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Welcome to the Archived page of Brig and Chris Judy

Brig at Jacob Bear Church

Inside Jacob Bear Church with Brig

Praying for Safety before setting Sail

back in British Colombia

Staff and family abord the ship

the Solitude

in British Colombia

March 18

Hello Irvin,
Wow...I've been forever in getting back to you.
Always thinking of it and waiting until we got some better photos...
Well, I'll just write and see what I can come up with.
We're still in the throes of winter...got down to 5F last night with a high of 19F today.
Still have a ton of snow in the yard, although yesterday it melted some and tomorrow it's suppose to be above freezing again...so we are getting above freezing more often, so I an hopeful that Spring-like weather is indeed coming.
Church at Jacob Bear is going pretty well...we're averaging between 15/20 to 35 on most Sundays and occasionally get more.
Tuesday night Bible studies have been going well (about 8-10 coming out)....now into my 3rd Revelation study and covering chapters 4 & 5 (they really wanted to study Revelation...wasn't my first choice!).

Thank you all for your tremendous help...encouragement...and support.

You guys are fantastic.

Below is our house in Broadview when the weather was pleasant.

Milestones can be a good thing. They remind us of where we've been. They can also act as a barometer of where we're headed. I just celebrated a birthday in early February. I am now my favorite number! You see, I grew up in a large family...the youngest boy and sixth out of seven. One of my brothers was ten years older and I idolized him. He was a football player in high school, and his number was 52. So since the age of seven or eight, my favorite number originated on my older brother's jersey. So with this birthday, I am flooded with fond memories from my childhood and the reminders of family ties and special bonds.

Today, my wife and I made an unexpected trip. While we were out visiting on Sakimay, we were told that a special friend was in intensive care. We changed our plans and headed to Regina. As we drove into the city, we recalled many of the wonderful attributes of this dear saint: faithful, determined, willing to lead/serve by example, hospitable, loving, generous...

We hurried into the ICU and we were overwhelmed at the wires and tubes, the electronics and the machines, and our dear friend who was fighting to stay alive. We talked and shared, not knowing whether we were heard. I remained by the bedside for a while and then prayed. Finally, I went to visit with the family, gathered in the waiting area.

Twelve or so years ago, when my family would trudge out to the church on Sakimay for our Sunday service; no matter how cold the day or how foul the weather...this faithful believer would be there waiting for us. We met early on Sunday mornings and nothing deterred this servant from worshipping the Almighty at her local church. Many Sundays, this individual was the only person there...quietly leading the way for her family and her community.

Milestones are usually planned and anticipated events...but sometimes they sneak up on us unexpectedly and if we're not ready and prepared, they will catch us off guard and unaware. I have no doubt that my friend is ready to meet Jesus Christ, the Creator (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16). But I suspect that this saint would love to linger in this life, loving her family, serving her Lord and helping to meet needs in the community.

What milestones are you anticipating? What happens if the unexpected occurs? Would you be ready? Would I?! In the Bible it simply states, "Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment." (Hebrews 9:27) Are you ready? You can be! Talk to your Minister, attend church, read your Bible, talk to the Lord. Jesus paid a heavy price for you and I. (1 Peter 2:24) My hope and prayer is that we'd all be ready.
...Brig & Chris....

Greetings...

One week ago, we were out visiting and headed into Regina (80 minutes away) to visit a friend in ICU (I wrote about the incident in the attached newspaper article, which I'm responsible for once a month).
I wrote the article one day after visiting this older believer; later, Chris received a call from the family and I was described as a "miracle worker" as this lady had made a remarkable turn hours after our visit.
Well...this morning we are off to the city again, the same daughter called and said her Mom had been rushed back into ICU.
It does not look promising.
Could you pray for Marita?
And please remember her four children and extended family...they need to understand that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.
This could be a long day...
Would you throw in a prayer for us as well?
Many thanks...
...brig & chris..

