Category Archives: singing

Garden Hill

Garden Hill is a remote community in Manitoba that, until January, we had been to as a family only once before…over six years ago!

This is now the first fly-in community we have been to since the plane crash. It was difficult to fly again, but God was so faithful. And we are grateful to people who were praying for us through the whole journey of faith surrounding that weekend.

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we flew over miles of bush

we landed in Island Lake…

…and drove across the frozen water to Garden Hill

The church up there had invited us to come again and sing at some special meetings which also involved other people from the community and from elsewhere. It was a privilege to be able to be there.

Dad and Ernie…friends for many years

lots of people shared songs and testimonies over the weekend

Arnold (singing), the pastor, has such a heart for people to receive the gospel. Pray for him and his wife as they faithfully serve Jesus.

the boys are much taller than they were last time we were here!

On Sunday we went to the local TV station to sing and for Dad to share a message.

the guys rode in the back of the truck to the station!

During the course of the weekend we had a good time getting to visit with people we don’t see very often, and enjoyed some home cooking Garden Hill style!

…like bannock!

At the Sunday afternoon service we were blessed by the testimony of a man who is known by the nickname “Happy Feet,” because he is so full of joy and thankfulness for God’s salvation! As individual Christians, what are we known for? What comes to people’s minds when they think of us?

Sunday evening was a really special time…believers from the other nearby communities came together for the service. It was not constrained by time, and what a night it was as people shared songs and testimonies, prayers were lifted up, and God’s Word was spoken. It was so neat to be a part of a gathering like that.All weekend we were well-cared for, with people shuttling us around in vehicles, cooking food, and opening their homes to us. Thank you to everyone who blessed us!

Monday was head-home day. Back across the frozen lake to the airport we went!

waiting for the plane to arrive…and in case you’re wondering, those are sleeping bags all wrapped in white

the community where the airport is located

We got to enjoy the sunset that evening from the air. Amazing!  What a mighty God we serve!

Sing to God, sing praises to His name; extol Him who rides on the clouds, by His name YAH, and rejoice before Him. Psalm 68:4 NKJV

September Trip South

The first stop on our trip was a baseball game with friends. Fun fun!

we like batter’s practice for a chance to get a baseball

After that it was time for family camp in Iowa. Every year we’ve gone has been an encouragement and we leave with challenging messages lingering in our minds. Are we being a wise steward of the time God has given us? Do we have a godly vision for future generations? And what are we doing about it?In addition to the hours of wisdom that camp provides, we enjoy fun activities and lots of fellowship.

Dad and Abby went ziplining

Due to an injury Jonathan was on crutches so sometimes he had a personal chauffeur!After camp we went to North Carolina to sing in a couple places, one of which was a community awards dinner…a great chance to share the gospel in song with many people.

setting up

While we were there we had the opportunity to visit a living history Cherokee village. It was really interesting and educational. One thing we found fascinating was a hand-powered drill they invented way back in time.

Jonathan did a great job getting around

some of us enjoyed a walking trail afterwards

Our next destination was Tennessee to visit our grandparents and extended family.

And on the way home we enjoyed more mountain scenery. It’s an amazing world God has made!

I will praise You, O LORD, among the peoples, and I will sing praises to You among the nations. For your mercy is great above the heavens, and Your truth reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and Your glory above all the earth. Psalm 108:3-5 NKJV