Is this your year?

Perhaps this is your summer to volunteer with us at Arrowhead for one of our summer camps? Perhaps you've served with us in the past and are considering returning for one or more weeks again this summer?

It's shaping up to be an amazing summer, and we can't wait to see just what the Lord is going to do among both campers and staff!

There are some changes to the program and schedule this year, and we are offering a brand new staff training weekend. If you are coming to be staff with us this summer, you will need to take part in our more extensive staff training program. This volunteer training will be mandatory for everyone, including former staff - so to try to accommodate everyone we will be offering it in Ontario and Maine as well as at ANBC throughout the month of June.

June 15 - 17 (tentative) - Staff Training weekend at Lisbon Falls Baptist Church, Lisbon Falls, Maine
June 22 - 24 - Staff Training weekend at Gorrie Bible Fellowship in Gorrie, Ontario
June 29 - July 1 - Staff Training weekend at A.N.B.C.

Our summer camps schedule is changing this year as well. Our teen camp is the first week this year and will be followed by three weeks of junior camp. At this point I have not confirmed all of the communities and which week they will be coming. I will announce that as soon as it is confirmed.

July 9-13 • Teen Camp (ages 13-18)

July 16-20 • Junior Camp 1 (ages 8-12)
July 23-27 • Junior Camp 2 (ages 8-12)
July 30-August 3 • Junior Camp 3 (ages 8-12)

A brand new camp that we are trying this year will be our "Lil' Squirts Camp" for children ages 5-7. This camp is just three days and we may have older siblings to come along as well.

August 6-8 • Lil' Squirts Camp (ages 5-7)

The discipleship week is a special week of camp when we will offer more one on one discipleship with campers who have shown an interest in knowing more about God's Word and how to study it further. This will be a small camp with greater opportunities for one on one time.

August 13-16 • Discipleship Week

If you would like to volunteer with us for one or more weeks, or are simply considering joining us, you can download our application form by clicking HERE. We look forward to hearing from each of you.

Our camp video from 2011! Looking forward to another fantastic summer.

introducing: the ANBC advisory team

It has been exciting and encouraging to see the Lord put together an advisory team for the ministry at Arrowhead. Liz and I have both felt there would be great advantage to have a group of individuals dedicated to the ministry at Arrowhead who would be committed to sharing their expertise and input with us on a regular (and organized) basis. So, working with our field director, we began to make strides toward building a team.

This group of individuals is not a board of directors. As an NCEM ministry, Arrowhead falls under the direction of the NCEM executive who are governed by a board of directors. The ANBC advisory team functions exactly as the name implies, as a committee of advisors. We will meet four times a year (Lord willing) and will discuss various aspects of the ministry here and it's needs. These individuals will provide valuable insights and input, that will assist us in making decisions, they will provide accountability and credibility to the work and be a huge encouragement as we seek to be good stewards of this facility and it's programs.

I am very excited about this committee and look forward to what the Lord is going to do through it! There are six local members who have committed to attending the meetings and will have a more direct involvement. there are also four team members "at large" who, although not committed to attending meetings (who may attend, if opportunity permits), will still offer inputs and insights and respond to meeting minutes and reports.

Our first meeting was scheduled for last Saturday, but due to concerns with travel and weather, I cancelled it. Although disappointing, we will still be able to communicate electronically and we look forward to holding our first meeting in April. As such, this blog entry will serve as a cursory introduction of the team to one another and to all of you.

Please keep each of these men in prayer, as you pray for ANBC. That the Lord would be present in each of their lives, and that God might be honoured and glorified by each of them in their personal lives and as a team of advisors.

Introducing (alphabetically), the Arrowhead Native Bible Center Advisory Team (I stole their pictures from their respective Facebook pages... at risk of their wrath):

John Blois
Wilmot, New Brunswick
Sales Consultant,
CYV Chevrolet Pontiac Buick GMC Ltd.

