On Thursday October 2^nd, eight men from Laurentian gathered to move 66 heavy banana boxes full of Bibles, Christian books, Sunday School materials, tapes, videos and more from the loft to a trailer and then to two pallets at ERB Transport. This material was sent to the Christian Salvage Mission (CSM) in Hamilton . But it wasn't all just work and no fun. First the boxes were moved from the loft to the vestibule. After a break in which we enjoyed a BBQ and some real fellowship where everyone had their fill it was on to moving the boxes again. This time from the vestibule into the trailer. Next stop ERB Transport and by 8:00 PM the books were downloaded from the trailer to the loading dock and our job was done. Two pallets were piled high, shrink wrapped, addressed and the materials were on their way.

This is the second load that has gone from Laurentian in a little over a year. And now we start all over again collecting materials from local churches and individuals.

In 2007, CSM shipped 7 - 20 foot sea containers that aided 330 ministries. Each container holds 589 banana boxes and weighs in at 33,000 pounds. In total 241,520 pounds of material left the CSM warehouse in 2007, exceeding the amount shipped in 2006.

In addition to sea containers, CSM assisted 60 different ministries that came into the office and took materials from the resource shelves. For missionaries that required books in the field 265, 2kg. packs were shipped to 251 individuals. What a wonderful ministry and what a wonderful blessing that we at Laurentian can support this work. Praise God. We are but one team of 40 area co-coordinators mainly in Ontario that collect materials. But there are many more people who volunteer with CSM. There are the transporters, warehouse volunteers, sorters and packers. Other volunteers sort and package Bibles and books for mailing. All are volunteers with CSM having just one paid part-time employee.

To learn more about CSM you can read the quarterly report found on the bulletin board in the church near the side door or by going to our website (www.laurentianchurch.com) and follow the links to the CSM website. We feel truly blessed to be part of this ministry.