Mission Grant #21 โGod's Grace for This Generation โ LAMP Ministry Inc.โ $100,000
God's Grace for This Generation โ LAMP Ministry Inc.
By Cheri Fish, Mission Editor
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen (Ephesians 3:20โ21 NIV).
For more than 50 years, LAMP Ministry Inc. has been committed to taking the Gospel to northern Canada where nearly one million indigenous people live in isolated areas reachable only by aircraft or seasonal roads. About half of the population is under the age of 14 โ an entire generation who has not been taught the Holy Scriptures and the hope that is theirs through Jesus. These children and youth are facing worldly influences and challenges that often lead them to hopelessness and despair. ย
On Indian reservations, employment is limited and housing inadequate. The rates of violence, HIV, drug and alcohol abuse, fetal alcohol syndrome, and diabetes are significantly higher than most of the world. Life expectancy is only ages 45โ55, while younger and younger children are committing suicide. The internet has replaced the godly wisdom of elders, and children are receiving corrupt information โ much of which they are unable to properly process. Social media, bullying, and worldly values cause the youth to feel worthless and to give up hope. ย
Through the LWML mission grant received at the Mobile convention in 2019, LAMP is able to go into these communities, conduct VBS, teach Bible studies, and provide one-on-one testimony to the hope available through faith in Jesus. ย
LAMP missionaries and pilots recruit, train, and support hundreds of volunteers who serve year-round. By His grace and support from this grant, LAMPโs staff and volunteers are not only reaching more communities, but they are visiting them more than once a year.
Repeat volunteer missionaries, including LWML members, build relationships of trust as they share the love of Christ. In the community of Red Sucker Lake, one volunteer and her family have shared a 30+ year journey of faith and friendship with the Harper family. They have encouraged and taught Scott and Sean Harper from a young age and encouraged them as they became Christian men as well as servants among their people. Sean is now the local pastor, and Scott is a social worker in the northern communities, as well as serving as a LAMP board member. ย
A state of emergency was declared in the northern community of Cross Lake after six suicides occurred in two months and 140 suicides were attempted in two weeks. This community of 8,300 was traumatized and asked for immediate help. LAMP sent a pastor-pilot and a team to support them and share assurance and comfort from Scripture. They proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus, our only true source of comfort and hope. ย
Things began to change in Cross Lake. Encouraged, local leaders were built up and able to serve their own people. Because they knew LAMP missionaries loved and cared for them, the children were able to share their pain. Life continues to change as these children choose hope in Christ over suicide. ย
Thank you, women of LWML, for partnering with LAMP to achieve these two goals: more missionary pilots and more volunteers for expanded ministry. ย
Jesus said: โThe harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send workers into his harvest fieldโ (Matthew 9:37โ38).
This story was originally featured in the Spring 2021ย Lutheran Woman's Quarterly. Order your subscription here.
For more information about this mission grant,ย view the individual mission grant page here.
