has created but are struggling perhaps because of trauma at home, trauma from Residential Schools and the church, or any other kind of trauma that landed them without a home or struggling in the homes they have.  Keep in mind, we are NOT talking about "small homes" in Markham. We are talking about much simpler houses - but theirs all the same. Sometimes I find we say we are "struggling," yet in comparison to many other areas we are quite wealthy!  

We drove into the city after lunch - people are tired. Many fell asleep on the car ride in!  Today we did a prayer walk about the city, near Northwind.  We prayed over the areas we saw. We were introduced to some of the other organizations that help and support those street adjacent, such as "Grace Place" and PACE.  

As we walked past a place called "The HUB Bazaar" we were invited in - we took a look around and met Raphael Moses. He is an Affirmative & Holistic Health provider featuring Traditional & Cultural Teachings. He spoke to us about the many herbs and plants he has and provided each of us with some Mint for tea.  He spoke of the benefits of Mint and blessed us with this gift. On the weekends they have people who come and have a small booth - it is a Bazaar and so many will come to sell their wares; even here there is great community.

Then there was DINNER!

We always like to do a farewell, thank you dinner that we host and invite staff who have worked with us through the week to join us. We used two restaurants that are local in Thunder Bay this year - Golden Wok with Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine, and Thunder Bay African Restaurant (at Bethany's request) as it was newer and different!  Needless to say we had a LOT of food and some good variety! 

After this we had two plans.  One team was going to do street outreach (adults only) while the rest would clean up and finish working on a surprise for the Northwind Staff.

Outreach was exceptional. We walked along with a wagon with water, juice, iced tea and some granola bars. We walked about and offered a drink and snack, spoke with people and asked if they wanted prayer. It was an eye opening experience, especially if you've never been before. (If you have the opportunity, join Cornerstone on our street outreaches Sunday evenings).  We met many along the way in our 1.5 hr journey around the downtown/waterfront area. It is so unfortunate that the waterfront area sits as it does. It surprises me that this area has been (essentially) abandoned by the city; businesses boarded up, things in disrepair and covered in graffiti, and people struggling all around. While there are many organizations around to help none can truly solve this problem without something larger happening and changing. Pray for the leaders of the city and those who can make a difference.  Pray also for the organizations, non profits, NGOs etc that are trying to help the "orphans and widows" and provide justice and mercy. (see Micah 6:8).  In this neighbourhood, including those with homes and families around we saw many who were on the street, some doing drugs, some drinking, and even a few street workers in sex trade.  It is so unfortunate that there seems to be little we an do to really help. We provided them a drink or a snack and a listening ear if they wanted to share. (This is a small area near the waterfront   There were several other tents nearby but didn’t want to take photos of their spaces and post) 

While 8 of us were on street outreach, the rest of the team did some clean up, and finished a thank you gift to the Northwind Staff.  We all wrote cards to encourage them, with Bible verses, a large poster, and 3 baskets of snacks for them to enjoy.  We truly are thankful that they supported us in this time.  In short-term missions, we go to do some great work but these people do the work day in and out, all year long. They and the people they serve teach us so much about missions, about who we are, and how we can change our perspective - and hopefully for the better!

It's late now... the outreach team came back around 11:30pm.. one more day - and Saturday is going to be a day to rest (and clean the Cove).  We'll see you all back in Toronto as we arrive Sunday evening at Billy Bishop.  

Signing off for now.  Please feel free to reach out to any of us to talk about our missions trip.  We have had time to think about it - so come up and ask!  We will be happy to share!

Thank you for your support - financially and in prayer. We will continue to accept donations to fund our trip, and to help fund future trips as well!

Day 6 - last day of play days and Next Steps

 Thursday July 25

So this is the last day of Play Days and Next Steps. The Next Steps program ends on Thursdays - and today there is a special ending to the week. They end the program each week with Chapel during the Next Steps program. I noticed that many people were very supportive of each other and many came because it was chapel on Thursday. This is their church. Church does not need to be a physical building, following a specific worship set and preaching. These people want to hear more of and about God and Jesus. They want to improve in their lives and learn more about Jesus.

On this last day some came again for the bannock and coffee, others came for the friendship, and more came for the chapel. Today they had singer Jesse Green come to sing and share her music and talent.  Two of our team (Andrew and Holim) shared their testimonies; stories that show how we are people like them, who have struggled and how Jesus pursued them and waited for them. They were attenuative. I believe they also drew hope from the sharing.

