Meandering Moose

Highs, Lows and Plateaus

We’ve all gone through highs, lows and plateaus in our spiritual lives. Sometimes all in the same week. The highs of a well lead Bible study or an amazing service of praise to God or knowing you have had influence in someone becoming a Christian. The lows of pain or illness or hurt or injustice or the death of a loved one. And plateaus of just standing still, not growing, Bible on a shelf or ignoring God.

We need to set behind us the successes and the failures of the past so that we don’t dwell on our own actions, but rather on what Christ has done for us. We have not yet arrived and we need to press on to become more like Christ.

Paul says it so well in Philippians 3:12-14 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

I heard it somewhere and have said it before that we have three stages on our seeking God. Discipline, desire and delight.

My pastor Darrell said, “discipline is a momentum of habit“. It takes work. You need a plan. Life is SO busy that you can’t just happen into it. You need something that triggers a response in you. They say a habit takes 21 days to form. But you don’t want to! My friend Tim says, “it’s easier to act you way into a new way of feeling than feel your way into a new way of acting“.
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. This second step is more than discipline. We want to learn and grow
Desire comes less often for me.

Wherever you are on that journey with Jesus, there’s room for growth! If the Apostle Paul had room for growth, so do we all. Keep growing in your faith in Jesus Christ!

Your Role in the “One Another” Verses

Consider what God is requiring of you and me as we look at the “one another” passages in the Bible. Here is a quick summary: love, forgive, honour, live in harmony, do not deceive, encourage, be devoted, serve, agree, don’t judge, accept, greet, teach & admonish, be kind, patient, be compassionate, gentle & humble, do not slander, show hospitality, submit, speak with psalms, be at peace, do not deprive, wait for, do not lie, build up, live in peace, don’t grumble against, pray for, confess to.

You can’t have one another without another! Terry Dorey

You cannot grow spiritually unless you’re connected relationally. Why is community so important to your spiritual life? God designed us that way. He wants to use other people to grow us and he wants to use us to grow other people. Andy Stanley

These are all verbs, actions to be taken! Consider the following Bible verses:

Leviticus 19:11 Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another.

John 13:34-35 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves.

Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Romans 14:13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.

Romans 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

Romans 15:14 I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another.

Romans 16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss.

I Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.

Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.

Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 5:19-20 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Colossians 3:12-17 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Hebrews 3:12-14 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.

Hebrews 10:19-25 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

James 4:11 Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.

1 Peter 4:7-9 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

1 Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

1 John 3:11, 23; 4:7, 11 & 12; 2 John 1:5 This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

Here are some practical steps for you and me;

Cain asked, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” and the answer for you and me is YES. We do bear responsibility to our fellow Christians as well as the world, the widows, orphans and the poor. Too often in our evangelical world we do not put feet to our words. Jesus said, “even as you have done it for the least of these, you have done it for me.”

We are the hands and feet of Jesus to a lost world. We have money, time, talents, gifts and abilities to give of ourselves. Time may be the hardest, but it can speak the loudest!

Again, these words are all verbs, actions to be taken!!!

What to Pray When You Don’t Know What to Pray

What to pray when you don’t know what to pray. Honestly, it doesn’t matter. Just let it out to God. He understands. You can talk to God, yell at Him, cry, scream until you’re hoarse, argue (not usually successfully) or even be silent. He knows, He understands, He loves you!!

Jesus has been through all we have (Hebrews 4:15 – For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin).

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27

Jesus our intercessor, Hebrews 7:25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them and 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

Revelation 8:4 The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand.

“Jesus wept” is famous as the shortest verse in the Bible (John 11:35), but the real power of that two-word passage from the story of Lazarus is the reassurance that Jesus understands what life is like for us.

He doesn’t ask anything of us that He wasn’t willing to do Himself, and He promises to be with us in all we have to go through. Check out some of the things Jesus went through. Surely He can understand your pain, hurt, anger and frustration. Jesus knew

Temptation: “He was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan” (Mark 1:13, Luke 4:1).
Poverty & homelessness: “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20).
Frustration: “He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.… ‘Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a market!’” (John 2:15-16).
Weariness: “Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well” (John 4:6).
Disappointment: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem… how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks… but you were not willing” (Luke 13:34).
Rejection: “From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him” (John 6:66).
Sorrow: “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Matthew 26:38).
Ridicule: “Again and again they struck him…and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid [mocking] homage to him” (Mark 15:19, 14:65).
Loneliness: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” He endured complete and utter separation from God so that you would never, ever, ever have to! (Matthew 27:46).
His family thought he was crazy (Matthew 12:46; Mark 3.21; John 7:5)
Abandonment: His best friends turned their back on him (Matthew 26:56)
One of his closest confidants sold him to be killed for pocket change (Matthew 26:46)
Death (John 11:1)
Gossip and slander (Matthew 12:24; John 8.52)
Suffering for righteousness’ sake (John 15:20)
Hunger (Mark 11:12 ff)
Criticism of his ministry (John 5:1; Matthew 12)
Mocking & rejected of His theology & message (John 5:1)

Finally, Hebrews 12:2-3 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart!!

