Last month marked my first anniversary with MBCM. It feels like it was just yesterday that I was being introduced by Gerald and Janelle. I recall being excited to start something new and to embrace what I anticipated would be a lot of learning. I also remember being a little nervous about joining such a big community, which in some ways was new for me.
I wonder if I could ask for your permission to share personally for this update. When I think of community within the church body, Luke 13:35 comes to mind. “By
I played around with the idea of highlighting a project or event that was meaningful, however as I reflect on the year, I feel a need to focus on the most impactful part of this community; the people. I’m grateful for each encounter and have been influenced positively by many people. The following are just some of the fantastic individuals in the MBCM community that I’ve had the privilege of working with.
Gerald Dyck
A polished marble rock about the size of a handball with iridescent specks sits on my desk. This gift from Gerald during my first month at MBCM is a reminder of the words he spoke as he explained that he chose this rock with a sense that there was life inside of me and was looking forward to seeing how that would be a great addition to the MBCM staff team. It’s amazing how impactful it can be to know that someone believes in you.
Janelle Braun
Tell me if you’ve ever met a more encouraging person? It took no more than a few hours of orientation under the supervision of Janelle to gain a deep appreciation for her lifegiving energy. Over that last year, while she has been on maternity leave, she has stopped in randomly to encourage the team with a card message or a box of chocolate…amazing! What a blessing it is to feel such support!
Cam Priebe
I’ve had the opportunity to serve with good leaders. It’s an even greater blessing to work alongside great leaders such as Cam. As a young leader, I tend to observe those more experienced very carefully. I’m grateful for the chance to learn from a leader that leads with integrity through the highs and the challenging seasons. I’m inspired by a leader that carries the responsibility well and can have fun in the process.
Amanda Leighton
One of the things I believe the church continuously strives for is to be authentic and relevant to a world that is searching for the truth. It’s been such an excellent experience to work with Amanda as she lives that out in a way that I believe challenges others to do the same. Staff meetings have turned out to be rich experiences of learning together, and I believe a lot of that has to do with what she brings to the table.
Jason Dyck
I’m reminded of Proverb 16:16, “How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.” Those that have had the chance to relate with Jason are no strangers to the vast wisdom he displays. What strikes me is the humility with which it is carried. I’m led to believe that perhaps the effectiveness of that wisdom in our community can really be attributed to a sincere and genuine love for God and his people.
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Thank you to each member of the MB community for allowing this year to have been such a rich experience. It’s been a joy and pleasure learning how to serve you. I look forward to continuing this journey of making disciples as well as encouraging and building you up.