Experiencing Chateauguay (Day 2)

Today was focused on our team encountering the town of Chateauguay in a variety of ways. Our first night sleeping in the church was not without its bumps. There were a few of us (myself included) who had issues with their air mattresses staying inflated. So by about 4 AM this morning, I was laying squarely with my back to the floor. Maybe not the best sleep, but the situation could always be worse.

Students Participating in French Speaking Worship

Students meeting Church Members

            We began the morning with participating in the church’s weekly worship service. This was a unique experience for our team since the entirety of the service was done in French. Also, because the majority of the church is made up of first and second generation Christians, there is no long tradition or way of doing things, so the worship structure reflects what we would often consider a “contemporary” style of worship as this is what the current generation knows how to express themselves musically. Also, the people are so genuinely thankful and desiring to praise God, that they are quite expressive and literal in their responses in worship.                        

For example, one song that was sung had a phrase “as we walk hand in hand to serve our Lord,” and one lady on the spur of the moment took the hand of the student seated on the aisle, and proceeded to lead the team, hand in hand, around the room as we sang the song. This moment was not prompted or planned, it is just something she felt like doing, and welcomed our team to participate in it with her. I preached the morning sermon, with Pastor Daniel Cimon translating as we went. This too was something new for the team having never been in a situation where this form of delivery had to happen, but it went well with little issues, other than Daniel and myself sharing in some repeating laughter. As expected, the people of Eglise Chretienne Le Rocher were very receptive of our team, and many came and talked with them, expressing their gratitude for our coming to share this week with them.

            For lunch, we were again treated to an amazing meal with Pastor Daniel, his wife Josie, and two of his children and their families. As we did yesterday, we had an enjoyable time hearing more of his and the church’s story, as well as learning more about the religious history and challenges faced by people in the province of Quebec. Following lunch, we were taken by Pastor Daniel to Saint Bernard Heritage Center, or as the locals know it, “Nun Island”, a beautiful part of the city that sits at the point where the St. Lawrence River and the Chateauguay River meet. This property, once managed by a Catholic order but is now owned by the city, serves as a wildlife refuge and local recreational spot. With our visit, our team learned about the presence of the Catholic order in this area, and its rocky relationship with the people.

Pastor Daniel describing the Nun Cemetery

            We drove around the rest of the city with Daniel pointing out various markers and significant points, including the “First Nation” reservation, Kahnawake,  which is home to decedents of the indigenous natives of this area. Following our tour of the city, we returned for dinner at the Cimon’s, which was capped off with doughnuts from Tim Horton’s, a Canadian business, that I must admit, I have fallen in love with after my handful of visits to Canada. After dinner, some of our team members wanted to walk around the neighborhood together, and it provided an opportunity to see and encounter residents of the town who were playing in the park, walking dogs, and just going about living their lives.

First time for Tim Horton's Donuts

            So far, one of the highlights of the trip for me is the many times I have seen our team talking with one another, and sharing in roaring laughter. This has happened quickly, and I appreciate it because the makeup of this group is one that we often don’t always have in our regular gatherings. I am glad to have these students here and see them experiencing these moments together. The service today provided the opportunity for good reflection and discussion that I hope will continue to develop and evolve their perspectives on the different ways people engage the Christian journey. Tomorrow, our specific work with the food bank begins. Here’s to hoping for a good nights rest. We appreciate the prayers everyone!