In Jesus’ Name! What, Why & How…

Many Christians begin their prayers by addressing God the Father and conclude by ending with in Jesus’ name. This phrase “in Jesus’ name” isn’t some spiritual magical phrase like abracadabra or hocus pocus. And it doesn’t mean we will get everything we want just because we tack that phrase onto the end of our prayers. Further, it is not a signal to God that you are just about done praying. Jesus says that whatever you ask for in his name will be given to you (John 14:13-14). We usually learn this by the example of those around us as they pray out loud.

In Matthew 6:9, Jesus teaches us in the sermon on the mount to pray through the Lord’s prayer, our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be your name. I am not aware of anywhere in the Bible that Jesus prays to the Holy Spirit. That being said, the Father , the Son and the Spirit all together make up God. So, you could pray to any or all of them.

By praying in Jesus’ name it is saying that we are praying in the way Jesus would pray if he was praying for what we are praying for. When you say, “In Jesus’ name,” you are saying, “I am asking for these things according to Jesus’ will, for his glory, and in his power.” As if Jesus Himself was praying our prayers.

“And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17). In every activity, not just the spiritual ones, we should be able to say, “I am doing this in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

We may look like we’re doing things for and to others, but we’re actually doing things for and to him. We live for an audience of one. We serve the Lord Jesus Christ in every second of every day. Every single thing we do, every step we take, every word we utter should be thought of first and foremost as an offering to Jesus.

I have to say that I don’t always pray the way that Jesus would pray. You can add this caveat to your prayers of “if it is your will.” In older movies preachers often said, “if the Lord wills it” or “Lord willing”. This way, you can tell God what is heavy on your heart and weighs on your mind, but you are telling Him that you trust Him to make the best decision since you yourself do not know what is best.

Praying “in Jesus’ name” is less about including the phrase at the end of your prayer, and more about positioning your heart properly when you pray. Praying in Jesus’ name means that you are conscious of two primary truths as you bring your requests to God; acknowledgment of His intercession and submission to His will.

So, let’s stop praying with magical words by which we try to coerce God and manipulate Him to do what we want. Instead, become more aligned with Jesus’ will and pray for what and how He would want us to pray for. You can do it. I’ll be working on it too.

Tips For Talking To Your Kids About Cancelled Summer Camp

Each summer when you pick up your campers from Widjiitiwin, they are busy getting their t-shirts signed by staff, saying goodbye to cabin leaders and new friends. There is an element of grief for what they are losing when they go home. Many are crying because they don’t want to leave. Camp has become a special place.

Imagine waiting eleven and a half months to come back to camp only to find out that due to Covid-19 it has been cancelled. We recognize that for many of your children, camp is a high light of their summer. We expect that many of them will be upset at not getting to come to Widjiitiwin this summer. To that end we have complied a few resources to help you help them navigate this difficult time. If we can be any help, please reach out to us at registrar@mycamp.ca.

Below is an excellent resource from ReformJudaism.org on helping campers deal with the loss of camp this summer (used with permission).

When they’re uncomfortable or upset, kids need empathy more than anything else. Showing them that you feel for them and providing assurance that you will help them through this challenging time will often be all they need to get through times of uncertainty.

Supporting your children during this difficult time begins with understanding that everyone’s needs are different. Factors like age-specific maturity and whether or not they have been to camp before will affect how each child receives the news and can guide the way you tell them and comfort them.

Parenting Roles Based on Your Child’s Age

For children of all ages, the greatest gift we can give as parents is to listen to them and provide validation. If you’re at all like me you need to resist the urge to “fix” the situation or problem-solve for them. It may leave children feeling unsupported and fear that you do not think they can manage things on their own.