Thanks for praying!
Marita was operated on this morning and resuscitated.
She had 12 units of blood.
We searched for her on three floors before we found them.
On our first try (second floor) we were told by an RN that she had died!
She has been flown to Calgary for a new procedure to try and divert her blood flow back thru her liver.
She is 'way sick and weak and still needs loads of prayer.
We prayed with some of the family, they cried.
We had time to visit my old coffee buddy and mentor (Bob, now 81) who lives in the city.
He told us he hadn't been to church for awhile as he placed a $50 bill into Chris' hand.
It wasn't quite the day we had expected but it was the day He had planned for us.
blessings...
...brig..

update # 3 March 1

Greetings!
I believe we have sent our cooler weather to our eastern neighbors (sorry).
After 2 weeks in Calgary, Marita was flown back to SK. without having the specialized procedure done.
She was operated on a couple of times and they glued shut some blood vessels.
This apparently satisfied the doctors out there.
We saw her today and she is lucid and funny and very chatty.
She begins PT on Monday and still has a long road to recovery...but thanks to all who've prayed and who will continue.
There were two wake services (last night) and funerals on two different Reserves today.
I attended the one on the Reserve about an hour from here...a 64 year old man who opened up his home (on a local Reserve) to NAIM missionaries (Jack & Ellen Hooge) some 29 years ago...beginning the ministry that led to us arriving here some 25 years ago.
Pray for wisdom as we deal with some delicate family matters in our church.
Thanks so much!
...brig..

Greetings!

It does seem that Spring has fully arrived in Saskatchewan.

We're grateful for green grass, warmer temperatures, and flying insects (not!).

I would like to ask you to pray for Chris as she cares for her Mom (post-op).

Mom Young had surgery this a.m. and I've yet to hear how it went...

But would you pray for her swift and complete recovery as well?

Thanks so much.

...brig..

Greetings!
Our summer has been cool and dry...and is flying by.
Kahkewistahaw had their annual pow-wow this past weekend.
We are hoping to engage the pow-wow committee about having a christian service next year.
We have friends from Oregon that have just arrived for two weeks.
Our Church Family Camp begins tonight! (Monday p.m. thru Friday lunch).
We have no idea of how many (or few) might attend.
The church folks have raised over $750 to go toward the camp.
Ellen Hooge is coming out from Calgary to help lead us thru Ephesians
6:10-18 "A Mighty Warrior"...a curriculum she has developed for all age groups.
She will be staying with us...most of the "campers" will be commuting back and forth each day, as the nights have been so chilly.
We would greatly appreciate your prayers as this is one of our busiest weeks of the year.
Pray for all of us to grow in our faith and for those seeking to find God's truth.
Thanks so much!
...Brig & Chris..

July 16

Thanks for praying!

A quick update, the teachings have been great...the crowds small.

We had one elderly lady show up today...and then about 5 families showed up for supper and the evening service.

In the late afternoon, Brig was tracked down by a lady and her two friends, who had just heard her husband had been having an affair and he wanted a divorce...would Brig be willing to meet with the couple (if the husband would agree to come)? They came back that evening (tonight)...his last hurrah before moving on...tears, anguish, agonizing honesty...he took his ring back...long story, but please pray for D. & L. as they have much to do...that he would understand his need for Jesus, that they would be willing to work on their marriage...

Not the day we had planned.

They may be back tomorrow...we are expecting kids tomorrow, extremely long days, short nights...keep praying!!

Thanks so much.

...Brig & Chris..

July 15 2009

Greetings!

Thanks for the many, many responses from you all!

Camp is cleaned up and folks have once again scattered.

Last night of camp was well attended...with close to 30 adults and about 10-12 kids.

A young mom asked one of the native men to pray with her to receive Jesus as her Saviour.

Hola!

The couple in crisis returned once again and we are planning on seeing them this Monday evening.

A young family whom we haven't seen in ages, returned for 3 consecutive nights (truly miraculous).

Our friends from Oregon were a huge help, as was our fellow NAIM staff person from Calgary.

So, we're tired but in a good way.

Thank you for praying and for remembering us!

Moving on...

...Brig & Chris

Greetings...

We are enjoying some delightfully warm, sunny days.

The farmers are rushing to get their crops off, as Spring and Summer brought cool, damp conditions.

We are busy as well...

