FALL NEWSLETTER 2019

THANKSGIVING REFLECTION Throughout October, I was once again humbled as I reflected upon the many blessings that the Lord has afforded me.  The top of the list is the free gift of salvation offered through Christ’s redeeming work on the cross.  Throughout my life He has always been there and has lovingly drawn me into a deeper relationship with Himself.  Since 2003, I have been honoured to serve Him through Missionfest Manitoba (14 years) and LAMP (2.5 years thus far).  And when I think about LAMP, I thank the Lord for my many prayer partners and supporters. It is because of you that we are able to touch the lives of those who live in some of the remotest parts of Northern Canada, and I give thanks and praise to our Lord for each one of you! One of the most precious gifts that you can give anyone is the gift of your time. SUMMER MINISTRY 2019 What an incredible summer!  In Northwestern Manitoba and Northeastern Saskatchewan our teams of volunteer missionaries touched 15 communities. Their main focus is to provide annual Vacation Bible School programs to the beautiful First Nation’s children.  While in the community, many teams also provide youth programs, Bible studies and other community events.  But the core of their ministry is the laughing, crying, hugging, praying and talking with the people of the community that they love in the name of Christ. Challenges We did have a couple of challenges this year.  The most concerning was that a couple of our U.S. teams experienced resistance when crossing into Canada. While our mission is allowable and our paperwork in order, less experienced border officers tried to apply an unrelated section of the Immigration Act to us.  While we were able to get our teams across the border, our Cormorant team from Nebraska prayerfully chose not risk the 12 hour journey to the border, just to be refused entry.  As a result there was one community that missed their yearly visit and there were many tears on both sides of the border.  We have taken steps to minimize the chance of this recurring. Our second challenge occurred when forest fires closed the one road to Lynn Lake, when our team was already in the community.  They were completely safe, and we had contingency plans in place – just in case evacuation was necessary.  But in the meantime – they continued to minister to a ‘captive audience.’  Their biggest disappointment was that they were trying to kindle (if you excuse the expression) an evening program with a nearby reserve.  The community itself had to evacuate after only one evening program, but the team was well received and look forward to next year.  The road was open on Friday, just in time for the team to make their way back down South.   WOMEN OF WORTH CONFERENCES 2019 In April of this year, Terriann Rice led a team of 14 other ladies to conduct the 4th WOW Conference in Pelican Narrows and Sandy Bay.  As the team grew in size – so did the number of attendees!  In 2017, there were 34 participants and in 2018 we had 55.  This year, we were blessed with 91 participants.  The team still continues to minister to the women of these communities through a closed Facebook group.  These conferences have proven to be a powerful and effective way to connect with and minister to the women of these communities.   WINTER PLANS   Besides getting ready for next summer, I am currently planning to take two winter trips (December and February) to connect with as many of my communities that I can.  While visiting the community, I am planning to take much needed warm quilts, scarves and gloves, Bibles, Christian youth magazines and baby and toddler clothing.  I am currently collecting new and gently used infant and toddler clothing for distribution in the North.  If you are in the Winnipeg area and would like to help, please contact me.

PRAYER: Thanks so much for your prayers and support!  Please pray: For safety for Gord during the "Northern Exposure 2019" tours.  That the communities will see how much the Lord loves and cares for them through these gifts, and that there will be many 'God moments' throughout this trip. For more volunteer teams to serve in Northern Canada.  We have a number of communities on our waiting list, and plans to expand our ministry into new places where we have been invited. For the Lord's continued guidance and wisdom for LAMP to faithfully serve Him. THANKSGIVING: I would like to praise the Lord for His faithfulness in the following: For the opportunity to serve Christ through LAMP. For our volunteer missionaries who faithfully take the love of the Lord into northern Canada. For the wonderful donations of quilts and clothing which have arrived or are in transit.  May they bless many of our First Nations friends and demonstrate the Father’s love. For the many people who are praying and providing financial support enabling LAMP and myself to serve the Lord in Northern Canada.  CONTACT INFORMATION gord@lampministry.org toll free: 1-800-307-4036 ext 6 cell:            (204) 229-0732 If you would like to partner with LAMP Ministry's work in Northern Manitoba, please send your contribution  (noting Gordon Gilbey) to:           LAMP           4966 – 92nd Avenue NW,           Edmonton AB  T6B 2V4           or online at www.lampministry.org