Len Breen
Queensville, Ontario
Eastern Field Director,
Northern Canada Evangelical Mission

Don Currie
Quispamsis, New Brunswick
High School Teacher,
Hampton High School

Jerald Hayden
Bluevale, Ontario
Retired,
A man of many talents, Jerald has been serving in the summers with ANBC for over a decade.

Roger Hill
Cumberland Bay, New Brunswick
Contractor
Roger is a former manager of ANBC, serving with NCEM at ANBC for over two decades.

Joel Hoyt
Hampton, New Brunswick
Office Manager,
Hampton Bible Camp

Rob McCready
Cumberland Bay, New Brunswick
Trained Security Officer and experienced Businessman,
Rob has served at ANBC extensively and in various capacities for much of his life.

Rev. Raymond Pitcher
Sillikers, New Brunswick
Pastor,
Little Southwest Baptist Church

Joel Welch
Moncton, New Brunswick
Financial Consultant, Division Director,
Investors Group Financial Services Inc.

Phil Welch
Westport, Nova Scotia
Missionary,
Northern Canada Evangelical Mission

spiritual adversity

"If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates Me hates My Father also. If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’" ~ John 15:18-25

It is a most common teaching these days that turning to Christ is a turning to a life that is miraculously blessed. A life that will return health and healing, financial stability (as long as we tithe regularly), and unprecedented joy. This is not only unbiblical, it teeters precariously on heresy (that is not to say there is no Joy in Christ - for indeed there is). The fact of the matter is that turning to Christ is a rejection of the world and sin; it is an abandonment of self. This situation is not only unpopular by the worlds standards, it is abhorrent to Satan and leads to the World hating us because the World hates Christ. That's the part of a gospel presentation that often gets left out of the sales pitch;

"Follow Christ, He is God; the World will hate you for it." (it is an overlooked truth)

But the Bible is very clear about just what we are to face as Christians, and adversity is part and parcel with our plight as the fallen race of mankind. Certainly we are made new Creatures when we repent and trust in Christ;

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17

But this only means we will respond differently to our adversity, not that the adversity will cease.

"and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved." Matthew 10:22 (read Matthew 10:16-25 for context)

It is quite plain in this passage that it is our plight to suffer for the sake of Christ. We are told in Luke;

"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Luke 9:23 (read Luke 9:23-26 for context)

Being a follower of Christ is not supposed to be simple and easy – it is something we must actively choose to do daily, and labour at. Seeking after Christ daily in His word, in fellowship with other believers and in prayer is vital to our Christian walk - and will not only draw us closer to Him, but will equip us to face adversity when we are confronted with it. Adversity has many faces, it is not all blatant persecution, sometimes it is temptation, attitudes, habitual sin, abuse, the enemy of Christ will present adversity in every way possible.

No matter the source of our adversity, it is always an opportunity to learn both, how better to serve Christ, and how to be an example of Christ to the World. Think of this in terms of your own life, as I have been challenged to do the same. Do you face adversity for the sake of the Gospel in your life? Or do you make decisions that will keep you "out of trouble" with the World? There is nothing more important than the gospel, we are all commanded to go and make disciples and teach;

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." ~ Matthew 28:19-20

This is our command, and we must all be doing it to the greatest of our ability, daily. If we are not at odds with the World for what we teach, or how we live, then are we really living and teaching correctly? The World and the Bible are at odds, we've seen that in scripture already, so if the World is comfortable with you then you are either not fulfilling the commands of God or you are not teaching Biblical truth. If we as Christians are not confronted with adversity, what does that say about our testimony for Christ to the World?

I am not suggesting that we go out and stir up trouble - I am suggesting that, Biblically speaking, the Word of God is abhorrent to the World and when we preach it, teach it and live it we will be repelled by the World and the Devil.

There is hope, and there is peace and there is understanding in Christ. Just read over the Beattitudes for a beautiful example of how we should live before Christ, and just how He feels about it!

"And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake." ~ Matthew 5:2-11

Christ came to Earth to redeem those who would follow after Him. He suffered much adversity, persecution, pain and death. He knows better than anyone the hatred of the World.

