2013 Work Week

Last week preparations began for our annual Spring Work Week! We are anticipating a complete overhaul and reinvention of our Tuck Shop building, and to begin I gutted the building as much as I was able and cleared it all out.

 This building will look much differently by next Saturday.

As part of our re-imagining of the ANBC Tuck Shop we took advantage of the going out of business sale at Zellers and availed ourselves of some of the fixtures and furniture during their clearance sale.

These stools will sit in front of the counter in the new tuck shop.

I made a trip to Cocagne on Friday and picked up this load of lumber for us to use for re-siding the outside of the tuck shop. A major issue that we have had in the past is bats living behind the siding of this building. So, we are going to replace and bat proof the East wall and hopefully be bat free ongoing.

 

This wonderful rack was built several years ago by Jamie Weber, a friend and volunteer from Gorrie, Ontairo. We are so thankful for gifts like this that enable us to do all of the things we need to do at ANBC.

Today marked the first day of our 2013 work week, we were joined by the Nielsen family 5 as well as the Strouts. It was great to work together as local missionaries. The ladies took care of some of the Spring cleaning, while Todd & Kevin tackled a rather serious moisture problem around a window and air conditioner in the kitchen. I dealt with some water woes; I had a professional in today to look at our water system as it had ceased making water. He has taken some water samples, but he is suspicious that we have high levels of Manganese in our water, and this has ruined the pump on our reverse osmosis unit. We should know in the next couple of days just what the verdict will be, but Lord willing we should be able to start making water again in the near future. In the interim we have brought in bottled water for cooking and drinking. The water system is still working for our showers, toilets and dishes, so we are not out of commission, but we are prayerful that the expense of dealing with Manganese in the water will not be overwhelming.

Tonight we are excited to welcome a ministry team from Victory Baptist Church near Newmarket, Ontario. They are tackling the renovation project in the speakers cabin. It is our hope to have this building be a self sufficient housekeeping unit. It will serve for volunteers in the summer and be available as a getaway rental throughout the year. We are so blessed and excited to have this team with us, for the first time, this year.

 Todd & Kevin beginning to work on the water damaged wall around the air conditioner.

All completed, with a casement window filling the space. A job well done and serious damage prevented. Thanks to Don & Sue Currie for the donated window.

The ladies got busy with the Spring cleaning, Eve (above) Liz & Marcia got right to business scrubbing and tidying!

Stay tuned for updates and pictures throughout this week!

The Spring Wind-Up

The Spring Wind-Up has begun! Every year at about this time we crest the hill and begin the downward roll to summer! The past couple of weeks have certainly propelled us forward.

Last Monday I made an early trip in to Fredericton to have a new windshield put in the camp truck so that it will meet MVI conditions. I took the opportunity to pick up some new windows some hardware items for the impending tuck shop renovation.

The following day Liz, Ivy and I made our way to Victoria Corner, to N.B.B.I. for an opportunity to speak to the students and faculty in chapel. As always, it was great to visit the school and reconnect with friends and connect with new students. This year we are hopeful to recruit a student from either Bible School or a senior in High School to serve at our summer camps in the role of Program Co-Ordinator. Following our visit to the school we made a quick detour to Houlton, ME to pick up Tuck items and prizes for the upcoming ANBC Men's Retreat.

As we prepare for the arrival of our work teams next week, we have been collecting all of the materials and equipment that the teams will need for the projects! Stay tuned to the blog next week for updates on our renovations!

On Sunday, we had the privilege of visiting Forest Hills Baptist Church in Saint John. I was asked to present the ministries of NCEM and ANBC and to preach in the morning services. I was also given the opportunity to give a seminar on evangelism during a luncheon meeting for their summer ministry teams. It was encouraging to be able to be with the folks at Forest Hills and a great opportunity to be able to share with their fellowship and ministry teams. Forest Hills will be sending a team to one of our summer camps and the Korean Global Mission church will be sending a team to another of our weeks. We look forward to a wonderful summer of ministry together.

