The North Still Needs Us: A Call to Bring the Gospel to Canada’s Northern Communities
When the Mackenzie River opens each year, travel once again becomes possible to some of Canada’s most remote and northern communities. That window of time, short as it may be, is often when ministry teams make their way north—by plane, boat, or winter road—to bring the hope of Jesus to places that are often forgotten.
This year, I had the privilege of returning to Fort Good Hope, NT, a small community on the banks of the Mackenzie River that I’ve been visiting since 2016. Over the years, I’ve watched the seeds of the gospel take root in the hearts of people there. This time, I wasn’t alone. I came with five team members who were each eager to serve, pray, and love the community in Jesus’ name.
Every morning, our team went live on the local radio station, sharing the Word of God and worship music. The radio has become a beautiful ministry tool in the North. In communities where people live far apart and can’t always gather in person, radio waves carry the good news right into homes and hearts. We were amazed at how many people tuned in daily to listen, pray, and even call in to share testimonies.
Throughout the week, we hosted a series of ministry events. On Tuesday, we gathered for prayer; on Wednesday, we held a Kids’ Club; on Thursday, we had Bible Study night; on Friday, we had Youth Club; on Saturday, we celebrated with a Praise and Testimony Night; and on Sunday, we joined together for worship and Sunday School.
At every gathering, God was present. We witnessed His miracles and His power to deliver and restore. We saw the Holy Spirit at work in people’s lives—some experiencing freedom from fear, others moved to tears as they sensed God’s presence. Even the youngest children were hungry for truth. Several of them came up to us after Kid’s Club and said, “Can we have our own Bibles?” That simple request spoke volumes. These kids weren’t being entertained—the Spirit of God was drawing them. They wanted to know Jesus for themselves.
One of the most moving moments of our time in Fort Good Hope came when a local believer approached us after Kid’s Club. She shared that God had been stirring something in her heart during the week. “I think He wants me to start a children’s ministry,” she said with tears in her eyes. That’s how the gospel multiplies—not through programs, but through people. One obedient heart can change an entire generation.
Throughout our stay, we were deeply encouraged by the faith and resilience of the Indigenous Christians in Fort Good Hope. Even without a resident pastor or formal programs, they continue to gather regularly to pray, worship, and share their faith. Their joy in the Lord truly is their strength. In a place where life can be hard and resources are limited, their faith shines bright.
Our time there also coincided with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It was a powerful opportunity to walk alongside the community, listen to their stories, and share a meal together. We partnered with the community and the SAO (Senior Administrative Officer) to serve Korean food, and through that simple act of hospitality, bridges were built and hearts were opened. It reminded me that reconciliation is not just a national event—it’s a gospel calling. Christ Himself is our reconciliation, bringing healing and unity where there was once division.
After three weeks of ministry, our team said our goodbyes—though really, it felt more like “see you later.” Because the mission isn’t over, there are still countless communities across the North—many without pastors, youth ministries, or gospel presence—who are waiting for someone to come, pray, and share the hope of Jesus.
The need for ministry in Northern Canada is great. The fields are ready for harvest, but the labourers are few (Matthew 9:37). Churches across Canada have an incredible opportunity to respond. What if every Church committed to praying for, supporting, or even sending a team to a northern community? Imagine the impact if we united our efforts—south and North, coast to coast—to ensure that every community in Canada hears and experiences the love of Christ.
When we think of missions, our minds often go overseas, but there is a vast mission field right here in our own nation—across tundra and taiga, along rivers and ice roads, in places where people are hungry for truth and connection. The North may feel far away, but to God, it’s close to His heart.
As I reflect on our time in Fort Good Hope, I’m reminded that the gospel doesn’t need perfect conditions to flourish. It thrives wherever hearts are open. The people of the North have a deep spiritual hunger, and God is raising up men and women—both local believers and those willing to go—to meet that need.
If you’re reading this, perhaps God is stirring something in you, too. Maybe He’s calling your Church to “adopt” a northern community—to pray, to give, or to send a team. Maybe He’s inviting you personally to go north, to sit around kitchen tables, listen to stories, and share God’s love.
The North still needs us. But more importantly, the North needs Jesus. And He is already at work there—calling His people, healing hearts, and transforming communities one life at a time.
So as we wrap up another season of ministry in Fort Good Hope, my heart is full of gratitude—and expectation. The story isn’t finished. The seeds have been planted, and the harvest is coming. Let’s keep praying, keep going, and keep believing that revival can reach even the most remote places of our nation.
Because when the Church remembers the North, the whole nation is strengthened.
Pastor Sang Hee is a dedicated missionary who has been serving in Northern Canada for more than a decade. Her heart is to bring the hope of Jesus to remote and often overlooked communities across the North. Through prayer gatherings, children’s ministry, radio outreach, and partnership with local believers, she continues to share God’s love and strengthen the church in some of Canada’s most isolated regions.