"If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you." ~ John 15:18

This may all seem very grim and not overly encouraging; your reaction might be "my Jesus would never let me suffer" (to which I assert you may very well serve a different Jesus than the one of Scripture - "For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many." ~ Matthew 24:5). But it is my hope that you will read this and receive it as an edification to Stand for Christ. It is so important that we, as Christians, understand the World as the Bible presents it. It is so important that we worship, pray and study together; and hold one another up through adversity and persecution. That is the only way we will ever be able to make sense of the lies and deceptions of a culture filled with glitter and sparkle. As Christians, we MUST suffer for Christ, if we are not, who are we pleasing? Ourselves or the World?

The time is now to stand for Christ in the face of Spiritual adversity.

the mighty mission group

Over the past few years we've had the privilege to present our ministry in various churches and in various capacities; sometimes Sunday morning, sometimes Sunday evening; during missions conferences and prayer meetings, youth groups, Christian schools, Sunday schools and Awana. Among all of these great opportunities that we have to share is a very special group of people. This group is known by various names, sometimes called W.M.S. (Womens Missionary Society), sometimes A.M.S. (Atlantic Missionary Society), sometimes W.M.F. (Womens Missionary Fellowship) and sometimes named in honour of a former labourer for the Lord now passed on. And to spite their names, these groups often include both men and women!

These groups are always a great blessing to us in their interest, dedication and value in cross-cultural and home missions. They are warriors in prayer who are committed to encouraging missionaries and holding them up in prayer regularly. It is humbling and encouraging to be able to be with them and share with them the work the Lord has laid on our hearts here at Arrowhead with NCEM.

I decided to share a bit with you about missionary groups, because in the past couple of weeks we have been blessed to be able to share with two different groups in Shediac and Saint John and will be sharing via correspondence with another this week. It is wonderful to know that people are burdened with missions and continue to pray regularly for the work the Lord is doing across our planet.

There is nothing more important than sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Please continue to pray that the Truth of the Gospel would continue to go forth in New Brunswick, in Canada and across the Globe. that more and more Christians would respond to the call to spread the Gospel to their neighbours, practically, but more importantly, verbally. That the message of Jesus Christ would resound aloud and abroad!

If you are not a part of a mission prayer group, please consider joining one (or starting one) at your home church. Begin to pray for pastors and missionaries, and begin to go out and share the gospel in your own community. It's what we're called to, no matter what our "vocation".

operation new books

Last year we put out a call for park benches for A.N.B.C., this year we are putting out a call for something a little different.

We are building brand new programs for our summer camps and a brand new 3 day staff training program. For these new programs we have some new materials on deck that we need to acquire for both training ministry and for camper ministry. We are hoping for 8 churches or groups that will partner with us in one of the following projects for printed materials for this years summer camp programs:

PROJECT 1
Cultural training manual for staff training • $450
This is a 152 page book that will assist with training our staff. It is a book written by the The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq and will be an invaluable tool in staff training. Usually retailing for $15, I have an opportunity to have 100 copies of the book printed for $4 per book plus shipping.

PROJECT 2
God has a Wonderful Plan for Your Life • $200
This book, written by Ray Comfort will be used as part of our staff training program. The book is an excellent teaching tool that will help ensure that all of our staff are on the same page with respect to evangelism and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. $200 will allow us to purchase 144 copies of the book for our staff training purposes.

PROJECT 3
Junior and Teen Camp Cabin Devotions Book • $250
We have the opportunity to purchase a chronological gospel devotional book. $250 will allow us to purchase 200 full colour copies including shipping.

PROJECT 4
Lil' Squirts camp Devotions book • $500
A is for Adam by Ken Ham from Answers in Genesis, this book would be used in conjunction with cabin devotions for our Lil' Squirts camp (ages 5 - 7). $500 will allow us to have 42 copies shipped to us.

