Category: Updates

What an amazing semester it has been! The first three months of Outtatown have flown by. It has been such an amazing time of learning and of growth, involving many challenges that have further shaped us into the people God has designed us to be. I’d like to reflect on ways we’ve been challenged and on some highlights.

Throughout the semester we were stretched by new settings and situations that took us outside our comfort zones. For some, being in the big city brought on fear and discomfort until we grew to embrace our surroundings and focus on the people we met through different organizations and experiences. For others, going to Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation brought on fear of a new environment and experiences, but after a week of being immersed in the culture and generous hospitality of our hosts, we walked away with newfound knowledge and understanding.

Another challenge we faced on our journey this semester is that of awareness. We’ve learned a lot about Indigenous peoples, their culture, and the effects settlers have had on them. In the inner city we learned about how people fall into poverty and the toll that experiencing homelessness can take on one’s life. A lot of us were surprised to learn just how many people are experiencing homelessness, poverty, are missing or abused right here in our own country. So much work needs to be done to bring healing and order.

We also learned how to love each other inside our own community, considering each of our strengths and weaknesses, and learning how to function well with each other and develop deep relationships.

Something that stood out to our group in these past few months is how we can’t help every single person we meet, but we can be presentwith them, which I think is one of the most important parts of learning to be a disciple of Christ. Learning to walk hand in hand with others in society, not in front or behind, is such a great value we can carry with us through second semester and beyond.

It’s so hard to narrow down just a few of the many highlights of this past semester, but one of the things that stood out to me was our bungee jumping experience. I’ve never seen such excitement and encouragement, from and for every single person in our group. We cheered and coached each other on until the last person jumped, leaving no one behind. Fears were faced individually that day and I think that helped to make us stronger as a group.

Another highlight was definitely the canoe trip! Although this was way back at the start of the semester, those few days out in nature, with what were strangers at the time, left so many lasting memories that will always bring smiles to our faces. “Surviving” with a new group of people and being stuck with them in close quarters for four days really forced us to climb out of our shells and get to know one another. For me, that trip will be something I’ll never forget because it was the best icebreaking experience I’ve ever had with such a wonderful group of people.

Sharing our stories at the end of the semester about what we’ve learned, seen, or gone through this semester really showed how we didn’t all share the same experience. Instead, there were 36 experiences (41 including our fearless leaders) that are intertwined to make one rich and diverse story of every perspective of our journey.

Overall, it has been both an amazing and stretching time with our Outtatown family over the past three months and I can’t wait to continue learning and growing together as we make our way down to Guatemala in January!

Thanks for reading!

– Kiera Wassink, Outtatown 2019-20

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Wired for Belonging

On November 30, a couple of us from the Outtatown office stood outside as we awaited the arrival of the students and site leaders. This was the last day of their first semester which included three months filled with wild adventures such as bungee jumping and caving, lessons learned from wise instructors, and perhaps some nights sleeping in hammocks under the stars. We were excited to greet the students and hear their stories, alongside many parents who were also waiting.

Soon three vans rolled up and many groggy students climbed out. Though these young adults looked exhausted from their long drive and long semester, there was a hesitation to go home. The goodbye lasted for 45 minutes with countless hugs and promises to keep in contact. Parents stood patiently in the periphery to give their loved ones space. At one point, in the parting of this group, I heard one student say to another, “See you tomorrow!” Even after three long months of 41 people being crammed into three 15-passenger vans, they still wanted to spend time together on their break. They loved and would miss this community they had created.

On Outtatown, as students travel together in tight quarters for such a long distance, there is a strong bond. The students and leaders have come to know each other on both the good days and the bad. There is vulnerability in the everyday routine of Outtatown, such as brushing teeth alongside 20 people crammed into one bathroom and debriefing the day with others in the cabin. This group has experienced hard valley and exciting mountaintop moments together and have found a sense of belonging, evident as they parted. Each person of the 41 is loved, known, and has a place within the site.

