Tommy Francis is a Cree Indian who was born on the Kahkewistahaw Reserve In southern Saskatchewan. Both Tommy and his wife, Helen, were saved through the ministry of NCEM missionaries Art and Dorothy Wellwood, stationed at La Loche, a Chip­weyan Indian village in northern Saskatchewan, where Tommy worked for the forestry.

After he was saved, Tommy felt a great burden to not only bring the Gospel to his own people but also to help his own people establish churches. Tommy had already completed Bible School training and was, like Bill, busy in the Lord’s service. 

        The idea of forming an organization to help establish strong indigenous churches in Canada gripped Tommy Francis. He threw himself into the task of making it happen. There were other Native Christians whom he knew he 

The founders of the Native Evan­gelical Fellowship of Canada. Albert Tait, Tommy Francis, Bill Jackson and Stan Williams.

could call on for help. One was Bill Jackson. The other two were Albert Tait,  (Saulteaux) who served the Lord at Island Lake, Manitoba, and Stan Williams, (Ojibway) from Manitoulin Island.  After Tommy invited the others to an initial meeting, the four Native leaders met together at various times and places. By 1968, NEFC officially came into being. A Board of Directors was chosen and a constitution and by-laws were adopted. The constitution and by-laws represented years of preparation work and countless miles of travel by the original four Native leaders and others called in to help. 

        “Tommy Francis was the real driving force,” Bill confirmed. “Now he’s Dr. Tommy Francis. Briercrest Bible College conferred an honorary Doctoral degree on him in 1993. It was a well-deserved honor for all Tommy’s labors for the Lord, and especially for his work to get NEFC off the ground.” 

        Time always seemed to be at a premium for Bill. Preparing sermons used up many hours. He liked to give the people his very best and the regular weekly service meant new material each time. Then there were the outside conferences and other times of Bible teaching, such as the one at Island Lake. Each July and August a mini Bible School was held, where Native church leaders came for instruction in Bible and related subjects. Albert Tait was the man who administered this very helpful ministry. Bill helped Albert with the teaching for the whole two-month term one summer. 

        Another area of teaching for Bill is the Missionary Development Program (MDP), an annual six-week teaching event which helps non-native missionaries become oriented to Native ministry. Missionary leaders who have learned from firsthand exprience the importance of understanding Native culture, share their wisdom. Native Christian leaders, including Bill, play amajor role by teaching. Once again, it would be hard to overestimate the value of such a program.

But it does take a lot of time and effort from those who participate.

        While Bill was busy with studies in preparation for preaching and lecturing, Shirley had her own times of excitement at Lubicon Lake. One Christmas Day, while she was busy preparing the festive turkey, the outside propane tank froze. The temperature was -51^o Fahrenheit, cold even for that part of the world. Although the oven flame went out, the valve froze open, allowing gas to build up around the turkey. All set to make gravy, the unsuspecting Shirley held a lit match towards the top element. There was a flash and a huge bang.

        Bill had just been discharged from hospital where he’d had surgery. Still a bit weak and shaky, he nearly shot straight up from the bed when the big bang sounded. His first thought was that somebody had discharged one of his hunting guns. “Hope nobody has been hurt,” he remembers thinking.

Ladies class at Island Lake, Manitoba. Shirley on left, RhodaTait    (interpreter) on right.

       
        As quickly as he could, Bill made his way to the kitchen, dreading what he might find. He soon discovered that there was no cause for alarm. The explosion had blown the oven door off. Dust from under the stove and spilled gravy covered the scene. But nobody was hurt—and the turkey was still edible.

Albert Tait, Bill and boys fishing at Island Lake.

Teaching at Missionary Development Program (MDP).