If you think not much happens over the winter in Manitoba’s small prairie towns, think again. Abundant Life Fellowship, the FCA church in Grunthal (pop. 900), more than doubled its worship seating from 250 to 550 recently, adding a total of 15,780 square feet of space–the town’s first church construction in many years.
“Our vision is to make a difference in this community,” says Pastor David Neufeld, “which is why we built this auditorium to also function as a gymnasium or a banquet hall. For example, we have changing rooms with showers for athletic events; we’ve also got a large commercial kitchen with a walk-in cooler. We fully welcome the community to make use of this facility.”
Outside groups will have to work around Abundant Life’s own busy schedule, however. Its preschool operates Tuesdays through Fridays and serves 60 children. The Good News Daycare is licensed for 96 spaces and employs 24 staff. On Monday nights, an “Elevate” program sees up to 50 students and teachers getting together for free guitar and drum instruction. Tuesday night is “Alpha Night,” when adults come for a meal and an introduction to forming a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Then on Wednesday night, Awana groups take over, with 100 three-to-eleven-year-olds playing games and learning the Bible. Thursday night is for junior youth (grades 7-9), while Friday night is for senior youth (grades 10-12), led by youth pastor Carter Krahn.
“The entire project has cost nearly $2.1 million,” Neufeld explains, “and as we move into this space, more than half of that amount is already paid off. We are excited to meet the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of this area, helping people find hope, life, and freedom in Christ.”
For more information, go to: www.galf.ca.
