Grand Rapids, Man.: Mission work: ‘we are in it together

Mission work: ‘we are in it together’

GRAND RAPIDS, MAN.

Missionaries have one of the most purposeful occupations I can think of. After all, not too many people get their job descriptions and commission from God, the Creator himself.

Or do they? I think that all Christians are told to go and make disciples, whether that is far away in another country or another culture within the country, or next door.

Being a missionary is rewarding, but at times it has its challenges, which can affect enthusiasm and zeal. The loss of our church building and now going through the process of rebuilding is such a challenge. As a small congregation this can be overwhelming. That’s when out of town visitors are especially welcome. They remind us that we are part of a bigger family, God’s family with a common goal.

We had such visitors in January. Four Steinbach Bible College students, part of Mission Exposure North, came to learn more about life in the north and to share the love of Christ with children, teens, and adults of Grand Rapids.

They held gym nights for young people, a kids’ club for the younger kids, and a gospel hour on local TV. Native people, especially the old and the young, readily accept those who bring the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Over the years we have had other groups come to bring the gospel

I think that all Christians are told to go and make disciples, whether that is far away in another country or another culture within the country, or next door.

through children’s ministry. They all have left a little bit of their hearts behind with their new-found young friends. This year’s SBC students came at a time when the Winter Carnival was on, so they were fortunate to see one of the six dog sled races.

What an object lesson it is to see about 20 dog teams at the starting line. I have never heard so many dogs—180 to 200—bark at the same time. They were so excited to get going. They seem to cheer each other on, straining in their harnesses. Then, when the starter flag is lowered, off they go and it is quiet. Every team is putting all their energy into running and not wasting it on barking.

We can learn from these dogs. I am sure if there would have been dog races in Palestine (without snow?) in Jesus’ day, He would have used it to teach what commitment to His cause should be like.

So, we are in this together and we can cheer each other on! We need to do that because there are so many obstacles in this race we are running. The opposition to the gospel in our time is growing. The enemy uses all kinds of distractions, lies, and shackles to keep people from entering the race.

That’s why we have to be even more determined to run the race of face. These dogs run for the love of running. We should be in the race responding to God’s love by loving others (1 John 4:19) with a great prize waiting for us at the finish line. Manfred Neff

Manfred and Stella Neff (Swan River) serve as pastoral couple in Grand Rapids, Man.

Sled dogs are excited to get going on the race. Students serving in Grand Rapids were fortunate to see one of six dog sled races during the Winter Carnival.

Steinbach Bible College students held clubs for younger children.