It is year end and audit time at NCEM, so this week I have been working on my year end checklist for the ANBC books as well as providing information at the auditors request. It is perhaps not the most exciting part of ministry to worry about the finances and books, but it is comforting and encouraging to know that we have an executive team and CFO who are committed to ensuring the details are being cared for.

Tomorrow Todd & Zach Nielsen and I will visit Devon Park Christian School to share during their chapels. Perhaps the Lord will impress upon some of the senior high students to serve with us this coming summer.

As our schedule continues to fill and we move ever closer to summer, please keep the ministries of ANBC in prayer. That we would be diligent to our roles here and that the ministries might be fruitful and full and bring Glory to God!

The Adopt a Cabin Project

 
At Arrowhead it can be a challenge to stay ahead of all the maintenance and repair work that we need to do. We are working diligently to bring all of our buildings up to a consistent level of repair. The next piece of this process is for us to upgrade and improve our summer camp cabins.

We have six cabins that we use as accommodation for our campers during summer camp. These buildings are winterized, each has a baseboard heater and built in bunks; they each have a shingle roof and a small porch.

At Arrowhead we have some beautiful big pines, cedars and fir trees, these leave a lovely coat of needles on the floor of the forest. Unfortunately they also leave a lovely coat of needles on each roof, which then promotes the growth of moss. One of the upgrades that we are excited to include in this project is a brand new shiny red steel roof for each cabin. This will help us promote the longevity of our buildings. We are also planning to include some brown aluminum fascia for each building as well.

Each of the buildings is finished inside with chip board. This unfortunately leaves us with some odour issue in the heat of summer. The adopt a cabin renovations will see this removed and replaced with tongue & grooved pine boards. We will also be installing a larger window and pot lights into each building.

Each building has a solid wood door, this unfortunately has not served sufficiently to use these buildings in the winter. That coupled with a need to insulate the floor, it is our hope to install insulated doors for winter use and screen doors for summer use; we will also be insulating the floors.

This may all seem like a daunting task that is prohibitively expensive. Working with our local supplier we have determined that each cabin will cost between $4,000 and $4,500 dollars. The way that translates to our "Adopt a Cabin Project" will be determined by those church groups that feel led to join with us.

By committing to take part in this project a group commits to raise funds and work through all of the renovations over the course of five years to completion. If a group would like to partner with us in this program, but does not feel that they will be able to come here and complete the work, we can arrange to have the work done on your behalf.

We currently have two churches that have expressed interest in partnering with us in this program. It's always exciting to see people come and serve and minister along side us in this way. If you think this might be something your church or group would be interested in, don't hesitate to drop me a line.



This video was created by a friend of ours, Micheal Parrington, for use in making known the opportunity to minister at ANBC in very practical physical ways. It will perhaps give you a bit of an idea what it is like to serve here during one of our semiannual work weeks.

Your Child's Profession of Faith by Dennis Gundersen

As Liz and I found out we were expecting Ivy, I began to think a lot about the responsibilities and challenges that I will face as a father. I take it as a serious responsibility, and indeed, we are charged in scripture to intentionally raise our children to Honour God. I am deeply burdened with the need to clearly and effectively teach my child of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate." Psalm 127:3-5

I have a serious obligation to see that my child is raised to understand the Gospel and have a healthy exposure to the Scriptures. As I discussed this with a friend, he recommended this book, shortly thereafter I ran across it again, in my Facebook news feed. So, I decided to order a copy and give it a read.

Your Child's Profession of Faith, written by Dennis Gundersen is published by Grace and Truth Books. In the preface, Jim Elliff says this;

"This practical tool will find a useful place in the churches and homes where pastors, leaders, and parents really care about true conversion. Read it with prayer, talk about it with others, and pass it on. Our children are worth the effort."

