 I am always moved by the carol “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” Originating in Latin from the 12th century, and based on plainchant music from the 8th century, this song is among the oldest we still sing today. If the tune evokes images of the music coming from a monastery in the medieval period, that’s because our carol was derived from exactly that type of song, with the English words we now use being added later – two verses in 1861 and two in 1916. I am drawn to the haunting melody and emotion of the song, but a couple of things about the words really stand out to me: When you sing this carol, you are reflecting on names or characteristics of Christ. He is Emmanuel - God with us (Matthew 1:23). He is Wisdom from on high (1 Corinthians 1:24). He is the Desire of nations (Haggai 2:7), and He is the Dayspring (Luke 1:78). I think one intended effect of this song is that we stop and ponder Christ from the perspective of the Jewish people who had been waiting so long for the arrival of their Messiah. It is hard to properly imagine the mindset of the typical Jew at that time, but it helps to understand their history. The zenith of Israel’s national pride and success occurred during King Solomon’s reign with the completion of the first temple. But soon after, Solomon died and the nation was divided into two kingdoms, Israel and Judah. The Assyrians conquered and scattered Israel. The Babylonians conquered and scattered Judah. Jerusalem was razed and the first temple was destroyed. When the Persians conquered Babylon, a remnant of Jews returned to Jerusalem to rebuild, and the second temple was finished relatively quickly. About 330 years later, the temple was desecrated by the king of Syria, leading to a revolt and subsequent restoration of Jewish practices. A level of autonomy had been regained, but by 63BC, the land of Israel had been conquered and annexed by the Roman empire. Israel had indeed experienced “lonely exile” at the hands of various foreign powers. They had undoubtedly experienced “envy, strife, and quarrels.” They desperately needed a savior, and the melody and words of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” capture this sense of longing and desperation. But what does this carol mean to us today? As I said, it is difficult to imagine exactly what the ancient Jews were thinking or feeling, but I know how I feel. It feels like our society reached a zenith some time ago. Our nations that once promoted Christian values seem to be chasing everything that is perverse and evil. Our nations that were once united in purpose now feel like they have been divided into multiple (political or social) kingdoms. False religions are growing in popularity at an alarming rate. Sinful practices evoke celebration rather than concern. In many ways, Christians in North America are becoming exiles in a foreign land. Our values, once used to establish our society, are now mocked and vilified. Our voices, once seen as important to public discourse, are now often disregarded or even silenced. Truth is often seen as “hate speech.” Come, o come, Jesus, and ransom your church, that mourns in lonely exile here until You again appear. The good news is that this carol also has a chorus. It calls on us to rejoice, because Jesus, the Light of the World, has come – God with us. I don’t reflect on the sadness of this song or the history of the nation of Israel so that we can mourn together, but that we can grasp the fullness of His deliverance together. Jesus Christ came to save mankind. While we recognize our lonely status amid the “envy, strife and quarrels” of this world, we also know that Jesus Christ came as a baby to free us from all of that and even from death! We know that Jesus came just as God’s Word said He would, so we know that He will return, just as He said He would. We look forward to that day with great anticipation, and we hold fast to His Word and to His promises as we wait. I am so glad that we have a Fellowship of like-minded believers with whom we can wait for the blessed return of Jesus. As we reflect on the glorious gift of salvation and the hope it brings, let us encourage one another and pray for one another as we wait together. Merry Christmas!
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Please save the dates for Connect26!12/10/2025  Our annual gathering of churches will happen July 9-11, 2026, at Salem Church in Waldheim, SK. We want to connect you with people, resources, and information that will help you do ministry better. This event is not just for pastors and leaders, but for anyone who is interested in learning more about God’s Word, about our Fellowship, or about healthy church ministry.
Save the dates and check back for more information.
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 One recent Sunday, I was speaking at a church that was having a pancake feed before church. I got a plate of pancakes and sausage and sat at a table with four men and the pastor. The pastor was already engaged in conversation with one of the men, so I introduced myself to the three men sitting opposite me. I learned that one of the men was a regular attender at this church, but this was the first Sunday that the other two (brothers) had been to the church. They had come for the pancake breakfast that morning. The pastor had been inspired to reach the community in creative ways by Mark Clifton, the speaker at CONNECT25, the FEBC’s annual meetings and conference. That morning started with infectious joy throughout the church as everyone was greeting one another and serving together. I even managed to preach with a mouthful of great Canadian maple syrup.