For elementary school-aged children, be the director: You need a plan of what to say and how to say it. Anticipate what questions your children might have and what responses you might give.
- Every time you have a conversation with your child about a difficult topic, you are helping your child to grow and learn, and with children of this age, parents need to be in charge and direct the conversation.
For middle school-aged children, be the tour guide: You need to lead but can also change course, depending on your child’s response and tolerance for the conversation.
For high school-aged children, be the torch-passer: More is less with this age, so share the information and then pass the torch to your children to let them lead the conversation while you listen.

How to Talk to Elementary School-Aged Children

It is helpful to remember that words are not always an elementary-aged child’s best friend, and children of this age cannot always express how they are feeling. Keep in mind that behavior is communication, and often, you can determine how a child is tolerating the information you’ve shared by watching their behavior both during and afterward – and then asking them about it without judgment. You might say:

“I notice you are stomping your feet a lot, and that isn’t like you.”
“I see your eyes are tearing up, and I wonder if that means you are sad?”

The tone of your questions helps to assure your child that they are safe to share their feelings. It is fine to help your child label their feelings, if you feel confident that you are labeling those feelings correctly.

Be sure that once your child begins talking, you stop talking, giving them the opportunity to share what’s on their mind. Feel proud of yourself that you got your child to express their feelings!

Here are some things you might say to elementary school-age children who were planning to return to camp this summer or participate in other programs they’ve done in the past. We’ve left blank spaces where you would personalize your language to your family’s experiences and plans:

“It’s hard when you don’t get to do what you thought you’d be doing.”
“I’m so sorry that you won’t get to experience _____ because I know you love it.”
“I know you will miss _____, and I am always here to talk with you about it.”
“We will work together to fill your time this summer with activities that make you happy.”
“I know you’re sad, and I’ll do everything I can to help you to feel better.”
“It’s normal to feel sad about this; I am sad for you, too.”
“Everybody at _____ cares so much about everyone being safe and healthy, and this summer it will be too difficult to keep everyone safe.”
“We will keep talking about _____ because it’s so important to us and so we don’t forget all the wonderful things about it.”
“_____ is such a special place, and everyone is so disappointed because so many people love it and will miss it.”
“I know it doesn’t feel good, but I also know that there will be a time when you feel better.”
“It’s hard to imagine that this feeling will pass, and I hope you are OK.”
“This is such a loss, and I’m so sorry.”
“Sometimes when things are hard, it’s okay to give yourself permission to not think about it for a little bit. How about we don’t think about _____ not happening again until after dinner…?”

Here are some things you might say to elementary-aged children who would’ve been attending summer camp or other programs for the first time:

“I’m so sorry this won’t be the summer you get to experience _____.”
“I can’t imagine how you’re feeling, but I know you’re good at explaining it.”
“I do hope that you’ll be as excited in the future to try something new as you were about _____ for this summer.”
“We’re going to work together to come up with fun things for you to do this summer.”

How to Talk to Middle School-Aged Children

Teens need for information to be conveyed to them in an honest and frank manner. By allowing yourself to have a difficult conversation with your teen, you are strengthening your relationship with them, as well as their ability to work through conflict and challenge.

The conversation should be collaborative, with you sharing the information and then following the lead of your teen. Teens may be interested in talking about the situation all at once or may need time to process and then revisit.

Remember that behavior is communication, and often you can tell how your teen is tolerating the information you are sharing by watching their behavior both during and after the conversation. It’s important to remember, too, that teens often need time and space in order to fully engage in a conversation after receiving difficult information.

At this age, peer relationships are also very important, and your teens may want to talk with their friends before they talk with you. You can help support their camp/program friendships – in the time they need them most – by suggesting they connect with their friends to talk about the situation.

Some statements that might be helpful are:

“Hey, I see that you’re really sad right now. I know you may not want to talk about it, but I’m here for you when and if you do want to talk.”
“I know you may want to talk with your friends first, but let me know if you want to chat with me about _____ later.”

The tone of your question can help assure your teen that they are safe to share their feelings. Acknowledge that this is a grieving process for your teen and validate the emotions that they are experiencing. It may be helpful to avoid using words like “I understand” and instead use statements such as “I can imagine…” or “It sounds like…”.

Here are some things you might say to middle and high school-aged children:

“I know how much you were looking forward to returning to _____. Are there things we can do at home that will be helpful to you during this time?” (Note: It may be helpful to ask your teen what their favorite camp/program activities are and ways in which these might be able to be recreated virtually.)
“_____’s biggest concern is always your health and safety, and in this time, they’re not able to provide that same safe environment they they would normally because of COVID-19.”
“It is so normal to be upset and experience a lot of emotions around this news. I’m here to talk about it anytime you need.”
“_____ has been doing a lot of virtual programming in the last several months; I bet they are going to come up with all kinds of ways for you to stay connected to your friends this summer. I know this won’t be the same for you, but maybe there will be some new types of activities for you to experience.”
“There will be opportunities for you to talk with and hear directly from the _____’s directors about this decision and plans for moving forward.” (Note: If your child has specific questions for camp/program leadership, it might be helpful to have them write these down.)

