Allan was known for his deep faith and resolute reliance on God. He became a well-loved pastor in the Mennonite Brethren church and was a blessing to many people. The community at North Kildonan MB Church called him to the ministry where he served as assistant pastor. They encouraged him to go to Mennonite Brethren Seminary in Fresno, Cal. Later, North Kildonan started Mclvor MB Church with Allan as founding pastor. Throughout his time as pastor, he was excited and humbled to see God at work creating a spirit of love and cooperation. His love for McIvor and the people there was an important factor in his life. After McIvor, he spent 7 years at Kitchener MB Church and was interim pastor in many churches after his retirement. He put into practice the advice he got from J. B. Toews that the most important part of being a pastor was to “love the people.” Parallel with pastoral ministry, Allan was actively involved with the Mennonite Brethren conferences at the provincial and national levels. He loved their motto “Working together to do what we cannot do alone.” Here he worked tirelessly over the years as moderator, on the Committee of Reference and Counsel, the Ministers and Deacons Committee, the Board of Spiritual and Social Concerns, and later the Board of Faith and Life. He considered it a privilege to work with the gifted servants of the Lord doing God’s work in their corner of God’s kingdom. Allan’s was a life well lived. How can one describe his character? “For the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23).
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