Indigenous Faith

25.35 A VIP Visit with Colleen Estes and Mario Keeper (Part 3)

Craig & LaDonna Smith

In this third and final episode in this VIP series with Colleen Estes and Mario Keeper from the remote First Nations community of Pikangikum, Ontario, Canada, these two warriors for Christ continue to share about the new work of God in their lives, as well as their community.  Known historically as one of the darkest communities in Native North America with way too many suicides, substance abuses, etc., hope is on the horizon through the power of the Spirit of God now at move in new and unprecedented ways.  Mario's renewal in his heart with his God is resulting in him completing a degree he was so close to completing nearly a decade ago, and now knows God's calling him into pastoral ministry!  Whether that be in Pikangikum or somewhere else, the Smiths are confident that God will use all he's gone through and how God has worked in his life recently, to become a powerful proclaimer of the liberating truth of the gospel.  And the Smiths continue to thank the Lord for the faithfulness of their dear sister and colleague in ministry, Colleen Estes, as she continues to serve the the Lord until He takes her home and they lay her body in the ground in her beloved community of Pikangikum.  She is truly a hero of the faith just like the mighty men of valor and great sufferers Hebrews refers to, and of whom is said, The world was not worthy of!  The Smiths pray the Lord will have encouraged your own heart and soul by the faith of these two servants of Christ, so different, so diverse, yet so close to the Lord and to each other.  It illustrates the power of the Lord to bring those who come from such diverse backgrounds and upbringings together into a team that serves Christ and His Great Commission so well.  Mario and Colleen, great is your reward in heaven!