SHORT-TERM MISSIONS &
DISASTER RESPONSE

Day 1

We had forty children registered and a wonderful crew ready to set sail for the city of Nineveh with the prophet Jonah: 20 Americans and 9 Quebecers. We prayed for these missionaries and for the children entrusted to our care. We also prayed for the young teens who were shy and reserved, that they would build relationships with one another and enjoy the various activities.

This year, we weren't able to walk to Pomerleau Park because it was under renovation. Instead, we took the bus to Poulin Park each day, weather permitting. This came with its own set of challenges, and we were thankful that everything went well.

We gave glory to God for all the people who used their talents to serve Him in preparing for camp.

On Monday, the children learned that God spoke to Jonah, and that God speaks to us today through the Bible.

Thank you for your prayers!

Day 2

We were grateful for the beautiful weather and for God's protection over us at the church and at Poulin Park. We gave glory to God for the enthusiasm and dedication of the leaders in all the tasks entrusted to them.

That day, we saw that the disobedient Jonah tried to run away, but God sees everything. Jonah was guilty. We cannot hide from God.

We prayed for Amélianne and Justin, who were struggling to obey what was asked of them. May God continue to touch their hearts through the teaching. We also prayed for those of us on staff who were too confident in ourselves and did not rely enough on God, and for those who doubted themselves too much, forgetting that it is God who works through us.

Memory verse for the children:

“Those who cling to worthless idols

turn away from God’s love for them.

But I, with shouts of grateful praise,

will sacrifice to you.”

(Jonah 2:8–9)

Day 3

Despite the intense heat in the city of St-Georges, the children sang the songs—which had become more familiar to them—with even greater enthusiasm. They really enjoyed the skit; the actors were fantastic! Glory to God! Thank you for your prayers. They were essential—they were the "mechanism" God provided to make our efforts bear fruit. We were also grateful for the dedicated short-term missionaries. Some have been coming back for several years and took time off at their own expense to help at camp. Thank you for your prayers, which helped sustain this wonderful energy. May God continue to touch their hearts!

Day 4

Praise God for a beautiful Thursday! We were thankful for the strength and patience He provided as we held a costume rehearsal for the show in the morning and spent the afternoon playing at the park. The children enjoyed dinner at the church, and parents joined us for the 6:00 p.m. performance. Pastor Mario Veilleux shared a brief message of the gospel with the parents. We prayed that the Holy Spirit would open their eyes.

Toward the end of the week, the team—both from the U.S. and Quebec—had become close friends. They enjoyed their camaraderie so much, and we rejoiced that the teens and young adults found comfort in their friendship and shared goals. This sweet fellowship was one of the "vines" that God graciously allowed His church to enjoy, a protection from the elements, just as God sent a vine to protect and comfort Jonah. We also prayed that, while giving thanks to God for this mutual comfort, the team would always cling to the true Vine and avoid Jonah's petulance. May we continue to grow in knowing God's heart of love for the world, who, like the Ninevites, "do not even know their left hand from their right" (Jonah 4:11).

Day 5

It was a wonderful camp! Glory to God for His protection, the beautiful weather, and all His countless blessings poured out on us throughout the week! Last night, when Pastor Mario asked the audience if the story of Jonah was true, the children spontaneously replied, "YES!" May God instill in them a desire to read His Word, and may He grant them His Spirit so that they may believe it is the truth. Thank you for your prayers!

Read more testimonials on by going to OPCSTM.org.