'I know the Master of the rain'

By Rhoda Katsak

Photo: Rhoda Katsak with husband, Joshua, & grandchildren  

IGLOOLIK--The Rev. Caleb Sangoya of Pond Inlet had requested a mission to the church in Igloolik. The community was struggling with alcohol, drugs and suicides and the congregation felt helpless because they had no resident pastor. It was agreed that the mission would be a north/south one: Rev. Sangoya, Joshua Arreak, Ronnie Qiyuapik, Cynthia Attagootak, Jenna Merkosak, and myself and my husband Joshua came from Pond Inlet, Bishop Paul & Abigail Idlout came from Iqaluit and Canon David Oliver and Bishop Len Whitten arrived from Ottawa.

The first evening, Oct. 7, St. Matthias was packed.  The worship was very lively with most of the singing in Inuktitut. The mayor gave us a generous welcome: “We are touched that people care about our community to come here and help us.” He attended most of the services. Caleb stressed that we were not there to promote any denomination but we were there to lift up the body of Christ and help bring it into unity. Different churches were encouraged to provide ministry and help. The first night was just wonderful. The Holy Spirit was so sweet. He met everyone’s needs that evening.

At the Sunday morning Communion Bishop Paul blessed the bread and David Oliver gave the sermon on Jesus feeding the four thousand. We are to share what God has given us--Jesus, the Bread of Life--and not keep it to ourselves. It was wonderful for the children sharing the bannock and enjoying the service. During evening worship there was a man so full of the Spirit that he spent most of the evening dancing and drumming a traditional drum. One could be blessed just by watching his praise. There was such anointing in that service. During the healing ministry I thought, “Are we going to be able to touch all the people, youth included, that are asking for prayer?” It was awesome! It felt like everyone was asking for prayer and deliverance and you could see that there were deliverances. Many re-committed their lives to Christ.

Monday night I was to give the sermon at St. Matthias. I thought of how I had grown up in this community and how difficult that had been. I had sung in the choir and I used to be so scared of failing and now I was going to give a sermon to people who had known me as a child. Then Jesus reminded me that He had gone through the same thing when he had to give a sermon in his home town. Jesus told me there is nothing on earth that He had not experienced already so I may be free and delivered. I AM is here. The message was on Hosea 10: 12 where the Lord tells us to break up the fallow ground and pray until He comes and rains righteousness on us. He is the Life and Resurrection and He will give us growth. Again the prayer and healing service was packed. Praise God!

Tuesday and Wednesday about 250 people from different denominations attended services at the Community Hall. On Wednesday just before the sermon the chairs were turned into a circle to give the feeling of being in an igloo and for a sense of community. The sermon was acted out by David Oliver and the two bishops. Afterwards Joshua Arreak had the young people stand with the older people forming a circle around them. The adults prayed for an anointing on the youth and their futures. People were praying fervently and the Holy Spirit was just pouring and raining and it was so refreshing!

The Thursday evening service was held at the Catholic Mission. Bishop Len spoke on the gifting of the Holy Spirit and living a life of holiness. Then we set out on a prayer walk for the community. We started at the beach and prayed for the hunting and fishing. I prayed for healing for two families that had lost loved ones through thin ice. Then we walked to the Full Gospel Church where Pastor Peter Awa prayed for the town and for all the churches to be in unity. Next we walked to the Health Centre and prayed for the sick. Then we went down to St. Matthias and continued praying for the whole community including the mayor and all the social welfare services. Finally we ended in worship. Praise God for His healing and deliverance! Praise Him because HE IS!