Brig has a wedding rehearsal this evening and wedding tomorrow (long time friends, Ron & Bonnie's son is getting married) to a daughter of former Wycliffe missionaries.

A good friend has pancreatic cancer and is slowly passing in the hospital. It has been a difficult time for the entire family. Brig has spent many hours visiting and sitting with the family.

Brig attended a traditional wake service last night and isn't sure he has enough time to attend the funeral with the wedding rehearsal in the late afternoon as well.

We just heard of another lady from the same reserve passing away...

Another wedding is schedule for next week and we have an all day NAIM workshop on Monday.

We're grateful to be involved in people's lives...praying, encouraging, and living the good news out as best we can.

We'd sure appreciate your continued prayers...

...Brig & Chris..

I began this 2 hours ago...got a call from an old Cowessess friend to go out for coffee.

Last Sunday, one man announced that he wanted to really make God #1 in his life.

Jacob Bear Church is sponsoring 6 men to attend next month's Promise Keepers event!

Keep praying!!

Greetings from Saskatchewan!

Our friend with pancreatic cancer has passed away (his house was broken into while the family was at the hospital...TV's, computer etc.

were stolen and not yet recovered). We helped lead the funeral and have since had his widow over for a meal. Please keep Ruth in your prayers.

There were only 3 of us attending the PK event...disappointing turnout but the event was inspiring.

Tonight is a traditional wake for an 18 yr old killed in a knife fight at our local bar.

His adoptive/foster Mom has unexpectedly asked us to be apart of the service.

Pray for wisdom & clarity as we share this evening (and perhaps tomorrow at the funeral).

The 20 yr old suspect is from another local Reserve...you can just imagine all the confusing, angry, distraught emotions swirling across these communities.

Pray for us!

We so appreciate you all...

...Brig & Chris..

Greetings from chilly Saskatchewan!
Our temps have dropped to -24C (-11F) and with our 6-8 inches of freshly fallen snow, it is beginning to feel more like winter.
We were able to cash in on air miles (a first!) and were able to travel to Vermont for a quick trip.
We happily celebrated Brig's Mom's birthday, Chris' Dad's birthday and Thanksgiving at Brig's sister's home in Woodstock.
We only missed one Sunday and one Bible Study at Jacob Bear Church, but our good friend (Greg) conducted a wedding and helped with a funeral in our absence.
December brings kids to Jacob Bear on Wednesday evenings for our Christmas program practices...
Our men's breakfast is on the second Saturday of the month...
Brig begins Tues/Thurs basketball practices at the schools on Kahkewistahaw...
Candlelight Service, decorating the church...
Our kids returning home for Christmas!

March 9 2010

Greetings to you All!

We trust you have received our latest prayer letter and photo.

Not quite sure just who the old guy is surrounded by those four younger faces.

First the "ups"...

Four weeks ago we had about 50 folks out at our Sunday Service, and three weeks ago (I honestly can't remember how many)...two weeks ago with special speakers here, we had 50+ out. We were so excited, when this last week over 60 people showed up for Church!

Numbers certainly don't tell the whole story, but it is nice that our up cycles are more frequent and the numbers are inching higher.

Men's breakfast is this Saturday.

Tuesday is a funeral on a far flung Reserve, "Carry The Kettle".

Apparently, all the other Christian Ministers in their area are charging $200/funeral. It is for an uncle of a member of our church.

Tuesday night, Bible Study/Board Meeting.

Wednesday night a family Bible Study.

Thursday, Chris flies home from BC (NAIM ladies Retreat).

Friday night, a neighborhood Bible Study.

Saturday a.m. the breakfast and then rush off to Regina for a 40th Anniversary celebration (we were told that we are family and that our presence is requested and required).

This should be the week someone preaches for me!

Now the "downs"...

Amidst all of this is tax time and FAFSA prep for Sara's financial aid...oh, joy.

And Jacob Bear Church has been recently assessed by the Rez Lands Committee to pay 600% the present rate of any other person or business on the Kahk Rez.

So this week will include letters, meetings, petitions, and lots of prayer for a reasonable solution.

Thanks for sticking with us!

