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Dear Family and Friends,

Since we moved, we’ve been asked many times, “so how do you like living here/there?” I’d usually respond, “ask me after winter.”

The worst winter in 30 years is the consensus around here. Everything slows down, there’s been 11 snow days since January, driving requires risk assessment and so many event cancellations. And the shovelling.

But if it’s winter, can spring be far behind?

At the beginning of the month we had the opportunity to provide the food for a big community dinner in Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation (AOK). It was designed for families as it included a dance party for kids after. During the meal we were able to introduce our church to the community members. Our kids thoroughly enjoyed the dance (more of the glow stick sword fight) with their friends.

The next evening we joined a kids tobogganing and bonfire roast gathering in AOK, but were rushed home because there was a police chase that was coming towards us. Persons from the GTA were involved in a shooting in another reserve, and were trying to get off the island. The only way on or off is the bridge near our house. They swung the bridge trapping them in our tiny town. They were soon apprehended. 

Word of our fitness class has been going around so we were asked to do a limited-time kid’s kickboxing class in Manitowaning. While not in a reserve, we have been able to meet more people and it has given me some experience teaching kids, as I’m not too confident doing so. We will be starting a kid’s class in AOK so this will be a sort of trial run. The adult classes in AOK have been going well and becoming better attended.

Before moving up I was feeling anxious because for the last 12 or so years I’ve been preaching almost every Sunday, and up here I wouldn’t be. Currently I’m in the middle of a six week span of preaching every Sunday in various churches. God knows, “woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.” Carmi has been working steadily supply teaching in 2 schools, and finishing up another course to expand her credentials.
Family Dinner and Dance night

Prayer Requests

- We have partnered with Noojmowin Teg Health Centre, an Indigenous run health initiative. We will participate in a health workshop in Espanola, in March running kickboxing seminars. Please pray for the beginning of a good partnership.

- I’ve been trying to figure out a way to really talk to these guys at the AOK gym for months now. They are in a drug rehab program at a place called Gwekwaadziwin Miikan (Gwek). They are at the gym often. I talk to 2 in the group regularly, but they are mostly standoffish, and the one I perceive to be their leader isn’t super friendly. Well, one night after boxing (which they refuse to participate in), because I’m always trying to talk to them, I guess they felt it OK to ask for a ride. I drove them back to the Gwek house and once whatever barrier there was was broken, they were super friendly, especially the leader! Furthermore, one of the counselors at Gwek starting coming to boxing classes. I don’t know how but I feel the Lord might be cooking something up here.

- Praise that for the most part of this winter no one has been really sick. Prayer because I’m fighting something right now.

- Easter is coming up. Praying that we can use this time to draw people to the gospel.

- Personal growth. Lent has been a special time for Carmi and I these last few years, and we are praying to grow in trust and character. We are hoping this Lenten season will prepare us and focus our heads and hearts on Him.

- 3 other community connecting points: I’ve joined an archery program and a volleyball tournament in AOK, and will be attending the National Coaching Certification Program (I’m a trained coach with them) course: Coaching Indigenous Kids. 

Doing boxing and Muay Thai, hanging out at the gym, archery, coaching, volleyball, preparing (and eating!) feasts, preaching, Carmi teaching the kids in the community and in general just being a part of it - what a blessing, it’s too much fun! Please pray that our community involvement will open doors to blessing other spiritually.

- Preparation for our July week long day camp in Wiky.

Thank you once again for reading our newsletters, your prayers and support.

Love and blessings,
Jonathan, Carmi + Aaven & Myla + Valen

Blog Post: Our Favourite Place On The Island
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Church Planting Ministries Inc.
P.O. BOX 14507
Mississauga, Ontario L5R 4G3
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