Ministry Update: Elim Baptist, Beausejour, MB

It may be spring, but “it’s harvest time at Elim,” says Matthew Thompson, new pastor of Elim Baptist Church, Beausejour, MB. “A vision to reach the lost through the powerful message of the Gospel of Jesus is being lived out through Elim.”
 
On Good Friday, the church partnered with two local churches, Beausejour Community (Four Square) and St. Ouens Country Church (non-denominational), along with people from other area churches, to offer “Portraits of Christ,” an outreach drama to the community. Over 80 cast members practiced for several months to prepare. 507 people from the community (not counting cast and crew) heard the good news of Jesus with over a dozen hands being raised to receive Christ as Lord and Saviour.
 

 
This collaboration of the three churches has been a couple of years in the making. Both Beausejour Community and St. Ouens pastors and congregations were present at Elim Baptist for Pastor Matthew’s installation April 7. The three churches will open the doors to a new youth drop-in centre called “The Breach” May 14. Preparation of the former Anglican Church building in the center of town has been going on for two months, along with training of the volunteers. The partnership of the churches has so impressed local, provincial and federal government, that they, along with local police, health and educational organizations, are assisting with financial and practical support.
 
Not bad for a small congregation and a 40-year old bi-vocational pastor who moved his wife (Karla), their four sons (Jaxon, Malachi, Noah and Elias) and their business two months ago across Canada from New Brunswick to serve this congregation. But then again, this is God’s work.
 
Elim Baptist recently re-launched their Sunday School into a Kid’s Church ministry during worship. A college and career group is scheduled for June. “People are making decisions to follow Christ. The church is growing and healing forward . . . I pray that the same Spirit that is driving us forward in His mission stirs in you,” says Pastor Matthew Thompson.
 
Again, my response is simply, “AMEN!”
Randy Jaspers, Northern Plains Regional Minister