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One88: a place to grow and learn

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Downtown campus welcomes friends into community 

Photos Courtesy: One 88

Photo Courtesy: One 88

Bitterly cold winter temperatures won’t stop 21-year-old Dean Lafreniere from participating in a variety of activities at the One88 campus.

He is part of a diverse group of people who are finding hope, inspiration and acceptance in this church located in the city’s historic downtown Exchange District.

“This is a place where you can get together and talk with people about whatever is on your mind,” says Lafreniere. “For me, I study a lot about God. I like coming here because I can share with others what I have learned and I can learn from others.”

Located at 188 Princess St., Winnipeg, the church opened in 2012 as a downtown campus of Eastview Community Church.

Dave Ens, campus pastor at One88, says they strive for the campus to be a “deliberate, conversational community” that provides a safe place for lively conversations about being followers of Jesus Christ.

“This is a place to grow and learn,” says Ens. “The moment you say, ‘I want to embrace the grace that Christ has for me’ you are on the journey and we sojourn together.”

The downtown location helps nurture existing relationships between Eastview and participants in ministries such as School of Urban Leadership (SOUL), a modular Bible school, and Forward House Ministries, supporting housing for men seeking healthier lifestyles.

Existing relationships and new relationships are nurtured and celebrated as people from all walks of life get to know each other through a variety of activities that meet the needs identified by the One88 faith community.

Activities include study evenings with tutorial help, Saturday morning breakfasts, worship services and group conversations on topics addressed during the worship services and other subjects. Food and coffee are served at most gatherings. Computers are available for study and training.

“There is a community aspect here that goes deep,” says Jeff Armstrong, a University of Manitoba student serving as a ministry intern. “It’s not us and them, it’s just us. Serving here is truly part of my spiritual growth.”

Lafreniere heard about One88 through Forward House, a place that he is calling home for four months. To help him make positive changes in his life, he wants to complete Grade 12 and go to college. His long-term goal is to earn a degree in communications and help people through writing and speaking about Christianity and life skills.

As an avid reader, he appreciates access to the computers that were provided by the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. He also appreciates tutorial help with mathematics, discussions on faith issues and new friendships.

“I have made friends with everyone who comes here,” he says. “I have mentors here. Coming here gives me the opportunity to make new friends and improve my skills.”

—Gladys Terichow is the staff writer for the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches

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