Blog

God’s call for missions can look very different for each person, and He often uses the people and situations around them to confront their hearts. In this month’s blog, Jacob and Rachel Hwang, Fellowship International missionaries, share their calling to serve with First Nations communities and how the Lord has been sustaining them throughout their ministry.

God began shaping our calling to Ahousaht long before we understood it. In 2014, during a short-term mission trip, we were confronted with the limits of temporary ministry. We met families in deep need, yet we could not remain with them or respond when crises arose. This experience pierced our hearts and led us to pray more intentionally for the community. During that season of prayer, God brought Luke 10:33-34 (NLT) to us: “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds…and bandaged them… and took care of him.” Through this Scripture, we understood that God was calling us to become true neighbours who would remain present, bind wounds, and walk alongside those who have yearned for God’s love, healing, and grace.

As we wrestled with this call, God confirmed it repeatedly and we sensed the Holy Spirit inviting us to remain until healing could begin. In His provision, an Ahousaht Elder invited our family into the reserve to serve alongside the people. The invitation became a sign that God Himself was opening the door for long-term ministry and reconciliation.

In 2016, God had called us to serve the people of Ahousaht not as visitors but as neighbours, friends, and fellow disciples of Jesus. Since then, the Lord has sustained us through many challenges, including raising six children in a remote community (four of whom were born on the island itself); and living in a place with no grocery market, no hospital, and no access except by water taxi or seaplane. Living in such an isolated environment has been profoundly challenging for our family, yet through every season of uncertainty and limitation, God has continued to provide what we needed. And through it all, He has confirmed repeatedly that this is the place of His calling for our family.

To learn more or support their ministry, click here, or email them.