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In 1980 NCEM missionary, Noriko
Suzuki, was invited by local residents to visit Puvirnituq, Quebec,
to teach the Bible. She spent two-and-a-half weeks there, and in the
following months plans for her and a ministry partner to move there
began to materialize.
A Ministry Begins...
In 1981 NCEM began a work in
Puvirnituq (POV), and has since reached out into other Inuit
villages. Because the Inuit are a distinct culture -- different in
many ways from other Native Canadians -- NCEM missionaries first
entered the field as "language-learners." Their goal was
to gain an understanding of the people, and thereby more effectively
impress upon the Inuit the reality of the Gospel.
The Work Continues...
NCEM missionaries continue to learn
the Inuktitut language as an essential tool in reaching these
people. Language-learning opens doors of opportunity, as well as
helping to gain understanding of Inuit speech and culture. Bible
studies, along with time spent with individuals, give opportunity
for teaching, discipleship and evangelism. NCEM believes that God
wants to do a great spiritual work among the Inuit. The Mission
desires to be used by God in sharing with them His wonderful plan
for their lives.
It's Worth the Cost
The Canadian Arctic could well be one
of the most expensive mission fields in the world. NCEM believes
that God has called it to this work, but realistically the ministry
can only be carried on as prayerful supporters give to help cover
the high cost of missionary outreach in this area.
In addition to giving financially,
Christian teachers, nurses, or specialists in other fields can be of
great help in ministry among the Inuit. The lifestyle and witness of
Christian professionals is much needed in the North. They can
effectively work alongside the missionaries and, in some areas, may
be the only representation of the Gospel to a needy people.
Looking to the Lord...
NCEM is looking to the Lord for
additional workers for the eastern Arctic. One of the present
opportunities is in Salluit (QC), where a group of Christian
believers is in need of a Bible teacher.
Although the Arctic is frozen for
much of the year, there is also a period of summer ... of beautiful
growth. Pray with us that the warmth of God's love would melt the
hearts of the Inuit people, so that there will be fruit from a
barren land!
We invite you to contact us with any
questions you may have.
-- Phil (&
Gracie) Welch
NCEM Inuit-Field Director
e-mail: welchp@nb.sympatico.ca
Phone (902)756-3569
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