| The last three months seem to have brought a whirlwind of change to our lives. While we go through the chaos and instability that these changes often bring, we continue to rely on God as our firm foundation and anchor. Isn’t it truly a marvel that we can rest on someone who never changes? We don’t have to doubt our Savior, and that can bring us the calm we need. And that same God who gives us security in our lives is the Redeemer we proclaim in our work; a Savior who not only saves us from our trials, but saves everyone who calls on Him from death and sin. That is why we continue to create and serve the way we do, and why we are so thankful for all of you in your support and partnership! |
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17
A quick look at what has been happening over the past three months:
WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
Highlights from the last three months
Our summer was a bit slower in terms of live events, but some programs still stood out. In July we had the official dedication service for Living Word Christian Fellowship, the Low German church we have been working with for the past several years. There was a great turnout, with people visiting from Winnipeg, and even British Columbia for the event! It was a lot of work to put together, but such a blessing to see multiple groups and communities come together to support and bless this small church group.
Another major highlight was the outdoor mini music festival hosted by Abe & Anna Teichrob. We have always enjoyed the events they have on their property, and we had a wonderful Sunday afternoon of music, food and community.
In September, we had a joint concert with Eduard and Christine Klassen, which took a very unexpected turn. We were shocked to hear that the day before the concert, Eduard had a stroke and was in the hospital. Diedrich had the opportunity to visit him the next day, and he was recovering well. While the concert was much different than expected, we made the best of it and added a prayer time for Eduard and Christine. We are thankful that he is recovering well and was released from the hospital several days later. Praise be to God!
Aside from local events, we spent our time working on projects in the office, filling product orders, and practicing or learning new songs. We have been revamping our collection of lyrics to make it easier for programs and rehearsals, and doing quite a bit more practicing again as Maria has started joining us for programs and wants to catch up on our (rather large) collection of music!
On a different note,
We are incredibly excited to share that Andrew & Deanna have welcomed a beautiful baby girl into their family! Cecily was born July 21, and we are so thankful that both mom and baby are doing well. Welcome to the family Cecily!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Upcoming events
- Saturday, October 17 Our monthly music nights are starting up again and running until spring! Join us for our next music night, 7:00pm at the Redekop Family Centre (1 mile west of Plum Coulee).
- Saturday, November 21 Another Low German music night, same place, same time!
- Sunday, November 29 Our Christmas singalong fundraising concert is coming up next month at the Winkler EMMC. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks.
CARECHRISTMAS JOINT EFFORT
A Christmas card fundraiser
We are partnering with CareImpact from Winnipeg in a unique joint Christmas card fundraiser! For every purchase of a package of cards, a portion of the sales will go directly to supporting D’Friesens in Low German ministry. There are dozens of templates to choose from; orders are open until November 15.
WHAT’S COMING
Plans for the next three months
We have a few events coming up in the fall and early winter, so keep your eyes open for upcoming announcements! Our monthly Low German music nights are starting up again at the Redekop Family Centre close to Plum Coulee, and Christmas is closer than we realize. Aside from these, we will be spending a bit more time at home, which is a welcome change of pace from our usually chaotic schedule. Our next big event is the Low German ocean cruise in February next year, and we’re getting more and more excited! We have something else major in the works for next summer, so stay tuned for more updates as well.
Mark’s Remarks
Over the last few months, there have been some big changes for me. I have moved away from working full time in the ministry, to doing part time. I have also gotten a new full time job at Home Hardware in Morden where I work at the lumber desk selling building supplies. I still work with the ministry on a part time basis where I continue to:
- Sing at local events
- Film/photograph local events
- Help out in whatever way is needed at the Low German Church
- Edit videos for the ministry to promote upcoming events
- Edit pictures for our colouring books
- Add lyrics to our music for Youtube and for use in the church
And do whatever other small tasks are needed behind the scenes. I thank you all for your continued support even as I move to a part time position.
Jason’s Journal
I have had what feels like a totally chaotic summer, but I’m finally starting to see things even out, for which I am grateful. On the personal side, we have moved to a new home in Winkler, and the whole process of selling, packing, buying, and moving has been a long one. But we are mostly settled into our new house, and things are starting to come together again. I have also become much more involved with the planning and overseeing side of work, so I’m doing more event booking, correspondence with contacts, filling product orders, and generally keeping things on track. It’s been a bit of a learning curve but I am enjoying it. And finally, I have finished all the main instruments for the Low German album, and have just a few more things to finish up before it’s ready to be sent off to Andrew (my brother) for editing and mixing!
PRAISE & PRAYER
Praise God for:
- Blessing and encouragement in the Low German church
- The safe arrival of our newest family member!
- Joy and peace through seasons of change
Please pray for:
- Continued health for Deanna and Cecily
- Provision and wisdom in the coming months and events
- God’s blessing on our work as we strive to glorify Him and share the Gospel
HOW TO GIVE
Support our ministry
As a team we are supported entirely through the donations of people like you who make this ministry possible. If you are interested in supporting us, visit dfriesens.org/donate for all our donation options, or click the button below to make an online donation right away.