Hope you are doing well as spring seems to be finally making an appearance. The Leafs are done, but the Raptors are still going!
In April I upgraded my coaching credentials with the National Coaching Certification program by participating in the Aboriginal Coaching workshop in Aundeck Omni Kaning (AOK), for those working in Reserves. A large part of the workshop was about systemic racism in sport programs and the struggle for First Nations kids to participate.
We started 2 new kickboxing initiatives, one in Assiginack and a kids’ class in AOK. The first kids’ class went well and we had amazing feedback from the parents. One highlight was that it was bonding time for them as we requested parents stick around and hold pads.
A lady from the adult kickboxing class came to our Good Friday and Easter services with her family. In our Assiginack class we connected with a guy that has some exciting youth outreach and discipleship initiatives in Wiky. After, we met and prayed for those ministries.
What a blessing Easter weekend was! I facilitated Good Friday service in AOK, which was joined by Grace Bible Church from Little Current. On Saturday I spoke at DayStar’s men’s breakfast in Wiky. I’ve never been before that, and was blessed by the room full of men (more than 30 I think) from the community, hungry for breakfast, and then for the gospel. From my experience, participation in community events, especially church related, are dominated by women. I was encouraged to see the men out.
I delivered the message for Easter Sunday at Grace Bible Church, and AOK Fellowship joined them this time. I have no words to express the joy I had that weekend, as I do every Easter weekend. On May 26th AOK Fellowship will be welcomed into the Associated Gospel Churches.
Carmi began her LTO at Assiginack Public School. As she now has lesson plans to make and report cards to write, while helping with Sunday School curriculum, assisting me with kids’ classes and being a wife and mother, she is facing new challenges and a wonderful opportunity for growth in strength and faith.
Prayer Requests
- Strength for Carmi as she serves in all the ways above.
- I’ll be speaking at our organization’s (Church Planting Ministries Inc.) 19th anniversary on May 4th in Mississauga.
- Be able to start a new bible study in AOK.
- Training an assistant coach in AOK.
- Pray for “D” who is heading towards a difficult path with addictions. He has been reaching out for help.
- Pray for the families in AOK and Wiky, as family life can be so difficult.
- Plans and prep for our day camp in Wiky (July 15-21), and a place to stay for the team.
- For Brandon who is coming up in August to do basketball clinics with AOK, Noojmowin Teg, and speak at various church/outreach groups.
Thank you so much for your love, support and prayers. This past month a number of those that received our newsletters have reached out to let us know they are always praying us. Thank you.
Love and blessing,
Jonathan and Carmi, Aaven & Myla + Valen
Fellowship after our joint Good Friday service in our AOK church.
This is the view from Ten Mile Point where Carmi often stops in the morning on her way to work for prayer and reflection.
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Looking for Mother's Day Gift ideas? Check out Lianne's Origami Owl shop. She has dedicated all her commission to support our ministries. Carmi picked out a beautiful and sentimental necklace.