After lunch, we were able to go to our last play day complex - John St. Here again we ran into special friends we met last year. Alice and Holim (and their kids) were hoping to see someone their youngest made a special bond with last year. We heard at the start of the week that she was at the reserve. But their daughter had a dream last night that she saw her at the play day. They had gifts for her and so looked forward to seeing her.  Guess what... she was there!  So they were able to connect and chat. I remember that Northwind has a special connection with some of the people there. They sit out and talk with each other. They watch out for each other.  What struck many of our team members was how close many of them are with each other. They often refer to each other as cousins or uncle and aunt even though there is no direct blood relation with them. Some look after others' kids. One fosters 4 kids from there, along with her own!  They truly do care for each other.

I walk away from all this thinking about how do we treat each other. How do we find good and build hope in each other? Would we support one another, or just bring judgment. And how can we learn from these interactions and change our perceptions and ways of looking at others when we are back home?

We can all see how carefully Northwind has been in connecting with these people and doing things that serve them. They have so many programs to help. They are right there in the thick of it helping and supporting. They demonstrate how Jesus wants us to care for the least, the lost, and the lonely. Orphans, Widows, those suffering, and those seeking. How do you share Jesus? You do it through action and taking care of their needs, because Jesus calls us to care for them. The Word alone will do little. Actions alone are good, but do not draw us to a higher purpose, reason or call. 

So when you see street-adjacent people in your walk, you see the person begging for money on the street or at the intersection, how do you see them? Are they a nuisance? Do you see them as people?  And what if that was you or someone you knew? 

We hope that through this week you have had a glimpse of the work being done here and we hope you will join us either on missions, or street outreach back home or in any other area that serves others. 

One more day ot go - we will be doing a prayer walk around the city near Northwind, and also the adults will do some street outreach in the evening on Friday.  Pray for safety and protection, as well as the opportunity to meet and interact with people in the area.

We will also take the time to say thank you and good bye to those we have worked with all week.

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map of the 49 Nishnawbe Aski Nation and the 49 different communities

It is possible the Northern Lights were slightly visible tonight.

Day 5 - Next Steps, Play Days

Day 5!  It's Wednesday July24.  On tap for today we have Next Steps and Play Days.

There is some tiredness and weariness but there is excitement and hope for what is to come.  However Next Steps is a smaller setting and our entire team would be overwhelming there to the people who drop in throughout the time.  So we split out team.  Sending in 6 people and having the rest stay back, along with the kids we allowed them to take a little more rest and enjoy what the Cove has to offer.  

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The team said that those at Next Steps are always quite polite and like a community. They help each other out, they watch out for each other and are proud of one another when they are making small steps forward!  However not everyone is always happy.  Seems that someone was upset that they couldn't get a bus ticket - Sometimes they just cannot get one at that time for different reasons. They were upset about some other things too.  There was some arguing and I believe some of the clients also tried to help calm him down. He left and went out but decided to take out his anger on one of the cars - he punched the hood leaving a dent on it!  Unfortunately it was one of our cars. We will figure out what to do about that (Kevin managed to knock around it and pop most of it back out).  But we know that sometimes people get angry and frustrated.  Next Steps is a zero barrier support space. They sometimes come upset, intoxicated, etc... staff work with them to try and help. However when they do cross lines like that, they will not be allowed back in the building for a time - they'll bring them coffee and bannock out to them at the door, but not inside to help keep the space a safe one.

On top of that, Kevin's vehicle had a flat tire!  His car was at the Cove but couldn't find an inflator - and so had to get out the little spare tire and swap it!  Did not find any nails or punctures, but there is still a slow lead and so will need to keep pumping up day by day for now.

Today's Play Day was at the Windsor complex.  Some fun and excitement. Met with kids who had been to camp with Northwind last year (that's when Cornerstone helped with overnight camp).  The complex seemed a little more run down but we had a good time and met with a lot of people. We were busy and kids were helping others; some were friends, others they said were "cousins" - but really they're not related but good friends. Our team had some laughs and fun with each other while serving the children. It was nice to bring some fun and something fun to do!