Working for the FEBC, I have been able to see those highlights in ministry at many churches, as well as how pastors and churches encourage one another. As Ministries Coordinator, I am blessed to see it and hopefully be a part of it as well. God is at work. So are our churches. The work of ministry has been a focus of my efforts this past year. Toward that end, the FEBC enabled me to get Working Genius certified. Working Genius is an assessment developed by Patrick Lencioni and the Table Group. It is a way of understanding work (ministry, in our context): how it gets done and how to engage people. The assessment is simple, practical, and fast. This year, I met with leaders from 6 churches and look forward to meeting with more in the future. Among the many benefits of this simple tool is the freedom that comes with knowing yourself and your team, and the grace that is afforded to oneself and others as you appreciate your uniqueness. It also helps ensure that all of the steps are taken that will ensure understanding, good decision-making, and successful completion. Often, as we meet, someone says “this helps explain so much!” It is inexpensive, encouraging, and promotes confidence in leadership teams. Working Genius sessions have led me to all parts of the FEBC footprint, and I’ve been able to fill the pulpit in a number of churches. I am always encouraged by the sincerity of people in our fellowship. The last few months have allowed me to visit churches and pastors in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon and British Columbia. We’ve seen pastors installed in a few locations and look forward to more shortly as some jobs have been filled. There have also been opportunities for me to have an evening of fun with some congregations at an event that we call FEBC Fusion. We bring some quick, simple games that people play around a table that bring laughter and some information about the FEBC to a local congregation. I guarantee that people of all ages will enjoy the event. One of the challenging tasks is to walk alongside churches as they go through difficult times, and there have been some this year. God loves the church. We love the church. People in the church love the church. While the Spirit brings unity, we still live in a broken world and churches face conflict within and sometimes without. In those moments, we are often able to be an encouragement and support for those local churches. Please pray for our churches and pastors as they faithfully follow the Spirit’s leading in their communities. None of this work would be possible without your faithful partnership. Your support enables me to serve churches in practical, relational, and spiritual ways. Please continue to pray for wisdom, endurance, and discernment as I walk with congregations in both seasons of growth and seasons of struggle. Thank you again for standing with me in this ministry. God is using your support to strengthen churches and encourage leaders across our region. In His service, Gary Krehbiel Tags:
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Resources12/10/2025  Our Vision Statement is: “Strengthening our churches with timely resources that strengthen their leaders.”
We were recently contacted by a church leader who said “We need a job description for our new pastor. We never had one for our last pastor.” While a church is not a business, there are certain things we should have in place to ensure we are properly stewarding the resources God has given us, and to manage the operations of our organizations well. Having a good job description for each employee is an important aspect of proper church management. Simply stated: The members and leaders of a church have expectations of what a staff member should be doing. If those expectations are never clearly communicated, problems are likely to occur. Clear communication is critical to any healthy relationship. If your church needs a new job description for your pastor or another employee, or help with hiring documents, a letter of engagement, etc., we would be happy to assist you. We can provide samples, advice, or even help you write a customized document for your church. If you are interested in learning more or need help, contact Kevin. [email protected] Check out a more complete list of resources here: FEBC Church Resources but remember that we are willing to talk about any situation at all. Don’t hesitate to contact Gary, Kevin, or the FEBC Office. Tags:
