STEINBACH, Man.—Project Builders is an initiative of the EMC Board of Missions that funds mission projects around the world through an annual golf tournament and faithful donors and sponsors.

The EMC Project Builders 29th annual golf tournament took place on June 15, 2023. The Texas Scramble (best ball) style tournament raised over $43,000 for this year’s projects as 135 golfers enjoyed the beautiful weather and camaraderie on the course and over lunch.

Auctioneer Henry Penner helped raise additional funds as he auctioned off donated sports memorabilia—a Bombers’ jersey, a San Jose jersey signed by James Reimer, a Schiefele-signed stick and a photo signed by Josh Morrissey. The short program also included the awarding of prizes to the winners of the on-course contests and brief updates from each of the project’s representatives.

Project 1

Arley and Janice Loewen have shifted their focus in ministry to Afghans living in Canada. Many refugees have made their way to Canada in the last year, including several Afghan Christian families supported by EMC churches. The Loewens travel across Canada to visit and encourage these Afghan believers. They also host retreats at key locations to gather these Afghan Christians together. Their next retreat is planned for this August.

Project 2

Calvin works with an organization training Latin American mission workers for ministry in Central Asia. This training is conducted in three phases. Phase one takes place in Latin America. The 14 missionaries that completed this training in December 2022 moved on to phase two, a three-month internship in Central Asia where they experience living and ministering in a local context. Phase three will see them transition to a long-term field assignment.

Project 3

Inner City Youth Alive (ICYA) is a regular golf tournament focus, and this year’s project is to renew and repurpose the main floor of their building to create a space for community drop-in and care. Kent Dueck shared an update on some of the ways ICYA continues to minister in Winnipeg’s North End, including Step Up Construction. Step Up Construction is an ICYA-run social enterprise that employs and mentors local youth to give them a step up into the construction industry and job market, and they will be doing much of the prep work for the renovation.

These projects, totalling $28,000, are just three of the 17 projects being funded by Project Builders in 2023. Other projects include church construction in Nicaragua, replacing damaged radio equipment in Paraguay, funding the creation of an evangelism-focused short film in Northern Ireland, building a school classroom in Zambia and many more.

To learn more or get involved, visit www.projectbuilders.ca or contact the office at 204-326-6401 or projectbuilders@emconference.ca.