Weird Collections-What’s Yours?

This blog was inspired by one of the hosts on a Zoom call with fellow camp directors, including Joe Richards (aka YoYoJoe). In addition to the yo-yos that I knew Joe collected, he also have several other somewhat odd collections. That got me thinking about my collections.

I (Moose) thought I just had a couple. Turns out I have more than I planned. I collect early carpentry tools. I feel this is inspired by my grandpa Greenfield who was a journey man carpenter in the 1920’s. I now have many of his tools and his journeyman’s box (a treasured possession). At last count, I have about 55 antique planes plus many other antique tools including levels, a torch, drill bits, saws mill blades and more. This love of wood working also has a birth family connection. You see my birth father enjoyed woodworking as well. Nature or nurture? That’s for another blog…

Here are my other collections (for now)

I collect 1973 Canadian quarters. In that year they were struck with a RCMP rider from the famous musical ride. My grandpa Greenfield was an RCMP officer and 1973 was the 100th year anniversary of the national police. I think I have about 250 Mountie quarters.
I collect nutcrackers. The smallest is maybe may 3″ high and the tallest is close to 5 foot 5 inches (with lights and sound). I have about 45 nutcrackers in my collection and a couple more get added each year. This past Christmas, Nicole made me a nutcracker that looks like me; jeans, purple Widji shirt, big belt buckle and a coffee mug.
I collect pocket watches. I fell into this one honestly. I had one of my grandpas, but never used it. Then when I had my last truck accident, I couldn’t wear a wrist watch for the pain, so I took to carrying a pocket watch. Over time, people have bought me various pocket watches that hang off a chain on my belt into my jeans pocket. You know, that little pocket on the right side that no one else knows what to do with. I have about 15 pocket watches.
I collect knives and swords. Boys/men and sharp things makes lots of sense right? So far, I have collected 8 swords, more than 15 pocket knives, some others in sheaths. I use a dagger as a letter opener. Not surprisingly, I really like the show, Forged in Fire. I recently added a medieval knight’s helmet to my collection.

I have heard of people collected a sample of sand from each beach they go to. Or sea shells. Or snowmen. Or Precious Moments figurines or angels. And stamps of course!!

What’s your favourite collection or in your treasure box?

Christ is Enough. Really?

The leadership team and board at MBC have been working at refining our vision, mission and core values these past few years. One of the results of this effort has been a reinforcement of the core values that will drive our ministry. These core values are also the basic principles that will guide our content for our mission of growing resilient, biblically rooted families. The first such principle of resilience is expressed in the term: ‘Christ-centred’.

This COVID-19 Pandemic has created the perfect opportunity for each one of us to test this principle on a personal level. There is much to say about what it means to be centred on Christ. However, today I’d like to start with asking a key question – ‘If all else abandoned me, would I to Christ faithful be?’

Currently we are in a lock-down situation that limits all group gatherings to no more than 5 people and those 5 must maintain a physical distance protocol of 2 metres (families living together excepted of course). As expected, this has put severe restrictions on any church gatherings. Most churches are now meeting ‘online’ through video conferencing and teaching is delivered via live webcasts. The sense of community and togetherness is a mainstay value of church. Now that has been ripped away from us in just a few short weeks. Add to this the uncertainty of how long this lock-down will last and we are left with a sense of loss and grief.

The Church is meant to gather together! How often have we cited Hebrews 10:25 – ‘not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.’

While I don’t at all dismiss the importance of meeting together, I do think that this lock-down is providing an opportunity to evaluate our relationship with Jesus Christ. I’ve long had the concern that many who frequent our church gatherings do so out of a desire for community, and their relationship with Christ is at best a distant secondary pursuit. Dare I say that church can often become our manifestation of a ‘social club’.

Now we have a situation where the ‘community’ has been pulled out from beneath us and all I have left is Jesus and me. Alone. Together.

Pastors and other ministry leaders also are struggling. They miss connecting in person with their people. And this is good and right. But some are struggling for different reasons. They need the accolade and affirmation of the audience. Now the audience is virtual and the feedback is much more ambiguous, less tangible. Ugh.

