…because everywhere we look we see the Canadian Maple Leaf!
The managers at the camp ground we stayed at in Red Deer gave us these sun glasses as a souvenir to remember our stay - and that we will! Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. C.!
“I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalms 34:1)
As we pulled into the parking lot, our front tires glided over the seemingly firm gravel driveway, but sadly as Uriah climbed the slight hill, it’s back tires started slipping on the mud. Dad tried backing up (He’s an excellent driver and has gotten us out of so many “tuff” situations!), and pretty soon we noticed our back tires disappearing into the mud. The tires quit disappearing when it reached a slick layer of ice underneath! Reality = there was no getting out until there was some assistance! We all started praying. John started to work trying different ways to help us get out, but to no avail. A friendly neighbor noticed our distress and came over with his Yukon and tow rope to see if that would help us get out.
They got everything all hooked up, but as soon as the Yukon started to pull, the rope broke! At that point, we knew that we were going need something much bigger to pull us out. A tow truck was soon to be called, but our coordinator’s husband worked at a truck dealership and offered to bring out a truck to pull out the bus. It was reported that he was on his way, and we were very grateful that we didn’t have to call a tow truck. Meanwhile, we started focusing on getting setup for the conference. Just a little later, a truck pulled up whom Dad thought was the coordinator’s husband.
We all heard that the bus was going to get pulled out now, so we gathered outside to watch. The man got his truck into position and hooked the sling to the bus. We were all so excited when he pulled the bus out! Only afterward, did Dad realize that it was not the coordinator’s husband but a passerby that had kindly stopped to lend a hand. Are these Canadians ever so kind? Eh?
The coordinator’s husband didn’t have a cell phone, so we couldn’t tell him that we were out of the mud hole! He showed up a little later with a truck, and we were so grateful for the effort that he made to come help us!
Anna
Almost out...
“He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.” (Psalms 145:19)
We had a neat experience on Sunday after church. Dad took us to drive over an ice bridge. When driving to La Crete, we didn’t drive the bus over the ice bridge – the shortest route to La Crete and the way most of the local residents would go – due to concerns about the grade on either side of the bridge and possibly “high-centering.” We had to go the long way around which cost us an extra hour.
There was a family who graciously lent us their van while we were in La Crete, and so we were able to use the van to drive to the ice bridge to evaluate whether on the return trip home we thought we could take it with the bus. Of course when we were there, we drove over it and back although the decision was it wouldn’t be good for the bus to try it. The approach was too rough for the bus.
Driving on the ice bridge actually didn’t seem too odd because there was snow on either side of it, so it felt as if we were driving through an ice field. We were very grateful to Dad for taking us for the drive!
Anna
The ferry used in the summer months.
The ice bridge.
Our wonderful driver!
We had the windows open for better photos, so it was a bit chilly.
“He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.” (Psalms 147:16)
This conference gets the award of geographically being our most northern conference! Friday was a busy day! We started out by doing our normal routine of devotions, exercise, breakfast, and getting ready for the day. At 9:00 a.m., some fathers and sons came to set up the chairs. There was much teamwork, and soon everything was prepared in no time. Meanwhile, many of us worked on the book tables and sound.
Thursday, a lady who works at one of the care centers where we sang had invited us spur-of-the moment over for lunch the next day at her home with her family. We were greatly blessed by her offer of hospitality to a family she didn’t even know. We finished setup and then went over to her house for lunch! We had a wonderful time together, and they cooked a delicious lunch. In addition, Friday afternoon, a mom stopped by the bus and brought us some home-made treats and another mom gave us some at the conference.
It was a joy to see the large group Friday evening. Considering the population of the city and surrounding area, it was amazing the turn out. Music and the Building a Vision session went smoothly! What made this conference a little different was that we had a closing session at 6:30 p.m.. on Saturday. Normally the conference ends after the 2:00 session. Dad and Mom’s closing session was entitled Anger Relationship Poison.
Set up.
Practice time.
The Dads praying together.
The two front speakers were causing feedback trouble, so Dad came up with a creative way to cut down the feedback.
Dessert!
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
I’m sorry, but we’re running behind in our posts. The weekend report is in drafts and being completed, and we will be compiling one on our “rescue,” as well as the conference. In addition, we plan to send out the April Corners Tuesday, the 5th.
More later!
Sarah
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him” (Psalms 28:7).
5:15 p.m. Update: We’re out! Details later, but it did not involve a tow truck, but rather the Lord sent someone along. It’s time for dinner and finishing set up, so we’ll have to post pictures later tonight or tomorrow of the process. Thanks for praying!
We arrived at our church for the conference tonight here in Grande Prairie, but the bus is now stuck in the mud/ice on the driveway which is on an incline. We would be so grateful for your prayers as we try to get it out without needing to call a tow truck. In the meanwhile, some will be setting up the book tables while the others work on it.
