FORT SIMPSON - The raising of a large yellow and white tent is the sign that the New Testament Outreach Ministries has arrived in a community.

Led by Ministers Lori Byers and Dorothy Carbert the ministry is made up of a whole team of 10 to 20 people who travel together spreading a Christian message.

Members of the New Testament Outreach Ministries who travel with a tent offering gospel meetings include from left, front row: Isaac Isiah, Rebecca Isiah and Hannah Isiah; back row: Arnold Hunter, Glenna Cumming, Timara Auger, Mary Isiah, Sharon Williams, Lori Byers, Larry Martin, Dorothy Carbert, Jane Martin, Susie Eicher and Velma White. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

"We love it," said Byers.

"There's nothing we'd rather do."

Byers and Carbert who've both lived in Fort Providence for the past seven years, spend their summers travelling with their team hosting inter-denominational gospel meetings in their tent.

The two ministers can be on the road as early as May. This year they started at the end of June and had already been in Saskatchewan and Alberta before arriving in Fort Simpson on Aug. 14 for a six-day stay.

Every year the ministry follows a slightly different route. Some communities are visited almost every year and new ones are also added to the list. Fort Simpson has been a stop for 10 of the past 11 years since the ministry purchased their tent.

Every year the decision on which route to take is left to a higher power.

"We just pray into it each year," said Byers.

Over the summer the team picks up members of their group who travel with the tent. Whole families come on the road.

"It's grown over the years," said Byers.

When the group started almost everyone slept in tents. Now many people have campers they pull behind their vehicles. The equipment the group brings with them has also grown and along with it, the vehicles needed to move it.

A truck moves the tent that can seat between 160 to 500 people depending on how many panels are added, as well as the chairs and sound equipment.

Travelling costs money, but the group doesn't take up offerings in the communities. Enough money comes from people who feel it in their hearts to give, said Byers.

Both Byers and Carbert agree that God directed them to do this kind of ministry.

"That's the truth," said Carbert.

In each community they visit, the group offers evening gospel services and sometimes a children's time. No matter how many people come, Byers said she considers the response good if people are taking something away from it.

"We really hope and want to see the Lord touch lives," said Byers.

"That makes it worth everything."

The ministry doesn't stop after the summer. Although winter weather makes using the tent impossible, the two ministers do winter trips without the tent and also offer a six-week bible camp at their home in Fort Providence.

Spreading the gospel is something that neither plans to give up.

"It's a real privilege. We love it. Amen," said Byers.