July's Focus: Howard and Jannie with NAIM

Choosing Howard and Jannie as our family's focus of the month in July seemed to be a natural choice again this year.  I'm simply going to repost what I wrote about Howard and Jannie last July:

This month, we've chosen our friends Howard and Jannie, whom we affectionately call the "Canadian Johnsons". We met Howard and Jannie while on our honeymoon in Canada; we were staying in a cabin in British Columbia, and they were spending the night at the lodge owned by the same couple. Each night, the owners of Griffin Lake Lodge (which we highly, highly recommend- amazing scenery, awesome food, and wonderful people) have a campfire near the lake. Guests are free to come and go, and our first night there, we decided to join the other individuals sitting around the fire.

We somehow began a conversation with Howard (originally from the States) and Jannie (originally from the Netherlands). Howard and Jannie work with NAIM (North America Indigenous Ministries), serving in Salmon Arm, British Columbia. It is amazing how the Lord reminds and affirms you of His plan for your life (even on your honeymoon); since we want to move overseas to serve the nations, it was encouraging to meet a couple who have been involved in the same mission for years. We admire the work to which they have so dedicated themselves, and the conversation by the campfire is one Isaac and I will never forget.

Howard and Jannie also write a blog that they update occasionally; feel free to check it out and drop them a note. In conversing with them and reading their email updates and blog posts, we know that working with the First Nations can be rather difficult; change is slow to come, as the people do not open up easily; with so many missionaries coming and going, forming deep relationships on either side is often difficult. Howard and Jannie's family, however, is beginning to form long-lasting relationships with the people they serve. They have been in Salmon Arm long enough to adjust their Canadian immigration status and purchase a house; all of these events have made the people of Salmon Arm realize Howard and Jannie are staying for more than just a season and have since truly begun to open up to their family. Please pray the Light of Christ would shine on the people near Salmon Arm, BC; pray for Howard and Jannie's family to have strength and endurance; pray for life-altering relationships to form and grow. Also, Howard and Janie are continually raising support to continue in their work, so I'm sure any donations would be appreciated.  

Over the past year, Jannie has been fighting cancer.  She underwent chemotherapy that involved a good deal of travel; she is currently finished with the chemo, but is still on a treatment plan.  We beg of you to pray for healing for her.  Again, any donations to the family would be much appreciated; every little bit helps.  We can't afford to give much, but we give of what we have as we are commanded.

On a much lighter note, today is Canada Day (the day when Canada became a nation; did you know they weren't a nation until 1867).  So to Howard and Jannie and to everyone else who loves and appreciates Canada- happy Canada Day!!!