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PEOPLE PROFILE
Quest for simple life leads to Labrador


Bill and Pam Stevenson were drifting across Canada two years ago looking for a simple life when they stumbled upon Mennonite Central Committee.

They had reached Manitoba during the massive Red River flood of 1997 and were interested in volunteering for flood relief work. “When Bill told me we had an appointment with MCC, I thought it was Manitoba Chamber of Commerce,” Pam recalls with a chuckle.

That first introduction has led to a relationship with MCC that is closer than they could ever have imagined. Based in Happy Valley, the Stevensons became MCC’s representatives for Labrador and the rest of Newfoundland in January 1999.

Getting there has been quite the ride for these motorcycle-loving former hippies with a heart for Christian service. The journey began as a result of their marriage – which brought together six children between them – and their desire to take early retirement. Bill had spent many years as an elementary school principal in southwestern Ontario. Pam had worked in various counselling and advocacy roles. “We sold our house and gave away a lot of our personal belongings. We wanted a simple lifestyle,” says Pam.

While that trip across Canada didn’t end up in flood relief work, they did sign up with SOOP, MCC’s short-term service program for older people. It took them to New Mexico in November 1997 for a six-month stint working with female offenders with parenting issues and alcohol problems.

After some opportunities for longer service in Canada didn’t pan out, MCC suggested a Labrador assignment. “I said absolutely not,” says Bill. He had been to the east coast before and recalled mammoth black flies he feared would make life miserable.

The Stevensons were so set on going back south that they signed up for Spanish lessons. Then MCC called again. Three days before heading to Georgia on another SOOP assignment, they agreed to visit Happy Valley. Before they knew it, they had accepted the placement.

Still, the Stevensons first volunteered three months in Georgia, working in death row ministry, before hitting the highway to Labrador.

They have no regrets about the time they’ve volunteered so far. “This has been the best two years of my life,” says Bill.

As the Stevensons build friendships, often by inviting people to join them around their kitchen table for meals, the appeal of Labrador is sinking in. “The beauty is breathtaking. And the people are warm and diverse,” says Pam.

They see myriad opportunities for service as they juggle administrative tasks with counselling and advocacy work with both Innu and Inuit people. And there are opportunities for other volunteers to join them.

“It’s a fantastic place. It’s exotic. You don’t have to leave Canada to have a cultural experience. And the cold’s really not bad,” says Pam.

MCC Canada news release.

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Last modified September 23, 1999.

© 1999 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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