Week 5: Fur Trade & The Colonization of America

Did you know that the Oregon-Washington border on the Columbia River could have been the American-Canadian border? Washington State could have been in Canada! But as it happened, Washington State was ceded by the British Empire in 1846, in accordance with the Oregon Treaty in the settlement of the Oregon boundary dispute. 

Fort Vancouver, near the shores of the Columbia River, is our local national-treasure to help us remember our land’s history. Our Adventure Days group visited yesterday and learned so much.  As a 9th-century fur trading post, Fort Vancouver was the headquarters of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Columbia Department.   

And just like people traded goods back then, Jesus wants to trade goods with you today. He is the Great Merchant offering quality goods for unbelievable prices. Your sin for his gold currency–His riches of faith; your shame for His “fur-ever” guaranteed 100% pure raiment–which will cover you, protect you, and keep you warm; and your spiritual blindness for His famous eye salve, which is the work of the Holy Spirit in you. (Revelation 3:14-22)

Sound like a fair trade? No! It is absolutely to your advantage. But Christ freely gives His love, grace, and salvation to you and me today. Let’s go shopping!