For anyone who has spent any amount of time reading this blog, you will be aware that it is our position that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is our most precious treasure; that there is nothing more important in the world than the Glory of God, and that we honour the Lord in a life of obedience and submission to him. It is so important that the Gospel not become a means to an end, that we strive to disciple those around us, including our children.

In his book, Gundersen addresses the challenges, pitfalls and blessings that can and are a part of discipling a child. To begin, he qualifies his book;

"This is not about making less of an effort to evangelize our children. But it is about being in less of a rush to hurry them into a profession which we prompt them to, in our own words, and not from their own heart." p. 15

Throughout the book Gundersen confronts the need to prayerfully and comprehensively teach and disciple our children. His balanced, Biblical approach serves to help impress upon us both the value of the Gospel and the value of the eternal souls of our youth.

At Arrowhead we work with many children and youth during our summer camps. The way in which we teach and disciple them will have eternal consequences. It is so important that we not only provide them with a clear presentation from scripture of just who God is, but also that we not manipulate and coerce them into making a decision they are not prepared to make.

"I urge you, do not try to force a confession from the mouth of anyone, least of all a child. For a truly believing heart will burst forth with it's own confession, without inducements and without "baiting"." p. 21

We have a heavy heart and deep burden that all of our campers come to a saving knowledge of Christ, but how supremely disastrous if we do not strive to ensure that they truly understand as we plead with them with the Gospel. We must teach and evangelize in such a way that the truth can be learned and understood and have a real impact.

"We must guard against putting [children] in a position of temptation to be man-pleasers: to make a profession of faith in Christ merely to win the acceptance of parents, church, leadership, or friends. God forbid that we mislead them into such hypocrisy. Rather, let's continually emphasize to their hearts that the only acceptance of any eternal consequence is acceptance with God through Christ - and that they must seek that." p. 68

Gundersen deals at length with the issue of the Baptism of children. Although this may not directly impact our ministry and evangelism at Arrowhead, it is very relevant and helps frame the readers understanding of the relationship of the believer with Christ.

We will be providing copies of this book to our volunteers this summer at ANBC and requiring that they read it prior to camp. (if you would like to get a head start on reading, drop me a line). It is my hope that the value of the Gospel and the importance of relationship will be impressed upon those who serve with us this year. The children and youth that come to serve with us are not simply a project; it is not simply our goal to see that someone utter the sinners prayer before Friday afternoon. It is our hearts desire to see our campers come to a genuine understanding of just who God is and their state of hopelessness without the redemptive work of Christ. It is our hearts desire to see our campers come into a permanent and genuine relationship with God.

We are called in scripture to disciple and teach, this is what Gundersen implores us to do throughout his book. This is what we hope to achieve at our summer camps.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

J2N: Mission Fest Halifax 2013

Once again we trekked to Halifax, Nova Scotia to represent NCEM at Mission Fest. Liz remained behind this year with Ivy, we felt that with the hours and availability of somewhere for Ivy to nap it might be just a little too taxing on baby girl. I was accompanied by Todd Nielsen this year; and we met Phil & Gracie Welch there. It really was a great opportunity for him to network and help us in mobilization and personnel recruitment.

It was a good to be able to share what NCEM is all about and doing among Canada's First Nations people, but it was equally as wonderful to meet and connect with others who are doing similar work. It is amazing to me to see how the Lord seems to be connecting us together. I do have to say though, that I was very disappointed in the numbers of guests to the event. Last year it was wall to wall much of the time, this year I would hazard to say it was down 40% to 50%. I'm not sure for the reason that this might be, but I certainly hope it is not a reflection of the interest level in global missions.

NCEM'ers and friends! Phil & Gracie Welch, Todd Nielsen and I were hosting the NCEM table; Venus Coté, Martin & Sue Bear hosted the St. Mary's Christian Outreach table. 

 It was nice to connect with Dianne Friesen, I had never met her, but have often heard of the work she is doing in Cape Breton.

 

It was great to connect with friends.

A cafeteria filled with Christian Missionaries, three Muslim ladies wander in with no attention given them by anyone... except my man Todd who promptly furnished them with a Gospel Tract!

