In 2024, a remarkable act of friendship brought two longtime pastors even closer.
For more than 20 years, Gordon Petawabano and Paul Racine had served together in ministry, supporting the Cree community in Mistissini, Quebec, and helping young people grow in faith through Sonrise Camp, a summer Bible camp they helped build.
Their shared ministry was interrupted when one of Gordon’s kidneys began to fail. He eventually started dialysis and had to step away from his work in Mistissini to be in Montreal for treatment several times a week. The experience was physically exhausting and also tested his faith.
Paul watched his longtime friend go through those difficult years. During Sonrise Camp in the summer of 2023, Paul found himself thinking about Gordon, who was in hospital instead of serving alongside him at camp. After praying about it, he began researching living kidney donation.
After speaking with his family, Paul called Gordon and offered to donate one of his kidneys. The decision began a lengthy process of medical appointments, testing and preparation for both men. A year later, the transplant took place in June 2024 and was successful.
In the weeks that followed, Gordon began regaining his strength and energy. He told CBC News at the time that the experience had also renewed his faith and given him a greater understanding of what others facing illness go through.
The transplant deepened an already decades-long friendship. For Gordon and Paul, the experience became a story of faith, service, sacrifice and hope.
At the time of the 2024 report, Gordon was preparing to return to Mistissini and resume his ministry, while both men continued looking ahead to their work with Sonrise Camp.
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