To Canada With Love By Judy Wiedenkeller

"We planted some seeds." That's how 37 young people from Brookfield Lutheran Church, Brookfield, Wisconsin, described the two weeks they spent in Saskatchewan, Canada, teaching Vacation Bible School to the Cree Indians living in the area.

The group boarded four rented motor homes and arrived at La Ronge, the base camp, four days later. At La Ronge they were assigned their teams and met with the LAMP pastor in charge. He led them in a lakeside communion service. Then he flew them to their assignments: Drinking Falls, McIntosh and Black Bear Lakes. Several teens and counselors drove to Brabant and Lake Besnard.

The nights were cold for those who slept in tents and small cabins. Despite the chill, days were filled with establishing relationships with the Indians and others, planting some seeds.

Using American Bible Society materials and their own creative ideas, the teams reached out to the quiet Indian people, showing their care and giving of themselves.

The young people planted some seeds of love, especially vital because little emotion is shown among the Indian people. The demonstrations of kindness and affection brought a response and the Cree children brought small gifts and returned smiles, begging "please come back," and "remember us."

The young people planted some seeds of fellowship. Chief John Hastings and his wife, DeMar, welcomed them warmly with open hearts. "I have been praying for some fellowship," the Indian woman said. "It gets so lonely."

Eric, a Christian who worked at one of the fishing camps, was depressed and found it difficult to share his faith. He felt encouraged and uplifted by the teens.

A geologist, an outspoken atheist, openly critical of the team and its goals, began to soften by the love he witnessed among the team members.

A young pastor and his family in a neighboring campground, ready to leave for a missionary assignment in Pakistan, were strengthened through the bond of prayer and encouragement shared through the Word.

Small victories, perhaps, but seeds were sown. Where ever the Word is, God's presence and promises are also. Bibles and ABS materials were eagerly accepted, allowing the Holy Spirit an avenue for continued work.

The team returned with joy and satisfaction. They had allowed themselves to be used to sow some seeds. They knew, as St. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:6, The person who does the planting or watering isn't very important, but God is important because He is the one who makes things grow.