Camps, Concerts & Churches

This past weekend had us serving and ministering in various capacities across the province. It's nice to be getting into the swing of speaking engagements again, and we've hit the road running.

On Saturday morning I had the privilege of sharing in ministry with Todd & Zack Nielsen at the Hampton Bible Camp men's breakfast. Hampton Bible Camp is a CSSM ministry, of which my good friend Ben Lawson is the director. He asked that I come and give a presentation about Arrowhead and share from the word with the men at the breakfast. Initially I felt quite awkward about the prospect of talking about Arrowhead at a CSSM camp. But Ben reminded me that we are not competing with one another, we are co-labourers for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It has been a great encouragement to find that so many of the local Bible Camp directors have this attitude. Along with Hampton Bible Camp, Sandy Cove Bible Camp (CSSM) and Green Hill Lake Bible Camp (Convention of Atlantic Baptists) have both been generous with both resources, advice and fellowship. It was additionally a blessing to be able to share in ministry with Todd & Zack Nielsen. As they strive to raise financial and prayer support, it is fun to be able to minister together.

It was a blessing to have the opportunity to share some thoughts from The Word.

Todd & Zack bringing some "Hoe-Down" music. If you want to know what Hoe Down is all about, you'll have to come out and hear them sing this Spring.

On Saturday evening Liz and I were blessed to attend the Rising Above Fundraiser Concert at Sunset Church in Fredericton. Among performers were Howard Jolly and Richard Paul, the evening was filled with talented musicians sharing in music. It was a blessing to hear hymns sung in Mik'maq. The evening was a success and a wonderful opportunity for fellowship.

Howard Jolly and Richard Paul, along with his band, collaborated for some fantastic songs of praise.

On Sunday evening we had the privilege of sharing an Arrowhead update at Devon Park Baptist Church. The Nielsen Family 5 brought ministry in music and had the opportunity to introduce themselves and share a bit of how the Lord brought them to be candidate missionaries with NCEM.

The Nielsen Family 5 at Devon Park Baptist Church

This week finds us digging out from under another snow storm, as we work to prepare for the ANBC Spring Work Week and then the Men's Retreat. There are exciting things happening, stay tuned, and maybe even come out and join us in ministry.

mawio'mi: the gathering, Lumberjack Chili Cook-Off (ANBC Men's Retreat 2013)

Arrowhead is hosting our third annual Men’s Gathering conference on May 3, 4 and 5, 2013. Men ages 18 and up are welcome to join us for a fantastic weekend of fellowship, worship and time in the Word. Throughout the weekend we will be blessed by guest speaker Dave Storey and special music with Todd & Zach Nielsen.

On Saturday we’re gonna have a Chili Chef competition of EPIC proportions. Bring your favorite Chili recipe and your wife’s slow cooker and be prepared to astound everyone with your Chili Cooking Prowess! We’ll have all the base ingredients and lot’s of additional ingredient options, but feel free to bring along any secret ingredients you might want to include.* We’ll be breaking into teams of 3 or 4 and assembling our Chili on Saturday afternoon. While the meat masterpieces simmer we’ll be working up an appetite during our lumberjack games. Bring your sawing arm, it’s gonna be a manly weekend. You should likely start growing that lumberjack beard now!

We would like to make this event available to as many men as possible. We realize that many of you have responsibilities that may prevent you from coming for the entire retreat, so there are three options available. You can come for the entire event beginning on Friday evening and running until Sunday afternoon. If you are a pastor or simply need to be home for Church you can attend for just the Friday and Saturday portions. Or you may choose to come only to our Men’s breakfast on Saturday morning. The choice is yours, but we encourage you to register as early as possible, space is limited.

You can download the brochure and registration form by clicking the following link:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/24787531/Men%27s%20Retreat%202013.pdf

Don't Forget to Bring:
• Bedding and toilettries.
• A slow-cooker for the Chili Cook-Off