Goals & Funding for Mackenzie River 2007

Experience Mackenzie 2007 will be undertaken from May 15-August 16. The expedition will consist of a week of preparation and team time in Caronport, a 2-day drive to the Territories, four weeks spent in 10 First Nations communities and six weeks spent canoeing, with a week left to drive home through the Yukon, and for a team debrief.

Mission Statement
Through Experience Mackenzie 2007, we desire to be introduced to northern communities and wilderness while introducing northerners to wall climbing and undertaking service projects, providing us an open door for interaction and relationships.

Goals
To build interracial understanding. Canada is a racist country. As Christians, we need to be leading the way to reconciliation. One of the most damaging racial rifts is that of first nations and whites – an understanding of this tension will go a long ways towards breaking down personal prejudices. In order to lead others to reach to God, we need to learn to reach out to each other free from barriers.
“Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:18

To experience a 3 month community experience and expedition. The Mackenzie is a majestic river, and to paddle on that river, and facilitate climbing in each community will give students the opportunity to experience all facets of an expedition, such as group dynamics, outdoor skills, leadership and judgment.
“For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.” Phillipians 4:14

To fall in love with the north. Once you’ve drunk from the Mackenzie River you will return – this will be my fifth trip. The ‘north bug’ bites as surely as the blackflies and mosquitoes. There is much beauty to behold in that land and its peoples that draws a person back.
“The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world and those who dwell in it for He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers." Psalms 24: 1&2

To know God deeply and serve Him, through serving each other and reaching out to strangers.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and will all your mind. This is the greatest and foremost commandment. The second is like it, you shall love your neighbour as yourself." Matthew 22:37-39

To encourage those serving in long-term missions in the north. Through contacting and connecting with churches and mission agencies operating along the Mackenzie, we hope to encourage and learn first hand what it means to commit to ministry in the north. “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you are also doing.” 1 Thess. 5:11

To be God's salt and light. Through our behaviour and interaction, we hope to be a strong light of God’s love, so those we meet will sense our commitment to the Creator of All.
“[B]ut sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;” 1 Peter 3:15

FUNDING

Each participant will be required to raise $3000. We cannot issue tax receipts for donations. In addition, we will engage in a learning curriculum. If you would like to receive credit for this, tuition is not included in the $3000 – tuition rates will be according to Briercrest rates. If you are, or will be, a student, there may be (grant funding dependant) opportunity to apply for, and receive, full scholarship for the amount you raised. Let me know how I can help with funding – I have letters of support available should you choose to go this route.