River’s Edge Camp in the foothills of Alberta hosted a blessed kick-off to the summer camping season when more than 150 KEENAGERS spent a long weekend together June 25-28, 2015. This annual retreat for seniors has steadily grown over the years as many regulars now invite out of province friends to come and join the fun.
Our retreat speaker William Hendley (retired bi-vocational pastor) from Chetwynn, BC shared personal stories and challenged the KEENAGERS to persevere in fulfilling our God-given purpose. Sounds of Grace, all KEENAGERS themselves, never disappoint. Making music together is a highlight and blessing to be sure. Retreat chaplains this year were Grant and Debbie Sikstrom.
At the Celebration Banquet evening many drive-in guests joined us. Funds raised from our time together were more than $25,000.00, toward RECA. We rejoice and praise God. Activities throughout the weekend vary, games, trail rides, crafts, and tournaments; and let’s just say there is ‘keen’ participation. This year Val Field from Zion, Didsbury, introduced Pillowcase Dresses for Missions. A busy sewing room was cutting and stitching and many returned home with big goals for fall projects.
Our weekend of inspiration, great music, laughter and joy with one another was over all too soon. A spontaneous Prayer Walk with numerous groups dispersing across the entire River’s Edge property concluded our days together. It was a wonderful time of confession and fresh consecration of ourselves and this beautiful property to His will and His ways.
I heard one KEENAGER sum up the weekend like this. “In January, Arizona’s where I’ll be – but in June I want to be at Keenagers.” To God be the glory!
Plan now. Join us next year. Our speaker will be Sandra Tjart, Director of World Partners. You’ll be glad you came.
-Submitted by Debbie Sikstrom
Grant & Debbie Sikstrom are pastoring at Castor EMC in Castor, AB
