"God is really taking care of me."
NorthWind Gathering is a New Venture at work among Indigenous people through NorthWind Family Ministries in Thunder Bay, Ontario. NorthWind provides sacred places that are uniquely designed for discipleship for those that have been left vulnerable by the impact of Indigenous residential schools and other traumatic experiences. Over the past couple years, New Ventures has partnered with Northwind as they launched a weekly gathering expression, and other missional and multiplication initiatives.
One such activities involves an outreach program on Friday nights, wherein a team heads out onto the streets of Thunder Bay. As they do so, they intentionally connect with, pray for and provide a warm drink or cup of soup for people who struggle with homelessness.
A NorthWind staff member, Alissa, recently reflected on how she’s seen God’s Kingdom advance through this New Venture in Thunder Bay, specifically during Friday night outreaches. She shared the following:
“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ (Revelation 21:4)
We see much agony; physical, emotional, and mental. While it’s an honour to serve, there are many heartbreaking moments. Each Friday, when we go out, I am often both discouraged and encouraged. We have an amazing team and group of prayer warriors that work together to be the hands and feet of Jesus. As we pull our wagons along, people come to us for snacks, conversation, and prayer. We are known as “the wagon people”, “the Christians.” We are loved and welcomed into their spaces, like “tent city”, the stairs of a building, a doorway.
It’s a both a beautiful and painful thing. The spaces they find to get out of the weather meager and inadequate, yet they welcome us into those spaces.
One older gentleman showed up at NorthWind needing some help. We have been able to help him in many practical ways, like finding him temporary housing while waiting for something more permanent. He has been attending the Gathering and is eager to learn more about God. He keeps thanking us and saying that ‘God is really taking care of me’.
It’s true, God is watching out for this man and so many others. We are blessed to be called to this work. I can’t help but reflect on that each time someone new comes to us with their unique journey.”
-Text by Alissa Darrow
NorthWind leaders, Bera and Bonita Ledua, ask for prayer:
For the winter season. With it comes the harsh reality that many that are street-adjacent will be struggling even more than usual, with low temperatures putting them at greater risk. Please pray for safety, housing, etc.
For those attending the Gathering. Many are growing in their walk with God. Pray for the speakers, and that the messages be relevant to the audience who are struggling so intensely with addictions, poverty, homelessness, trauma, etc.
For NorthWind staff and volunteers, as they come alongside many in difficult circumstances. Pray for wisdom to address the vicarious trauma that can impact them.
For financial support and God’s provision for this work.
To learn more about NorthWind Gathering and how you can join them on mission, visit the New Venture’s profile HERE.