Indigenous People and the Jesus Way.
This was an afternoon and evening of learning, eating, and enjoying the Rising Above Band together, hosted by Forestview Church in Burlington, ON.
Linda Martin, Rochelle Bragg, and Howard Jolly spoke on why Indigenous people still follow Jesus today, the stumbling blocks for Indigenous people in following Jesus, and how we can all walk together as Jesus followers.
Forestview also hosted a chili dinner as a fundraiser for a trip to Muskrat Dam in the new year.
A team from Forestview go to Muskrat Dam each year, as invited by the reserve.
Andy Grinsberg has been in relationship with those on the reserve for many years and has established a sense of trust.
Andy and the Forestview team volunteer at the school to do art therapy, give bullying talks, and sing together.
They also gather men and women together for various activities and do lots of home visits, talking and praying with people.
As I talked to Marcee Lane, Pastor of Mission and Discipleship, she was most encouraged by the reminder that God is still at work.
Even amidst all the hard things, the light of Jesus still shines and healing and reconciliation are happening.
Forestivew wants to facilitate opportunities for awareness and education in terms of our country’s history and the church’s involvement in the 60’s Scoop and residential schools.
And to build relationship and work alongside the people at Muskrat Dam as part of their intentional desire for mutual, respectful interaction.
All as part of the reconciliation that God desires and demonstrates for us.