OTTERBURNE, MB – Many of our Providence community tuned into Facebook or Youtube this past week to participate in our Virtual Harvest Festival. Some people gathered together as small groups in their homes on October 21st when the event premiered. (The 30-minute video presentation is available online for viewing here.)
Providence had hoped to host an in-person banquet this year, but since COVID-19 restrictions in Manitoba changed in early October, we quickly pivoted from planning an in-person banquet to offering harvest supper deliveries to homes in Winnipeg and parts of Southern Manitoba. We did this so that people could enjoy a homestyle roast turkey dinner while watching the virtual event.
“It was fun to deliver meals to each home. It gave us a chance to connect in-person with some of our community. Each person who supports Providence is so valued and appreciated; it was so great to see them even if only briefly,” remarked Providence’s Annual Fund Development Coordinator, Gina Turnbull.
A highlight of the evening was hearing from four longtime staff and faculty members who have served at Providence for a combined 142 years. The video features Dr. Dennis Hiebert, Gary Schellenberg, Scott Masterson and Marla Williamson as they spoke about God’s faithfulness to Providence throughout the years.
Another video segment took a look at three Providence families with two generations who have studied at our University College or Seminary. While they each reflected on the impact Providence made on their lives, they all expressed the significance of growing and learning in a Christ-centered environment.
All who tuned into the event were invited to participate in the mission of Providence by giving a financial gift. Gifts made to the Harvest Festival had double the impact as three generous donors came together to offer a matching gift of $8,500! Thanks to Kleefeld Construction, Libby Hanna & Chris Wiebe and an anonymous donor who made that match gift possible. In case you thought you missed your opportunity to make a donation, it is not too late. It is still possible to make a Harvest Festival gift today at Prov.ca/Give!
To conclude, let us be encouraged by President Kenton Anderson who gave the keynote address and reminded our Providence community that, “Through thick and thin, Providence has met its mission for 96 years. We’re going to keep doing it. We’re going to be even more responsive to the needs of students in their context, working directly with churches, businesses, missional agencies, and employers. We’re going to make sure that students are formed not only in their mind, but in their hands and hearts as well.”
