Transitions
Richard Martens begins the new year as conference minister for the Ontario MB Conference, allowing interim minister Sandy Young to return to his retirement. Trained at Tyndale University College and MBBS, Richard served as lead pastor at Evergreen Heights Christian Fellowship, Simcoe, Ont., from 1995–2009, as associate pastor at Meadowbrook Fellowship, Leamington, Ont., and Stayner (Ont.) Brethren in Christ before that. Richard and Laura have 3 sons.
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Derek Lehman is the new pastor at Manitou (Man.) MB Church. He trained at Providence College, Otterburne, Man., and is ordained by the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. He previously served as associate pastor of youth and education at Christian Life Centre in Morden, Man. Derek and Lisa have two children.
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Cliff Janzen retired in December after leading Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current, Sask., for 11 years.
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Hays (Alta.) Gospel Chapel held their last service Nov. 8. Initiated as a church plant by members of Vauxhall MB Church in 1986, the church’s official closing date is Dec. 31, 2009. Attendance dwindled in recent years and the congregation was unable to find a pastor after Helmut Isaak left in June 2007. Leo Siemens of the Alberta church extension commission served on a part-time basis in the interim. Two new members were baptized in June, for a total membership of 38. Most members are
transferring to Vauxhall.
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Baptisms and new members
Note: Baptism photos appear in the print version of the Herald but not in the online version.
Fort Garry MB Church, Winnipeg, welcomed 4 new members June 14, 2009, 3 by baptism and 1 by confession of faith. Pictured are (l-r) pastor Joel Toews, Matthew Dyck (b), Laura Klassen (b), Amanda Klassen (b), and Ken Klassen (cf).
Lendrum MB Church, Edmonton, welcomed 3 new members by baptism June 21. Pictured are (l-r) Alanna Giesbrecht, Kathy Dyck, Michalene Giesbrecht, and pastor Chris Friesen.
Ross Road Community Church, Abbotsford, B.C., baptized Nadege Reimer July 5 and welcomed her into membership.
Community Fellowship Church, Newton, Man., welcomed Conner Derksen (left) by baptism Aug. 16, 2009. He is pictured with pastor Kevin Toews.
Yarrow (B.C.) MB Church baptized Curtis Fast on Sept. 13 and welcomed him into membership. He is pictured (r) with pastor Eldon Fehr (l).
Kelowna (B.C.) Gospel Fellowship Church welcomed 20 new members Sept. 20, 2009, 2 by baptism and 18 by confession of faith. Pictured are (adults, l-r) pastor Mike Penninga, Steve Miron, Britnie Durost, Mike Wiens (b), Mary Miron, Steve Simpson, Vic Loewen, Shelley Loewen, Darren Wiens (b), Ruth Koop, Bob Gibson, Andrew Labun, Carolyn Labun, Agnes Hofmann, Isaac Rowland, Jen Rowland, MaryLou Beveridge, Alex Beveridge, Pastor Kevin Loewen. Not pictured: Daryl Klassen, Becca Klassen, Helma Wedmann.
Kitchener (Ont.) MB Church, welcomed 2 new members Oct. 11, 2009, 1 by baptism and 1 by confession of faith. Pictured are (l-r) pastor Vidya Narimalla, Sara Anderson (b), Sheila Cober Anderson (cf), moderator Harvey Goossen.
