Through God’s hand, our doors are open

Bow Island EMC hosted a gospel jamboree event for the community in July 2022. (Photo supplied)

BOW ISLAND, Alta.—As a church, we are very thankful for the many ways God has led, guided, and helped us here in Bow Island, Alta. Much prayer went into this church plant. After receiving many “green lights” we moved forward, bought a building and opened our doors in November 2021.There is always a lot of work in starting a new church, but God has been so good and helped us. We are so thankful to the EMC for the support we have received and to other churches and individuals who have been there for us.

Six young people are baptized and received into membership at Bow Island EMC. (Photo supplied)

Toward the end of May 2022, after going through The Christian Life booklet, we had a chartering service where 19 people became the first members. Then a week later we were blessed as six young people were baptized and received into membership. What wonderful, blessed times and we give God all the glory!

On the first weekend in July (a long weekend due to Canada Day falling on Friday) our church put on their first Gospel Music Jamboree, hoping and trusting that God would use this outreach event. So many people were encouraged in their faith walk through music, testimonies, children’s activities, fellowship, and of course some good food. It seemed the people in Bow Island were excited to have this event in their town—apparently, they used to have jamborees but had not had anything like this for quite a while.

The weekend following the busy jamboree event we did our first church campout. It was so much fun just relaxing, playing volleyball, having water fights, singing and sharing—a great way of unwinding after a busy season.

As we continue to look forward prayerfully to see what God has planned for this church, we are so thankful that as we trust him and commit our ways to him, he will direct the way in which we should walk (Proverbs 3:5–6).