Providence Students at Pembina E. Free: l-r: Chris Johnson, son of Larry & Kathy Johnson of Pembina; Tyler Stynsberg of Roseau, Minn.; Johathan Leatherwood of Katy, Texas; and Melissa Vida of Victoria, British Columbia.

Winter Schedule: Sunday School at 9 a.m.; worship services at 10:15.  Nursery available. 

Wednesday nights during the school season:   Youth Groups, and Bible Study for adults, both at 7 p.m.

Providence Students Volunteer in Pembina.

Volunteering is a pretty simple thing for most of us. But for United States citizens attending Providence College in Otterburne, Manitoba, it's not so simple. One major roadblock is an extensive physical exam requirement.

So when second semester freshmen students there were required to complete volunteer service, creative thinking brought a unique solution to light. As Christopher Johnson came to Providence from Pembina, ND, which is only 50 miles away, he considered doing his volunteer work state-side. The leaders at Chris' home church were enthusiastic

Kids' club class April 6, 2005. Clockwise from top: Volunteer Jon, Jake Cosley, Jon Wilmer, Kara Wilwant, Annie McCahrey, and Amber Anderson

about the idea, and soon 3 other students planned to join him.

Agreeing to travel with Chris were Tyler Stynsberg of Roseau, MN, Jonathan Leatherwood of Katy, TX, and Melissa Vida of Victoria, BC, Canada. Soon the children attending the Pembina Evangelical Free Church's Wednesday night Kids' Clubs were enjoying some cool college kids as assistant leaders every Wednesday night!

In Kids' Clubs they sing loud songs, play games, read stories, have snacks and learn more about Jesus. This was just the type of volunteer experience the college students were looking for. Jon stated, "I learned about effective communication with kids and the teachers, especially the difference between their ages." Tyler expressed that he learned about "patience and being a positive role model." And of course, as Chris and Melissa would attest, "It's been fun!"

Providence students are through with classes April 15, and have finals the following week. Kids' Clubs will continue through the end of April, just without some of the neatest help around!