April 2026 Spring Things and Spring Flings...

April 2026 began with my birthday (as Aprils usually do...at least since I was born) followed by Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Our pastor hosted a Christian version of the Haggadah meal on Maundy Thursday. We watched Good Friday worship online with Bethel in Sherwood Park. They always do such a great job with the music and the other elements of the service. We had a wonderful Easter dinner on Saturday with our son, his daughter, and my mother-in-law. On Easter Sunday, we joined fellow church members for an Easter breakfast followed by worship. Christ is risen...He is risen indeed, alleluia! Here are some birthday pics followed by pictures of a special Easter tradition...jello Easter eggs.

             


It was fun to attend the installation of Pastor Keith H at St Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chilliwack. I have known Pastor Keith for a long time and we have served on several committees together. It will be nice to have him and his family in the area. Here are some pics from the service...Keith is the one in the middle in the picture with me and our Regional Pastor Rob M.


The next day I got up super early and hopped on a plane to Terrace, BC. I have been hoping to join LAMP missionary Nathan S for his annual Spring Fling for many years. Nathan takes some of his volunteers north on a spring trip to visit his LAMP communities and offer some short programs for the kids. One of the communities we visited is called Laxagalt 'sap. It is a Nisga'a community and it was wonderful to be there with the kids. Here are some pics...






We visited some other communities and connected with some community leaders during our time there. We also drove through some beautiful country. Check out this picture...


Nathan and the rest of the team headed home and I stayed in Terrace for a few more days. I took the opportunity to visit the communities of Kitimat and Kitimat Village. Kitimat is home to Redeemer Lutheran Church and Pastor Dan C and his people. Here are some pictures of the church and a picture of Pastor C and I. 








Kitimat Village is an indigenous community not too far from Kitimat. I drove over to Kitimat Village to look around. Here are some photos...




One of my favourite things to take pictures of are stop signs in various indigenous languages. Here is one from Kitimat Village. 


I flew home for a few days before packing up for my next trip. I drove to Alberta and attended the Kuriakos Gathers Together event sponsored by Camp Kuriakos by Sylvan Lake. They were presenting an award to Bobbi Belsek, one of the youth I worked with at Bethel several years ago. Bobbi died last year from cancer and the camp wanted to honour him for his many contributions to the camp as a summer staff member and a longtime volunteer. It was good to be there with Bobbi's family and my other camp friends. 


I then headed to Edmonton and met my wife at the airport. She flew in to join me as we attended the annual Sabbath conference at Concordia Lutheran Seminary. This is a conference for deacons, church workers, and volunteers. We had a wonderful time gathering with friends and attending some great sessions. Here are some pics...


                


Earlier that week, we had heard the sad news that Luke Schave, son of LAMP Executive Director Steve Schave and his wife Kim, had passed away from cancer. My wife and I left Sabbath a bit early so we could drive home. I needed to pick up my passport so I could fly to St. Louis, MO for the funeral. (I will write more about this next month). On the way, we drove through some beautiful mountain valleys. My wife took some great photos...



Returning to the theme of birthdays, April is a special month for our family. In addition to my birthday, we also celebrate our son's birthday, our grandson's birthday, and the birthday of family member Dave B. Here is a pic of our special dinner out with my wife, Dave B, and Lori B. Yummy Korean BBQ!!!


Thanks for reading and for your support in so many ways. It is an honour to serve with LAMP.


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