Dave Sullivan
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Aug 03/01) - It's a nomadic but rewarding lifestyle for Lori Byers, who has devoted her life to travelling the North and spreading a Christian message.

Lori Byers and a dedicated entourage set up a big tent wherever they're needed. - Dave Sullivan/NNSL photo

For the past decade she has been on the road, setting up her small ministry in aboriginal communities across Canada, in addition to Russia and Scandinavia.

"The area God gave us to focus on is the North. It's truly in our hearts," says Byers, who started out holding informal fellowship meetings in Slave Lake.

Five years ago New Testament Outreach Ministries International bought a tent that held 120 for gospel services, and last year, they bought a bigger one that can hold 250.

Travelling is not cheap, but the outreach never asks for donations. Enough money comes anyhow, "from God."

In Fort Simpson for eight days, she and Pastor Dorothy Carbert hold nightly services.

Not many have showed up so far, but they're not discouraged. Earlier in Meander River, Alta., "it was packed out." It's been a gradual and logical journey for Byers.

A teenage alcoholic in Calgary, her life began to change when a teacher convinced her to attend Bible camp at 16.

After that, "My life was truly changed. The power of addictions was broken and I went back to school."

She became a social worker, landing work at an Edmonton psychiatric centre.

She realized her multiple-addicted clients needed more than what social work programs could offer.

"I saw for many of them there were deep spiritual issues. I couldn't address their spiritual emptiness."

That was in 1988, when she felt the call of God and gave up social work.

Spiritually, Byers sees aboriginal people "rising up," with more becoming missionaries themselves.

Last summer the ministry travelled to Inuvik and Fort Good Hope.

After folding up the tent in Fort Simpson, her and a devoted group of eight will head for Red Deer, Alta.