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| Greetings! | Note from the Director:
Vitality of Living and Walking in the Word for Effective Service
Hebrews 6: 7 - 8 "Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned."
I was reading the book of the Hebrews not too long ago and was thoroughly delighted and encouraged with God's Word for us as His followers. This book, plus many other Scriptural references reminds us of the vitality of living and walking by the Word if we are to be victorious in our daily Christian walk. It reminds us of our role in allowing the "RAIN," the Word of God, in our lives, being nourished with it for fruitfulness and effectiveness in our lives as we continue serving the Lord. In addition, it reminds us of our responsibility as His people, for us to pay careful attention to His Word (2: 1), grow in our walk with God (6:1) and be faithful in following Him (11:6), as well as encouraging one another, through fellowship and times together (12:2, 13:25) as followers of Christ. These Christian principles are crucial in our lives if we are to live victoriously. It is also paramount if we are to be effective in touching lives for the Kingdom of God. The big question is, how much time are we spending in the Word? I pray that we will look deep into our lives and allow for intimate moments to be with the Lord in His Word and in prayer in the midst of our busy schedules, as we continue to live for Him in this world.
Below are some highlights for the past months and we hope it will be an encouragement in your life as we share what the Lord is doing at SCA Eagle's Cove Ministry Centre. |
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| Contact Information | |
SCA Eagle's Cove
Bera's Cell:
(807) 621-7590
Bonita's Cell:
(807) 621-7591
Email address: bledua@scainternational.org 235 Warnica Lake Rd. W Gorham, ON, P7G 0Y5
Check out our website:
www.scainternational.org
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Select Eagle's Cove from the drop-down. Specify designations (if any) in the info box. |
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SCA Eagle's Cove Update
| Going Forward:
Development - Discussions, correspondence, and meetings are well underway in regards to continued development. Our deepest appreciation to the architect and members of the building committee from the Toronto area who were here recently to see the sight for the next staff housing, and to look over the site for the future lodge. A Building Committee and Capital Campaign Committee have been formed and have already been a huge asset to future planning and development.
Arrangement for Teams - Consulting work and discussions are well underway for Project Teams and Outreach Teams that are coming to help for the next few months. There are other new churches stepping up to help and we are grateful to the Lord for all the groups/teams that are planning on coming. Bonita has spent some time in the Toronto area with some of these groups to prepare for their arrival.
Outreach:
Farewell Family Event - On Saturday, Feb 25th, we had a Family Event at the Cove with some of the regular families who have been coming, as well as new ones. The event was also an occasion to bid farewell to a family moving to Oshawa. In total there were almost 40 (adults & children) who have become a part from our family. The weather was just right and the Lord blessed our time together as we enjoy fun and fellowship extending well into the evening. Bonita drove twice to the city that night to get everyone back home which was tiring but it was a great time of connecting!
Eagle`s Cove -In The City - We have been offered office and program space at the Redwood Park Church Opportunity Centre, using it as a connection place for people living in the city. It has been dubbed "Eagle's Cove-In the City." With the help of some of the women who have been to the Cove for family events and others, the office and program room was cleaned up and decorated, in preparation for the Open House which took place on March 8th. The Open House went well; many families who had attended Family Events showed up, as well as some new folks. One of the ladies who had been involved with the program for four years shared how much Eagle's Cove has meant to her.
Building Relationships - On Thursdays I spend time at the Opportunity Centre during their Food Bank Program. While there I make connections with families and individuals. Visitations have already begun with some families, getting to know them, helping them in other ways, and building relationships. We are really excited about what the Lord is doing in regards to this opportunity and are looking forward to whatever He has in regards to this partnerships.
Reball - On January 18th, we had a Reball game at the local FN High School, first for Phys. Ed classes and later for an after school activity. It was great to be with the students and staff. We look forward to the weekend camps and retreats with the students at the Cove in the coming weeks. Please remember our students in your prayers as they adjust to an urban lifestyles, as well as for healing in their lives due to traumatic situations they have gone through.
Connections with First Nations Leaders:
Gathering Nations International Youth Symposium - For three days, Jan 5th - 7th, Torika and I attended a conference in Thunder Bay. It was an opportunity to empower our young people in their leadership roles for the future. As a Centre, we sponsored one of Torika's school friends, a First Nation teenager, living in the city with her parents. She started attending church and brings her family at times. We both enjoyed the conference and the teaching, and Torika was also able to attend further leadership training with GNI in Ottawa this past weekend (Feb 24th-26th), thanks to sponsorships that she received.
