I am new to the north and to Thompson. I am originally from Southern Ontario and have had quite a learning experience over the last six months or so. I have a new appreciation for the term “cold” and the requirement to plug your vehicle into an electrical outlet when it is -40. But the one thing that never changes regardless of whether you live in the north or the south or wherever, are “people”.
The needs and wants of people remain the same wherever they live. People need food, water, housing, the ability to care for their families, and a community where they can feel safe and loved. Now that sounds easy enough until we factor in race, culture, religion or non-religious, even politics. These same factors affect people around the world. It does not matter where you live: these factors play a significant role in how each of us are treated, how we are perceived, and how we perceive others.
Jesus was asked by the Pharisees “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself.’” (Mt.22:36-39) And Jesus also states: 12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12 (NIV).
These three statements by Jesus are very basic and simplified (I am limited in words for this submission) but they are statements that as Christians we must live by. As Christians it should not matter what race, culture, religion or non-religious, or even the politics of our neighbour are, what matters is that “we love them as ourselves,” that “we treat them the way we would want to be treated.”
In the six months that I have been here in Thompson, I have met many amazing people, some Christian and some not, but the majority of them have this love for their neighbor, and the desire to help each other wherever the need is required. I am inspired by the local churches and their desire to come together as a council (the Thompson Christian Council) and work for the betterment of the community.
It is important not only as Christians but also as a community to work hand-in-hand with each other to care and respect all who live in our community and since arriving here in Thompson Manitoba in October 2016, I have certainly witnessed it firsthand.
Arnie Pedersen is the Senior Pastor of Thompson Christian Centre Fellowship. He is a graduate of Rochester Crozer Divinity School in Rochester, New York, with a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry & Biblical/Theological Studies. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.
