SCA Eagle s Cove. Serving the Anishnebek And Nishnawbe Aski Nations of Northern Ontario

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1 SCA Eagle s Cove As we dreamed of this new SCA ministry centre a few years ago, we considered what role SCA Eagle s Cove could play in the First Nations communities of Northern Ontario. We were reminded of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up...though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Serving the Anishnebek And Nishnawbe Aski Nations of Northern Ontario Special points of interest: Vision Programs Physical Development Stories Partnership Northern Ontario First Nation Communities Map Contact information WITH...NOT FOR; TOGETHER...NOT ALONE As Liz and I sat across the table from each other, sharing stories of the heartaches that we had seen and experienced and how God s love had changed hearts, it was Liz who was the first to say let s pray. As she prayed I could not help but rejoice in the blessing I was experiencing. Liz is a First Nations, second generation Christian. She prayed for the ministry that we were engaged in among her people. As she prayed for God s blessing to be upon the vision that I had just shared with her, I was reminded again of a phrase that had become a guiding light to me: We came to work with our First Nations brothers and sisters not for them. It is our goal to give them a sense of ownership, with the concept of working ourselves out of a job. Our First Nations friends tell us of struggling churches and discouraged pastors in fly-in northern communities. We have talked with disheartened pastors whose churches have been burned down and chiefs who have tried to help their people recover from prescription drug abuse. We have heard believers, like Liz, testify to the struggles they face as they try to lead others, often with little or no support. That same sense of hopelessness was a close companion to us when we lived in a small isolated community among the Carrier/Sekani people in British Columbia for five years. We often wondered: When will the church be strong? How can we disciple them to stand against the temptations of drugs and alcohol? As we faced such questions we always knew that there were numerous churches standing behind us. These pastors and individuals often stand alone. Will these chiefs continue to see their people take their own lives and grieve alone while the rest of North America s Christian community goes on with their lives. Now is the time to join hands with our First Nations people. How exciting it would be for a church to adopt a northern church, commit to praying together, to come along side, to become that third cord in a leader s life when it feels like there is no hope!...then the world will know that we are Christians by our love.

2 SCA Eagle s Cove Page 2 Invite to Jesus, Programs Children's Programs: CAMPS: Mov n in at least for the week! SCA Eagle s Cove hosts numerous camps for children and teens throughout the year. Activities such as games, swimming, canoeing, archery, rock climbing, crafts, paintball, and fishing create a fun environment where trust and friendships grow. Children have the opportunity to sing songs and hear the Good News of God s love in evening chapel. Leaders share stories and testimonies later around the campfire and children have time to ask questions and learn how it all applies to them individually in morning small groups. While we try to teach children all about life, Children teach us what life is all about. Angela Schwindt OTHER CHILDREN S MINISTRY ACTIVITIES: Some First Nations Communities choose Eagle s Cove as their destination for school field trips. We host several Play Days in of Thunder Bay s low income housing complexes. These great events are well attended by all age groups. We play games, serve hot dogs and snow cones, sing songs and share Christ s message of love and hope through object lessons.

3 SCA Eagle s Cove Page 3 Connect in Community, Family Programs: SCA Eagle s Cove is committed to providing a fun and relaxing place for families to interact and socialize with each other. Many families move from northern reserves to urban settings. This can be a challenging and lonely time. We are committed to build a sense of community for families struggling in such unfamiliar and, at times, unfriendly surroundings. During regular Family Events, participants enjoy seasonal activities such as swimming, canoeing, crafts, scavenger hunts, skating, tobogganing, and, of course, good food and conversation, building each other up as we share God s truth through stories and testimonies. I used to ask God to help me. Then I asked if I might help Him. I ended up by asking Him to do His work through me James Hudson Taylor Family Camps, Special Holiday Events as well as the Play Days provide great times for families to interact with each other, building healthier, closer families. Together building stronger communities.

