Native communities of the Far North exist in an atmosphere of extremes.  From the deep, soul-freezing cold and dark of winter, to the bright, activity-driving, never-setting sun of summer, inhabitants are constantly faced with unique challenges.  In their struggle for survival in this brutal, isolated setting, lacking resources required to cope, many turn their frustration toward one another, and isolation and abuse follows.  They look for a means of escape in alcohol and illicit drugs.  The emotional, spiritual and family problems run generations deep, like they do even in places with a more temperate climate.  But here, those problems are compounded by the cold and dark of an eight-month-long winter.
 
Believers in one community have a plan to reach hurting people with the hope and power of Jesus Christ—the Ross River Center of Hope.  The Center will be a place where youth will feel safe, have fun, and be shown the love and acceptance of Christ.  It will provide an alcohol-free place for adults to meet, share, and learn from one another, as well as learn of Christ. At the Center, the elderly will have a place where they can visit with friends and learn of their value to God. Those who trust in Christ will have a place to be nurtured in their faith and intentionally mentored to become the leaders in the indigenous church. All will have a place to come and receive encouragement through the Word of God and experience the unconditional love and hope that only Christ can bring.

In addition, the Center will be a safe, welcoming place for learning and events. Parents will be offered classes to learn scriptural parenting skills.  Friday nights will include Christian concerts and videos for the youth. Children who need help with homework or life’s challenges will be able to participate in structured after-school programs. There is even a plan to enlist local help and resources to offer lunch and/or dinner meals to the youth in the community who are fending for themselves or whose parents are away or working during mealtime.

Ross River can become a community transformed by the love and grace of Christ.  The Center of Hope will be a huge step in that process.  Another community where God—through local believers and SEND missionaries—is working to establish a reproducing church.

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