Gathering 2025 Summary

Gathering 2025 was held in Spanish Lookout Belize March 21 to 23 and was an amazing time of worship, fellowship and encouragement. It brought people from across EMMC together to celebrate God’s goodness and to strengthen friendships and forge new ones. Gathering also provided the opportunity hear God’s voice through workshop presentations and the main Worship Sessions.

General Board and Council members made the most of this time and scheduled their regular meetings to occur in conjunction with Gathering.

Wednesday, March 19, General Board took the morning to brainstorm about and imagine the future goals and plans for EMMC. The afternoon concentrated on the business aspect of the conference and steps to move forward.

Thursday, March 20, General Council members engaged in dialogue and prayer throughout the day. The morning started with Pastor Blaine Dueck sharing his faith story, acknowledging God’s leading and provision. New Council members were introduced, and the vote of affirmation for incoming Moderator, John Dyck. Staff reports, financial report and updates from ministries and agencies including Steinbach Bible College. Council affirmed Henry Redekopp and Kelly Lesser to continue the conversations with the two congregations that requested to join the EMMC family of churches.

Discussions throughout the day were insightful and reinforced our commitment to being rooted in scripture, sharing the Gospel, raising up leaders, planting churches.

Ministry Leader Day, March 20 was a time for leaders to come together to be encouraged, share with each other, and pray together. Kelly Lesser, Pastor of Care and Mission and Al Letkeman, Pastor at Nassau Street Church in Winnipeg led the three sessions, giving time for teaching and for participants to take time to reflect, pray and share in small groups.

The Planning Team in Spanish Lookout put a lot of hard work and many hours into making this weekend become a reality. Following an invitation and a decision made at the General Council meeting in November 2024, it was determined that Gathering 2025 would be held in Belize. The planning team met the deadlines and were organized and creative in coordinating the events and activities.

Many thanks to the people of Spanish Lookout EMMC for their warm and hospitable welcome. We are aware that coordinating an event like this takes a lot of time and commitment. At the end of the weekend, the response that was heard most often: what a great weekend!

Over the months leading up to Gathering 2025, many people prayed for the various aspects of the event and God answered those prayers and blessed in ways beyond our expectations.

Registration for Gathering 2025 started in January and continued right up until the event! The number of people attended increased throughout the weekend. On Friday evening there were approximately 265 people for supper and the evening Worship Celebration. Saturday evening at the 30th Anniversary Celebration for the Spanish Lookout EMMC, there were about 440. Then on Sunday, about 550 people attended the Worship Celebration and lunch.

About 50 people who flew in from Canada and other areas. Volunteers made about 5 trips to Belize City to pick people up from the airport. Many of the fly-in guests made their own arrangements for transportation or rented vehicles.

General Council members were kept busy Saturday morning, flipping pancakes, making sure that all 311 people were fed while volunteers from the church looked after cooking the sausage and bacon.

The food was absolutely amazing and plentiful, with every meal served in a stunning outdoor setting. Fresh local oranges and grapefruits were available at the snack table all weekend, adding a burst of flavor to every break. Tents were set up in the church yard, creating perfect spots for dining and socializing, making the whole experience even more relaxed and enjoyable.