We'll keep you posted.

...Brig & Chris..

March 9 2010

Greetings to you All!

We trust you have received our latest prayer letter and photo.

Not quite sure just who the old guy is surrounded by those four younger faces.

First the "ups"...

Numbers certainly don't tell the whole story, but it is nice that our up cycles are more frequent and the numbers are inching higher.

Men's breakfast is this Saturday.

Tuesday is a funeral on a far flung Reserve, "Carry The Kettle".

Apparently, all the other Christian Ministers in their area are charging $200/funeral. It is for an uncle of a member of our church.

Tuesday night, Bible Study/Board Meeting.

Wednesday night a family Bible Study.

Thursday, Chris flies home from BC (NAIM ladies Retreat).

Friday night, a neighborhood Bible Study.

Saturday a.m. the breakfast and then rush off to Regina for a 40th Anniversary celebration (we were told that we are family and that our presence is requested and required).

This should be the week someone preaches for me!

Now the "downs"...

Amidst all of this is tax time and FAFSA prep for Sara's financial aid...oh, joy.

And Jacob Bear Church has been recently assessed by the Rez Lands Committee to pay 600% the present rate of any other person or business on the Kahk Rez.

So this week will include letters, meetings, petitions, and lots of prayer for a reasonable solution.

Thanks for sticking with us!

We'll keep you posted.

...Brig & Chris..

January 01 2010

Chris and I would like to wish all of you a wonderful start to this upcoming year.
We looked at "numbering our days" in Psalm 90 on Sunday (@ Jacob Bear) and wondered aloud how we might present to God a heart of wisdom in 2010.
We hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends.
Regarding our kids...all home for Christmas, a truly nice time.
We're doing well and enjoying the local ministry so much.
We had a (kids) Christmas Program on Dec.20th and had about 70-75 people in church! And a nice full meal after.
Our candlelight service was our best attended event to date, with 80+ people!
Our last Sunday service firmly grounded us and reminded us of the work we still have to do...only 12 showed up.
I am coaching a middle school boys basketball team on the Kahkewistahaw Reserve...40+ kids have signed up and the season runs from early January to early March...so this is definitely a stretch for me and an outreach into the school/Kahk community.
We are running a men's breakfast time on the 2nd Saturday of each month and the women want to start one of their own on the third Saturday...
Finances, health, future direction in ministry, pacing ourselves...
So as we enter a new year, those are a few of the things you could be in prayer for.
Thanks so much for your interest, support, and your love.
...Brig & Chris..

March 9 2010

Greetings to you All!

We trust you have received our latest prayer letter and photo.

Not quite sure just who the old guy is surrounded by those four younger faces.

First the "ups"...

Numbers certainly don't tell the whole story, but it is nice that our up cycles are more frequent and the numbers are inching higher.

Men's breakfast is this Saturday.

Tuesday is a funeral on a far flung Reserve, "Carry The Kettle".

Apparently, all the other Christian Ministers in their area are charging $200/funeral. It is for an uncle of a member of our church.

Tuesday night, Bible Study/Board Meeting.

Wednesday night a family Bible Study.

Thursday, Chris flies home from BC (NAIM ladies Retreat).

Friday night, a neighborhood Bible Study.

Saturday a.m. the breakfast and then rush off to Regina for a 40th Anniversary celebration (we were told that we are family and that our presence is requested and required).

This should be the week someone preaches for me!

Now the "downs"...

Amidst all of this is tax time and FAFSA prep for Sara's financial aid...oh, joy.

And Jacob Bear Church has been recently assessed by the Rez Lands Committee to pay 600% the present rate of any other person or business on the Kahk Rez.

So this week will include letters, meetings, petitions, and lots of prayer for a reasonable solution.

Thanks for sticking with us!

We'll keep you posted.

...Brig & Chris..

April 2010

Greetings from sunny Saskatchewan!

Forgive my long absence from updating you on the state of affairs here.

The Church lands assessment levied by the Rez Lands Committee has been tabled by the Chief & Council, which means it goes back to the Committee for more work. We're hoping that they call a few of us in to discuss this matter.

