Mark and Babe Smith moved to Lillooet, British Columbia, Canada in 1979 to become part of the St’at’imc community. Their involvement began by visiting and getting to know elders and families through friendship and serving. The sad history of abuse by the “church and missionaries” often made it difficult to share the good news of Jesus. It took many years of friendship to gain trust and a willingness to hear the truth of the Gospel. After nine years, they saw the first steps take place in the heart of the St’at’imc people as they became followers of Jesus..
Over the years, their prayers have been answered as many in the St’at’imc community have embraced Christ and there is now a fellowship that is active and a serving in the community. The St’at’imc Christian Fellowship continues to grow and share Christ through Bible studies, discipleship, and culturally sensitive gatherings like a First Fruits Festival with native speakers, Powwow’s, and inviting of international indigenous Christian groups. The Fellowship sent mission outreach teams to other native groups, disaster relief, international VBS clubs, and indigenous people overseas.
Mark continues to be involved with lay leadership training and discipleship, praying that God will soon supply native leadership/pastor for the fellowship. Babe continues to work with the women in Bible study and has lead a number of counseling and family seminars. They also do extensive work among youth. Each week they gather with 20-25 youth in their home and have seen them grow in their knowledge of God’s Word and its application to their life. They have worked hard at raising funds and going on youth trips. Mark and Babe have come to love the St’at’imc community as their home and serve in whatever way they are needed. They love to join in the drumming and singing at gathering and often help at wakes and funeral or cooking for gatherings.
Mark and Babe’s prayer for the St’at’imc People is a native fellowship that is native lead and native pastored. As this becomes a reality, they praise God for the evidence of changed lives and the growth of this young fellowship.
Mark and Babe have four adult children and eleven grandchildren.
If you are ever by their way, please stop by for coffee.
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