Cormorant Day Camp in the City

The Lord’s plans are often mysterious and strange. His use of time is different from ours. Yet in hindsight we give praise to Him for his wonderful—and timely—works. Nassau Street Church had one of these weeks from August 4 to 9.

For three years NSC has formed a relationship with a largely isolated, northern, Indigenous town called Cormorant. A town of roughly 300 people. We’ve run day camps in 2023 and 2024, Christmas and Easter programs as well. Our team of fourteen was truly excited to head back up to Cormorant when we had our team meeting July 27.

Then Tuesday July 29 we got news that a wildfire was threatening the community and thus the town was evacuated. Some went to live with relatives, others went to Winnipeg.

In the subsequent days, the team and I planned and re-planned what we could do with the community in Winnipeg. Fortunately, we were able to run a three-day kids camp at NSC, Tuesday August 5 to Thursday August 7. Around twenty kids, ages 5-13, showed up each day. The days were filled with challenges. Communication, transportation, and last-minute activity changes proved stretching for the team. However, for three days we were able to teach them the gospel, provide relief from stifling hotel stays, and connect with their parents and guardians in ways otherwise impossible.

Saturday came and it was a wonderful way to wrap up a chaotic week. That morning, we got news that the community would be welcomed back to Cormorant on Monday. There was visible peace and anticipation on the faces of the families. We had planned to host a BBQ for the community. We woke up expecting thirteen people, but as the day unfolded, the number grew and grew. When the BBQ rolled around, we hosted 51 people from the community! NSC came together to provide transportation for each of these families and, despite some light rain, spent a few hours enjoying some food and building relationships with the community.

Being forced away from home is not easy. Many families were thrust into unfamiliar places and situations and were uncertain of when they could return home. Their world proved unstable, and they yearned for rest. Similarly, as believers, we feel the same way. The only home that truly brings rest is the presence of the Lord.

The writer of Hebrews pricks at this same feeling when he writes, “For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest.” (Hebrews 4:8-11) We all yearn for rest and stability, the community of Cormorant felt this particularly strongly in early August, yet true rest is found only in our Heavenly Father who secures for all his children a totally safe and eternal home in and through Jesus Christ.

We are uncertain of how the Spirit will use our words and deeds in the hearts of the people of Cormorant, but we are praying for transformation that sinks deep, gives refreshing rain, and provides a true home. The Lord’s timing was good and proper. Hindsight has praise pouring forth from my lips with ease. He is our Sovereign King and NSC delighted to serve his purposes in the midst of this uncertain season.