Shuswap, B.C. – August 18-24, 2024

At the end of last week, we said goodbye to a group from Laglace Bible Fellowship Church in Alberta. At our usual orientation on Sunday evening, we said our hellos to a youth group associated with the Altona Sommerfeld Church, along with a few others who came on their own.

A family group of 16, vacationing in the area, helped for a few hours on Monday. Our local coordinator found work at Jade and Isabelle’s homestead. The group cleaned up around Jade and Isabelle’s temporary home and worked in their very large, productive garden. We are always grateful for the willing hands that assist in untold ways.

Jade, Isabelle and Able’s house dedication takes place this Friday.

The project at the home of Pastor Scott has been completed. The front of the house is now graced with a deep ocean blue Hardie plank siding.

The deck, stairs and railing surrounding Mary’s whimsical house is nearly complete. The siding on the house is well underway and close to completion.

An additional project began at Heather’s this week. Insurance coverage became an issue due to mold and other issues related to her existing trailer quarters. MDS will wrap the 20’ x 20’ cottage with Tyvek and add windows and insultation.

A charity auction sale was held on Thursday at North Shuswap Christian Fellowship to raise funds for household items and furnishings not covered by other MDS fundraising efforts. Approximately 80 people attended, 52 buyer cards were given out and a total of $17,000 has been raised to date. A great coming together of the local community and church.

Travelling along Highway 1 enroute to Salmon Arm from Scotch Creek, there are many reminders of the stunning beauty of this area, green mountainside (albeit with pockets of burnt-out areas), and the beautiful shoreline graced with all manner of watercraft in the blue Shuswap Lake waters. Evidence of the beauty of the local people and businesses in their generosity as well as the volunteers that pass through the MDS camp with a cheerfulness and willingness in getting the tasks done. For all these, we say a hearty thank you.