4 SCA Eagle s Cove Page 4...and Equip to Lead! Youth Events: SCA Eagle s Cove hosts numerous activities for the youth that promote healthy lifestyles, great times and lasting relationships. Summer Camps: Paintballing is a favorite activity for the teens. Teen camps provide a great time for leadership training and team building skills. We challenge them to walk with God and follow His leadership. I do not think the measure of a civilization is how tall its building of concrete are, but rather how well its people have learned to relate to their environment and fellow man. Sun Bear of the Chippewa Tribe Youth Retreats: We offer youth retreats throughout the year. These are designed specifically for Aboriginal students from northern fly-in communities who are attending secondary schools in urban settings. These retreats not only offer students a chance to enjoy outdoor activities but also some much-needed encouragement. Academic Assistance: Because of the difficulties students face when coming to an urban setting from a rural community, we offer a place for struggling students to come and stay for a few days for encouragement and support as they work through those challenges.

5 Volume 1, Issue 1 Inflatable Fun! Page 5 In early 2010, we acquired a 30 x 60 inflatable dome for reball (paintball with reusable rubber balls). This has become a huge attraction. This dome, together with inflatable bunkers inside, has been used at post secondary, church and city grounds. The reball equipment is also used in the First Nations High School gym, which provides a great opportunity to build relationships with students and staff. We were invited to a community campout in a First Nations Village. It was a great opportunity to spend time with the people, connect with leadership and speak about what the Lord has done in our lives. Physical Development SCA Eagle s Cove is only four years old yet much work has taken place: COMPLETED PROJECTS : Four of the ten cabins Workshop Water-front sport equipment shed Paintball field, archery area, rock climbing, craft shed Nature trails Addition built on staff housing Temporary kitchen with tent FUTURE PROJECTS: Main lodge (includes dining hall, chapel, guest rooms, etc.) Staff housing Six more cabins each sleeping 12 Self-contained family cabins/cottages

6 SCA Eagle s Cove Moving Ahead... Page 6 Other programs SCA Eagle s Cove is involved in: Counseling: Together with other counseling agencies, SCA staff provide counseling for the following: Physical and sexual abuse Relational issues Marriage and family counseling Residential school recovery Suicide prevention and counseling Life Skills Training and Support groups: Assisting with the basic adjustment to urban areas. Retraining of some of the lost aspects of parenting and family values. Other topics include: Self-esteem Working through past hurts Setting goals Defense mechanisms Communication skills Elders Gathering: Provide a location for elders to pass on God-given values and wisdom to the next generation. Such cultural training could include: language, Native arts and crafts, and survival skills. Provide an opportunity for those that are forced to live in an urban setting to get out and enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, tanning hides, campfires, etc. Workshops and Seminars: Together with others from the community we hope to offer: Health seminars- Business and Financial workshops: Trades training such as woodworking or mechanical. Church Leader Conferences: Weekend training for church leaders Pastoral retreats and conferences Personal quiet time and development

7 SCA Eagle s Cove Partnership Page 7 SCA Eagle s Cove is looking for partnerships with churches, businesses and individuals that have a desire to see the First Nations people of Canada reached with the love of Jesus Christ. Work teams: We invite youth groups, care-groups, church groups, business leaders, etc. to come out for a week or two to assist with the many projects that are on the go. Outreach teams: This is a life changing opportunity for gaining cross cultural awareness. Whether ministering at a Play Day in a low income housing complex, serving at one of the camps or retreats on property, or being involved in an Eagle s Cove program in one of the First Nations reserves, the team will surely be blessed as they come alongside the First Nations people of Canada. Seasonal, short-term staff: There are many positions which need to be filled for a week, a month or for the season. Come and check it out and see how the Lord can use you in ministering to others. You ll be glad you did. Mid-term Staff: Whether you are retired and want a place to serve for 4-6 months or on seasonal work and want to get a taste for ministry. We welcome you to get in touch with us. Church Partnerships with the First Nations Community: It is our desire to link First Nations communities with partnering churches in meaningful supportive relationships. Those relationships may begin with programs in and through Eagle s Cove but, we trust, will grow into strong connections between friends.

8 Anishnebek And Nishnawbe Aski Nations of Northern Ontario Eagle s Cove is a connected community, working together with First Nations leaders to invite both young and old into a relationship with Jesus Christ, equipping the younger generation. SCA Eagle s Cove Site 12, Comp 4, RR # 14 Thunder Bay ON, P7B 5E ; eaglescoveinfo@scainternational.org SCA Eagle s Cove Directors Bera and Bonita Ledua Manasseh Josiah Micah Torika bledua@scainternational.org INVITE to Jesus, CONNECT in Community, EQUIP to lead