We are coming close to the end of our trip. At the end of today, we all stopped for some ice cream with the entire team and Northwind Community Care team. They've been helping and supporting us all week!  

thank you for your prayers!  People are feeling better - no one is sick or injured. We have been getting along well and been moving in a very flexible manner throughout the week.

Some have been reflecting upon the relationships people demonstrate with one another. Others are quite amazed at how they support one another.  There is so much going on with Northwind and they are serving some very practical needs. People are willing to come to Northwind and do a Bible Study, talk with counsellors etc, but they don't want to go to church because of how they were treated with residential schools, churches in the past etc.  Many are accepting of the message of Jesus, but did not like how the messengers of the past delivered that message. Northwind is meeting needs and showing them through their actins how Jesus wants a relationship with everyone.

We are wondering - how will we take what we have seen and learned this week and apply it to our lives? How does it change what we do?  How does it change our world view and the lessons learned about Indigenous peoples in Canada?

Keep journeying with us as we finish off our week!
 

Day 4 - Play Day #2 - Academy and Next Steps

 Hello everyone!

Here we are Tuesday July 23. And it's our 2nd day of Play Days in Thunder Bay and the First day of Next Steps Program at Northwind

Next Steps is born out of the idea of helping others who are struggling or in need of support - think of what is the "next step" you need to take. Many who are street adjacent end up in that situation not because of poor choices, but first it may stem from something at home; abuse, neglect etc. Could be financial, could be mental health... but things spiral out of control and next thing you know, you end up homeless. Add to that trauma and the mental health piece and drugs and alcohol and you can imagine how bad it can get.  But if you want to turn things around, what is the next step you can take. Northwind is here to provide a warm space and support. They have created Next Steps, where they serve Bannock and coffee/tea. They have counsellors, social workers, and staff on hand to help support these people.  Some 80-120 people could come through in a 3 hour window (10am-1pm).  Sometimes it's just for the food, but often it's a place to connect and get some help if needed - a phone call, a computer, help with paperwork etc. Perhaps it's to connect them with other Northwind resources.  If someone wants to get into Detox, they can help call - and keep calling until a bed/space opens up. Or to get into treatment centres, apply for social housing and more.  We didn't let the children on the team join this one. People could come into the centre still intoxicated, or under the influence; arguments could arise - but in general people are there wanting to talk and get some help.  We will be helping each of Tues-Thursday for the program (5-6 people from the team at a time)

Our other main activity each day will also be the Play Days.  Today we went to Academy. Same setup - do the carnival games, setup snow cones, hot dogs, prizes and games.While it started a little quieter things were very busy near the end.We went through about 100 hot dogs and 5 bags of ice. The team has been great just serving and getting out there with the people and hearing their stories.

For some it has been a heavy day (after hearing stories at Next steps).  Some are tired from all the activity of the week, early mornings and late nights.  Mosquito bites are itchy! Lack of sleep is hard. But everyone is in good spirits.  Some are feeling a bit run down and tired. Pray for team health and unity. Continue to pray for the people we meet that we may be able to help them connect with Northwind for greater help and support!

Now, there are some hijinx going on... here's a couple videos for your viewing pleasure :) This is what happens when you leave your phone around and walk out to the bathroom!!!

Day 3 - play days!

It's Monday! Today is the first day of Play Days!  These are held in government subsidized housing complexes around Thunder Bay.  Why are we here?  Many / most of those who live in these subsidized housing homes are Indigenous peoples.  When many come from the northern indigenous communities; sometimes for school, employment, or other reasons. However many do not have any way to afford housing and end up living in these complexes.  These units are their homes.  Northwind throughout the year spends the time meeting them, talking with them, getting to know their needs and building the trust and relationship necessary to be able to provide a next step and to come alongside and to share the message of Jesus with them. We learned today that many of the elders in the communities do not have a problem with the message of Jesus; rather it was the messengers who came before and distorted it, causing harm and destruction along the way.  The pain of residential school is real and lingers. inflicted upon parents, grand parents, and children. This has caused many to turn to drugs and alcohol. Children who grew up did not know how to parent their children as that community had been ripped away from them. Parents who had children torn from them grieved their losses. Stories and learning that had been passed from generation to generation was lost.  

Northwind has been invited by the elders to some Northern Communities, and to the communities around Thunder Bay, to minister to and help in the healing and counselling so desperately needed.

