training forgiveness in La Loche
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article content In January of 2016, the community of La Loche was devastated by a tragic shooting that started at a residence and ended at the local school, giving four people dead and seven injured.
In respond to the invitation, Hopkins went to La Loche in late sept of 2016.
"I was immediately struck with the fact that we needed to go back there probably more often than once, he states. "several individuals in the La Loche community are locked in a cycle of unresolved grief and addictive behaviour, try to medicate their pain. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has something powerful to offer those struggling with grief, Yet so many experience difficulty appropriating the comfort Christ offers. Our goal is to help them do that so they can begin to move into healing,
The Spoken Word Ministries volunteer team that went to La Loche recently. Director Boyd Hopkins is on the extreme right in the back row. Photo supplied by Boyd Hopkins in an effort to engage the local churches and reach out to the community, Hopkins's business enterprise returned to La Loche in early December of 2016 with a 14 member team to put on a Women's Night Out event. The women of La Loche enjoyed a full [-censured-=https://chnlovefraud.wordpress.com/]chnlove[/-censured-] turkey dinner and been told by two speakers: Lisa Braun from foundation Church in Saskatoon and Sharon Kennedy, Wife of La Loche pastor John Kennedy and a Dene woman born and farmed in La Loche.
"Sharon was capable of making real connections with the women who attended, Hopkins states. "next, She had women from town approaching her on the street and opening up to her in a way they never had before,Story starts below
Article content The team also did a multitude of home visits. They were given access to the homes of homes directly affected by the shootings, And shared the material of forgiveness.
Hopkins and another team recently returned from a third visit to La Loche where they held another women's night at the local friendship Centre. Sharon Kennedy was again a presenter along with her mother, Dene older Toni Lemaigre, Who for 17 years was a mental health worker in the neighborhood.
"We also did more home trips. At one home we sat with a woman we had prayed with on our original visit, Hopkins tells me. "She shared how powerfully she was relying on that. We asked her what the La Loche neighbourhood needs most. 'More from the,' she mentioned. 'We need have the ability to gather in our homes and share our grief and pray.' "
that is what Spoken Word Ministries is committed to doing. Hopkins is planning three or four outreaches in La Loche per year where teams will host women's suppers and have displays and teaching on how to pray and invite Jesus into their grief. He also hopes to create some home sharing groups.
"We're deeply grateful to Cornerstone Church and Rock of Ages Lutheran Brethren Church in Saskatoon and Outlook Alliance Church for supporting our initiative financially and with input, Plus fitting volunteers for the teams. We always fit 13 or 14 people men to cook the meal and serve it, And women to brighten and host tables, Do one-on-one with the women, And advice about home visits.