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 I was standing in a service with my grandpa on one side and my parents on the other when tears started clouding my vision. We were singing "It is Well with My Soul," and I heard my grandpa, who had just weeks ago lost his wife of 68 years, echo in the refrain, “It is well. . . it is well with my soul.” In that moment, all I could do was take it in and pray, “Thank You, Jesus.” Stepping into the role of editor for the Fellowship Focus feels like returning to family. I’d love for you to know me a little more than just words on a page or screen, so here’s a glimpse into where I’ve come from and who I am today. I grew up attending Crosspoint Bible Church in Omaha, Nebraska. My grandpa once served as FEBC President, and my dad is the Ministries Coordinator, which has given me an awareness of and appreciation for the FEBC. During my teen years at Crosspoint, my faith grew and deepened in ways that have sustained me through feeling outcast, dealing with depression, walking through anxiety, and, recently, learning how to grieve. After high school, I moved to Olathe, Kansas, for college, where I met my husband, Josh. We got married in June of 2023, and he started pastoring at a Nazarene church in Fremont, Nebraska. We moved to Indiana the next summer for Josh to serve as the youth pastor at a large church, expecting to settle in for the long haul. Instead, that year became unexpectedly challenging and stretching. It was a season that led us to cling to God’s guidance more than ever and ultimately brought us back to family. In the middle of that chaos, I was blessed to be able to attend CONNECT25. My husband had just lost his job, we were hoping to move soon, and I was grieving so much at once: the loss of my grandmother, the loss of the life we’d planned in Indiana, feeling like we were having to start all over again, and the dreams Josh and I would need to reimagine. During a confusing, draining time, when I could have stayed home in Indiana and bought another planner to "figure things out,” instead, that service- the moment with my family singing "It Is Well with My Soul"- reminded me I was not alone. Surrounded by believers who genuinely wanted to see God move in the lives of others, CONNECT became one of the most hopeful, peaceful, and life-giving experiences of my year. I was challenged by the messages, encouraged by the worship, and poured into through the breakout sessions. I left CONNECT feeling renewed and more grateful for the FEBC than ever before. If there is one place you can be next summer, make it CONNECT26. Jesus used that season and this Fellowship to bring us back to Nebraska and back into community. The past year had been lonely and confusing, but Jesus stayed close, faithfully reminding me of the beauty of the local church and the importance of hearing what He is doing among His people. The Fellowship Focus is one way we stay connected as a family of churches. As your new editor, I want this publication to reflect the real heartbeat of the Fellowship. If you have a story to share or an interest in contributing in some other way, please contact me at [email protected] or connect with your pastor or church correspondent. Stories remind us of God’s activity in everyday church life. They encourage congregations that may feel small, isolated, or weary. They create unity across distance, help us celebrate answered prayer, and show us how God is moving in ways we might never see unless someone shares it. This publication isn’t just information. It’s a way to see God’s hand across the Fellowship. As someone shaped by this Fellowship from childhood, I’m grateful for the foundation it gave me. And now, I’m honored to step into this role, looking back with gratitude and forward with hope. In Christ, Sarah Stutler
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A Gray Christmas12/10/2025  “I’m dreaming of a White Christmas!” But what happens when the clouds cover the Light? When the stars vanish and don’t shine so bright? When I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired, and I want the gray to turn to white so that all will be merry and bright? Should I run to stores and endless sales to find some peace in a world that fails? Or cling to traditions, parties, and fun, hoping joy will sneak in, even for one? Maybe it’s family, and friends I love, that bring the happiness that keeps flying away like a dove. But I keep chasing, stressing, missing, and wonder where this joy is hiding. I wait. I ponder. I wonder. What am I missing? It’s Christ — the reason, the celebration, the one who brings true salvation. From darkness, from fear, from nights so long, when the stars are gone, He’s still strong. He brought light — hope, joy, peace, and love — when He left Heaven and came from above, born in a manger in Bethlehem town, to lift the gray clouds and turn it around. “All will be merry and bright” when Christ is fixed in my sight. Even on gray days, Even in the fight, His light makes all the wrongs ultimately right.
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 Luke, the New Testament historian and research writer, includes the statement at the beginning of his second chapter, “that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.” Proper documentation was a part of life then, and every law-abiding citizen went to register with the government office in their own city.
