Supporting one-another in the midst of loss

The Rev. Raquel Mack, Kangiqsualujjuaq

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
John 15: 12-13

This year has not been an easy one for Kangiqsualujjuaq, Quebec. We experienced 10 deaths in 7 months. For a town of 1,000, it especially hurts. What helped pull us through is the strength of God, and the work of the First Responders, and church volunteers. It was a struggle, and the pain is still there, but together we help one another. It is important to ask, “how can I help someone?” Even more so when the people who could use the support are the very ones who are supporting the rest of us. This summer we at St. Andrew’s, held a “First Responders Dinner.” A small feast was held in the church. Our building does not have a hall so we had the food up at the front, and people ate in the pews. Music played, and conversations were good. Afterwards there was a quick game that made us laugh.

God calls us to be thankful and to show our appreciation, so we hope to continue with these dinners and get-togethers. It is needed. Our First Responders mean so very much to us, and indeed we are grateful to them. Many of our First Responders are born and raised here. The calls they answer involve family and friends. Imagine responding to a tragedy, accident, or heart attack, and it is someone you are very close to. Their job is hard enough, but add in the factor that they see and deal with sights and experiences that can be extremely personal. The work, while rewarding, can also be very heartbreaking.

The courage and compassion they have is a testament to their inner character. God blessed this town with wonderful, beautiful, talented, and strong persons who have done much to help others in need. It is our goal at St. Andrew’s to try and help and support them as much as possible.