Our day began with breakfast and a devotional shared by Bonita - a story about how people have stepped forward IN FAITH to what God has called them to.  A story of tragedy and disappointment as about 10 years ago they learned about how the organization they served in was closing their ministry to Indigenous peoples and then selling the camps/land that was used. A story of faithful perseverance and moving forward despite the setbacks and pain felt.  And a story of REDEMPTION when God returned to them the land of Eagle's Cove.

After lunch we packed up the play day gear, games, prizes and headed out to Limbrick.  This is the largest of the housing complexes and they said around 80 kids may come out.  We had a large gathering of children and adults come to play, get a hot dog and drink, and/or a snow cone!  It seemed like everyone was having a good time.  We saw several children who were at the summer overnight camp last year and we were able to chat with some and catch up!  They remembered us and the camp; we were glad to see them!

They were polite and kind. They took their turns and played the games, winning little prizes along the way! Some of the adults came by for hot dogs we were cooking, taking them back to their homes for kids that they said were too shy to come out, or didn't want to. Yes, there may have been some struggle by some to afford food and so this was a small break in that. Yes, some may have been struggling with mental health concerns and anxiety and so did not want to come out. We were there to serve and not judge. Provide a small snack or meal and meet a need.  

The team did an amazing job of setting up and playing with the kids. Our kids on the team played with them and interacted with many who came out. At the end of the play day, a story was shared.  Our theme for the summer talks about trees planted by streams of water.  Psalm 1:1-3.  All the youth participated in a skit where they acted out a large tree, a small tree, and people and animals who may come in contact with the trees. 

After play days we gathered all the games and returned them to the office.  We had dinner, which had been prepared mostly earlier in the day by our cooking team.  Here's Andrew demonstrating how to load and wrap your own burrito/taco

It was definitely a long day for some.  Bug bites, tired feed led to some foot soaking and resting upon return to the camp

But when we wrapped it all up, we remember the provision that God had for Northwind. He redeemed something that was difficult and returned it to them. This is a mystery and a challenge all in one. All we can do is trust IN FAITH and keep moving forward.  See you tomorrow!

 

Day 2 - The Gathering

 Thanks for coming back!  Day 2 of our mission trip - I almost forgot it was only Sunday!  So much seems to have happened between yesterday and today!

Our schedule is 7am wake, breakfast in the dining hall and then we go forward with our activities for the day.  Each day we prep both lunch and dinner as we will eat those meals in the city at Northwind's offices.  What do we eat?  Breakfast is simple - breads, eggs, leftovers, yogurt or anything else that is present!  Lunch will be sandwiches, wraps, or possibly leftovers, fried rice or whatever else can can quickly conjure up.  Dinner will be in slow cookers for the day and then eaten at the offices at night.

Bera and Bonita attend Redwood Park Church in Thunder Bay.  Some of the board members for NWFM attend as well.  It is similar in style to Cornerstone - hey Kristy - the lead sang, played acoustic and had a drum pedal attached to the bass drum today! 3 in 1!

My prayer for the team this week was to have open eyes and hearts to see what God is doing here in Thunder Bay and with each of the people, whether staff, volunteers, or residents.

After church we went back to the offices of NWFM for lunch - as mentioned a simple meal of make your own sandwiches - and making for 19 people is not necessarily an easy task!  You'd be surprised how much you need!  3 loaves of break, 2 large containers of ham, head of lettuce, box of tomatoes, a bucket of mayonnaise... and a few bags of chips :)

After lunch we had a bit of time so we drove to a local park.

What surprised many of us is how the stark contrast from where NWFM and City Hall is to the area just 5 minutes away that the park was in.  It was almost like a different city; the needs seem so different and the environment is different as well.  

Returning we went to help setup for The Gathering.  This is something that those NWFM serves wanted to have.  They wanted to have a weekly bible study.  They wanted more regular study in God's word. NWFM was doing it monthly before and in a smaller setting.  With this request they then began The Gathering; the focus is a small bible study and sharing, then leading to some discussion and then finishing with dinner.  They do 2 sittings - one at 4:15 (story, sharing and discussion) with dinner at 4:45.  At 5:30pm they move to another room for Bible study. There is also some time for a kids' program so that parents can be in the Bible Study.  

A couple photos where The Gathering takes place.  We were able to eat between sittings. We had to clean the tables and prep for the second sitting for dinner.  