The tiny, premature baby born on my birthday (Bella) is now home; after her first two+ months in the hospital and finally creeping over the 4 lb. benchmark.

As the weather has improved, our church attendance has not.

We added a new member to our church council (a first for us).

We hope to run our family camp this summer as well as a basketball camp outreach.

In three weeks, Mason (our second) will be in Korea teaching english.

Cail is finishing up his year of prerequisites for his teaching program @ UBC.

And Sara has almost completed her third year of college.

We'd appreciate prayer for Cail & Sara finding good summer jobs.

Thanks so much for all you do!

...Brig & Chris..

We are so grateful to have opportunities to share about everlasting life in the midst of community living.
Thanks so much for remembering us!
...Brig & Chris..

January 01 2010

Chris and I would like to wish all of you a wonderful start to this upcoming year.
We looked at "numbering our days" in Psalm 90 on Sunday (@ Jacob Bear) and wondered aloud how we might present to God a heart of wisdom in 2010.
We hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends.
Regarding our kids...all home for Christmas, a truly nice time.
We're doing well and enjoying the local ministry so much.
We had a (kids) Christmas Program on Dec.20th and had about 70-75 people in church! And a nice full meal after.
Our candlelight service was our best attended event to date, with 80+ people!
Our last Sunday service firmly grounded us and reminded us of the work we still have to do...only 12 showed up.
I am coaching a middle school boys basketball team on the Kahkewistahaw Reserve...40+ kids have signed up and the season runs from early January to early March...so this is definitely a stretch for me and an outreach into the school/Kahk community.
We are running a men's breakfast time on the 2nd Saturday of each month and the women want to start one of their own on the third Saturday...
Finances, health, future direction in ministry, pacing ourselves...
So as we enter a new year, those are a few of the things you could be in prayer for.
Thanks so much for your interest, support, and your love.
...Brig & Chris..

March 9 2010

Greetings to you All!

We trust you have received our latest prayer letter and photo.

Not quite sure just who the old guy is surrounded by those four younger faces.
First the "ups"...
Four weeks ago we had about 50 folks out at our Sunday Service, and three weeks ago (I honestly can't remember how many)...two weeks ago with special speakers here, we had 50+ out. We were so excited, when this last week over 60 people showed up for Church!
Numbers certainly don't tell the whole story, but it is nice that our up cycles are more frequent and the numbers are inching higher.
Men's breakfast is this Saturday.
Tuesday is a funeral on a far flung Reserve, "Carry The Kettle".
Apparently, all the other Christian Ministers in their area are charging $200/funeral. It is for an uncle of a member of our church.
Tuesday night, Bible Study/Board Meeting.
Wednesday night a family Bible Study.
Thursday, Chris flies home from BC (NAIM ladies Retreat).
Friday night, a neighborhood Bible Study.
Saturday a.m. the breakfast and then rush off to Regina for a 40th Anniversary celebration (we were told that we are family and that our presence is requested and required).
This should be the week someone preaches for me!
Now the "downs"...
Amidst all of this is tax time and FAFSA prep for Sara's financial aid...oh, joy.
And Jacob Bear Church has been recently assessed by the Rez Lands Committee to pay 600% the present rate of any other person or business on the Kahk Rez.
So this week will include letters, meetings, petitions, and lots of prayer for a reasonable solution.
Thanks for sticking with us!
We'll keep you posted.

...Brig & Chris..

April 2010

Greetings from sunny Saskatchewan!
Forgive my long absence from updating you on the state of affairs here.

The tiny, premature baby born on my birthday (Bella) is now home; after her first two+ months in the hospital and finally creeping over the 4 lb. benchmark.

As the weather has improved, our church attendance has not.
We added a new member to our church council (a first for us).

We hope to run our family camp this summer as well as a basketball camp outreach.

In three weeks, Mason (our second) will be in Korea teaching english.

Cail is finishing up his year of prerequisites for his teaching program @ UBC.

And Sara has almost completed her third year of college.

We'd appreciate prayer for Cail & Sara finding good summer jobs.

Thanks so much for all you do!

...Brig & Chris..