Things are changing . . . .

I'm in Waskaganish, on the southern tip of the James Bay coast. Cree territory in northern Quebec has turned into a construction zone. New houses being built, roads being paved, new water systems being constructed, work crews everywhere . . . . The Cree nation has great resources. Those resources are being harnessed for economic and infrastructure development. I love the view of the Rupert river from my room. That view will change soon. Work is underway down river to divert water for a hydro electric project. Things are changing. Leaders are saying that these changes present both opportunities and challenges. Change always does. The Cree nation also has great spiritual resources. People resources, financial resources, prayer resources. These need to be harnessed, too. It's time for the Cree church to rise up and take its place in reaching those of "every tribe and language and people and nation" with the good news of Jesus Christ. The praying, giving, and going has already started. But it needs to be developed. Things will need to change. Those changes will present both opportunities and challenges. Change always does.

Last night, under the tent, in the cold, I challenged people to commit themselves to the task of reaching nations with the gospel. I challenged them to respond to the words of Jesus in John 20:21: "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." That's not the kind of message most people come to Camp Meeting to hear. But many responded with, "Yes Lord, use me."

Things are changing . . . .