Belonging to a community is different than being best friends with everyone. Sure, there are days when people do not get along or are tired of one another, but belonging transcends being best friends. It is the sense that one has a place and a purpose, that one is needed within that community. This is essential to being human, as we thrive when we are in relationship with one another. As Brene Brown says, “A deep sense of love and belonging is an irreducible need of all people. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to belong.” Seeing this in the current Outtatown community, I was reminded of God’s invitation of belonging for us.

As we have recently passed through Advent, we were reminded that the Son of God was once incarnate on earth. Jesus became fully human (as well as being fully divine) and offered a message of love. He invited humanity into the presence of God, breaking down barriers of wealth and status, and offered a place at the table for both the sinner and the saint. Within Christ, we are offered a sense of belonging. We are wanted, known, and loved. Just as with the students on program, so we too can find a place of belonging within the church and within God’s Kingdom. In John 15. 9-12 Christ says; “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” As we enter the new year, our prayer is that we remember the love and belonging God offers, while reminding others of this same truth.

– Kari Miller, Current Outtatown Student Worker and Alumna, 2016-17

This past month we had the opportunity to explore some caves near Hope, British Columbia, which was a highlight for many of us. It was a new opportunity and a chance to learn important lessons regarding the faith we share. Before the day arrived there were mixed feelings among many of the participants: excitement sprinkled with fear. For some, the anxiety of crawling through caves all day almost made them decide not to participate, however, in the end, all of us decided to face our fears and step into the dark, cool rocks.

We were instructed by Walden, who gave us basic information about how to maneuver through the tunnels and then gave us time to explore by ourselves in groups of four or five. We had to work together to discover the correct pathways to climb through.

Parts of the caves were only manageable with your back pressed against the top of the tunnel as you slide through on your stomach, hands in front, and feet pushing from behind. Other times it was necessary to lay on your back while attempting to wiggle through a small opening, hoping that it would lead somewhere. There were small drops in the caves where we needed to climb down, and some spaces that had to be climbed up. Through these many challenges we were stretched and grew.

At the end of the day we all gathered in a stone room to debrief and we sang a few worship songs. This was a favourite time for the group as the singing filled the whole space as and we worshiped the Creator. It was a beautiful time to come together and praise the one who made both us and the caves we had been exploring all day.

We talked about how caving is similar to following Jesus. There are parts when we feel stuck, and can’t go anywhere, but we trust in the Lord to see us through the tough times. There are times when we get hurt along the way—bruises, scrapes, and bumps—but still we make it through. Often in life, we aren’t sure where we are going but we trust that there’s a way out because God’s plan is good. It’s comforting because we read in the Bible how Jesus has walked in our shoes and experienced all that we are going through, just like how people went before us in the caves. We can know that He is there for us, aware of the temptations we face, the hurt we feel, and the hard things of life that we go through every day. So when we follow Jesus, we can know that He knows what He’s doing. It was comforting to go through the caves and know that people have gone before us and that these tunnels are completely safe.

We collaborated as a group to maneuver our way through the twisting pathways, and this can exemplify how, on our walk with the Lord, community is important to growing in faith. We can all push each other and hold each other accountable, which is very important to strengthen our relationship with God.

Another parallel between caving and Christianity is that of Jesus being the light of our lives. This is a truth that is expressed throughout the Bible and is an important part of the gospel. When Jesus, the light, is leading our lives, we can only see a portion of the way in front of us, but that is really all we need to see because God knows the big picture. We only need to see the one step that we are taking; Jesus will take care of the rest. And this is the most important aspect—imagine trying to journey through the cave without a head lamp; caving would be virtually impossible without it. Similarly, there is darkness in the world and Jesus is the light. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12.

It was amazing to see how something that seemed so scary become so exciting, calm, and fascinating. And, in hindsight, it was an excellent metaphor for the Christian walk. It was so good to face our fears and learn lots through this experience.

– Erika Bosman,  Outtatown 2019-20

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Remembering the Grand Story

Today marks the beginning of Advent. Starting today, and for the next three weeks, anticipation will build towards Christmas. Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation. We prepare to celebrate that God became human. We sit in the discomfort of this beautiful, yet broken world that awaits Christ’s return and the fullness of God’s reign.

