The Compass A Newsletter to all Friends of the B.C. Misson Boat Society est. 1999 Sharing Christ’s Love and Equipping Communities to Grow in Faith
October Fall 2026
For We Live by Faith, Not By Sight 2 Corinthians 5:7
Day two of this summer’s Kids Club curriculum fit beautifully with the struggles this season of serving has brought. The lesson’s simple objective was: “We have a powerful Creator!” The takeaway verse was, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” — Luke 18:27. Little did we know how many times we would see that truth demonstrated throughout the summer. Despite the many obstacles, God provided and blessed the communities of Ehattesaht, MMFN during the Northern Regional Games, Kingcome, and Bella Bella with amazing teams. Together, they brought Kids Club, elder visits, serving opportunities, prayer, ladies’ evenings, family games, community dinners, hymn sing, and Church services. What seemed impossible at times became another opportunity to see God at work. We truly have a powerful Creator! ~Sonja Bland Mission Co-Ordinator~
Bella Bella “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”~ Matthew 18:20~ I had the privilege of embarking on a mission trip to the remote, but beautiful community of Bella Bella in August. From the moment we set out from Quesnel, the Lord God Almighty saw fit to bless our team in all our endeavors. We left Quesnel in high spirits, excited to share the Good News of Jesus’ salvation with the children in Bella Bella.
Though the journey to Bella Bella didn’t turn out as planned (due to BC Ferries delays), the delay turned into a blessing as our team had the opportunity to meet captain Catherine and her crew and sail aboard their vessel, The Coastal Messenger from Coastal Light Vessel Ministry. Over a 12-hour period en route to Bella Bella from Bella Coola, our team was met with warm hospitality which included delicious meals, fellowship, and a side trip to a hot spring between Bella Coola and Bella Bella. Upon arrival, a wonderful community member gave us entrance in Darby Memorial Church which became the base of our accommodation and ministry to the children through “Kids Club”. (see page 3 to continue reading...)
Partners Corner
Youth Impact
We’d like to give a special thank you to the people who partnered with us this year, notably:
The Impact Youth Gathering was exciting from the moment we arrived, with kids gathering to hear the Word of God and enjoy a meaningful week together. One of the most memorable parts of the week for me was our evening prayer groups. Going through the Word in a more conversational setting with others gave me new perspectives and allowed me to connect with everyone on a deeper level. Overall it was a very wonderful experience! ~Sophia, summer student~
Sarah and Ruth from Bethany Lutheran for helping with the Advent letters; Hope Lutheran (Victoria), Our Savior Lutheran (Parksville), and Darlene Deheer who prepared Kids Club crafts; St. Paul's (Chilliwack) who provided the Advent Kits, a bag of Christ focused items and the Kids Club craft/goodie bags for all the children this summer; St Peters Lutheran Church (Leduc) and St. Luke Lutheran (Surrey) donated quilts; The 2026 Kindergarten class who sent prayer bears and bear shaped facecloths; Captain Catherine and her crew from Coastal Light Vessel Ministry (and their vessel, The Coastal Messenger); The Pentecostal Church members in Bella Bella; All the volunteers who communities this summer.
traveled
We appreciate your support!
to
the
LCC Convention BCMBS was honored to present a table along side many other wonderful service organizations in Winnipeg . Engaging with our synod family.
