Off we go, through the snow, up to Pickle Lake! Well, actually, off we went… we’re home now. Our missionary friends, the Rassmussens, invited us back up again to sing and share at a Christian workers conference and community outreach in this Northern Ontario community. It was our third time there, and such a blessing to go back!
the drive is gorgeous
We arrived late on Wednesday night. Thank you for your prayers–God kept us safe on the long, lonely road, on which we had to travel several hours in the dark. At one point there was a moose on the road in the other lane but thankfully he decided not run in front of us!
On Thursday morning there was a time of prayer for the conference and outreach, with the Rassmussens, our family, and Fred and Robin Crisco of Friendship Baptist Church.
The winter road conference began Thursday night, and continued Friday morning and evening and Saturday morning. Mr. Rassmussen, Mr. Crisco, Mr. Quequish, and Dad each shared a message.
Gary Quequish
We have been praying for Mr. Quequish. Back in November he was diagnosed with cancer and the doctor said he would be gone before Christmas. But PRAISE THE LORD he was in Pickle Lake in the middle of January, encouraging the believers with stories from his life of how he has found God to be faithful. 
Please pray for him. The battle with his illness is not over. But we have a God who is sovereign and can work miracles!
Dad spoke on the love of God
It was encouraging to see familiar faces again coming out to the meetings. Since this is our third time going up to Pickle Lake, we are getting to know some of the people there and we always look forward to the fellowship.
singing around the piano
Abby and a new friend, Noa
Not only did this conference provide spiritual food, but the ladies worked so hard to make sure the attendees were well-fed too!
Mrs. Rassmussen, Mom, and Mrs. Crisco
making casseroles
On Saturday after the conference ended we went into town to hand out fliers for the outreach at the community hall. This was the first time Freedom Bible Mission (run by the Rassmussens) was holding these meetings, so we weren’t quite sure what the turnout would be.
going door-to-door
inviting some youngin’s
The outreach began on Sunday morning, and continued Sunday evening, Monday afternoon, and Monday evening. We arrived early on Sunday morning to set up all our gear, and then the small group that had gathered beforehand had a time of prayer for the meetings.
unloading
Sunday morning was the largest turnout
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
and into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. Psalm 100:4
visiting and helping kids try out the instruments
smiles!
the Sweat family sang several beautiful a capella numbers
the Rassmussens sang an encouraging song
Mr. Sweat gave one of the messages
prayer before one of the meetings
the teen group sang “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us”
tug-of-hat
we didn’t know two people jumped in the back
we still didn’t know…
we were glad to see Connie, the chief of Mishkeegogamang, again!
The outreach went very well, and it was good to see some of the people coming to multiple meetings. The crowd was a mix of believers and nonbelievers, but the gospel went out and now we need to pray for fruit.
In between meetings throughout the week, we found time for some outdoor activities.
snowshoeing
snowmobiling
sledding followed by a cookout
the hot dog juice… thawing out or freezing up?
One afternoon we went cross-country skiing with Deborah Rassmussen and Mrs. Caie. Abby, Deborah, and I had not done this before…needless to say, we went slower than Sara and Mrs. Caie.
they got way ahead of us
heading back, together again
It was so good to be able to sing in Pickle Lake again, and fellowship with part of our family in Christ that we don’t see very often! Please pray for the Rassmussens, the Criscos, the Sweats and the other believers there who minister in a rather isolated part of Canada.
On our last morning the Criscos came for a pancake breakfast, and then before we left we all sang a few songs and prayed. It was hard to say goodbye.
we always enjoy staying with the Rassmussens
Daniel helped with the delicious breakfast
Jonathan had a blast with Bumper
God gave us a safe trip home, and we don’t say that lightly. There was a near-accident with a large truck on the lonesome highway. Dad wonders if any of us would have survived if we hit, but obviously God has plans for us still!
homeward bound
We’ve taken this road quite a few times, but we still marvel at the beauty.
Thank you to all of you who prayed for us. We know He is a God who hears.
thanks to the Rassmussens for the t-shirts – they say, “I survived the road to Pickle Lake”
“Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:” Psalm 103:1-2
Abigail graduated with MACHE, the Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators. The ceremony was held at a church in the Twin Cities area. The day was so special, not only because we got to see her graduate and be involved in the ceremony, but also because God surprised us with a special blessing!
