As I was getting ready to leave the campground, I finally managed to strike up some conversation with my neighbors and give them New Testaments. Then I headed up to Cheticamp for the 10:30 worship service. I didn’t exactly make it on time, but close enough. Although they only had a small space, it was the first time I ever recall seeing a Canadian worship service that pretty nearly ran out of seats. Cheticamp is mostly an Acadian community, but English is widely used and the worship service was all in English. I was able to visit during the social time afterwards, and surprised to find a couple visiting from Ontario who many years ago had felt the call into ministry after not being able to find an evangelical church in northern Nova Scotia during their honeymoon.
I had a good bit that I had to do online before doing some more scouting of the coast from Cheticamp to Margaree Harbour. Next, I spent some time visiting with Pierre Chiasson about the PrayerPaddle and church planting strategies for Cape Breton. I wanted to get back to Antigonish tonight, but also wanted to visit the evening service at the Margaree Valley church. Since it was such a beautiful day, they brought chairs out for an outdoor evangelistic service. It was nice to see that type of flexibility compared to so many times in the States where it seems that nothing can depart from what was planned a month in advance. As they were getting set up for the service, I asked if I could borrow one of the guitars. You’ve got to realize that Cape Breton is like a paradise for someone that loves traditional country, and Scottish, and Acadian music. It had been a joy when they did one of my favorite Hank Williams songs in the morning service. So I ended up singing “Boat of Life” and “Jesus Savior Pilot Me” during the service. I was also asked to share my testimony since the lady that had been asked to was not able to come. I really hated to leave this little valley, but knew that I needed to be heading back west. The similarity between “Margaree Valley” and “Maggie Valley” (the center for traditional music in North Carolina) seemed appropriate.
After going over the rollercoaster sidewinding road to Whycocomagh, I was able to make pretty good time on the Trans-Canada to Antigonish, with the exception of a stop in Port Hastings to make some phone calls to family.
Partner churches: Margaree Valley Baptist Church; Grace Community Church
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