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.

2024 Team T minus 1

 It's July 19 and the day before we leave!

Here's a phot of the team.  This is from the Sunday before we leave! (July 14).  

Please kee us in prayer! There is so much going on 

- today there was a world wide computer issue affecting all airlines, some banking etc... Porter cancelled flights from today until 3pm.  I hope that doesn't affect our flight tomorrow or lineups at the airport!

- Genevieve had to bow out.  She had a tear in her retina and medical advice was to stay put and let it heal.  

- many were experiencing some sickness of varying degrees the past week, both adults and kids. So far everyone is healthy!

- trying to minimize our packing - it's tight!  We will need to buy some supplies in Thunder Bay.

So far our coordination with NWFM is going well. We have a team schedule, menu plan (cooking for 25), activities and rooming plans.  We are looking forward to being on the land and some time to prep before play days next week.

The team has done a fabulous job with the theme for the year.  The end of each playday will be sharing about the focus for the summer.  The youth will help with dramatizing and expanding on the message NWFM has chosen.  Here are some of them finding suitable props and "costumes" for the sharing!

We are looking forward to the week ahead.  The weather looks good and here's a shot of our sleeping cabins

Please pray for safe travel, good weather, team unity, a good witness to others, and support of NWFM so that they can continue the good work in days and years to come.

We could always use more support - if you would like to make a financial contribution please visit https://cornerstonechurch.ca/give to make a donation online.  Please ensure you change the GIVING TYPE to "Missions Team - Thunder Bay" so that the donation is placed in the right category. 

Please follow along daily!  We will update you as we go!

2024 team - Info session

 Are you interested in joining us this summer July 2024? 

We are hosting an info session after service at 1pm on Feb 4 at Cornerstone Church. 

No commitment needed at the time. This is for people to hear what we do, when we are going, and to consider going with us for the week of July 22-27, 2024