Starting at about 5:50pm, people began to come.  They have to hand out tickets for each week as they will often fill up having served about 40 per session.  We noticed a very big difference between the first and second dinner sittings.  Those in the second sitting were often from Next Steps, or were going to the shelter later for the evening.  In the first sitting we had more mothers, couples, and elders.  Different crowd.  The first set were quieter but willing to talk and share.  The second were more boisterous but also were very out going and willing to share, but a group that seemed to have more difficulties.  

I met a man at the 2nd dinner that has only been here for 2 1/2 months. He hitch-hiked from Winnipeg to here.  Looking for work. Thought it would be better here than in Winnipeg.  He has not found work yet, and is living at the shelter. I don't know more of his story but I am imagining that there must be more to his story if he was willing to leave to a place where it is a complete unknown.  I also saw others who struggled to find housing, struggled to help a friend or family and would rather be out on the street and shelters than where they were previously. I saw one who snuck a drink from her purse - a mysterious liquid - likely alcohol of some kind - and how alcohol and drugs are destroying lives and families.

However everyone we interacted with was very kind. Those who were willing to share opened up.  If they didn't feel like it that was okay too.  I spoke with some who I had met over previous trips and they remembered me as well.  It was so good to reconnect with these people and glad to see that some of them were also supporting/helping/working for Northwind as well!  They are helping and giving back to the community that supported them.

After both dinners were done and the space cleaned the rest of the team returned to The Cove.  (given the size of the team, we brought all the kids back after the first dinner and also some of us had to stop to get some more supplies)

We had a surprise waiting for us!  Bonita was so kind to us; hearing that we were thinking about getting the "famous" Thunder Bay Persians, she went out and bought us all these special donuts that are famous in Thunder Bay.  Coming up one day?  You have to try one!  (this will be breakfast the next morning since we had so many!!)

It is time to retire and sleep.  We will have a busy day tomorrow with our first play day.  We will be going to Limbrick.  Breakfast again will be 7am, and we will head into the city at 9:30am.  We will learn about the play days and games, and get set up.  As we go to each of the housing complexes I am asking people to be watchful and mindful of the people and where they live.  To think about their situations and also the impact of residential schools and how the government treats our indigenous peoples in Canada.  We know Northwind has had a great impact on their lives in a positive way. They are meeting their needs and helping them with counseling. The chiefs have invited them to various villages.  It is exciting to hear how God has opened doors and provided NWFM an avenue to support our First Nations peoples.  The team is "jelling" well and the kids are a key part in all of this!

Thank you for your prayer and support.

Day 1 - 2024 - Thunder Bay arrival

 Hello everyone!  We have made it!  We are in Thunder Bay!!

The day started with our 9:30am flight... delayed by one hour due to the flight crew not being at the airport. This was the weekend of the Toronto Indy. Worried that some roads would be closed but the drive down was smooth.  Can you believe that around 7:00am this morning, there was already an accident on the Gardiner Expressway and an overturned car!  Fortunately this was the other direction from us!!

We flew from Billy Bishop Airport via Porter.  Here's our twin prop plane!  The ride over was smooth and most of us took the ferry across.

Upon arrival, Bonita met us at the airport!  She knew we were coming in late so hopefully she did not want too long!

We drive to the offices for lunch and our safe people and places training.  After a few hours we drove to the camp to settle in.  Signs were present to welcome us and so was our signed team shirt from last year!

The camp is gorgeous.  Nestled upon forests this beautiful landscape highlights God's creation all around.  We made a quick supper and had a camp fire and chatted.  

We ask you pray for us for health (long days, and little ones are getting tired  quickly or hopefully not sick).  We have good team unity. We ask that you pray for us to be open to seeing what God is doing in Thunder Bay through Northwind.  As we serve the people that come into our paths help us to learn their stories.  

As we settle in for the night, we have a long day ahead.  Each day will start with breakfast around 7am.  we will go to church leaving for 9:30 (service at 10:30). After, we head to the office for lunch and training and then serving at "The Gathering" where they/we will serve dinner, interact with people and hear their stories, and there is also a Bible study for those interested.  There are two dinner services so that people can eat and go to the Bible study, or come later as well.  

For now, we settle in for a sleep and pray for restoration and rest.