One of the prominent items in our U.S. national news is the issue of undocumented immigrants. Anyone from another country who has not been properly processed is considered suspect and identified as an undocumented alien. Having been born in Canada and moving to the U.S. with my family so my father could attend a Bible College gives me a viewpoint of what proper documentation looks like, with the requirement of filling out an alien registration form each year and submitting that document to the government offices. That requirement eventually concluded with the naturalization process for becoming a U.S. citizen. Serving as a missionary in a foreign country, we had to regularly update our status as expatriates living in Ecuador. Actually, the document that was provided by that government was called a Censo, so even the name brings back memories of that procedure we had to abide by. I always had a sense of relief when that process was completed, and we were properly registered with the Ecuadorian government. Today during this Advent season of the Christmas story, I find it interesting that this event is included in our biblical account of that first Christmas. So, what does this detail tell us about Joseph and his concerns for Mary?
Lord, help us reflect on what’s important from this event in the original Christmas story, in our lives today, this Advent season. Tags:
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Fellowship Updates12/9/2025 
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 Below are the deaths, births, and weddings that occurred across our congregations since our last published issue. During these major events, and always, we will proclaim His praise. Vita Bible Church (Vita, Manitoba)
Dalmeny Bible Church (Dalmeny, Saskatchewan)
Christian Fellowship Chapel (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Salem Church (Waldheim, Saskatchewan)
Martensville Mission Church (Martensville, Saskatchewan)
Saron Mennonite Church (Fairview, Oklahoma)
To submit a birth, wedding, or memorial for this section, contact your pastor, your church correspondent, or email the editor at [email protected]
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Church News (Nov/Dec 2025)12/8/2025 
Midway Bible Camp has faced various challenges in the last few years. The lease on the previous campsite had run out, leaving the camp in need of a new home. God has provided a new site that is even better situated than the old site. Forest fires and building delays changed plans this past summer, but God still gave opportunities to reach the youth with the gospel in unexpected ways. Work is ongoing to clear the site and build the necessary facilities. Danielle Johnston, Correspondent  Christian Fellowship Chapel Winnipeg Winnipeg, MB Timothy Harris, Pastor cfc-wpg.org We continue to have a lot to be thankful for! Our fall season began with a pancake breakfast in our churchyard for congregants and neighbors alike. English and Spanish Sunday School resumed, as did our AWANA club. The Ladies Abide Group met for four sessions, where we studied waiting on God. We have had baby dedications, and baby showers, a wedding shower and a wedding, and the blessing of helping two YFC missionaries in our midst with a fundraiser.
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 Below are the deaths, births and weddings that occurred across our congregations since our last published issue. During these major events, and always, we will proclaim His praise. Christian Fellowship Chapel (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Dalmeny Bible Church (Dalmeny, Saskatchewan)
Martensville Mission Church (Martensville, Saskatchewan)
Salem Church (Waldheim, Saskatchewan)
Saron Mennonite Church (Fairview, Oklahoma)
Vita Bible Church (Vita, Manitoba)
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Church News (July/Aug 2025)8/22/2025  We have several exciting updates to share from this year at our church. First, our new mission statement is KNOW GOD, MAKE HIM KNOWN. This reflects Jesus’ command to love Him first and then to love our neighbors as ourselves. Truly, how can we know God without knowing His love? And how can we make Him known apart from passing His love along?
Carolyn shares, “We are seven families represented (including us)—13 adults and 6 children. We had 3–4 new Spanish-speaking families start coming to the church in 2024, with different levels of English. Two families came to our church after only being in Canada a couple of weeks. Although learning English is important and becoming part of the church community is the goal, this Sunday School time allows them to study God’s Word in their mother tongue and share their thoughts freely. One family and one single man are new to the faith, but the others came from churches in Colombia and the Dominican Republic and were looking for a place to fellowship here.” When the Reimers are away, two capable men step in to lead the Bible study, and plans are in place for a more organized time for the children. In May, our congregation began intentionally celebrating Pentecost, including a baby dedication that day. With four little ones in our congregation, we anticipate more dedications to come. We were especially blessed with the births of two new babies this summer: Esther Grace Reimer, born May 18 to Derek and Kirsten Reimer, and Micah Timothy Ryan, born July 23 to Pastor Tim and Kristin. Alongside this joy, we were saddened by the passing of Irene Margaret Klassen, age 88, on May 17, 2025.
