Two years ago, May 1, 2015, my wife and I arrived in Fort McMurray to begin ministry as Lead Pastor of NorthLife Fellowship Baptist Church, corner of Frankland Avenue and Alberta North. As we make the necessary arrangements to leave the city, we reflect upon the positives that have impacted us during this brief sojourn in Wood Buffalo: Our ice-road trek to Fort Chipewyan. Viewing the bison at the preserve just north of the city. Sunny days at Gregoire Lake Provincial Park. Leisurely walks along the pathway beside the Snye. Winterfest celebrations complete with fireworks. Chasing the northern lights seeking to get the best possible view of these mysterious wonders. Dogsledding it with an expert musher. Hiking the Birchwood trails. Fishing at the junction of the Clearwater and the Athabasca. Watching the ice-run in the spring. Bundling up with warm clothing in the face of plummeting temperatures. Amazed at the limited amount of snow for a northern city. Concerts at Mac Island.
Yet the heart of the happiness experienced has come from interacting with the people that have touched our lives. Strangers became friends. Individuals of diverse origins and cultures have welcomed us into their worlds. Medical teams cared in our times of physical set-backs. Food was delivered to our apartment in times of unexpected emergencies. Tears were dispelled by the sounds of laughter in settings of hospitality. Prayers arose to God for us from the lips of many who were barely acquaintances. One-on-ones at the downtown Tim Horton’s where the world pauses to chat. Stellar treatment by oil employees during our evacuation days north of town. Church services, worshipping our Lord. Nostco, the distribution hub. So many caring touches by so many kind persons in such a brief, yet memorable, space of time. Necessity moves us away but the people of Fort McMurray have brightened our stay, even during times of upheaval. Thanks for the memories! Thanks for the unforgettable kindnesses you have shown us through these two years of unusual challenges. Our soon coming “farewell” drive south on 63 will not be without tears. The opportunity of living here in this northern community has changed us, for the good.