Where does this story start for you? If you were telling the story of God-become-human and Jesus’ return where would you begin? In the little town of Bethlehem? In chapter one of Matthew’s Gospel? Perhaps with Isaiah or King David? Yesterday the last of our students arrived back home for the Christmas break. Try asking them where they would begin the story. I bet that I can guess their response.

Find the part of your Bible that talks about baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph, angels, wise guys, a donkey, and the inn. Now turn back a few pages. And a few more. And a few more. Turn it all the way back to Genesis, back to the beginning. As our students were reminded again and again this semester, to make sense of the story we must start at the beginning.

It’s in the beginning that we learn of God’s harmonious intention for all creation. We learn that the beauty and the brokenness experienced in this world, which Outtatown students have encountered throughout the semester, stems from God’s loving creation and humanity’s selfish bent. We also learn that God has a plan. Genesis 3 tells us that someone is coming who will undo this mess. 

Now, as you tell the story, move through the Bible; through Deuteronomy, Psalms, Jeremiah, and Malachi. Through Mark, Acts, Colossians, and Revelation. It’s a bit of an epic, as far as narratives go. But what a story it is! 

I was at a Christmas Eve service last year where the pastor forgot about the middle of the story. He jumped from Genesis 3 to the cross. Beyond the rest of the Old Testament, Jesus lived a lot of life before the cross. He proclaimed that the reign of God had arrived (Mt. 4:17). 

Remember these things as you move through Advent this year. Remember to start at the beginning, it’s where the good news concerning Jesus begins and opens our eyes to the beauty and brokenness of this God-breathed world. Remember that Jesus coming is about so much more than the cross, it’s about God’s reign. And remember to feel the discomfort of brokenness, even as we anticipate God’s renewal of all things (Rev. 21:5).

May you know the presence of God as you remember and celebrate that God entered creation this year

– Tim Cruickshank, Outtatown Co-Director

A few weekends ago, I found myself back in the Outtatown vans with staff and program alumni taking a little road trip in Southern Manitoba. We were on our way to a celebratory BBQ; a time of sharing and laughter as we commemorated over 10 years of partnership and friendship with the Roseau River Anishinabe community. We spent the evening roasting hot dogs, eating venison burgers, sitting around the fire, and chatting.

At one point towards the end of the evening our host and an elder in the community, Peter Atkinson, invited the group to come into a sharing circle, to speak out the things they had learned from the community. One by one, we went around the circle, speaking softly as the fire crackled before us; naming the moments that had encouraged, inspired, and challenged us. Current students spoke about the eye-opening and inspiring lessons they learned during the previous week. Alumni reflected on the ways their own time spent with the Roseau community has continued to impact both their studies and the ways they think about and interact with the world around them. As I listened to these voices, I was struck by the incredible privilege it was to be there—at the home of friends and partners, who for over a decade now have been committed to teaching and sharing their culture with Outtatown students. Generously, they pass along wisdom, knowledge, and the experience of some of their cultural practices. We do not take this for granted; it would be perfectly reasonable for them not to welcome the loud, exuberant groups of Outtatown students, most of whom are settler peoples, onto their land and into their homes. Yet year after year they welcome us, and as we sat around the fire, I was overwhelmed by the weight and generosity of that commitment.

As both a Christian in the Anabaptist faith tradition and someone deeply involved in Outtatown for the last number of years, I’ve spent some time thinking about what it means to be people of reconciliation. My natural inclination is to want to do something, to make things right—and there are good arguments for this! There is so much to be done in repairing our relationship as Canadians with our Indigenous neighbours. But I have also heard it said that we cannot have reconciliation without first hearing truth. Outtatown students over the years have had the joy of sitting around the fire, learning from wise elders who love to teach about their people and their ways. As I sat around the fire that Saturday night, I saw a small spark of what this means: we come, we listen, we learn, we share. Year after year, we do it all over again, each year growing a little bit more in our understanding of what it means to be neighbours, and people of reconciliation. There is still so much to learn, but perhaps joining together around the fire, sharing a meal, and listening to story is a good place to start.

