Although We Tend To Think of missionary work as something carried out in the third world, there are areas much closer to home, in North America, where the Truth has barely penetrated. Often these places are neglected while higher-profile regions receive much of the attention. One such neglected area is Nova Scotia, Canada. With a population of close to one million and a major urban centre of roughly 350,000 (Halifax), this Canadian province has less than 15 Christadelphians. If Nova Scotia had as many brothers and sisters per capita as the province of Ontario, we would have over ten times this number of members. Clearly, there is much work to be done.
Good results in 2002
Preaching work accomplished in 2002 met with a tremendous response, with 23 interested friends completing the LTRTBE Seminar and visitors attending almost every public lecture. Clearly there is a great deal of interest in the message of the Bible in Nova Scotia.
However, we ironically had to curtail our preaching work temporarily this year because our small numbers do not allow us to keep up with the response. Imagine running a seminar in which the number of attendees on the first night was more than twice the number of brothers and sisters in the entire province! This will give you an idea of what we face in Nova Scotia. Our ability to preach is further limited by the fact that age and health-related issues reduce the number of fully active members by half.
Major effort for 2004
Nevertheless, much ground work has been laid over the past few years and are now gearing up for increased preaching activity in 2004, Lord willing. Through print advertising and Internet preaching (visit the newly-revamped Nova Scotia Christadelphian website at www.christelphians.ns.ca), and other means, we are building up a base of contacts in Halifax and throughout Nova Scotia. In 2004, Lord willing, brothers and sisters in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick will establish an ASK Maritimes to coordinate some of this work.
Our current needs are threefold. First, we ask that your continued prayers be with our present and future preaching efforts and that, as we sow, God might grant the increase. Second, we need the assistance of brothers and sisters who are either travelling through the Maritimes or who can come out for short visits for help with preaching and pastoral work. Third, we are seeking brethren and sisters who can relocate to this beautiful province to help establish a viable light stand that can provide a spiritually sound home for those drawn to biblical truth. By this, we mean young single brethren and sisters, young couples with or without children and retirees. In short, we need all ages! There may also be opportunities for domestic missionaries who can commit to short and medium length stays in this province. To help generate interest, we are also looking into establishing a summer camping and preaching Bible school which would provide brethren and sisters from other parts of North America opportunity to explore this province and help with our outreach.
A pleasant area
Halifax is a wonderful place to live and offers many advantages to those eager to escape the fast-paced and stressful lifestyle of regions such as southern Ontario. Nova Scotians are warm, friendly and display a refreshing, old-fashioned approach to life. Materialism is not as evident here as it is in most other parts of North America. In many ways, coming to Nova Scotia is like going back to a simpler time. It’s unquestionably a great place to raise children. The economy is strong and real estate prices are low. With regard to natural beauty, Nova Scotia offers lakes, rivers, mountains, forests and farmland as well as a rugged ocean coastline with ample sand beaches and tree-covered islands. The fall colors are reminiscent of northern Ontario and the New England states, and the winters are relatively mild by Canadian standards.
Anyone interested in helping us through visits or relocation is encouraged to contact us at info@christaelphians.ns.ca or by calling us at our number in the ALS Diary. We would be happy to offer temporary accommodation to anyone wanting to come out to look for work. We can also offer advice to job-seekers and those contemplating moving to Nova Scotia. Finally, unlike many other mission fields, North Americans won’t have to learn another language or adjust to another culture to preach in Nova Scotia!
“How shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14).
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One