Refugees focus of Project Builders event
Additional projects require additional support.
EMC Project Builders (PB) has been around for over 50 years but in 2024, for the first time, the PB held a dessert fundraiser rather than the usual annual general meeting.
On Sunday, January 14, 83 people met at Heartland Community Church in Landmark. Ken Zacharias chaired the event, introducing the committee and highlighting some of the projects before we sang together and enjoyed dessert—delightful trifles and cream puffs along with coffee.
This year, over 30 project applications were received, more than ever before. Because of the increase in demand, there were projects PB was not able to fund.
One of the projects supported by PB was highlighted during the short program—a discipleship program for Afghan refugees in Canada. Seven guests of the evening were Afghans who had been sponsored by EMC churches. They joined Arley Loewen on stage to be interviewed. They introduced themselves and shared how and why they became followers of Jesus, why they left Afghanistan and the good things and challenges of life in Canada. The refugees also talked about a retreat sponsored by Project Builders they had attended in the summer and how it had been a blessing to them.
The retreat is part of the program spearheaded by Arley and Janice Loewen and includes several informal get-togethers over the course of the year, as well as the weekend retreat. This past year the retreat was at Steinbach Bible College for all the Afghan refugees sponsored by Manitoba churches. It was a time of worship and fellowship that was deeply appreciated by all who participated. They hope to plan a similar retreat in Alberta for families sponsored by Alberta and B.C. churches.
The event served as a reminder that discipleship happens all around the world and that our conference has become a cross-cultural community of believers.
Project Builders supporter Sid Reimer looks over the brochure at the dessert event.
Project Builders funds many more projects. This year, over 30 project applications were received, more than ever before. Because of the increase in demand, there were projects PB was not able to fund. The hope with this fundraiser is to raise awareness of Project Builders and the projects we support and to expand the PB support base.
We are grateful for all the interest and support from those that came. If you are interested in supporting Project Builders or want to know more about it contact the conference office or check it out at www.emconference.ca/project-builders.