Educators & High School - Recently I sat in a  meeting with FN Leaders, as well as the Principal to discuss some difficult situations their High School students are going through. Later I visited with the Principal as he shared with me the need to help some of these struggling students. Our plans for the future, as the facilities are developed and with adequate, qualified staff, is to host some of the students at the Cove for few days at a time, giving them a break from the city, as well as giving them moments to be by themselves to refocus on their situation. While at the Cove, we will offer them some counseling, help them with their academics, spend time with them, as well as pray with them.
Lunch with Grand Chief -On Feb 10th, I had lunch with the NAN Grand Chief which gave opportunity to update him with what we are doing, as well as seeking his advises on other opportunities to serve.
Keewaytinook Okimakanak Chief's Meetings - On March 12 &,13 I had the opportunity to attend a two days Chief's meetings for a group of six communities. It was very effective in building relationships and connecting with the leadership of the students who come to retreats at the Cove, or for re-ball and paintball events.
SCA International:
Funeral for Chairman of SCA International Board - The Chairman of the SCA International Board and friend, Sheldon Street, passed away. He died of heart attack at his work on January 27th. The Lord used Sheldon to find the property for SCA Eagle's Cove Ministry Centre. We hope to honour such service for God in dedicating the next Staff House in memory and honour of his life and service to God. He leaves behind his parents, his loving wife, a son and daughter and grandchildren. Sheldon was 63yrs old when the Lord called him home. Please remember his friends and family in your prayers.
New Applicants for Part-time/Full-time Staff - As the work and ministries keep developing, we are seeing the need for more workers at the Centre. Please continue to stand with us in praying for people who are interested in joining us full-time and part-time staff at this Centre. Considering my ailing physical health and work load for both Bonita and I, we definitely need extra help with the work.
Work on the SCA Training Manuals (Feb 28th - March 6th) - Carol Loney & Bonita have been working on the Training Manuals for future SCA missionary training. As we move forward as an organization we want help our new workers be well prepared for the tasks ahead. Both Carol and Bonita have been very instrumental in doing counseling courses in areas where the SCA Ministry Centres are situated working alongside supporting churches in bringing healing upon our people.
Connections with Churches- The Thursday Prayer times with a group of local Pastors in Thunder Bay continue to be a time of encouragement in my life. Please pray for opportunities to report/share at local churches, inviting their partnerships in the work at SCA Eagle's Cove.
Conclusion:
Words of appreciation from the Cove - We want to share our gratitude to all of you, friends and supporters, for the funds sent in, including some year-end donations. With such funds we are now proceeding ahead with some physical developments and are anticipating a very busy year of work projects and summer ministries.
Need for more financial supporters - As with any other pioneering work in establishing new work and ministries, and as it keeps progressing and developing, the need for funds for such projects are always paramount. The Lord seems to be opening up many doors of service and people who are serving and responding. Please stand with us in praying for the funds for the physical development of the facilities, as well as funding for salaries for staff. If you are led by the Lord to help us in this way, please contact us for more information or got to our website to find out how you can give.
Rejoice - In light of all that has been done, connections made, people visited, and help received during the last few weeks, we are grateful to the Lord for what is happening. We are tired at times, yet are fulfilled and blessed to be part of what is happening in Thunder Bay and the surrounding areas. Please remember us in your prayers for strength and wisdom in our lives as we continue to serve. Our deepest appreciation goes to you all for your prayers, support, and help to us. The Lord's blessings be with you all as we work together for His Kingdom.
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Praise & Prayer
| Thank the Lord for the Open House for SCA Eagle's Cove -IN-THE-CITY Ministries last week. It was well attended by families from low income housing.
Thank the Lord for the partnership with Redwood Park Church in Thunder Bay. They gave us two rooms for offices in city, as well as the use of the basement of the Opportunity Centre for family events. Pray for continued work at the Opportunity Centre and for families contacted and visited in their homes. Pray also for effective use of the Centre for Family Events and awareness of ministries in city.
Thank the Lord for the Christian architect who is working on plans for staff housing and the main lodge. Pray for him as he is working diligently on lodge plans.
Thank the Lord for volunteers coming in a couple weeks to help with the new staff house. Pray for safety as they work.
Praise for committee members (building & capital campaign) helping in the housing projects and raising funds.
Thank the Lord for opportunity to attend the KO (Keewaytinook Okimakanak) Northern Chiefs Tribal Council meeting
Pray for wisdom and discernment as we work with those interested in applying for full-time positions at the Cove.
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| SCA . . .
Invite to Jesus;
Connect in Community;
Equip to Lead.
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