Hope in the North: How God Is Moving in Fort Smith
When you think about the Northwest Territories, your mind might go to vast wilderness, northern lights, and long, cold winters. But for those who have been there on mission, it’s not the land that captures your heart—it’s the people. It’s the quiet hunger for God, the sense that the harvest is ready, and the unmistakable feeling that the Holy Spirit is already at work.
This fall, I had the incredible opportunity to spend time in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories. Coming from Central Alberta, I didn’t really know what to expect—only that God was sending me and that He had a plan. I went with open hands, open heart, and one prayer: Lord, move.
And He did.
Building Relationships, One Conversation at a Time
When I first arrived, I knew relationships would be the key. Ministry in the North isn’t about programs or quick events—it’s about presence. It’s about showing up, listening, and loving people where they are.
So that’s what I did. I started spending time in the community—at the local museum, the college, cafés, and even grocery stores. I met young adults who were searching for belonging and meaning. I listened to their stories, shared a bit of mine, and before long, some began to open up.
One by one, connections formed. By the time I left, I had phone numbers and friendships that continue to this day. I still message several of them regularly, praying for them and reminding them that God has a purpose for their lives. Even from Red Deer, the ministry continues—because relationships don’t end when a trip does.
Strengthening the Church
The Fort Smith Pentecostal Church (FSPC) is small but mighty. The people there love God deeply and want to reach their town. I had the privilege of coming alongside the leadership to encourage them—meeting one-on-one, joining their Bible study, and preaching two Sundays.
It was a joy to see their faith and their hunger. Sometimes all a leader needs is someone to come alongside and remind them, “You’re not alone. You’re making a difference.” Those moments of prayer, laughter, and tears around a kitchen table were some of the most meaningful of the trip.
Sharing a Story of Freedom
One of the highlights was hosting a special evening where I shared my testimony—how God freed me from alcohol addiction and restored my family thirteen years ago.
It’s never easy to talk about brokenness, but I’ve learned that when we bring our past into the light, God uses it to bring hope to others. And that’s exactly what happened that night.
As I spoke, I could see people leaning in—faces softening, hearts opening. Afterward, several people came up to say, “Your story gave me hope.”
That word—HOPE—was what the Lord had planted in my heart for Fort Smith. Hope for families that feel fractured. Hope for individuals battling addiction. Hope for a town that God has not forgotten.
Hope that light still breaks through the darkness.
God Encounters in Everyday Moments
One thing I’ve learned about ministry in the North: God shows up in unexpected places.
I found myself praying for people in gas stations, having divine conversations while out for a walk, and sensing the Spirit’s nudge to stop and listen. Ministry wasn’t confined to a schedule—it was woven through everyday life.
That’s the beauty of small-town ministry: everyone knows everyone, and when you move with love and authenticity, people notice. They see the difference Jesus makes.
A Unified Church
During my visit, I also had the privilege of meeting Father Aaron, a local priest. We prayed together and talked about what God is doing in Fort Smith. There was such unity and shared vision. It reminded me that God’s work transcends denominations—when Jesus is lifted up, hearts come together.
The harvest truly is ripe.
Signs of New Life
Before I left, three people approached me asking to be baptized the next time I return—Wyatt, a high-school student in Grade 12; Joshua, a college-aged young man; and Sharon, a 70-year-old woman. Three generations, one Saviour.
That’s the power of the gospel—it reaches every age, every background, every story. I’m already praying for that next visit, believing that these baptisms will just be the beginning of many more lives transformed by Christ.
An Outpouring at the Altar
On my last Sunday, I opened the altars for prayer and anointing. What happened next was nothing short of powerful.
People began to come forward—some with tears, others with joy. The presence of God filled the room. Couples came for prayer. Individuals knelt, hands raised, hearts surrendered.
It wasn’t polished or planned—it was holy.
Moments like that remind me why we go, why we give, why we pray. Because when people encounter Jesus, everything changes.
Staying Connected and Continuing the Work
Even though my time there ended, the ministry hasn’t stopped. I’ve continued sending video devotionals, encouragement, and teaching to help strengthen believers there. The leadership team and I are in close contact, and there’s such a sense of alignment and shared vision for the future.
Honestly, it felt so natural being there—like I had always been part of that community. The conversations with the lead team confirmed that sense of calling. It’s clear that God is stirring something new in Fort Smith, and I’m humbled to be part of it.
A Growing Burden for the North
If you’ve ever wondered what God is doing in Canada’s North, let me tell you—He’s moving. Quietly. Powerfully. Faithfully.
There’s something sacred about stepping into a place that many overlook and realizing that God’s heart burns for it. The people of the Northwest Territories are warm, resilient, and ready for hope. The need is great, but so is the opportunity.
Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” (Matthew 9:37) That verse feels alive in Fort Smith. There’s a sense that the ground is fertile for revival—that lives are waiting to be changed, families to be restored, and communities to be renewed.
A Call to Pray—and to Go
I want to invite you to pray for Fort Smith and the surrounding communities in the Northwest Territories. Pray for the Fort Smith Pentecostal Church, for its leaders, and for the people who are seeking truth. Pray for those wrestling with addiction, for the young adults searching for meaning, and for those who are just one encounter away from surrendering to Jesus.
And maybe—just maybe—pray about whether God is calling you to go.
You don’t need to have all the answers or a fancy plan. Sometimes ministry looks like sitting in a café, sharing your story, or praying for someone at a gas station. Sometimes it’s just showing up and loving people well.
That’s what Jesus did.
Hope Has a Home in the North
As I reflect on this trip, one word still echoes in my heart: HOPE.
Hope for Fort Smith.
Hope for the North.
Hope that the same God who changed my story is still changing others.
Ministry in the Northwest Territories isn’t easy—but it’s beautiful. It’s raw, real, and full of divine moments that remind you that God is on the move.
And if He can move there, He can move anywhere.
Veronica is a pastor, motivational speaker, and youth worker who has served in Central Alberta for more than a decade. Her passion is to help people discover their God-given identity and step boldly into the destiny Christ has designed for them. Drawing from her own powerful testimony and years of ministry experience, Veronica speaks with authenticity, enthusiasm, and a tenacious hope that inspires others to rise above every obstacle and live transformed lives.