Story and Testimony
Faith and Action
In 2014, Jacob and Rachel participated in a short-term missions trip to Ahousaht, BC, where they served the First Nations people. It was through this experience that God pierced their hearts and created a desire inJacob and Rachel to serve this community long-term.
As they prayed for the people of Ahousaht, God directed them to Luke 10:33-34 (NIV): “But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.” These verses confirmed in their hearts His calling on their lives, and deepened their compassion and love for these First Nations people.
Where the Journey Began
This house is located in the village of Ahousaht (Maaqtusiis) on Flores Island, a remote First Nations community on the west coast of Vancouver Island, accessible only by boat or float plane. It was Jacob and Rachel’s first home after responding to God’s call to serve the community.
The home was generously provided to their family by their friend Francine Frank, a teacher at Maaqtusiis Elementary School. It originally belonged to her grandmother, making it a meaningful gift of friendship and support for the ministry.
From this humble home, Jacob and Rachel began building relationships, serving the community, discipling others, and laying the foundation for the ministry that continues today.
Hope Rising in Ahousaht
At Maaqtusiis Community Church, we are grateful to witness how God is moving among the young people and families of Ahousaht and beyond. Over the past year, we have seen youth grow deeper in their faith, leaders step forward in discipleship, and young men begin answering the call to pastoral ministry. Through gatherings, mentorship, Bible studies, camps, and community outreach, we believe God is raising up a new generation of Indigenous leaders who will carry the Gospel into their own communities with compassion, courage, and hope.
Elder Harvey Robinson
We are continually encouraged by leaders like Elder Harvey Robinson, whose faithfulness and love for the people of Ahousaht remind us why the church matters so deeply in our community. Elder Harvey shares the importance of continuing to gather in Jesus’ name, supporting the next generation, and creating spaces where indigenous youth can experience God’s love and hope for themselves. Even through the pain and history many communities have carried, we believe God is still healing, restoring, and building a strong foundation for future generations through the local church.
Baptisms in Port Alberni
We had a blessed All Generations Service in Port Alberni on April 18, 2026. It was a joy to witness how God is calling and drawing His people to see His mercy and grace. On this special day, we celebrated the baptisms of Mel Titian and Jordan Titian at the Orange Bridge (Somass River Bridge) in the Tseshaht First Nation.
God has been so good to us—to our people and to our community. We also gathered in five Discovery Bible Study groups, reflecting on 1 Corinthians 12:12–27, One Body with Many Parts.” We are reminded that we are the body of Christ, made up of many parts—friends and family—called to care for one another in unity.
Thank You, Lord, for this believing community that walks together and participates in Your Kingdom. We lift up Your name and give thanks for these two precious children—Your son and daughter—whom You are raising up within this community in Christ. May we continue to encourage one another and pray together through both struggles and joyful moments.
AYC 2026: Lives Transformed, Leaders Raised
We are grateful for all that God did during AYC (Aboriginal Youth Community) Spring Camp 2026, a powerful time of worship, discipleship, and spiritual growth for Indigenous youth from Ahousaht and Port Alberni.
Since first bringing just three youth to AYC in 2018, we have seen God grow this ministry in remarkable ways. This year, 51 youth and young adults attended the camp, reflecting a growing spiritual hunger among the next generation.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in worship, prayer, biblical teaching, and leadership opportunities. A special highlight was seeing youth from Ahousaht and Port Alberni lead a morning worship service and present a skit that shared the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
One of the most meaningful moments came during the baptism service at Nanoose Bay, where 12 youth and young adults publicly declared their faith in Jesus, including six from our communities.
We continue to disciple and mentor these emerging leaders, encouraging spiritual growth and leadership development. We are also excited that a team of eleven will travel to Saskatchewan this June for Indigenous leadership training and fellowship.
Thank you for your prayers and support as we see lives transformed and leaders raised up for God's kingdom.