On Eagle’s Wings celebrates successful Bible camp season
On Eagle’s Wings Ministry in Edmonton is celebrating the completion of the Arctic SMiLE Bible camp season, funded by a 2021 Say Yes! to Kids grant.
“At the end of October we successfully accomplished our goal of running Bible Camps in the seven Arctic Communities of Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk, Fort McPherson, Paulatuk, Aklavik, Kugluktuk and Cambridge Bay,” says Robin Abrol, Director of Ministry. “Over 190 Inuit and Gwich’in children, ages 5-11, heard the good news of Christ’s love and care.”
According to Abrol, participants enjoyed a variety of activities which included Bible teachings, crafts, snacks, and one-on-one time with program volunteers. “It would be fair to say these kids were nourished spiritually and physically,” says Abrol, “each having a tangible experience of God’s love. ‘Do you have to leave?’ was the most common question asked by the kids as camp ended. Shortly followed by, ‘When will you come back?’”
Abrol says the Bible camps were equally rewarding for adults. “Our staff and volunteers met with locals, offering a ministry of presence in each community. This happened both informally through individual conversations, and formally through speaking invitations during Sunday services and community events.”
In addition to running summer camps, On Eagle’s Wings experienced also ran camps during the month of October on school nights and weekends. “This has led us into a series of discussions with over twenty communities regarding the most effective times of the year to run Bible Camps,” says Arbol, which he thinks may result in a significant increase in the number of year-round camps that can be offered.
The Arctic SMiLE program was one of 79 recipients of funding through AFC’s 2021 Say Yes! to Kids Request for Proposals. To read more grant impact stories visit www.anglicanfoundation.org/sytk.