Linda Edwards, Correspondent Dalmeny Bible Church has experienced a season rich in ministry, learning, and fellowship. Missions highlights included a sending prayer in March for Jason, Joanne, Hannah, and Olivia Borrowman with AIM before they returned to Hurri Hills, Africa, and a visit from Doug Barr with One Hope – Ranger Lake Bible Camp on March 30. During Lent, the congregation focused on Jesus’ journey to the Cross, enriched by personal testimonies from church members. Children’s Mini-Clubs wrapped up their winter sessions with a Family Showcase, and leaders and volunteers attended both the Youth Workers Conference and the Children’s Impact Conference in Saskatoon. Growing Leaders training continues for adults and youth, and the church’s literacy support program remains active in the local elementary school. Winter fellowship events included Men’s Breakfast Gatherings, an NFL Super Bowl supper for men and boys, and a Lazer Tag outing. Ladies participated in a Winter Retreat, a Charcuterie night, and a Pre-Easter brunch for ladies and girls, alongside showers celebrating a new bride and a new baby. The congregation continues to lift up families experiencing difficult medical situations, providing both practical and spiritual care. Marilyn Harder, Correspondent Evangelical Bible Church Dallas, Oregon Troy Bassham, Pastor ebcdallas.org This summer, we hosted just over 100 local children for our True North VBS. We will soon begin evaluating and searching for an administrative pastor, as Pastor Mike is moving on to serve as senior pastor at a new church. In September, we will launch a new Awana year. Please pray for leaders and helpers, as we typically have between 120 and 140 children each week. In October, we will hold our annual missions conference here at the church with our missionary friends serving in Central Asia. Alison Johnson, Correspondent Jansen Bible Church Jansen, Nebraska Paul Carpenter, Pastor jansenbiblechurch.org The Washington County, Kansas, Rodeo took place on June 13–14. Once again, our JBC women faithfully managed the concession stand this year. Vacation Bible School, held June 16–20, focused on the life and times of Elijah, with 40 students attending. Garrett and Joanna Schlake, serving with InterVarsity in France, were the featured missionaries. Offerings totaled $4,322.03 to help fund Evangelism Week for college students at their university. The Schlakes also led a Q&A session on June 24. In June, Jeff Engelman and his son Josiah traveled to Indonesia to minister at a Bible conference with the Semandang people group, where Jeff grew up and later served as a missionary. On July 6, Brian Dick introduced the new Spanish director of Springs of Life Camp. Brian and Susanna serve with Avant at the camp, which is now managed by Word of Life. Throughout July, our pastoral search committee arranged for several candidates to minister while the Carpenters were in Florida attending the Moretti Ministries Board meeting. We praise the Lord for those seeking His direction in the harvest field, even as we continue to seek His guidance for His flock at Jansen. Tena Dick, Correspondent Martensville Mission Church Martensville, Saskatchewan Justin Klassen, Pastor facebook.com/martensvillemissionchurch The past several months have been full of fellowship, outreach, and new opportunities at MMC. Earlier in the year, our congregation enjoyed several gatherings, including a Super Bowl Party on February 9, a Family Fun Night on February 14, and our Annual General Meeting on February 28. Pastor Justin also led us through a special two-sermon Easter series: Palm Sunday’s The Rocks Will Cry Out and Easter Sunday’s Yet Not I. Our Women’s Bible Study, which began again in March, has been studying the Psalms. God has also been stirring hearts in the area of outreach. Under the leadership of Pastor Brolin, MMC launched our first Soup and Bun Community Supper on March 3. Volunteers from the church prepared and served the meal, and about 20 people from the community attended, along with others from MMC who enjoyed the meal and fellowship together. These suppers have continued monthly since then and will carry on through the summer. It has been encouraging to see new faces come through the doors each month, and we look forward to how God will continue to use this ministry. May was a particularly busy month. In addition to our Community Suppers, we participated in the Martensville Community Garage Sale and the Buster Days parade, where information cards highlighting MMC programs were handed out along the parade route. We also held our Ladies Salad Fiesta, where Kelsey Simes, wife of Associate Pastor