Exploring Ministry Opportunities with B.C. First Nations

NORTHWESTERN B.C. – From May 13-21, Rev. Jacob Quast, Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) Director of Domestic Missions, met with Rev. Ron Mohr of Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada (LBTC), Rev. Nathan Schmidt of Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots (LAMP), and Rev. Dan Cunningham of Redeemer Lutheran (Kitimat and Terrace, B.C.) to explore growing mission and ministry opportunities with First Nations communities in northwestern B.C.

The group first met with leaders of the Kitselas and Kitimat First Nations to discuss Bible translation work, thanks to personal contacts of Mr. Walter Nyce (a friend of Rev. Cunningham). The reception was warm and has set the stage for further discussions. “Pray that the Lord would bless efforts to bring the Holy Scriptures into the heart language of people in these communities, for it is by the Word of God that the Holy Spirit works to create and sustain faith in all peoples’ hearts,” said Rev. Quast. Rev. Mohr of LBTC exhibited his pastor’s heart again and again, directing people to the great power and comfort found in the Word of God alone, for it gives us Jesus.

“For the Church is made up of all people—from every nation, tribe, and language. Thanks be to God that also includes me and you. For there is but one true God, and salvation is from Him alone—the Lamb of God who was slain but was raised to new and everlasting life!”

Later, thanks to Rev. Schmidt’s longstanding contacts and relationships with people through the work of LAMP, the group also met with residents of Gitanyow, Ging̱olx, and Lax̱g̱altsʼap First Nations, as well as others in the Hazelton area, to discuss building on the solid foundation of the Gospel proclaimed for decades by LAMP teams. The love and care that Rev. Schmidt has for people in these communities was evident, as was their care for him and the LAMP teams that have served their communities for so many years. At each meeting, Rev. Schmidt prayed with people about the needs and concerns they expressed during our conversation, showcasing not only his pastoral heart, but also the way in which LAMP desires to minister to people deeply and readily.

These First Nations communities have been devastated by death, grief, and trauma over the years, and express great desire for ongoing pastoral care and support. Rev. Cunningham of Kitimat offered to provide such care whenever it is needed. He and his congregation are fervent in reaching ever more people in the area with the Gospel of Jesus crucified for sinners—a message of hope and peace for suffering people.

By partnering “Together One,” LCC is able to reach this beautiful but remote part of our of vast land with the pure Word of God and the love of Jesus. By building on long-established relationships with First Nations communities thanks to the work of organizations like LAMP and the B.C. Mission Boat Society (BCMBS), LCC is ideally positioned to respond to the request for more pastoral care and Bible-centred ministry. Thanks to the work and specialized skills of LBTC, LCC may even be able to undertake a project to deliver God’s Holy Word to people in various First Nations languages right here in Canada.

“Pray that the Lord would bless efforts to bring the Holy Scriptures into the heart language of people in these communities, for it is by the Word of God that the Holy Spirit works to create and sustain faith in all peoples’ hearts.”

“Please pray for the work of our synod,” said Rev. Quast. “Please pray for the work of our mission and ministry partners. Consider going on a mission trip with LAMP or BCMBS. Learn how you might become more involved with Bible translation work through LBTC. And prayerfully consider how you might be able to support such Domestic Missions financially.”

“Most importantly, please pray for all the people of our First Nations communities—that they may hear the Gospel of Jesus and receive Him with great joy and thanksgiving in their hearts,” Rev. Quast continued. “For the Church is made up of all people—from every nation, tribe, and language. Thanks be to God that also includes me and you. For there is but one true God, and salvation is from Him alone—the Lamb of God who was slain but was raised to new and everlasting life!”

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