The Pastor's Perspective

This final post will be divided into 3 sections. First will be today’s events. Second will be special thanks to all who helped, and third will be my thoughts on the week. Today was once again a travel day. After saying goodbye to the Websters, we headed towards Burlington, VT. We did schedule a few detours along the way. The first was a final stop at Tim Horton’s for their fantastic doughnuts, heavenly Timbits, and dreadful coffee. We then proceeded to the US Border with a couple of bathroom stops on the way. The border crossing was very smooth. We did ensure that all our passports were stamped for posterities sake. After an unsuccessful attempt to find and drive to New York State (who knew New York was so hard to find), we dropped off the cars and are now sitting in the airport awaiting our flight.

We would like to take a moment to thank all those who helped make this trip a good one. Thank you to Pastor Jim and the Pastoral staff for their permission and support, the deacons and the stew/fi for helping fund the trip, the parents for allowing their children to go on the trip, those who gave towards the trip, and the Websters and their church who we will mention in a moment. Your help had a lasting impact on these young people.

Going into this trip we had several goals that we wanted to see accomplished. Obviously we went to work, so our hope was that we would be a blessing to the Websters through that work. These kids worked very hard all week. Without complaint they did everything that was asked of them and more. The work they did was superb. We also hoped that they would see a few things in Canada that would spur their hearts towards missions. Seeing this accomplished greatly depended on the Websters and the people of their church. We found in the Websters a kindred spirit. Their compassion and love for people was as evident as their heart for God. They continually sacrificed their time throughout the week to take us throughout the region around Quebec City to show us both the needs and the culture of Quebec City. Through the Basilica and Old Quebec City we were exposed to a great need in the province for a Gospel influence. The Chute De Montmorency and Isle D’ Orleans showed us the splendor of God in creation. We continually challenged that that no matter what God calls them to, they have a responsibility to be involved in the great commission. Another desire was for the young people to see that Christian love overcomes cultural and language barriers. For this the people of the Websters church were vital. Benoit, Jeremy, Pierre, Mimi, Celine, Carol, and many other showed that even though we do not speak the same language we are brothers and sisters in Christ. There was a bond that nothing else can explain. My heart was full when Caleb commented on this fact Friday night. All week we have been focusing on a concept borrowed from John Piper for our devotions time: Don’t waste your life. This morning we challenged them with the concept, don’t waste your trip. If all they get out of this trip is a good time and a trip out of the country then the trip was a waste. However, if they keep in their hearts the lessons learned through this trip and fan the flame towards a greater heart for missions then the trip was far from a waste. It is to this end that we pray and asked that you would pray with us.

Pastor Dave and Heather