PROJECT 5
The Action Bible • $300
A beautiful full colour hard cover book that presents the major Bible stories of the Old Testament from Creation through to Christ. It is presented in graphic novel format (comic book) and will be an excellent tool for ministering to our teen and junior camps. $300 will allow us to have 18 copies including shipping.

PROJECT 6
The Action Bible • $400
A beautiful full colour hard cover book that presents the major Bible stories of the Old Testament from Creation through to Christ. It is presented in graphic novel format (comic book) and will be an excellent tool for ministering to our teen and junior camps. $400 will allow us to have 24 copies including shipping.

PROJECT 7
The Action Bible • $500
A beautiful full colour hard cover book that presents the major Bible stories of the Old Testament from Creation through to Christ. It is presented in graphic novel format (comic book) and will be an excellent tool for ministering to our teen and junior camps. $500 will allow us to have 30 copies including shipping.

PROJECT 8
The Action Bible • $1000
A beautiful full colour hard cover book that presents the major Bible stories of the Old Testament from Creation through to Christ. It is presented in graphic novel format (comic book) and will be an excellent tool for ministering to our teen and junior camps. $1000 will allow us to have 60 copies including shipping.

Please prayerfully consider joining with us in ministry this summer by assisting us with one of these projects. If your church or group would like to join with us for one of these projects please drop me a line and let me know so we can avoid overlaps. ANBC relies on the financial support of churches and individuals who are sold out for the Gospel and sharing it with Canada's First Nations people. We have been so blessed by financial and prayer support over the years and continue to be excited about sharing the Gospel clearly and completely, through good staff training, good cabin devotions and chapel services as well as discipleship! This year, Lord willing, we are hopeful to have some excellent materials to work with.

Thanks for taking the time to read about some of our projects, I look forward to hearing from you.

mawio'mi: the gathering (ANBC Men's Retreat 2012)

Well, it's that time of year again. We're currently getting ready for our men's retreat. Arrowhead is hosting our second annual Men’s Gathering conference on March 30, 31 and April 1, 2012. 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 Sean Crowe and we’ll enjoy some electrical engineering with Adam Pearce. The plan is to build some mini robots... so be sure to register early so we can be sure to have enough material for everyone!

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 registration form and brochure by clicking the following link (or by clicking the banner to the right):
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/24787531/Men%27s%20Retreat%202012.pdf

We're looking forward to a fantastic weekend and hope to see you there!

wonderful full days

"O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." Psalm 136:1

As our schedule fills with meetings, ministry updates, doctor's appointments, events and conferences, we are busily preparing for our upcoming programs at the Center. It is so very humbling to see how God arranges the timetable and brings all of the pieces together.

This past weekend I was very much encouraged by a road trip with three men from our home church to NBBI for the "Men for God" retreat. The opportunity for fellowship and time in the word was tremendous.

It had stormed a bit while we were away, and I was faced with a dilemma. A rental of the Center was scheduled for Monday and I did not feel I would be able to plow the driveway; you see, the problem wasn't the snow, but the ice underneath of the snow. We've had a tremendously mild winter this year and a week ago we had quite a thaw. A lot of the snow melted, but it left a nice thick sheet of ice on the ANBC driveway. The powdery snow on top made it impossible to plow. I opted to pack it down instead - which worked perfectly. I began to wonder at that point if I'd have to fire up the tractor at all this winter. But that question was clearly answered yesterday. We finally got a decent amount of Maritime snow. So, with a bit of apprehension at first (as it's been quite some time since I last plowed), I fired up the Massey and enjoyed doing the first plow of 2012.

The rental at the center went well. It was a group of foreign exchange students from China, they rented the center last year as well and seemed to very much enjoy the opportunity to do some outdoor things and camp out in the lodge.

I'm currently reviewing some material for our summer camps and staff training. I'm very excited about the materials that the Lord has been bringing our way. Once everything is in place I will share the various materials with you here.

Please keep us in prayer as we continue to travel for meetings and doctors appointments. The winter isn't over yet!