Greetings from Mishkeegogamang!
We are so thankful for your prayers for our Christmas and New Year trip to India. We had a truly wonderful time reconnecting with family and friends. It was a special blessing to be home, surrounded by love, care, and joyful celebrations.
I returned to Mishkeegogamang in the third week of January and resumed school, while Jyoti and Meshech were able to stay back a little longer, returning in the first week of February. Since being back in the community, we have continued to embrace our work and calling here with gratitude.
Winter in the North has been a unique experience for us! There are so many outdoor activities to enjoy—like ice fishing and Skidoo driving—but the extreme cold (down to -32°C!) has been something entirely new for us. While I haven’t been able to fully take part in all the winter fun yet, we are learning and adjusting step by step.
We are thankful to God for His continued blessings. In February, we had the opportunity to attend a school conference in Winnipeg. It was a meaningful three days of learning, connecting with educators from other northern communities, and building relationships with fellow staff outside of the school setting.
I am currently teaching Grade 7, and Jyoti has recently transitioned to teaching Senior Kindergarten due to an unexpected staffing change. She is really enjoying working with the younger children and feels happy in her new role.
We also cherish the times we connect with the Burning Stone team when they visit every month. Sharing tea, prayer, and fellowship together has been deeply encouraging.
I returned to Mishkeegogamang in the third week of January and resumed school, while Jyoti and Meshech were able to stay back a little longer, returning in the first week of February. Since being back in the community, we have continued to embrace our work and calling here with gratitude.
Winter in the North has been a unique experience for us! There are so many outdoor activities to enjoy—like ice fishing and Skidoo driving—but the extreme cold (down to -32°C!) has been something entirely new for us. While I haven’t been able to fully take part in all the winter fun yet, we are learning and adjusting step by step.
We are thankful to God for His continued blessings. In February, we had the opportunity to attend a school conference in Winnipeg. It was a meaningful three days of learning, connecting with educators from other northern communities, and building relationships with fellow staff outside of the school setting.
I am currently teaching Grade 7, and Jyoti has recently transitioned to teaching Senior Kindergarten due to an unexpected staffing change. She is really enjoying working with the younger children and feels happy in her new role.
We also cherish the times we connect with the Burning Stone team when they visit every month. Sharing tea, prayer, and fellowship together has been deeply encouraging.
Spring Break Camp and a Taste of Things to Come...
During our school spring break, we were blessed to have family visit us, which made for a refreshing and joyful time. At the same time, the “You Shine” camp—organized by Mini Bimaadiziwin Prevention in partnership with the Burning Stone program—was held in the community. Meshech had the opportunity to attend and enjoyed the crafts, games, and sports activities.
A youth group from Chartwell Baptist Church (Brampton area) also joined the camp, along with our Redwood Kids and Jr. High Pastor, Mark Schutte. We were grateful to spend time together, share a meal, and build connections. It was especially meaningful to host Pastor Mark in the community as he prepares for the Kids Day Camp in Mish this August.
A youth group from Chartwell Baptist Church (Brampton area) also joined the camp, along with our Redwood Kids and Jr. High Pastor, Mark Schutte. We were grateful to spend time together, share a meal, and build connections. It was especially meaningful to host Pastor Mark in the community as he prepares for the Kids Day Camp in Mish this August.
We have also been intentionally connecting within the community by attending many of the local events that take place. These events are organized by various programs, and they have provided meaningful opportunities to meet people and build relationships. Many community members have been kind and welcoming, and we are thankful for those connections, even as we continue to gently build trust with others. I usually volunteer and help wherever needed, which has been a great way to serve and get to know people.
We are also grateful for the support and connection of dear friends. Thank you, Ray and Eleanor, Samuel, and Jim, for staying connected with us. It has meant a lot to us. We were especially encouraged when Samuel came to visit us as we were heading to India. I have also been able to stay in touch with Jim and Ray from time to time, which has been a great blessing.
Please continue to pray for us as we grow in relationships, serve the community, and follow God’s calling here.
Thank you once again for your prayers and support. We continue to see God at work in this community and feel blessed to be part of it.
We are also grateful for the support and connection of dear friends. Thank you, Ray and Eleanor, Samuel, and Jim, for staying connected with us. It has meant a lot to us. We were especially encouraged when Samuel came to visit us as we were heading to India. I have also been able to stay in touch with Jim and Ray from time to time, which has been a great blessing.
Please continue to pray for us as we grow in relationships, serve the community, and follow God’s calling here.
Thank you once again for your prayers and support. We continue to see God at work in this community and feel blessed to be part of it.
With gratitude,
Deepak
Deepak
Deepak and Jyoti Kumar are teachers from India, now living and serving in
Mishkeegogamang, Ontario. They teach at Missabay Community School where their son is also a student. Both are Ontario Certified Teachers (OCT), and Jyoti holds a Master's in Education from Lakehead University, Thunder Bay.
Before coming to Canada, they spent many years in education and cross-cultural ministry in India. Deepak founded Rejoice and Shine Ministry to support children's learning, development, and spiritual growth.
They are passionate about walking alongside First Nations communitites to create safe, encouraging spaces where children and youth can flourish academically, emotionally, and spiritually. Hear their story.
Mishkeegogamang, Ontario. They teach at Missabay Community School where their son is also a student. Both are Ontario Certified Teachers (OCT), and Jyoti holds a Master's in Education from Lakehead University, Thunder Bay.
Before coming to Canada, they spent many years in education and cross-cultural ministry in India. Deepak founded Rejoice and Shine Ministry to support children's learning, development, and spiritual growth.
They are passionate about walking alongside First Nations communitites to create safe, encouraging spaces where children and youth can flourish academically, emotionally, and spiritually. Hear their story.