September 2005

“There's Fire in Them There Hills”

Everyone's eyes got big. "There's a forest fire on Seagull Lake." We had just called Kathleen to let her know of our arrival time at Adventurous Christians (A.C.) Camp. Kathleen's concerned voice informed us of what could be trip canceling news. The Smieja's, the Piasecki's and I were heading into the Boundary Waters. The place that I have called my second home since the mid eighties, A.C. was outfitting us for this church canoe trip. We had been preparing for this trip since spring. We had planned for every possible problem. We had first aid, we had warm clothes, we had sunscreen, we had bug spray, yes, we even packed a kitchen sink (ok, it was a big pan). We had purchased McKensie maps early, so we could scope out the best possible camp sites. We had thought of everything that could happen. We were heading into the Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Area and we were ready. As the guide, I had thought of every possible problem that we could face. But honestly, I had never considered a forest fire. A night of preparation and training by our host guide Lucas, set us in the right mood to head off in the wilderness first thing in the morning. We were dropped off at our entry point on Seaqull Lake. The next four days were to be filled with once in a lifetime experiences that will not soon be forgotten.

As we pushed off from shore, our first challenge came immediately. We had to paddle against a very strong wind on the very large lake. Thankfully, large islands gave us some rest after facing tough winds. But the last half mile to our campsite was very difficult. The wind would twist and turn our canoes like little toy boats. It caused us no end of frustration as we figured out which island would be our home for the next four days.

As we finally rounded the point of our island and pulled into our new homes safe bay, we saw it. The Alpine Lake forest fire that had spread to over 600 acres, was clear on the horizon. We were at a safe 1/2 mile distance from the shore on an island, so we figured we would have a safe and quiet ringside seat to a relatively small blaze. But what we experienced during the next few days was a treat to boys and girls of all ages.

As we set up camp, we noticed that the strong winds had whipped up the fire, causing it to spread rapidly. We wondered what could be done. But the fire spotters that circled high above knew it would be best to call in the big boys. So for the next 5 hours we had front row seats to the best air show that a Boundary Waters permit could buy. CL 215 belly loading planes arrived on the scene and proceeded to pick up and dump 1,300 gallons of water with every pass. Imagine the change of atmosphere with three planes, 100 yards off our island, filing their bellies every three minutes. The calm, serene, quiet Miles Island was now like the flight path at a busy international airport. The evenings "Last Word" devotions were shared like a foreign language talk with the planes giving the interpretation every few sentences just 50 feet over head. Throughout the week the dedicated helicopter and plane firefighters became our aerial campsite guests.

What struck me, as I told the story to many people, was how much our experience in the wilderness paralleled life. Our plans to find simplicity, quiet, and to escape problems are interrupted by forest fires in life. At first we may think it?s terribly unfair and we may even get angry at the situation. Things are supposed to be smooth for people who follow Christ, aren't they? We know from Christ's example that we are supposed to stop and be quiet before God. We are to take time away to refresh ourselves physically and spiritually. Why should that quiet be interrupted? Many times we are tempted to retreat from everyday life. Not just for a few days but for a long time. We say to ourselves that we shouldn't have to get involved with messy situations and people. We deserve to have a simple, problem free life.

But God reminds us that we are his servants and are to be his light in the middle of the darkness. This means he needs us in many tough situations. And in fact, we are told the forest fires of life are there for a purpose. James writes, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

This fall you may be asked by God to get involved in a specific ministry. It may be teaching, or small group, the homeless shelter, or any number of places. You may have been thinking "I want a quiet peaceful fall". Don't be surprised if God wants to put you into a forest fire of action.

The truth is that many times the joys and miracles of God are found when we are up to our necks in life struggles. I pray that this fall, when you find yourself in the middle of one of life's forest fires, that you will know that God will use you to be a blessing in that situation. Scripture also teaches that we will grow in maturity and be made complete through these events. Just as we paddled into the wilderness not knowing what was around the corner of the island, you do not know what tomorrow will bring; but be assured God does and will walk with you each step of the way.

Happy Canoeing,



Pastor Craig