Meaningful Involvements

Altona EMMC, MB

Altona EMMC hosted Gracia Burnham on Friday, June 14, 2024. Gracia Burnham knows what it is like to have life spin out of control. While serving as missionaries in the Philippines with New Tribes Mission (now known as Ethnos), Gracia and her husband Martin were kidnapped by terrorists and spent the next 13 months as hostages in the Philippine jungle. On June 7, 2002 captivity ended for the two in a violent rescue that left Martin Burnham dead and Gracia wounded. Their story of faith in the midst of terror and tragedy is known to millions.

What a story she shared, about Martin and her time in captivity, it touched the hearts of everyone in the audience. God was with them, through it all, and how their time in captivity shows when you lean into God, he will bring you out of the darkest times. Gracia touched on how her captors are now in prison and how some of them have come to know God through Gracia and Martin. This was a presentation that was one to remember.

Gracia has written a book In the Presence of My Enemies sharing the account of their hostage experience. Available at graciaburnham.org/books/in-the-presence-of-my-enemies/

July 21, 2024 Altona EMMC challenged the neighbouring EMMC congregation from Bergfeld Mennonite Church to a baseball game. It was all fun and lots of laughter. Everyone who came out had a great time, even on a hot summer day. We enjoyed a BBQ lunch afterward with fellowship between the two churches. We plan to do it again next year.

Kidventure Wednesdays have been a success so far this year, averaging between 25 and 35 kids each afternoon. Kids come each week enthusiastic to learn more about Jesus. Each week we keep growing, the Holy Spirit is moving in the next generation. We are excited for our VBS starting August 5 to 9 as well as continuing in August with Kidventure August 14 to 28.