Brolin Simes, shared how God has moved in her life. Each of these events provided meaningful opportunities to connect with people in our community and show the love of Christ. As summer has unfolded, most of our regular programming has wound down to give families a chance to rest and enjoy time together. Our youth, however, continue to meet informally twice each month. We wrapped up the ministry season with a Family BBQ on June 8 following the morning service. Looking ahead, plans are underway for our second annual MMC Camping Weekend at Pike Lake in August, which will include an outdoor Sunday Service. Many have already signed up, and we anticipate another wonderful weekend of food, fun, and fellowship. We are also preparing for a baptism service and our Fall Kickoff, both scheduled for September 14. Brenda Quirt, Correspondent Randville Bible Church Iron Mountain, Michigan Jim Janofski, Pastor facebook.com/RandvilleBibleChurch Summer is a joyful time at Randville Bible Church and this year was no exception; we praise God for His faithfulness and rejoice in our church family's love for the Lord and His Word and the joys of being a part of a local family of God's people. Our annual church outreach picnic on the last Sunday of June was a memorable time with a number of visitors in the morning service that left the church nearly full. Many family, friends, and neighbors then gathered to enjoy the annual picnic under the big tent that followed the service. The day was filled with great food, warm fellowship, games, and 15 musicians praising the Lord through bluegrass Gospel. What a special day for this annual outreach event. July brought the blessing of sermons from the Book of Jonah, preached by guest pastor Hill, who touched lives through this expository message series. During this time, Pastor Jim was ministering at a music festival, where he had multiple opportunities to share the Gospel in a variety of musical settings. The power of prayer for boldness in witnessing was clearly felt and seen, and we thank God for His blessings. In August, services have focused on God’s character through various psalms in the theme Psalms We Cherish. How rich is God’s Word! We savor our God as Creator, reflect upon His holy character, His eternal nature, and His care, guidance, and provision as the ultimate Good Shepherd. In September, we will celebrate Grandparents Sunday as we reflect on the role and importance of grandparents in children’s lives. We also will commemorate World Bible Translation Sunday on the last Sunday of the month, focusing on updates in Bible translation work and newly completed languages over the past year. We praise the Lord for His blessings and faithfulness to our small fellowship at RBC! May His name be praised, and may He continue to bless the churches of our FEBC. Pastor Jim Janofski Rock Valley Chapel Beloit, Wisconsin Tim Johnson, Pastor rockvalleychapel.org We praise God for the ways He has been at work in the lives of His people over the past several months! Earlier this year, we celebrated three baptisms at our Easter Sunday service, rejoicing in each person’s commitment to Christ. Holy Week this year was a meaningful and celebratory time for our congregation. We held a Maundy Thursday service that included a brief Seder meal and explanation, a Good Friday service, a Saturday morning prayer time, and Easter Sunday festivities, beginning with food and fellowship before the morning service. We continue to give thanks for God’s faithfulness and the ways He draws people into His family. Karen Broekhuis, Correspondent Salem Church Waldheim, Saskatchewan James VanderVeen, Pastor salemchurch.ca Over the past several months, the Salem family has enjoyed many events and opportunities for fellowship. In February, we hosted a Matt Falk Clean Comedy Night, welcoming visitors from near and far. In March, Gary Krehbiel led a Family Fusion event in the afternoon, bringing couples and families together for laughter and clean fun. Our ladies’ events have resumed as well, with each gathering focused on a specific theme connected to the overall theme of Gather. In March, the theme was Gather in Gratitude, and participants shared testimonies and engaged in meaningful discussions around tables of good food. Looking ahead, we celebrated Waldheim’s joint Easter services, including a Thursday evening service at Salem followed by a youth event. Good Friday services were held at the MB church across town, where attendees also partook in the Lord’s Table together. Easter Sunday services were held at both churches in celebration of the risen Lord. We were also excited to host the Watoto Children’s Choir on