I think of how alone Paul must have felt as he penned these words found in 2 Timothy 4:16-17.

‘At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.’

He was alone, save Christ stood by him. Christ was enough for him.

We are now living in a season where our claim to sing or preach or serve before an audience of One is being tested. We are being held accountable to the lyrics we have sung so many times – ‘Christ is Enough for Me’.

Will Christ be enough for you during this COVID-19 Pandemic? Will you heed the call and take the opportunity to seek His face during this season?

You have said, “Seek my face.”

My heart says to you,

“Your face, Lord, do I seek.” (Psalms 27:8)

I know many, even in the midst of grieving the loss of corporate group gatherings, will seek the face of their Saviour and LORD during this time and enjoy rich and personal fellowship with the One whom we call our Redeemer. I know that when we meet again the meeting will be that much the sweeter for it.

Others will flounder. They will lament the community they have lost and seek to find solace in other experiences. They will drift from any sense of fellowship with Christ and their loss will be great as a result.

May I encourage you these days to earnestly seek to invest in your personal relationship with Jesus. I know that He rewards those who seek Him. Don’t lose heart, press on.

One of the things that has helped me regain a focus on this relationship has been some of the music presented by Fernando Ortega. God has gifted him with a sense of adoration of Christ and his music is an amazing blessing in drawing my mind to comforting thoughts and reminders of who Christ is. I highly recommend his song – ‘Give me Jesus’ if you need a kick-start.

I also recommend just taking time to read through the Psalms and then the epistle of Colossians. Don’t pressure yourself to engage in an in-depth study but rather let His Spirit give you a sense of Christ as you read.

For pastors and ministry leaders – I encourage you also to take this time, not to try to live up to the pressure of being the ‘crisis leader’ but rather to invest in your personal journey with Christ.

One of the reasons I value the devotional ‘My Utmost for His Highest’ is that Oswald Chambers consistently reminds his students of the need to press into their relationship with God above all else.

A quote from the January 6 entry gives an example of this:

“The lasting value of our public service for God is measured by the depth of the intimacy of our private times of fellowship and oneness with Him.”

And another from April 13:

“Many servants set out to serve God with great courage and with the right motives. But with no intimate fellowship with Jesus Christ, they are soon defeated. They do not know what to do with their burden, and it produces weariness in their lives.“

Much more could be said about ‘Christ-centredness’. Let it suffice that the start of living out this principle is the pursuit of an intimate walk with Him.

So – press hard into your walk with Christ and your weariness will turn to the love, joy and peace that is befitting a servant of the King.

Your fellow sojourner,

John Friesen

CEO, Muskoka Bible Centre / Muskoka Bible Foundation

We Are Sailing Without a Map

As you know, this is a difficult time in Canada and the world. How many times have you heard the term “unprecented“? It’s a new normal for sure. Hard decisions must be made in the face of the greatest challenge that our world has faced in our lifetimes in dealing with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The path forward is full of unknowns. The path forward is not even a trail that we can see. Robert Frost’s poem says:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

We are now traveling on the third road, the one that does not exist and there is no map to help us navigate. It is times like this that will define us as a board, staff, and camp community. How we respond to this challenge will be remembered. YoYoJoe

These are uncharted waters and we are all sailing without a map. Now is not the time for an authoritative pronouncement from the keyboard warrior class. Now is not the time to judge and condemn our neighbours. Now is the time for study, reflection, dialogue, decision and mercy. Paul Carter

In times like these we need to draw back close to God and rely on him. We ask that you would pray with us that we would have wisdom in our decision making as we look ahead to the summer. If we can, we do plan to run camp this summer. We’re not yet sure what restrictions may be placed on us. It looks like Ontario is beginning to get to the top of the peak, so pray too that we would be able to be open this summer. Pray for our MBC leadership team and the MBC board as some hard decisions need to be made.

Please with and for us and let us know if we can pray for you.

Happy Siblings’ Day

Last Friday, April 10, 2020 was Good Friday. It was also National Siblings Day. I missed many of the posts, as I hit social media later in the day and didn’t get a post done. It also caused me to ponder, what do I publish for siblings day. Hence you’re getting a blog about it.

This first picture is with my three brothers. (Who says you have to be normal at a wedding. Maybe this IS our normal.) We tend to ham it up when we’re together, often because it drives our mom crazy. Plus it’s a lot of fun. I grew up with these men. We lived in Mississauga and north Burlington. Went to cubs, scouts and venturers. Family trailer camping across the country, playing cowboys and Indians in the hydro field. Skied at Glen Eden, explored caves, climbed cliffs and so many other activities. I love you guys!

