Griefshare an Important Part of Ministry

A few days before we were to start our latest GriefShare cycle, we were expecting 7 participants. In the last two days, we had 4 people sign up, and another showed up unexpectedly, so we ended up with 12, our largest group so far. This meant dividing into two discussion groups after the video to give the participants more time to share. Due to various circumstances, the group settled down to 8 regulars. We continue to be so blessed seeing the Lord’s work in the lives of participants.

Our GriefShare socials, which are for everyone who has attended the GriefShare support group, usually have 20 to 25 people attending. This does limit who has enough space to host. But that’s a good problem! The cold had its impact on the jail as well. The heating system had a difficult time keeping up with the cold; to the degree that some pipes froze and ruptured. Some of Tony’s visiting times were rather chilly affairs. Tony looked forward to coming home more than usual … so he had a chance to thaw out.

In his role as Spiritual Care Provider at the jail, Tony occasionally gets asked to verify a special diet request, often from inmates of Muslim background. Following the diet interview, he asks if they need any other resources. Sometimes they will request a copy of the Quran. But on two occasions recently, an inmate has asked if he could have either a Bible or an Our Daily Bread booklet. In one case, the inmate came out to a Sunday Church service.

Tony was hoping to have the Salvation Army leaders do early Easter services at the jail on the 5th Sunday of March. They had to cancel due to a family concern. So Tony did 5 mini-services at the jail viewing the Bible Project videos on Matthew and serving a special treat of hot cross buns. A total of 30 attended voluntarily, which is a higher than usual turnout for church services.

Tony enjoyed singing in a men’s group during Bible school and was glad to join a new men’s worship team at church. The group has led services three times so far, and both Tony and the congregation have responded very positively.

Janet is thankful for the blessing of online learning opportunities. Currently she is taking a 6-session course on grief and lament. One of the presenters, Mark Vroegop has a quote that stood out: “To grieve is human; to lament is Christian."

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

• Tony’s Dad as he grieves and adjusts to life without Mum.

• Preparation for the Pelly Crossing Adventure & Bible Camp planned for June 29 to July 3.

• The ministry of Tony and other Christians in the jail; that many inmates would understand and believe

the Gospel.

• For the Northern Collective Church as they search for and adjust to a new location to meet in. This is due to the Salvation Army, whom they have rented from, closing their operations in Whitehorse in June.

• Wisdom in how best to support and encourage individuals who are struggling with loneliness.

• Tony and other Christians who play baseball this summer to represent Christ well. Lord willing, Tony’s team will play at the BC 55+ Summer Games in September.

A GOODBYE TO MUM

Tony’s mum Carol Ens, passed away very unexpectedly on March 5. She had said to Tony’s Dad that she couldn’t breathe, and within 15 minutes left this world to be with Jesus. Tony, Janet, Chris, Brett, Justin and Sunny were able to fly to Manitoba for the funeral.

Carol was born in London, England where she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Saviour and was baptised. She emigrated to Canada and settled in Winnipeg, MB where she met and married Cornie Ens. Carol treasured spending time with her family and made sure that they all knew that she loved them.

Tony & Janet live and serve in Whitehorse, YT.

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This article is was originally published in the Recorder, Vol 63, No. 2