Chris Hunsley
Northern News Services

Tulita (July 11/05) - Flocks of faithful Christians will gather in Tulita this week to worship, commune with nature and perhaps witness some miracles.

"Like what happened at the last meeting, miracles will happen," said Pastor Lynn Buerger.

An organizer of Fire on the Mackenzie 2, Buerger claims that at the informal religious meeting two years ago "real physical healing" took place.

Devotees from across the North and the rest of Canada are expected to attend the four-day event, scheduled for July 13-16 on the community's waterfront.

The first meeting drew more than 1,000 people from Saskatchewan, Alberta, B.C. and 13 NWT communities, said Buerger.

The "old fashioned tent meetings," as he calls them, are simply a venue for Christians to gather, enjoy music and food and discuss their beliefs.

"There's no formal theme," he said, "it's just to talk about Jesus."

A large tent will be erected where guest speakers will address topics like addiction. Musicians will perform contemporary Christian music, evangelists will speak and everyday people will sing and share their beliefs. Guests can sleep by the river or arrange a billet in the community accessible only by boat or plane, he said.

The event is open to all denominations. The concept for the original gathering came from community member Nancy Lennie after she and her husband attended a service held by the Toronto Christian Fellowship.

It was non-denominational with people worshipping to music resulting in real emotional healing, said Lennie.

"I myself have been healed through prayer and I believe in the power of prayer," she said. "People do get healed when you pray for them. God is God and he can heal."