Someone asked if being in Fort Good Hope, NWT feels like being in the middle of nowhere.
Yes and no.
We are 20km south of the Arctic Circle. Frozen tundra. Dark most of the time. About 575 people. I have walked around most of the community and been driven out onto the winter road. I walked out onto the mighty Mackenzie River. Isolated, accessible only by winter road December to March and air or boat after the thaw.
But the people are wonderful. They make the memories.
Pictures of the community. Stories to come.
Mid-week Bible Study L-R: Jim, Dolly, Len, Robinson, Doris, Angela, Rose, Vicki, Elizabeth, Joanne, Jesse
K-Grade 12 school
L-R: Len Houweling, a contractor by trade, worked in the north for 20 years; Jim Forsyth brought his family from N.S. to Hay River, NWT in 1991 and has stayed to serve the North in multiple capacties; Bob
Never too far from Tim Hortons.
I would love to hear your impressions. Please join the conversation and post a comment below. Thank you.
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Good Morning Pastor Bob. Beautiful pics…but, I don’t think that I could live there. I have issue living in Edmonton when we get the dreaded “Polar Vortex” weather for a week, where we are in the deep freeze. That is enough for me. I can’t imagine living in a place where that is the normal temperature in the winter time. Plus, not enough daylight in the winter months. We get cold weather, but at least we have beautiful sunny days. Thank you for sharing this blog with us. ❤️ Glad it’s you…not me at Fort Good Hope, NWT. Not my cup of tea. Have a great weekend!
Richard Foster in his book The Celebration of the Disciplines list simplicity as one of the essential disciplines to spiritual transformation.
This is an internal and external heart posture.
The North simplifies life. Simplicity is more of an invitation in these places than the more southern struggle against the many distractions.
Bob, the air is crisp and clean. Breathe in the freshness and let the simplicity rekindle your soul.
Life is certainly simpler here. Slower. And yet with a great complexity of relationships. “Small town” ethos on steroids.
The sunrise today was at 11:00am and the sun doesn’t get very far above the horizon. I just came in from outside tonight at 8:08pm and it is as black as black can be. Animals howling.
Hi Pastor Bob,
Recently and over the years I’ve wistfully thought back to the days of Central Pentacostal, hence coming to this webpage. It’s increasingly difficult to live in this world because of digital tech effecting lives in an ever accelerating pace that’s rife with evil. And just getting older has it’s challenges. So I’m just missing Central: your excellent leadership, pastoring, teaching and the people – all generations and lots of connections and a positive, energetic vibe. I was keen on learning the bible and I learned much. Thank the Lord for it because I remain grounded (mostly) because of those days @ Central. The Fort Good Hope community up North I’m sure feels blessed to have you with them. Coincidentally, I lived in the North in Yellowknife, completing my first two years of school there. My father worked at Giant Mines. We left Yellowknife for Edmonton because he had a heart issue which needed medical attention. I loved Yellowknife and still have many good memories. Went back only once ~ 1990. The Lord’s hand upon you and the community 🙂 Carol Burlaka Feb 7, 2025
So good to hear from you, Carol! Many good days at CPT. You helped the ministry in so many ways but especially during relocation when you helped host our General Superintendent, Bill Morrow, when he came to teach our leaders and visit our new property.
I can’t believe how many people like you have lived in Yellowknife.
Thank you for joining the conversation.
Keep your eyes up and your faith in Jesus.