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Winnipeg, Man
Concord College’s summer of VISION


This past summer, Melanie Unger served as director for VISION ’99, Concord College’s summer ministry team. Unger, Angela Hiebert, J.D. Kliewer, Scott Walker, Crystal Wiens and Krista Zook worked together, offering Christian service to churches, summer camps, youth groups and the community.

VISION team: (top-bottom) Crystal Wiens, Krista Zook, Scott Walker, Angela Hiebert and J.D. Kliewer.

VISION’s mission statement was to “serve others, reflecting the grace and love we have received through Jesus Christ.” The team’s focus was Ephesians 5:1-2: “Living a life of love, just as Christ loved us.”

VISION ’99 ministered through music, drama, personal sharing and practical service in seniors’ homes, youth drop-in centres, high schools, summer camps, Manitoba MB churches and youth groups. The team also served as dorm parents in Youth Mission International’s SOAR Pan Am program.

“Watching the VISION team serve, I saw them grow, develop gifts and character and become more and more like Christ. God is good,” says Unger.

During SOAR Pan Am, the VISION team experienced renewal. One team member had difficulty accepting herself and was not convinced that others would accept her, explains Unger. At SOAR Pan Am, however, she co-led a youth ministry team who respected her and loved her for who she was. “I watched [her] blossom as she worshipped God, and as she interacted with her team in service with great joy.”

VISION also saw God work in the lives of those they served. At Winkler (Man.) Bible Camp, the team was responsible for teaching during chapels. A young girl told one team member that she had re-dedicated her life to Christ and thanked the team member for encouraging her and inspiring her to follow Jesus.  – Melanie Unger

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Last modified October 13, 1999.

© 1999 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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