The second picture is of Jill Gardener, Sam Efford and my birth mom Elizabeth from my Osmond family. You see, I’m adopted. These are my birth siblings! At Christmas this year I gained two more siblings and now have more than Elaine does. It’s a longer story, but Nicole reached out to Sam and in her typical fashion, simply said, “I think my dad is your brother.” It has been quite a surreal journey these past few months. Our mom was Elizabeth Madge Osmond. While we have yet to meet in person, we have emailed, shared calls, and of course DNA! There is a serious resemblance with me and the Osmond family for me. I have never looked like anyone else before this. And, SO many of the Osmond men have beards. Huh.

Then there are friends who have become family. Elaine and I hang out regularly with four other couples (Paynes, Callejas, Potts and Greenleafs). For a long time, all of us had only girls and we have father daughter fishing and camping trips. Imagine 14 girls and four dads… Our group still does do a yearly camping trip to Mikisew Provincial Park.

One friend, Shea, is like my brother from another mother. Elaine and Ruth (Shea’s wife) say we are so much alike it’s scary. He is also adopted, so you never know. I could call any of these friends and they would come. Just like family!!

Let your family know you love them. Don’t wait for the next siblings day, or Mother’s day or Father’s day or Grandparents day or even their birthday. Do it today. Do it often.

Good Friday 2020

At the age of 33, Jesus was condemned to death.

At the time crucifixion was the “worst” death of all. Only the worst criminals were condemned to be crucified. Yet it was even more dreadful and horrifying for Jesus, unlike other criminals condemned to death by crucifixion, Jesus was to be nailed to the cross by His hands and feet.

Each nail was 6 to 8 inches long.

The nails were driven into His wrists. Not into His palms as is commonly portrayed. There’s a tendon in the wrist that extends to the shoulder. The Roman guards knew that when the nails were being hammered into the wrist that tendon would tear and break, forcing Jesus to use His back muscles to support himself so that He could even breathe.

Both of His feet were nailed together. Meaning He was forced to support his entire body weight on that single nail that impaled His feet to the cross. Jesus could not support himself with His legs because of the intense excruciating pain, forcing him to alternate between arching His back and then using his legs just to be able to breathe deeply painful breaths. Imagine the struggle, the immense pain, the total suffering, and the courage and love.

Jesus endured this hellish nightmare for over 3 hours.

Yes, 3 long hours. Can you even imagine that kind of suffering? A few minutes before He died, Jesus stopped bleeding. Only water was pouring from His wounds.

From common images we see wounds to His hands and feet and even the spear wound to His side. But do we realize His wounds were actually made in his body. A hammer driving large spikes through the wrists, the feet overlapped and an even larger spike hammered through the arches. A Roman guard piercing right through His side with a spear. But even before the nails and the spear Jesus was whipped and beaten and tortured. The whipping was so severe that it tore chunks of flesh from His body. The beating so horrific that his face was a bloody pulp and his beard ripped from His face. The crown of thorns pushed deeply into His scalp. Most men would not have even survived this extreme torture.

But He wasn’t most men.

He had no more blood to even bleed, only water poured from His wounds. The human adult body contains about 5.5 liters (about 1.5 gallons) of blood.

Jesus poured out all 5.5 liters of his blood; He had three nails hammered into His body; a crown of thorns digging deep in His head, and the spear driven into his side and then his chest.

All this without even mentioning the utter humiliation and torture He suffered after carrying His own cross for almost 2 kilometers, while the crowd slapped and spat in his face and threw stones at him, (the cross was almost 30 kg of weight (70 pounds) only on its higher part where His hands were to be nailed).

And after all this he still yelled out.. “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Jesus had to endure all of this to open the gates of Heaven, so that you could be forgiven and set free.

Your sins literally “washed” away. All of them, with no exception! Don’t ignore this free gift.

JESUS CHRIST DIED FOR YOU because you are someone worth dying for.

He died for you! So you could be free from sin and addiction and hell. He has a purpose and a plan for your life.
All you need to do is simply believe in Him and ask him to come into your heart and save you, and set you free from sin and give you a brand new life. He will give you a peace and joy that the world cannot give. Do it now and be set free in Jesus name.

He said in (Matthew 10:32-33): “Therefore, whoever recognizes me before others, I will recognize him before my father in heaven; but the one who denies me before others, I will deny before my father in heaven.”