Friday Evening, March 31

It was a rainy drive to Yoder’s in New Holland.

Ephrata

We liked the buggy’s mud flap. 🙂

The screen welcomed us and told us to check out the door prizes. Many are items crafted by First Nations people and books written by LHNM missionaries and friends.

We each received a numbered ticket when we entered the room. The drawing is a way for them to say thank you to those who attend the banquet.

Cerwin won the photo of the loons on the right.

Welcome by John Derstine, Downingtown, PA

The room was kind of dark and I didn’t want to use a flash. The speakers photos will reflect the lighting.

Merle Nisly

Merle was our pilot a few of the times we took Bible school teams to Pikangikum – a First Nations reserve in northwestern Ontario, Canada.

He is now President and CEO of LHNM.

He and Rita have become good friends as we kept communicating over the years since our first trip to Red Lake and Pikangikum in the mid 80s.

Rita was not able to attend this year due to upcoming surgery a few days after this banquet.

Rita and Merle from LHNM website..

I missed getting a picture of Stuart and Delores Swartzentruber – who were also at the banquet. We also learned to know them during our time at Pikangikum and have kept in touch through Facebook and newsletters. I found this picture of them on LHNM website. They serve at Sudbury Reserve.

Waiting for dinner

Table centerpieces

Our table. Notice Cerwin on the left, then Ray and Eva Nolt, Lois and Dale Wolgeumuth and Orpha and Gary Stevens. Ray and Eva and Gary and Orpha were also team leaders to Pikangikum.

A mother and son shared their testimony of receiving the message of Christ through LHNM.

Mary Faus closed in prayer.

She appears to be a First Nations native and has an inspiring way of praying.

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We were blessed and challenged to pray more specifically for the work of LHNM.