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Over the Years in Canada
UIM International has been privileged to share the Gospel of Christ in Canada since 1958, following the urging of a Native leader and a survey of the need in British Columbia (B.C.). Utilizing the piloting skills of Jim Robertson and his single engine plane in the "early days," flying in and out of remote villages with a pontoon-equipped aircraft in summer and skis attached in winter, the lakes of B.C. provided good access opportunities. Many others have served in B.C. over the years with the reward of fruitful ministry. Years of devoted ministry by faithful servants such as Marvin and Lorraine Anderson have resulted in many aboriginal people coming to faith in Jesus Christ.
The Lord has seen fit to allow the ministry of UIM International in B.C. to grow and expand, in recent years including the province of Quebec. Here a faithful family, the Laras from Guadalajara, Mexico, reaches members of the Attikamek Tribe. It's not easy or simple, and many are the challenges and obstacles, but faithfulness perseveres and spiritual fruit is being realized.
Read on . . . and learn a bit more from your
UIM Connection!
In Christ Jesus,
 Dan Fredericks, Executive Director
UIM International
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Passing the Baton of Faith
Marvin and Lorraine Anderson served faithfully with UIM International in British Columbia beginning in 1974. Teaming with other missionaries, they painstakingly ministered to the Carrier Tribe, not seeing much spiritual fruit for many years. Fear of evil spirits, fear of the dark, fear of the mountain and the lake--even fear of angering a fir tree by removing its bark for Native medicine dominated many of the people.
Being faithful to God's Word, they taught the truth not only to the Canadian indigenous people but to their own family (2 Tim. 3:15). Their son and his wife, Doug and Sherrie Anderson, joined the UIM B.C. team in 1979 and after a two-year struggle of their own, God purposely brought interested people and Kyah Fellowship in Moricetown was planted. Both families found that the best way to reach Natives is to first of all pray but then get involved in the community wherever the people are. Doug has served with the fire department, gone hunting and he and Sherrie have both taught archery to the local school students. They have a weekly pizza night in their home that is open to everyone within the community. During the time of fellowship a Bible story is given.
As the years passed and time came to "retire" from full-time ministry, Marvin and Lorraine continued to be available and helpful to the people and ministries they had served together. They were instrumental in seeing local churches develop, including Kyah Bible Fellowship.
Lorraine passed away May 1, 2014, and Marvin recently on March 7, 2015. Their ministry on earth is over but will continue thanks to the faithfulness they showed to their Lord in teaching Native Canadians and their immediate family.
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Multiplying by a Grain of Wheat
In Quebec, Canada, Adalberto and Everth Lara meet weekly with about 30 Attikamek adults and 18 children. They visit the sick, share Scripture at funerals, evangelize unbelievers, and encourage believers. Two decades ago, Manawan Reserve was known as "too dangerous for missionaries." The Laras were warned not to go to this village filled with violence, gangs, alcoholism, drugs, and suicide, but that's where God led. Bible-based family counselors, they were drawn to needy Attikameks, especially youth. A teen suicide opened the door for ministry to the girl's uncle, who, with his son, trusted Christ. Soon, his daughter, her husband, and two more Attikameks trusted Christ! Personal visits, Bible studies, summer Bible camps, and the witness of the Laras and Attikamek Christians have resulted in transformed lives. More than 40 people have professed faith in Christ. Some have been baptized; others hesitate, facing opposition. The suicide rate has dropped, and a small congregation now gathers weekly. The "grain of wheat" is multiplying!
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