Ehattesaht One of our favourite moments is when Amy and Dale went around to everyone in the community to invite them to our community dinner and to our Kid's club. As they went around to all the houses they had help from one of the girls to pick up all the kids. At one of the houses, the girl knocked on the door and called up to the boy who lived there, asking him to come to Kid's club. He asked her, "is that about that Christianity stuff?" and she said yes. His response was, "OK, I'll be there." We had many opportunities to speak with the kids about faith and God as well as with other community members and elders. These moments were memorable. We definitely felt very privileged to speak with various community members and to see the strong faith that many of the people in the community of Ehattesaht have and how it has carried them through some very difficult times. ~The Scheetz family, volunteers~ I was privileged to visit and support several communities this summer, but one of the experiences I hold especially close to my heart took place in Ehattesaht. Over the course of the week, the children gradually became more comfortable around us. Once they learned my name, sometimes after asking me many times, as one little girl did, they would excitedly call out to me whenever they saw me outside. One particular moment stands out to me. During a community dinner, I was in the back of a truck helping to hold the large pots of food in place so they would not tip over as we transported them. As soon as the children spotted me, they began calling my name repeatedly and asking where I was going. When I told them we were only moving about a block away, they were practically racing behind the truck to follow us! It was such a simple moment, but it brought me so much joy. Seeing how comfortable the children had become with us in such a short amount of time, and how excited they were simply to see us and be involved, is something I will remember fondly. It was a completely lovely moment and one of the memories from this summer that I will carry with me. ~ Sophia, summer student~
NRG - Incredible Culture
The Northern Regional Games were held in the community of MMFN this year. Just outside the village of Gold River. We were a small team of four ladies! We spent long hours in the kitchen helping to prepare and serve meals for four days! We helped with the organized games which was so much fun despite the rainy conditions. Thanks to a Hope school donation, we handed out towel prayer bears to everyone. We spent time with the children playing card games and crafts,
Kingcome We had a great time visiting the community in Kingcome Inlet! We had great weather for our transportation days and, despite some challenges with the logistics, we made it to our destination. The community members were so helpful in getting us a place to stay and helping bring in our luggage. We ran Kids’ Club every day and were happy to see more kids join our activities every day we were there. Highlights of our trip include playing on the playground with the kids, making arts and crafts, having a soccer game on the field, hosting a dinner for the community, and hosting a worship night at the church. It was truly a blessing to be in the village again and see so many familiar faces. Thank you so much for your prayers and support! ~Kingcome Team from Walnut Grove~
enjoyed cultural activities. “I had a particularly lovely conversation with one of the community members who came and sat beside me. I enjoyed hearing about her summer plans, the jobs she had done, and places she had traveled. We also attended the beautiful closing ceremony. The music and voices were incredible, making it a meaningful way to end the experience. I feel incredibly blessed to have been part of this experience. I am grateful for the time spent with the children, community members, and volunteers, and for all I learned along the way. ~ Sophia, summer student~
I want to extend a special thank you to the Pentecostal Church staff in Bella Bella, as well as several Elders in the community, not only for their warm hospitality and generosity, but for encouraging the children daily to attend Kids Club where our team was instrumental in engaging the kids with the Word of God in a fun, age-appropriate fashion. With each passing day, it became apparent where each team members flourished. I would like to take a moment to thank each my team members for their contributions: Gary McLean, our leader, demonstrated multiple talents, including logistical planning, leading devotionals, musical accompaniment, and his overall ability to read, interpret and articulate the Word of God. He also demonstrated great adaptation in preparing a Sunday morning service for the community that was gracious and respectful of doctrinal differences between the different Christian denominations present in the community. Rick Lindstrom volunteered the use of his vehicle to transport all the team’s equipment, and drove many kilometers! He was willing to lend a hand wherever needed, including proving assistance with grocery shopping, assisting with Kids Club and leading morning/evening devotionals. Lorelei Johnstone was instrumental in ensuring that our living and ministering space was clean and tidy. She also strengthened relationships with members of the community through daily fellowship. Mary, our youngest member, displayed leadership qualities that belie her age. Before each day of Kids Club, she would prepare, review and adjust the curriculum as needed. She also prepared next day’s crafts and games. She was instrumental during Kids Club as well, taking part in daily decisions. She formed meaningful relationships with many of the kids, in particular with one boy by playing basketball with him in the school courtyard. To conclude, I would like to express my gratitude to those who made this trip possible. To Sonja and the BCMBS- thank you for sponsoring us! God wiling, we’d like to return next year as many have expressed a desire to have our team come back to encourage and strengthen each other in the faith of Jesus Christ. Finally, I want to thank the congregation of Trinity Lutheran Church, Quesnel, for their encouragement, prayers and financial gifts.
Bella Bella - (Continued)
This experience has enriched my life in a way that I’ll not soon forget, and I look forward to many such opportunities through BCMBS in the coming years. ~Noelle, a volunteer~
B.C. Mission Boat Society 201 Birch St Campbell River BC V9W 2S4
Delivering the Gospel to People of All Cultures
B.C. Mission Boat Society 201 Birch St Campbell River BC V9W 2S4 Phone: 250-871-8311 www.bcmissionboat.org | info@bcmissionboat.org