Carl Sonnichsen reports on the Genaille's Labrador Tour

I would like to report on the 2 weeks in which Bert and Liz Genaille were present in Labrador ministering to verious communities through song, testimony and preaching.

It was my pleasure to accompany the Genailles during their time here and can say they are a wonderful couple to work with. Both of them have a real heart to share the simplicity of the Gospel with others and also have a longing to bring people to a deeper walk with God.

I should acknowledge a husband and wife in North Carolina, USA, who, previous to the Genailles plans to come, were praying for Labrador and had contacted Tribal Trails (mentioned below) about the Genailles testimony on TT's website, with no knowledge of their plans to come to Labrador. We see this as part of God's grand plan beyond our doing. We are also grieved to hear that the husband, Fred, has succumbed to cancer only 1 month after discovery. May God give his wife, Judith, the grace to go on.

The morning after arriving, Bert and Liz were interviewed on CBC Radio for about 15 minutes. The recorded interview would be aired several times throughout the week. Laura and I had the Genailles stay with us when they arrived and are grateful to our friends, Herman and Linda, who so graciously fed all of us a couple of good traditional meals at their home.

The Genaille's being interviewed for CBC Radio

The first 2 nights in Northwest River were well attended. Being acquainted with Country Gospel, I was able to accompany the Genailles with my harmonicas. I thought it would only be during our time in Northwest River but it continued on the entire tour. I was glad to be able to help in that way. With the number of CD's sold on the first 2 nights in NWR, I was wondering if there would be enough to go around through the entire tour. There were also a number of people from Goose Bay who drove the 40 minutes to meet the Genailles. A number of people from Sheshasheit, an Innu community across the River, also came.

After 2 nights in NWR, we made our way up Labrador's Coast, stopping for the first 2 nights in Hopedale. Thanks to Marjorie for setting up 2 different homes for us as accommodations, as well as to the Flowers clan for putting us up. Shortly after arriving in Hopedale, the local radio station gave the Genailles time to introduce themselves to local residents. I ended up interviewing them along with a couple songs from some of their CD's. We met in the Moravian Church the first night. Since the Genailles are flexible in their style, part of the night turned into a time of singing for everyone who attended. During the stay in Hopedale, the Genailles were able to take in some of the traditional Children's Day celebrations. It was also good to get about town a bit and meet with various residents. The concert for the 2nd night would be held in the gym of the Amos Comenius School.

Bert speaking in Hopedale

Some of the young people in Hopedale

The very next morning, we left for Makkovik and were assured that there would be several skidoos and kamotiks to pick us up. Sure enough, there they were, almost into June and still beating around town on top of the remainder of last Winter's snow, of which there was plenty, especially in Makkovik. As usual and in style with Makkovik, we received a very warm welcome. Bert brought the message for the 4 p.m. service and a couple of primer songs for the evening. After a cold plate for all those who attended, the evening service began a couple of hours later. Uncle Jim (87 years old) and Henry came along with their instruments of choice and joined in on a few numbers.

A Makkovik welcoming party!

The very next morning, we were taken by skidoo and kamotik back to the airstrip to make our way to Natuashish, the only Innu (Mushuau Innu) community on the Labrador Coast. A resident pastor with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Newfoundland picked us up and both he and his wife so kindly looked after our lodging and meals. We ended up staying in Natuashish for an extra night due to inclement weather to the south (Makkovik, actually) which kept any flight from getting to us. This would reduce our 2 nights in Nain to just one. But it wasn't without reason. I was able to visit with a young couple that 3rd evening who I have known from the past to help them through some issues they are struggling with. During our stay, both Bert and I were able to visit with the Chief and some of the staff as well as with another family. With a handful of Christians there in Natuashish (workers from the outside) it was good to take in the Christian fellowship. The Christians there are actively involved in the community and are seeking to be a testimony for Christ in various ways. During our time in Natuashish, Bert and Liz were interviewed over telephone by the OKalaKatiget Radio Society in Nain.

Our last day would be spent in Nain, the most northern Inuit community in which Laura, the kids and I lived for 5 years. The Genailles were able to meet some of the staff at OKalaKatiget Radio Society. We made our way to visit with several homes before the evening concert in the Moravian Church. It was good to see the number of people out.

Outside Nain Church

The Genailles were well received in each community, as well as the 120 CD's which they brought with them. They left with barely a handful of CD's. They have another CD coming out which was not available during the tour.

Nain congregation

Though there was a minimal amount of more in-depth, one-on-one counseling, I observed that the Genailles were a great encouragement to both believers as well as to those on the fringes who have not made a decision for Christ. I, myself, was blessed to spend 2 weeks with Bert and Liz. Their love for God and people has been an inspiration to me, and I know to others. It was also good to laugh together (and boy did we laugh). It was difficult to see them go, but we hope to see them return again along with possibly others who will also come to minister to the Labrador communities around us. There were others that were wondering why the Genailles didn't come to their communties such as Postville and Rigolet. Possibly next time when there is more time set aside for such a tour.

Carl, Liz and Bert

A common thread that ran through this tour was people's acquaintance and admiration of the television program our Mission (NCEM) produces called Tribal Trails, a half-hour Native Gospel program that is aired all across North America. People equate Tribal Trails to authentic and down-to-earth people whose lives God has transformed, and the Genailles were no exception. People in each Labrador community respected and admired the Genailles for their genuine character and approach.
After arriving back in Goose Bay, the Genailles would minister in 2 local churches- the Happy Valley Moravian Church and the Northern Cross Community Church, as well as the Labrador Correctional Centre. They were also invited to accompany 2 local men who bring music to the elderly residents of the Paddon Home.

A big thanks to all those who oversaw the needs of our transportation both on arrival and departure in each community as well as moving the equipment from place to place. Thanks also to those who helped to get the word out and the posters hung before the Genailles arrival.


The funds for this tour came from several places: The Northern Canada Evangelical Mission, the Moravian Church of Newfoundland & Labrador and the Moravian Mission of North Dakota and the reduced fees and free flight arrangements were made by our friends at Air Labrador. We are grateful to all these people for making this tour possible through their generosity.


Lastly, thanks to those of you who backed up this ministry through prayer. We believe this was much more than just a musical tour. It was evident that hearts were touched and we will trust God to build on the work He has begun.


Thank you, Bert and Liz, for coming to Labrador to share your hearts, lives and the Gospel with the people here.



Gratefully submitted,
Carl Sonnichsen
Northern Canada Evangelical Mission


EDITOR'S NOTE: A special mention should be made for Carl's efforts and dedication in arranging, organising, and bringing to fruition this special trip. Without his hard work none of this would have happened. Thanks Carl.