Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

RANKIN INLET (Mar 31/99) - As an Inuit evangelist preaching the word of God, Billy Arnaquq's travels have taken him from his Arctic beginnings to as far away as Russia in his efforts to show people the Christian way of life.

Originally from Pangnirtung, Arnaquq says his dad was involved with Anglican missions in both Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay when he was quite small, making him aware of the Bible for most of his life.

"The Good Book was planted into my life but, at the same time, I feel I have a calling to reach my own people," says Arnaquq. "I've been preaching since about 1986. A lot of my time has been spent in the North. I started out in my own region and kept expanding until I reached this region. I've been to Alaska and Russia and I'm planning another trip back to Russia."

Arnaquq says religion builds character. He says once you find the meaning of life, you want to pass that on and tell people about Jesus, that he's the answer and can give you what you are looking for in life.

Visiting Rankin Inlet as one of the keynote speakers for the Leadership Conference, Arnaquq says being fairly young helps him to attract young listeners.

"That's our real goal right now, working with young people, but, at the same time, we work very closely with the current leadership. When you look at Bible school, it's very encouraging because most of them are young people. I find the young people who I work with very accepting of the word of God."

Arnaquq says he's just starting to get familiar with the Kivalliq Region. In his Baffin Region, he works closely with talented young people reaching those their own age.

"One lady I work with, Looee Nowdlak, is a very well-known singer all over the Arctic and another person I work with, James Arreak, is an account manager with the Royal Bank.

These types of people are role models for our youth.

"They need someone like me to give them counsel and wisdom and that's what we do, we help support one another."

Arnaquq says the most important thing for Arctic youth right now is to have good role models. He says because they have seen so many promises broken, it's important for credible people to show them the way.

"We must have a willingness to succeed in life. We must be determined and have a vision for our own lives. In this way, your life will be fulfilled and you will be rewarded.