40 Years, and it seems like yesterday

Sharon and I have been helping to support the mission of LAMP for many years now. It has been a great sense of feeling to be involved in something so very important to so many thankful people. I remember thinking, "How in the world did they find all those Pastors that could fly a small bush plane in and out of the many remote locations?" And then I remembered that with God's help, it's easy! We even had a boat that visited the Queen Charlotte's (North of Victoria)on Sundays to conduct services, if I remember properly.

God Bless You All
Congratulations and may we have many more successful years
Murray and Sharon Schultz

The birth of a ministry

Submitted by Roger Nichols

In 1969 my wife and I visited Les Stahlke, a Lutheran pastor who had resigned from a congregation in Fort McMurray, Alberta to serve full-time in the isolated communities of the North.

Rev. Stahlke owned a 1047 Stinson airplane. He did part-time commercial flying to support his family of six.

To help Les get started, I raised $750 for skis and gas for the Stinson. Our hopes hinged on a proposal to a major mission board, where we introduced a plan to serve the many northern isolated communities, all of which were lacking in Christian witness. Following this presentation, a very discouraged Pastor Stahlke shared that the board wouldn’t even listen. They had no funding to offer. In addition, the communities had no way to support a ministry of this sort.

I said, “Les, maybe God wants you to go ahead on your own.” He immediately knew. “That’s it!!” he exclaimed.

So, my wife and I sent him off by giving the balance of our savings account, which he used to legally organize the Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots. There was even a few dollars left for postage and fuel, and LAMP was started.

Membership was $10.00 but our first request was for people to pray for LAMP. “We need your gifts but most importantly, please pray for us." One of the most faith-strengthening things in my life was to see the hand of God move so deliberately and quickly!

Ethel's Story

My husband, Wally and I shared in the ministry of LAMP in Slave Lake, Alberta from 1968-1971. I remember barbecues at our home {house trailer] in Slave Lake after a service led by Les, [if my memory is correct]. We have lived in the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, Scotland, and these towns in Alberta: Calmar, Innisfail, Wainwright, and Slave Lake {again}. We landed in Newfoundland, Ontario, and finally back to Alberta--Athabasca in l99l. I still live on the acreage which used to be a farm. Wally went to be with the Lord on October 25, 2008. So many experiences have happened in my life, all of which help me realize that the Lord is always by my side. What a blessing! I am trusting the Lord to help me make decisions for my future. God bless the work of LAMP. Ethel Kanzig.

A Volunteer's Testimony

I have been working with LAMP for 8 years now; a short time in the scheme of things. We have volunteers who have been with us for 20+ years, which is truly amazing! My faith has grown so much during these years, especially throughout the time I've spent in the North. God has been developing my leadership skills, and given me a vision for the people of the North as well as for the folks on my team. I've come to realize that the "mission trip" is not all there is "to it." God works through the preparation, the trip, the debriefing, and the repeating of the 'stories.' He doesn't waste a moment...and there's not a moment to waste! My testimony could be the length of a book. I will try to sum it up using this one particular story.

Every year we spend a night in Sioux Lookout prior to our flight North. This particular year, my team was on it's way to supper when we encountered a couple that appeared to be drunk. One of our team members responded to their question of "Hey, where are you guys going?" by telling them that we were missionaries going to teach children about Jesus. Their response, "I want to know about this Christ," left us breathless and afraid to witness. But God had other plans, and, filled with the Holy Spirit, He enabled us to share exactly Who our Christ is and gave us powerful words to pray for these people.

Do we know where this couple is today in their walk with God? No. Do we know what kind of impact our meeting might have had on them? No. But then, do we have any idea what our witness to the northern community has on anyone except ourselves? No. The good news is, we don't have to know the answers to these questions. In fact, we really have no right to ask the questions! Our job is to be obedient in every situation and to trust that God will continue to do His work according to His plan. Our call is to pray...lifting up those who need His divine interference and healing touch. Father, enable us to do this work You have called us to do, in Jesus' name. Amen.

"I still remember..."

How many of you have voiced this thought: "I still remember LAMP coming to my Sunday School when I was growing up. I remember hearing the pilots tell stories of the people in the North, and seeing pictures of the beautiful children. I love LAMP!" *an actual quote told to a LAMP staffer during a church get-together

If this is you, sign our Guestbook below. Better yet, send us a note! We'd love to hear from you!! YOU are LAMP!

40 Years and Counting...

Soon LAMP will be celebrating 40 wonderful years of God's grace and favor. Over the years, thousands of people have seen and experienced amazing things--powerful, God-changing events--through the ministry of LAMP. Help us tell the story...HIS story! Share your testimony of how God's working through LAMP has impacted your life. You can post it as a comment below, or email us at lamp@lampministry.org, and we'll write it up and use it as one of our blogs in the future. Photos are welcome, too! Our prayer is that you are encouraged in your faith walk by the words that are written here. To God be the glory!