Pastor Jim's Blog

In 2010, seventeen youth from Mt. Sentinel High School and 7 adults from Nelson, BC had an experience that changed their lives forever. It was the year we all went to Haiti to establish a goat farm. We were filled with anticipation of making a difference in an improvised land. Just 50 minutes after we arrived in Grand Goave, Haiti; the earth swelled and people died, housed collapsed, walls came down, and our dream was dashed.

Today I have returned with Trevor Miller from Nelson to the place it all began. We were so pleased to see the goat farm now in full operation. The Goat Farm at full capacity can handle 25 goats. There are two types of meat goats in Haiti; traditional Haitian goats and the larger version called Boer. The Boer goats are imported. The size difference between the two is significant. The Boer goat is much larger and is used for breeding at the Goat Farm.

The two acre Goat Farm has 24 paddocks and special grasses are grown in each. It has a breeding pen, irrigation system, and a special barn for the prize breeding goats for security purposes, and a Billy goat pen for their day time use. The Goat Farm offers stud service to the community with their Boer buck and thus a better goat is being introduced to the community as well.  They charge a small fee for this.

They offer a three month program to grade five students on how to care for goats. They learn all aspects on goat husbandry. When they graduate with marks above 70% they will get a pregnant goat with the understanding that upon the first litter the student has to donate one kid back to the Goat Farm. The student is thereafter able to keep the future litters.

This program is so valuable. As a saying goes in Haiti, a goat is like money in the bank. Haiti Arise is all about helping Haitians to better themselves and this program is a prime example of this philosophy in action. The dream that was in the hearts of the students has come pass.

This is just like our spiritual life. We can have dreams and then our world comes crashing down around us. Things don’t always work out the way we have dreamed or hoped for. But if we give our plans to God, he can take those things that we thought were lost and bring them alive again. He can turn stuff that has turned into ashes and make something beautiful again. He is so good at turning our sorrows into joy, if we will only give him our plans and dreams. (Isaiah 61:3-4)

We are now on our second week in Haiti. Trevor has been building houses, fixing things around the campus and sharing his testimony. I have been mostly preaching and giving encouragement, although one day I got very dirty on the cement pour for the roof of one of the homes in the children’s village.

We spent a weekend in Les Cayes and did an outdoor crusade. We are pleased to announce that 5 people gave their lives to Jesus and many were filled with the Spirit.

This Sunday Brad Wilson will be preaching on how our faith can sustain us. We can have a vibrant faith from the day we begin in the journey until God takes us to our eternal home. It will be a good and encouraging message for us all.

We will be again starting another Growth Group tour on April 5th. If you would like to grow to a new level, develop new skills, and have a great spiritual experience, consider being a growth group facilitator. If this interests you, please email me. We train you, support you and give you the tools to be a great blessing to others and by extension to your own spiritual life.

Daylight Savings Time

This coming Saturday, March 10th, before we go to sleep, it is time to set clocks ahead 1 hour.

Clearwater Bible College on Tour

On Sunday, March 25th @ 10:30am Clearwater College students will be visiting us on their ministry tour.  This year’s theme is Fight the Good Fight. Please consider bringing a friend to this faith building event.

Billets are needed for the wonderful young people, 5 men, and 4 women. If you are interested in billeting please contact the KCF office as soon as possible at 250.352.1722.

Easter Celebrations

On Resurrection Sunday, April 1st, we will have three wonderful events you can take part in.  First, enjoy the Easter morning with the Christians from many different churches at 8 am at Lakeside Park. Then come on down to KCF for Brunch at 8:45 am. Finally we will celebrate the resurrection together at 10:30 am.   What a great morning it will be. Each of the events is open to the community and everyone is encouraged to bring family and friends. Contact the office for participation opportunities.

Growth Groups

Growth group is a wonderful opportunity to grow in God and with each other. 

Registration time for the next start-up is now underway.

Group gatherings will begin on Thursday, April 5 and will run until June 14. 

Contact the KCF office to register or sign up at the Guest Table on Sunday.

Family Camp at Dutch Harbour

Why not consider taking a part of your holidays to join us for family camp this year.  This is an inexpensive opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, Kootenay Lake, beautiful mountains and beaches, plus be inspired and encouraged. This will all happen within the community of wonderful people. Pastor Dan Walton will be our guest speaker and Cliff Schneider will provide Children’s Ministry for the kids.  Join us July 2 to 6.  Contact the office to register.

S.H.A.R.E. Nelson

Want to know how to get a good deal on some great items? Follow the S.H.A.R.E. Nelson Facebook page and don’t miss out on any sales.

S.H.A.R.E. is accepting and receiving donations and new items are being put out for sale every day. If you would like to volunteer at S.H.A.R.E. we currently have great ministry opportunities.  Call the store at 250.352.1222 or stop by the store to inquire.  Click on this link to check out S.H.A.R.E.’s video! Check out our FB page.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aZX9v7gxdM

Calendar of Events

  • Clearwater Bible College comes to KCF, Sunday, March 25, 10:30am
  • Easter Celebrations, Sunday, April 1
    • 8am Son Rise Service, Lakeside Park Flag Pole
    • 8:45 Brunch at KCF
    • 10:30 Worship and Celebration at KCF
  • KCF Annual General Meeting, Sunday, April 15, 1pm at KCF
  • PART 13 (Pedal Along a Rail Trail), Saturday, June 23
  • Family Camp, July 2 – 6 at Dutch Harbour, near Riondel
  • Growth Groups, Thursday at 6:45 – 8:30pm, registration required.
  • Bright Lights for Kids K to Grade 4, Tuesdays, 3:30 – 5pm at KCF.
  • Junior Youth for ages 11 – 15.  Fridays, 4pm – 5:30pm at KCF. 

Visit our website at http://www.kootenaychristianfellowship.com for all the news, sermons, and places to donate.

Pastor Jim

March 8, 2018

Celebration: Sunday: 10:30am - 12pm In Person Church or Facebook

Kootenay Christian Fellowship
520 Falls Street (1/2 Block up from Baker Street)
Nelson, BC  V1L 6B5 

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