– Renee Willms, Outtatown Co-Director

This past month we had Steve Klassen, Director of the MARK Centre, come and spend four days teaching us about listening to God. We learned about many different ways we can hear God speak and how God is working in our everyday lives. We were taught that one of the most important things to do if you want to hear God speak is to simply listen. Which led us to a day of silence.

Starting from about 9:30 in the morning until 7:30 that evening, our energetic and noisy group was challenged to not talk to anyone. People took the day to rest, enjoy nature, go for hikes, read their Bibles, talk to God, and just listen. Many people heard something from God, whether it was through a Bible verse that came to mind, words and images, or through the environment around them. Some people also felt as if they didn’t hear God, but that doesn’t mean He was any less present to them.

I really enjoyed the silent day. While I am not too sure what God said to me on that day, I know He was there watching over me. Near the end of the silent day I wrote a short story reflecting on an image. This is what I wrote:

“The little girl dances through the forest without a care in the world. Free as ever, filled with uncontainable joy, spinning with her arms spread wide, her hair flowing behind her. Curious and overflowing with excitement, she has so much to look forward to. She doesn’t know what the future holds. Right now she is just focused on the present, looking at all the amazing beauty around her. Soaking everything in, she doesn’t want to forget one second of this moment.

“God is looking down at this little girl, watching her. He sees her face glowing in the sun and hearing the laughter echo through the trees. He is happy, He is proud, He loves her SO much.

"What if I told you that God thinks this when He looks at you? It’s true, God knows you are beautiful, He knows you are special, He cares for you so much and He loves you unconditionally. If God knows it’s true, why is it so hard to believe ourselves?

“The world is moving so fast. What if we just stopped and took a step back? Why can’t we just go back to being like a child? Why do we need to worry and stress? God is our Heavenly Father and He will take care of everything we need. God loves us no matter where we are in our faith journey, we don’t have to be perfect like society tells us. Jesus said to come as you are."

I want to be like the little girl that I pictured that day, without a care in the world, laughing and dancing, just enjoying the presence of God. WE ARE ALL GOD’S CHILDREN and He loves us all so much! I think we should all strive to be like that child in the forest, filled with God’s love, glowing with His goodness and joy.

“How great is the love the Father has given us so freely! Now we can be called children of God. And that's what we really are! The world doesn't know us because it didn't know Him. Dear friends, now we are children of God. He still hasn't let us know what we will be. But we know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him. We will see him as he really is.” 1 John 3:1-2

– Makenna Olson, Site Two South Africa student, 2018-19

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Anticipation

I’ve been shopping lately. Yes, Christmas is coming and I get a bit excited about that! I love the sparkle of the glitter in a Christmas wreath, the twinkle of lights, thinking about the people that I can buy a gift for, and the aroma of turkey and stuffing roasting in preparation for the gathering of friends and family. These things I really look forward to.

The countdown is definitely on! In my wandering through many stores, I was impacted by how many different versions of Advent calendars I saw. All the way from a rustic barn board with a star that tracks along a zig zag edge following days 1-25 to a board with intriguing little doors filled with Lindt chocolate….it’s all there! The biggest chocolate surprise, of course, is on December 25!

What is all this Advent anticipation about? For many years, I made my living in the retail sales and floral industry helping people like you to get into the frenzied whirlwind of gift buying and making sure that your homes were beautifully decorated. I still design beautiful things, but I have come to realize that we have more important things to expectantly wait and prepare for. I look forward to celebrating that Christ has come with Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy and is the Light for this world that is not always beautiful.

As of December 1, Semester 1 has come to an end for the Outtatown Program. What are the students preparing for and looking forward to? I’m sure the comforts of home, seeing friends and family, and a favorite meal or two is appealing. Will what the students have learned and been introduced to cause them to pause? And what are the hopes and expectations for the next part of the journey as the learning continues into different cultures and geography?

Wherever we are this Christmas season and whatever we are anticipating, may we reflect on our God of perfect Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy. Let’s celebrate that Jesus, the Light of the World, has come.

