Our Missions Course trip to Yukon, Canada was a great success! I had several objectives in mind that I hoped the trip would achieve:

• Exposure: I wanted the men to get a real feel for the complexities of what a cross-cultural missionary church planting endeavor was like. Since we were going to Canada (English speaking), and since the Tlinget/Tagish people were well enculturated into typical Canadian life, I was not sure how this objective was going to be fully met.

• Service: I wanted our team to serve the missionary and relieve his labor in some way.

• Enhance: I hoped that our team could accomplish something that would positively aid the missionary's relationship and positive presence in the community in some way.

• Experience: I hoped we would have unique experiences that would be memorable and enjoyable.

All four objectives were accomplished wonderfully!

While we were there, we had multiple opportunities that highlighted the unique dynamics of working with First Nations people. The stories they told us, whether heartbreakingly personal or culturally ancestral, helped bring us a clearer understanding of the obstacles present, while also emphasizing the need for Christ to fill the void that exists among this people group. Along with these interactions, we were able to participate in a native language class and got invited to join in for traditional "Hand Games." The trip granted us a unique opportunity to experience the local First Nations culture. Objective #1, check!