We appreciate your prayers! You all are so faithful to pray for us. Life is an adventure on the road.
Sarah
I guess we're stuck!
”The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty” (Psalms 29:4).
We just saw two moose! We always enjoy any wildlife we see, and these two moose crossed in front of us! We were going to stop and take some more pictures, but they disappeared into the trees before we could snap any closeups.
Anna
“And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.” (Genesis 1:24)
One of the blessings of being able to travel is the experience of some different things. This is the farthest north that I have been. As we were driving the other day, I realized that there might be the chance of seeing the northern lights (aurora borealis). I checked and it looked like there was a slight chance that we might see this amazing phenomena. But I also prayed, as I know that God controls the weather, and the space weather, and that He could send the northern lights. And, He did! It was a beautiful demonstration to me of how He answers small and seemingly insignificant requests like this.
Joseph
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psalms 19:1).
It’s 10:30, and it’s been an incredible weekend. The day didn’t end until after 9 p.m. tonight, as Dad and Mom did a special “wrap up” session, and by the time we talked, and fellowshipped some more and packed up the book tables, it was after 9. After family Bible time, we saw a special surprise tonight. I’ll leave it with that, but we’ll post on it later. We’ll do a “real” post on the conference tomorrow or Monday; I wanted to give you a few pictures for now!
With a full heart,
Sarah for the rest
“O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our day” (Psalms 90:14).
Set up has been completed (with much help this morning!), music practice finished, and we are excited about tonight. Please join us in prayer for this evening!
Sarah
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalms 90:12).
It was an incredible honor to be able to share with two different homes yesterday. The first home was a long-term care facility, and most of the residents were not very communicative. They loved the music, though! One man in particular, Thomas, pulled out his harmonica, and played along.
Thomas
At the second home, we had a good group of around fifty. It was a total joy to be able to share with them in music and testimony. They were happy to hear the music, and then afterward, we were blessed to spend time talking.
At the second home.
This was the first time we left our shoes at the door 
, something we're not used to! It is the custom up here as affirmed by the sign at the door.
Last night, on our way to dinner, we saw a sawmill. The smell was wonderful: fresh pine!
“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27).
Today was a full day, as we shared in two different care homes, and then had supper with friends tonight. Since I don’t have time at the moment to do today justice, but I definitely captured it with my camera, I’ll leave you with a few pictures now, and then you can watch for a full post later.
Sarah
At the first home
At the second home.
Tonight at dinner
“I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations” (Psalms 108:3).
“Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary” (Psalms 96:6).
It is amazing how close we are to the Northwest Territories.
Welcome sign
Where we are parked
The Heritage Center, where the conference will be this weekend
Since we’re here early, you might wonder what we’re going to do? Well, tomorrow at 10 a.m. and at 3 p.m., we are scheduled to sing and share testimonies at two older folks’ homes here in town. We are looking forward to it!
Sarah
”For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not” (2 Corinthians 8:12).
A few quotes we’ve heard.
“All roads lead to La Crete.”
“You don’t pass La Crete.”
“I’m from La Crete.” (It seems almost everyone is from there!)
I took this picture as we went through a small town awhile ago. It is probably similar to a community center in the States.
This is not a snow-covered lake but rather just a field. We've seen tons of snow-covered fields today.
We're getting used to seeing bilingual signs: in English and in French.
Peace River
It appears that the ice is breaking up a bit due to the bridge supports.
We are excited to arrive in La Crete late this afternoon!
Sarah for the rest
“By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened” (Job 37:10).
We have felt very welcome in all of the towns we’ve been in so far! Yesterday, in Slave Lake, the conference went great. The pastor at the church was very hospitable, and we were grateful for the use of the facility. We were able to park right next to the building, which made load-in easier. Our coordinators treated us to pizza and ice cream for dinner!
We’ve definitely experienced Canadian Hospitality! The family we stayed with over the weekend actually modified their shop door for us to be able to get in. It was not a small modification. We knew nothing about their work on the door until after we were there, plus they had added a 50 amp plug in the building–talk about thoughtfulness! They also provided us with amazing meals. Then, last night, instead of staying parked at the church, the coordinators found us a place we could stay at that had a plug in. It was a friend of their’s who owned a trucking and logging company! It was a wonderful place to stay, and it allowed our batteries to fully charge.
Dessert time
Setting up!
Jesse trucking books in.
The church
“Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality” (Romans 12:13).
It’s a sunny afternoon, here in Slave Lake. We are delighted to have arrived and see the sun! I guess we’re hitting the thawing season now, as there are large puddles on street corners. Since we’re parked next to a corner, we’ve observed many vehicles hitting the large puddles and a spray of dirty water washes onto their vehicle. We are also going to be in the minority, seeing as we didn’t bring any boots.