– Joyce Friesen, Outtatown Program Assistant

When I think of one story that stands out from the varying experiences our community has already had, the conversations with individuals experiencing homelessness at UGM (Union Gospel Mission) stands out. The whole Urban Plunge in Downtown Winnipeg was a very impactful and meaningful week for me. When my group arrived at UGM that morning, we met Barry who explained what the program was about and its mission. He gave us a goal for the afternoon when we met with everyone at the drop-in. The goal for us was to come back to him at the end of the day with names of the people we interacted with. He explained to us that asking someone for their name was significant because for many people on the streets, it is one thing that they can claim as their own. Their names give identity, they are gifts to them. With that in mind, the group was very intentional about having conversations with each person at the drop-in, seeking to build relationships and to share as much joy and love as we could.

Everyone in our group talked to different people as we served coffee, tea, and some desserts. The diversity of stories within the room was amazing to hear about and witness.

I was serving cinnamon buns at one point in the afternoon after having spent time sitting at tables with different people. An older woman, who I will call Mary, walked up to the counter and quietly asked for a cinnamon bun without lifting her head. I grabbed one from the tray and placed it in her hand, wishing her a great rest of her day. When I did this Mary held my hand and looked up at me, straight into my eyes, saying “God bless you.” At that moment my heart was filled with joy.

I experienced a similar situation later in the day with an older man, who I will call John. He was slowly drinking his coffee, while I sat and talked with him. He told me how he had been born in Serbia and came to Canada as a young man. As John rose to go to the clothing exchange, he shook my hand and said, “Thank you so much for your company.” Being able to participate in this kind of setting was a valuable experience for me.

Prior to going to UGM that morning, I didn’t know what to expect and I was a little nervous about initiating conversations with strangers. But by the end of the day, after my interactions with Mary, John, and others, I realized how significant and simple it is to sit down with somebody from a different walk of life, have a cup of coffee, and get to know each other. Although both these moments were small and many of our group members experienced God in crazy ways that week, those moments really stand out for me. These moments will stick with me beyond Outtatown, when I am back home.

It’s crazy how much we as a community and individually have grown in our friendships and in our relationships with God this past month. And we still have two more months to go in this semester! Thank you all for your prayers and support!

– Bethany Wall, Site One Guatemala student, 2018-19

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An Invitation to Follow

Registration Day in September already feels like such a long time ago. In the world of Outtatown, days often feel like weeks, and yet they fly by at an incredible pace. Time is sometimes difficult to track on program, with so many activities and experiences packed into a full day. Lately I’ve been reflecting on time ‘flying by’ in Outtatown and some significant markers indicating God’s faithfulness have come to mind.

This year marks the 20^th anniversary of the program, as back in 1998, a group of conference and church leaders, as well as college administrators, made the courageous and bold decision to launch the “School of Discipleship”, now known as Outtatown.

This year also marks the 10^th anniversary of our relationship with the community of Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation. In 2008, leaders from the program received word from Peter and Colleen that they would be willing to host the group of students in the fall for a four-day learning experience. What started as a nervous exchange of stories and many unknowns as to what these relationships would be, has developed into relationships of deep friendship and hospitality. Hearing their stories, learning about traditions, and experiencing ceremonies and festivals have all been a valuable part of the experience for our students, but we are most thankful for the opportunities to build relationships.

I’m grateful to God for the ways that God has been faithful in providing for the program, and for the many people who have been involved as leaders, instructors, and partners over the years.

On Registration Day, I invited our students and leaders to accept the invitation that Jesus extended to some guys who were fishing. As I mentioned to the students then, even more than the places they go, or the experiences and events planned – there is an invitation for them, for all of us. Much like the disciples who were out fishing, Jesus invites us to experience life to the full in following Him. He desires to give us new perspective, purpose, and a way of understanding and caring for those around us.

Throughout the Gospel of Mark we read stories of Jesus healing people, Jesus including people who others are running away from, and Jesus slowing down to ask what it is He can do for them. This is the invitation that Jesus extends to us as well, to stop and pay attention to the ways that God is being revealed around us: in the beauty of the mountains and lakes, in discovering more of who God created us to be, and in having the opportunity to hear someone share a piece of their story with us. I’m convinced that Jesus is continuing to invite us as a program to explore and discover what life is like when we follow Him. Thanks for your continued prayers and support along the way.

– Cam Priebe, Director of Outtatown