During the flood in Alberta

During the flood in Alberta, Street Church had some amazing opportunities to bring, in a real and tangible way, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In a time of disaster, or like in this case in a time of awakening, God always presents us with ways to bring hope and the right direction in the midst of chaos. Many of you are aware that for over 10 years Street Church Ministries has worked with homeless people on the streets of Calgary, and many of them are Native men and women. Since the very beginning we have had an enormous desire to bring the Light into the reserves. It is often easier said than done. These communities have a tendency to be closed off and hard to reach. As we all know, God works in mysterious ways and because of the flood the doors became wide open. We noticed that Calgary was receiving an overwhelming amount of support and at the same time Native communities were almost completely ignored. So we decided to go and change that situation.

First on our list was Siksika Nation. Loaded with two trucks of food and many necessities of life, we went to the reserves to feed those that had lost everything. People lost hundreds of houses to the flood and were evacuated to an emergency shelter and that’s exactly where we decided to go. We had a fantastic time. Street Church volunteers fed hundreds of people until 12AM. God blessed us with chicken which they absolutely loved. What struck us the most was these peoples’ attitudes. Even though they were facing a very difficult time all of them were in great cheer. They were joking around and laughing with us and were so appreciative. From young to old, there was such a positive atmosphere. At the end of the day we don’t know who was blessed more, they or us?

 

Next was The Stoney First Nation in Morley. A friend of mine, MLA Rob Anderson, sent us an email asking us if we could come with a convoy of supplies to distribute to the flooded natives in Morley. We gladly said “Yes”. Loaded with trucks of food, we accompanied residents of Airdrie and went to unload the supplies to the victims in Morley. What a great opportunity that was. Together with others, including Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s wife, Laureen, we managed to deliver and unload 20 trucks of food and cleaning supplies. We also had coffee, lemonade and snacks for everyone. We formed a chain line passing items from one person to another into the school, and because of this within a few hours we were able to unload thousands of pounds of food and supplies. Believe it or not those politicians that came to help worked very hard showing everyone a good example of how leaders are to serve. And we pray and hope that this attitude will continue not only in a time of disaster but in everyday life. We that have some position of authority are called to be servants both inside and outside of the church. It’s always a joy to see people coming in unity to bring blessing in a time of need. In the end, the one that gives and the one that receives are always greatly blessed. And this is exactly what happened. Among the volunteers were MP’s Blake Richards, Rona Ambrose, and Rob Anders, MLA Rob Anderson, Airdrie Mayor Peter Brown and many others.

 

Chief Fred Rabbit Carrier said hundreds of homes have been destroyed in the reserve which now looks like a lake, and more than 1,000 people have been forced out of their homes. Siksika is the second largest reserve in the country, with one official estimating it stretches across 190,000 acres. With the Bow river cutting through the middle of the community, many found themselves cut off when both bridges washed out.

Artur Pawlowski

 

 

 

 

 

 

Artur Pawlowski’s wife Marzena is seen helping flood victims at The Stoney First Nation in Morley with Prime Minister Stephen Harper wife, Laureen.

Artur Pawlowski, Licia Corbella, MP’s Blake Richards, Airdrie Mayor Peter Brown and MLA Rob Anderson

Artur Pawlowski with Prime Minister Stephen Harper wife, Laureen.

 

Artur Pawlowski and MP Rob Anders

 

Artur Pawlowski MP’s Blake Richards and Rob Anders

Dave Hughes

Marta Pawlowski

 

Approximately 300 families have been displaced from their homes are now living at the Morley High School. About 200 homes in Morley were flooded and 60 are unliveable.

 

 

Street Church volunteers talking to firefighters bringing food and drink to the working people of devastated Calgary.

31″But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne.32″All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats;33and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left.

34″Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.35’For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in;36naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’37″Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink?38’And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You?39’When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’40″The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’

 

41″Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;42for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink;43I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’44″Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’45″Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’46″These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Matthew 25