April 27 for an evening concert, which included opportunities for host families to connect with choir members. Since spring, we have also celebrated Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and our Grade 12 graduates. Eight individuals shared personal testimonies and were received into membership, including one baptism. These occasions have been a time to rejoice in God’s faithfulness and the blessings He provides. This season also brings change for Salem Church as two key positions are open for applications. Brenda Wiens, who has faithfully served as Director of Family Ministries for the past six years, will be retiring at the end of July. Shawna Mwakikuti, our Office Administrator for the past five years, will be beginning her maternity leave in July. We ask for prayer as we seek God’s guidance in filling these roles with the people He is preparing for these responsibilities. Shawna Mwakikuti, Correspondent Saron Mennonite Church Fairview, Oklahoma Arnold Curby, Pastor It has been a full and joyful summer at Saron! On May 4, the congregation hosted an evening reception honoring high school graduates Karsyn Pendergraft and Bre D’Alberto. June brought more highlights, including Children’s Day at Gloss Mountain State Park on June 8, followed by Communion and a Fellowship Dinner on June 29, where Krista Pendergraft also shared about her mission trip to Ireland. The celebrations continued with the wedding of Amos Nunn, son of Adam and Denise Nunn, to Breanna D’Alberto, daughter of Denny and Rachel D’Alberto, on July 26. The Saron family also rejoiced in two new births: Shalom Susanna Curby, born May 2 to Levi and Kristin Curby, and Miriam Elizabeth Hope Kanary, born July 11 to Hannah and Jonathan Kanary. Arnold and Grace Curby are the proud grandparents of both little ones. Most recently, on August 15, the congregation enjoyed a potluck picnic at Roman Nose State Park following the morning service. The event served as a meaningful time of fellowship as well as an opportunity to connect with the wider community. Grace Curby, Correspondent Vita Bible Church Vita, Manitoba Jonathan Coutts, Pastor
Pastor Jonathan referenced this Casting Crowns song more than once this spring as we journeyed through Acts. If we are the hands and feet of Jesus, what does that look like for us? Our lives here are but a breath, and we should live each moment for God. This year at Vita Bible Church, we have had many opportunities to live out the words of Paul in Romans 12:5, to rejoice with those who rejoice and to mourn with those who mourn. As a body, we rejoiced as we celebrated the dedication of our newest babies on March 9: Arabella Dyck (Jason and Maya Dyck), Wyatt Hofer (Kris and Val Hofer), Timothy Wiebe (Keith and Bethany Wiebe), Liam Unger (Tony and Annabel Unger), and Emmit Rempel (Daniel and Julia Rempel). It was a wonderful time to celebrate our growing congregation. Many relatives and friends came to support these young couples as they dedicated their little ones to the Lord. On the morning of March 23, we mourned together as one body when two of our members, Diedrich and Sara Unger, were tragically called to their eternal home. This painful reminder of the brevity of life renewed our resolve to love and serve with all that we have, being the body Christ calls us to be. Our transition into summer began with unexpected excitement when a bear broke into our church basement, curious to look around and join in on all the activity. This summer, we took a break from our study of Acts and instead looked more deeply into various psalms, worshipping God through David’s writings. Pastor Jonathan also began a new short session with the children during the service, where one child each Sunday places any item of their choice into a special shoebox. Pastor Jonathan then uses that surprise item as an object lesson to draw the children into the love Christ has for them. We are so thankful for our church family and for God’s design for us. He created us to love, support, and encourage one another—rejoicing together, mourning together, holding one another up in prayer, and being His hands and feet. Together, we reach out to the hurting, love the little children, and show them all that Jesus is the Way. Tiffany Tuurenhout, Correspondent
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CoGP: Bible Study Available8/22/2025  Retired FEBC global partner Bob Lee has written a Bible study on the Book of Isaiah and is making it available to anyone who is interested. This study offers an in-depth look at Isaiah’s message and its relevance for today, and Bob’s years of ministry experience bring unique insight to the text.
