For the first time in our 14 year history all the churches GBCanada started met together in Medicine Hat, Alberta to help Grasslands Church launch September 11.  It was more than just a conference, more than just a missions trip.  It was the first ever gathering of people from Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta who have been impacted by this ministry.    We gathered

Pastor Bartley Sawatsky, first church planter in 1998

in one place for the first time to dream together, share vision together, work side-by-side with fellow Canadian siblings and that would build lasting relationships.  "It was definitely the highlight of my year," said Jason Gervais, a member of the Village Community Church

Pastor Phil Bryant has fun with Oliver

who shared how Christ saved his marriage.  "I didn't know there were so many of us with such great leaders."

The pastors from each Canadian church, Bartley Sawatsky from Grace Community Church, Rob Stanley from Village Community Church, Philip Bryant from Community of Hope Church and Oliver Edwards from the new Grasslands Church, as well as the head of the mission, Nathan Bryant, each addressed the assembly of over 100.  "It was more like a family reunion," said Bart Blair, Associate Church Planter for GBCanada and a pastor at Grasslands Church.

Pastor Rob Stanley, first church-planting intern in 1999

   It was an exhilarating time hearing the leaders of the church planting movement share their vision and struggles with those in attendance.

Pastor Bart Blair and Andre, worship leaders

  Attenders from each church also shared a life-changing story how Christ and His church reached out to them in their most desperate moment.  There were tears, joy and laughter as those sharing held nothing back about how God turned their lives upside down and then right side up.  The worship was incredible with band members from each of the churches playing together and taking turns leading.  It was a glimpse of what heaven will be like.

Pastor Nathan Bryant and Executive Director since 1997

Look for more news on the Grasslands Church launch on September 11, 2011, the tenth anniversary of 9-11, when something positive and new will be celebrated in Medicine Hat, AB.  Keep praying for Grasslands, God is answering !!!