“Life is full of miracles”
By the Rev. Victor Johnson, Priest-in-Charge of Aklavik & Regional Dean of the Mackenzie Delta
“Have I seen God working in a miraculous way?” Yes! The straight-forward answer is I have seen and experienced God working in my life, family, and ministry back in Southeast Asia for the past 17 years of Pastoral Ministry and these last 8 years in the Canadian Arctic. That’s miracle in itself, completing 25 years of this glorious journey of pastoral ministry. It’s needless to say that in the Canadian North life has been adventurous and challenging too.
“Does God still perform miracles?” To be very honest the list is absolutely endless.
The miraculous journey began for me and my family from day 1 in Canada as Bishop David Parsons gave me and my family this wonderful opportunity to serve in the North. He connected us with Bishop Annie Ittoshat (then Rev. Annie), who graciously helped us adjust to Canadian life, and, who always puts up a good smile, full of life and rich in sense of humour. Our Arctic journey began in Salluit in the Eastern Arctic in 2016, from there we moved to Inuvik in 2019 and now to Aklavik from 2021 to present. We’d learned to be prepared for God’s miracles anytime and every time.
The Holy Bible tells us many wonderful instances of God’s miracles. But miracles aren’t just long ago and far away.
It’s well known that life in the Canadian North is a place with high cost of living and life can be difficult at times, especially for families, and even more so for those with children attending university in the south. My daughter is away for school, and we were facing a hardship. But, without even asking, a friend stepped in to help. What can this possibly be known as but what I call God’s beautiful act of miracle. This is the testimony of God’s miraculous provision.
As instructors at the ATTS (Arthur Turner Training School) of our Diocese, me and my wife can witness the visible expression of God’s miracle to have enthusiastic and committed people from the Mackenzie Delta coming forward to show their willingness to learn and be trained to serve the Lord in His Vineyard. God knows the genuine need of more workers to be in the Arctic ministry.
God really is Almighty, and that He is able to provide for everything we need.
It’s high time that we remind ourselves of how Awesome God is! This becomes evident as the Lord enables us to be in closer fellowship with HIM, who is our Maker and Creator. Then it becomes easier to Trust and follow Jesus, even if we have no idea of what truly lies ahead. And enjoy God, who keeps releasing many miracles in our lives. We Truly worship the Living God of Miracles.