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Passing the Pen8/22/2025  It’s with joy that I share this special Connect25-focused edition of our digital publication with you! As you’ll see throughout each article published this month, the heartbeat of our Fellowship is strong: connecting, encouraging, and empowering one another for the work of the Gospel. Connect reminds us that we’re not just a collection of churches, but a family bound together by our mission and by Christ Himself. I hope that you find this issue especially encouraging and uplifting as you read about all of the work accomplished at the annual Connect gathering and browse through stories and galleries that showcase how impactful the work our Fellowship accomplishes together truly is. Admittedly, this month’s content release is also a bit bittersweet for me, as it will be my last serving as your editor. When I first stepped into this role, I had such excitement and hope for what the magazine could become. And while I’ve cherished the opportunity, I also know there’s much more I had hoped to do but simply could not accomplish in this season of life. I’m deeply sorry if the inconsistency of our releases or my communication has been felt by you, our readers, and by our churches. At the same time, I am excited about what comes next for our publication. The magazine is in wonderful hands with Sarah, your new editor, whose skill, vision, and steady leadership will bless this publication and the Fellowship for years to come. I have no doubt she will help bring things fully back on track and carry the work forward with excellence. Though I’m stepping back, this isn’t a goodbye to the Fellowship or to this publication. I hope to occasionally contribute an article and will certainly keep reading to stay connected with you and with the inspiring work happening across our churches and around the world. I continue to believe wholeheartedly in the mission of the Fellowship and in the power of God at work through each of you. Thank you for the kindness, patience, and encouragement you’ve shown me during my time as editor. It has been a privilege to serve in this role, to hear your stories, and to share them. More than anything, I leave with a heart that feels deeply connected to you all.
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CoGP at Connect258/22/2025  The annual Connect meetings are meant to make connections throughout the Fellowship and connect is exactly what our Commission did. We sought ways to build relationships with our global partners and with our churches. Here are just a few of the meaningful connections we were able to make at Connect25. We connected with FEBC global partners in person. We interacted with global partners who attended Connect25 in various ways—at their display tables, through conversations between and after sessions, and most of all during our Global Partners Dinner Friday night. This year’s attendees included Darwin and Karen Stoesz and family, Matthew and Katarina Colegrove and family, Rob and Barb Quiring, Brian Dick, and Roger and Lois Reimer (retired global partners). Through these interactions we not only learned about their work, but also came to know them personally. We connected with FEBC global partners from afar. We also heard from global partners who were unable to attend Connect25 in-person through video presentations they submitted. These videos were displayed continuously in the foyer for delegates to view at their convenience. Some of the children of our global partners even shared about the ministry from their own perspective, which was especially meaningful. We connected with the Springs of Life Camp in Spain. We were encouraged to hear an update from Brain Dick and Ismael, the director of Springs of Life. It was good to hear about the work going on there. Ismael shared that he came to faith in Christ at the camp years ago, a testimony that affirms the ongoing purpose of the ministry. This year’s Connect project offering was designated to help restore camp facilities after severe flooding this year.  We connected through published works from our partners. Delegates were also introduced to the newly published book by Nancy Rempel, FEBC global partner in Canada and formerly in India and Pakistan. In her book, Whoosh! Out of My Head and Into God’s, Nancy recounts her many experiences in the field and how God caused her thinking to change through His Word. The book is available in Nancy’s Amazon store. Visit her website HERE for more on the book and links to purchase.
We connected through opportunities to serve. Rob Quiring, developer of Spotlight English Clubs, led a breakout session on ESL ministry. The session helped delegates explore ways to serve global communities right where they are by engaging in English as a Second Language opportunities. You can learn more about Spotlight at spotlightenglish.com. We continue to connect. Connect25 may be a yearly event, but we’re working year-round to make sure we all stay connected. You can help us continue the connection by visiting our blog site at www.febcmissions.com. This blog provides updates on missions within our Fellowship and around the world. For example, you can find a link to learn more about this year’s Urbana Conference. We also recently posted a retirement recognition for Joe and Denise Goossen, who served faithfully in locations ranging from Brazil to Central Asia. Soon, we will share a recognition for Clara Klassen, who served in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Benin. We also plan to feature articles we are calling “Letters to the Churches”. These will not serve as rebukes or warnings, but encouragement and practical ideas for supporting our global partners. Let’s connect! Visit our blog site and subscribe. By subscribing, you will receive notifications when new posts are published. Be the first to know and stay connected with what God is doing through our Fellowship. Tags:
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12/11/2025
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