Resilience is the ability to withstand, adapt and grow in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy and stress. It’s the ability to transcend despite all the odds. Resilience is the single quality we all need now to go where no one has gone before.
Ken Gaetz
Ken Gaetz knows a thing or two about transcending despite the odds.
At age 93, Ken is in the most COVID-vulnerable group of Canadians. When asked how he is coping, he simply replies, “It hasn’t affected me much. I watch church online. I miss being with people. Isolation is not that big a problem for me.”
Ken, now a widower in Kelowna, B.C., pioneered the first Pentecostal Chapel in the Northwest Territories; organized the Pentecostal Sub-Arctic Mission; served as a volunteer firefighter, town councillor, deputy mayor, and justice of the peace; assisted in relocating the entire town following the devastating flood of ’63; planted multiple Dene and Inuit churches; was the first administrator of the first hospital north of the 60th parallel; and even had a street named after him in Hay River — Gaetz Drive.
Yes
How did Ken accomplish so much? He kept saying yes to what the Lord prompted him to do. As Jesus described it, Ken was “abiding” in Him.
Read more at https://testimony.paoc.org/articles/keys-to-resilience
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Thx for posting this. I first met Ken in the Spring of 1977. After 1 year of Bible School in Saskatoon, and having met Ivan Gaetz that same year in dorms, we travelled to Hay River for summer jobs at the hospital. When we arrived Ken asked us if we would be willing to go instead to Coppermine for the summer. The mission was without a missionary until September and Ken wanted a presence there. I was 19 years old, not yet 2 years old in the Lord, but he trusted us to go. It was a great adventure. I returned to the Sub Arctic Mission 5 years later to serve as a missionary/pastor. Going through one open door often paves the way for others. Don’t say no to the hard jobs even if you feel ill equipped!!
Wayne
Loved the article on Ken Gaetz, this is just a little tidbit of info, he was my Mom’s second cousin. I have lost track of them so that was nice to read. He is an amazing man. Had an amazing ministry up north. Thanks for the read!
You come from good stock, Myrna. Glad you enjoyed the article.
That is awesome Wayne. I love the story of you going to Coppermine as a 19-year old. Start before you’re ready. Ken was so good at that. Let go. Learn as go. Keep going. Thank you for commenting.