<\/p>\n
By Danielle Frederickson<\/strong><\/p>\n Many of you probably have heard of LAMP.\u00a0 After all, we\u2019ve been around almost 50 years.\u00a0 But do you know what our ministry is about?<\/p>\n The Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots (LAMP) exists to reach out to children and communities in northern Canada. Being so isolated, many of these communities do not have churches, must less regular Christian leadership or education.\u00a0 Our volunteers and staff work to change that.<\/p>\n We truly believe that every child deserves the chance to hear about Christ\u2019s love and forgiveness. That is why we hold Vacation Bible Schools for children during the summer and promote year-round contact between volunteers and northern community members.<\/p>\n You may also have heard the phrase \u201cto educate and delight.\u201d\u00a0 The indigenous children we teach are filled with energy. Also, they are not used to sitting in church. So, we reach out to them with crafts, games, music, skits, puppet shows, and whatever else can reinforce the Bible lessons we explore each day of a week-long VBS. It\u2019s demanding work, but our volunteers are dedicated to telling the kids that they have been created by God, are loved by Him, and can accept his gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n From my experience in northern Manitoba, the best times are the quiet times.\u00a0 When a child gives you a hug it is a precious sign of trust.\u00a0 When a little one asks, \u201cWhy would Jesus die for me?\u201d you know that you are making an impact.\u00a0 When children come back to see you in the evening, after class is done for the day, you know that you are a source of joy to them.\u00a0 These children want your attention, they want to feel loved, and they need to know about God\u2019s love, which is ever so much more important. That is what LAMP is about.<\/p>\n