Cariboo Church: Nazko and Area Dakelh Outreach

“When [Jesus] saw the crowds he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.’” (Matt. 9:36-37)

It is with this amazing love of Jesus that we seek to reach out to the rural and remote people of the Cariboo region of British Columbia. We seek to remain faithful labourers in that harvest field. In the northern part of our region these efforts continue to take on a distinctively First Nations flavour. Our house church fellowships in Nazko (Ndazkoh) and Quesnel as well as our satellite ministry in
just plain fun. In June, First Nations’ recording artist and preacher Cheryl Bear and her family joined us for Aboriginal Day celebrations in Quesnel, and helped display the love of Christ for First Nations people. In July a Korean Love Corps team returned once again and reached out in Kluskus (Lhoosk’uz) continued faithfully through 2008. Another nearby house church in the non-native ranching community of Punchaw continued to meet regularly for worship, fellowship and teaching.

It is with this amazing love of Jesus that we seek to reach out to the rural and remote people of the Cariboo region of British Columbia.

In addition to our regular worship gatherings, we also enjoyed several special events through 2008 which displayed Christ’s amazing love for us and all the people of this region. In January a consultation with others in First Nations ministry helped Shannon and I share the struggles of this work with those who truly understand. In May, Shannon and Dave Webber (of our southern ministry) co-led a special weekend for several teenaged girls to experience the love of Christ through worship, fellowship, teaching and just plain fun. In June, First Nations’ recording artist and preacher Cheryl Bear and her family joined us for Aboriginal Day celebrations in Quesnel, and helped display the love of Christ for First Nations people. In July a Korean Love Corps team returned once again and reached out in love and blessing to the whole community of Nazko. And in December the demonstrations of love culminated in the special Christmas luncheon for the elders of Nazko and the distribution of Christmas gifts for the children.

Of course there are continuing struggles in our region. The downturn in the economy, the continuing struggle of cattle ranchers to make ends meet and the ongoing crisis of addiction, poverty and despair among many First Nations people are only a few. The devastating suicide of a 34 year-old man in Kluskus in November was a most tragic example. These struggles only show how harassed and helpless we can be and how much we continue to need the overwhelming compassion and love of Jesus.

We deeply appreciate your prayers and support for those of us who labour for Christ in this harvest field. Blessings in Christ.

— The Reverends John Wyminga and Shannon Bell-Wyminga