Practicing in the bus
Smile!
Piles of snow along the side of the road.
Since they've had so much snow, there have been many accidents.
Slave Lake
Anna and Mary actually saw a MOOSE today as we drove! It was a very quick sighting, but it was definitely a Mama Moose! Amazing . Although we kept an eye out after that, we didn’t see any more.
We’re looking forward to the conference tonight, and then we’ll be heading to LaCrete tomorrow.
Sarah for the rest
“O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever” (Psalms 118:1).
You might think that all of our weekend conferences are the same, and yes, in content they are, but there are many different variables to each. For example: the church layout of the building, the weather, the acoustics in the sanctuary where we do music, and the people who attend .
Music Friday evening went quite smoothly. It’s always a joy to hear each of my family share a testimony and what the Lord has laid on their hearts to share with the group. After a quick break, Dad and Mom gave Building a Vision.
Saturday dawned cloudy and cold, but we were ready for the day. Generally, we are in the church about 8, putting the final touches on our set up. The guys are responsible for the audio/visual items, and we girls finish up tidying at the book tables and hang signs to the sessions if needed, and talk to families arriving as we’re able. Time flies!
Our hearts were so encouraged by the Lord visibly working in lives. Thank You, Lord Jesus!
It was a fast-paced day, and we had a few issues with our computers/printers at the book tables, which made it a little harder, but the Lord is good.
We look forward to Slave Lake, Tuesday night!
Sarah
“I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope” (Psalms 130:5).
We wanted to let you know of a new addition to our Canadian schedule. We’ve just added Grand Prairie, as a single-evening, a week from tonight, April 4th. Please see this link for more info.
Tomorrow night, we’ll be giving a conference in Slave Lake, and then this weekend, we’re going to LaCrete, in northern Alberta.
I’ll be posting a conference report later, and probably another post on something else as well.
Sarah
“He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend” (Proverbs 22:11).
Sometimes this is made very clear. For example, yesterday, as we were driving from the conference, the overwhelming smell of sewer hit us. We tried to ignore it, but oh no, the smell was very strong. Occasionally, the smell of Febreeze (bathroom fresher) would waft through the front cabin, in an effort to dilute the odor.
What was the cause? Joseph and John figured it out. The windvane on the sewer vent had frozen in the forward position so as we drove it forced air into the sewer tank and fumes into the cabin, which resulted in the awful smell.
Today, John climbed up to the vent to see if it was still frozen and to try to seal it in the correct position. The smell is no longer in the air, so hopefully that won’t happen again, but, since we’re going north, and we’re still in freezing temperatures, it wouldn’t surprise me .
Sarah
“He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved” (Psalms 62:2).
We’ll give a report on the conference later, but it was such a joy to be able to share with the group that came to Edmonton. Ah, what a blessing! But, more on that later.
For now, guess where we are parked? First time we’ve done this: Home Sweet Barn!
Good night. We’re all tired.
Sarah
“Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word” (Psalms 119:114).
The Lord brought another amazing group out tonight, in wintry Edmonton . We were so blessed to be able to share tonight and look forward to tomorrow!
Sarah for the rest
“My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever” (Psalms 145:21).
Here we are at our first Canadian destination for this trip: Edmonton, Alberta! We look forward to a full weekend ahead.
We actually arrived about 1 p.m., after running a few errands. We’re already set up and ready to go. The sun is even shining, but it still feels like we’re in the middle of winter . Thank you for your prayers. We are so grateful!
It feels like we’re pretty far north. But, the assistant pastor here told us that they support missionaries in the Arctic Circle, and Edmonton is just half way between Jacksonville, Florida and the Arctic Circle. How amazing is that?
Sarah for the rest
“The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy;
he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).
Our back up camera became so dirty after all our miles of winter driving. So, John came up with the idea to stand on the dumpster to reach the camera to clean it.
Good job, John!
Sarah
“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Psalms 51:7).
When we were on our way to Edmonton, we happened to be about 3 hours from the D family. So they graciously, made the 3 hour trek to Twin Falls so we could share an evening together. We had dinner and devotions, and then we stayed up late talking making the most out of our short time! The next morning we sadly had to leave not knowing what the road conditions were going to be. We had a few minutes of prayer and talking before we left. We had a very blessed time, and we are grateful to the D’s for coming all the way to Twin Falls.
Mr. D. blessed us with a wonderful dinner out! Thank you so much, Mr. D.!
Ah, dessert time! One of the best parts...
Prayer time before we left.
The two Johns.
Waving Good-bye!
In Christ,
Anna
“I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalms 34:1)