“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.”
Psalm 107:1–3

Rosenort EMC, MB.

The eleven testimonies we heard on February 11, 2024, at our baptism and membership service were heart-stirring. The worship in song moved us in celebration and joy. The resounding amens as we accepted the men, women and youth publicly to our church family were deeply moving.

The Lord led brothers and sisters to our church family from war-torn Afghanistan, an orphanage in China, a missionary home in Turkey, and west and east of us in Canada. The stories of the Lord’s saving work had an age spread of 64 years, with several becoming Anabaptists (twice baptised).

Cumulatively much suffering was reflected in their journeys: struggles with addictions, failed marriages, broken homes, suicide attempts, moving overseas, leaving and losing loved ones. Our youth shared the day-to-day worries of finding friendships, mentors and value in our local school and community. All reflected the fact that we are really created for another world. All gave thanks for finding Jesus, a friend who loves, leads and is faithful.

The stories were unique. Some had solid committed believing families while others had shattered childhoods. A key theme in all was that they felt as if our church family was their family, a safe place. We are humbled and thankful that our Redeemer lives. God is good. His love endures forever.

-Anita Peters