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Previous | Next Convention 2000
Editorial Staff
Just as people are identified by how they like their coffee at the church coffee hour, some liking it black and some with double cream, double sugar, so also it takes all kinds of people to make up a church; all serve in their own way. |
Renee Evashkevich and her band led enthusiastic worship singing in each of the sessions. |
On Friday evening, Amanda Rogina, introduced by Saskatchewan moderator Rod Dick, described how she was going through a difficult time until her friend Velvet invited her to a youth Bible study. Later, while talking at Velvet’s house, they phoned pastor Darren Holland, who explained the gospel to her and led her to Christ. She was baptized April 30 in Philadelphia MB Church in Watrous, Sask. Amanda said, “Before, Satan was in my life. Now God took out the dark spot.” |
Prayer comes first
The first official session of the convention, on Thursday afternoon right after the Church Leadership Conference, was a Concert of Prayer. Steve Berg, senior pastor of South Abbotsford MB Church, guided delegates in prayer in small groups. The overall theme for the session was “Praying for a Fresh Wind” based on Acts 2:1-4. Interspersed with worship songs, delegates prayed for:
- A Fresh Wind of Repentance (a profound turning to God during the convention: Acts 2:38-39)
- A Fresh Wind of Ministry (a return to the simplicity and power of the biblical values in ministry: Acts 2:42)
- A Fresh Wind of Expectation (that attenders would be overcome with a sense of awe of the presence of God and the work of the Spirit: Acts 2:43)
- A Fresh Wind of Service (that attenders would humble themselves for service to lost people and members of the body of Christ: Acts 2:44-45)
- A Fresh Wind of Worship (a renewed heart of worship in the convention: Acts 2:46-47)
- A Fresh Wind of Growth (prayer for one lost person to whom each attender had been a witness).
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The best days of summer
Nervousness, worry, curiosity, and, even though I’m never really shy, shyness – these were some of the things I felt while waiting at Bethany Bible Institute to go to Redberry Bible Camp while my parents would be attending the national MB convention. Because no one really knew each other, my mom felt it was her duty to “introduce” me to someone (Thanks, Mom). I was introduced to Nathan from Winnipeg, and we became friends immediately. Fifty or so of us PKs and MKs got on the bus, and Nathan and I talked the whole way. When we arrived at camp, we found out there were only eight boys in teen camp and we would all be in the same cabin. It was gonna be sweet.
The activities we did were interesting, fun and exciting. We went swimming, horseback riding and wall climbing. We learned survival skills, archery and crafts. We played basketball during free time and just hung around.
The people I met touched me in many ways: Corwin (We had some good times! Thanks for the shirt!), Cam (Coke forever!), Bryant (You’re a good man!), Joel (Buds forever! Soaping stairs and echoes in the dark!), Micah (You rule! Always keep your awesome contortions!), Zac and Nathan (Basketball forever!), Jordan (Have a blast in Japan!) and the rest of the gang (You were the best!).
The speaker at camp (Derrick Mueller) was powerful. He talked on the book of Jonah, and asked us if we were running away from God like Jonah at the beginning of the story, running back to God like Jonah in the middle, coming bock to God like Jonah at the end or turning our backs completely, ignoring God. He challenged us to think. These days at camp were some of the best days of my summer.
Dave Isbister, Sardis Community Church, Chilliwack, B.C.
Two programs ran at Redberry Bible Camp. The youth program, for ages 13-16, is described above. The program for children aged 8-12 was somewhat similar but featured Gary Edwards as speaker.
Children well cared for
A team of 43 volunteers provided childcare for young children aged 3-4 and 5-7 in two different programs centred in one of the Bethany Bible Institute dorms. The children were cared for during each session and returned to their parents for meals.
The 3-4-year-old program, led by Carrie Fast and Helen Redekop, included toys, crafts, a jungle gym and story times.
The 5-7-year-old program, led by Jean Machnee and Laureen Guenther, included crafts, stories, videos, visits to the Hepburn school playground and outdoor activities such as blowing bubbles and running through sprinklers.
The convention ended with worship dancers accompanying the song, “Hear our Praise” |
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Assistant moderator Ralph Gliege led in a worshipful celebration of the Lord’s Supper at the end of the convention, explaining some of the symbolism involved. Jesus’ Last Supper with His disciples took place during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which was a prayer for the harvest – a prayer fulfilled in an unexpected way. The offering of a cup of wine was a common form of marriage proposal. Gliege stated, “Jesus still says, ‘I love you. I offer you My life. Will you be My bride?’ ” |
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Last modified December 4, 2000.
© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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