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Sharing God’s love through building relationships

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Organizing a weekly kickball game, holding a worship service at a local community garden, learning to knit and following a theological reading plan were all a part of Andy Balzer’s summer experience at The Well, a Mennonite Brethren church plant in Dartmouth, N.S. Balzer was a participant in Summerbridge, an eight- to 12-week service program for young adults from a diverse cultural background. Summerbridge is funded by Mennonite Central Committee and local Anabaptist churches and invites congregations and applicants to get creative about how to better connect their church and their community.

“I learned what it looks like for the church to reach their neighbourhood with the gospel of Jesus Christ,” says Balzer. “I developed relationships with members of the Take Action society, with whom the church partners, to improve the quality of life in the North Dartmouth area.”

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Andy Balzer sits on a rock at Albro Lake Beach in Dartmouth, N.S., where he and The Well church gave free hotdogs to community members on Natal Day during his Summerbridge term. Photo by: Christina Dunfield

“Through all [my] experiences,… I have been learning how to grow as a disciple and help others do the same through serving on mission together.”

His major priority for the summer, designed in partnership with his congregational mentor, pastor Adam Greeley, was to pursue and help the church answer three questions:

  • How do I become more attentive to God’s voice and respond more readily to His Spirit? (Love God more)
  • What long-term life choices will allow me to most effectively guide people toward God? (Love people more)
  • How do I best share the gospel with my words and actions to the people around me? (Love more people)

“When I observe the Take Action society, I see the kingdom of God advancing through their efforts. They aren’t a Christian group, but their aim of restoring the community is in line with what God wants,” Balzer says.

“I also want to live in the way Jesus taught and demonstrated so I can represent him well to those who interact with me. My success therefore, lies in how I get people to think about Jesus rather than how I get them to think about me, which is both humbling and relieving for me to know.”

Balzer says he appreciated having a pastor invest in his spiritual development and walk with him through the practical side of living out the gospel in his community.

“Summerbridge is a great way to learn through apprenticeship,” he says. “You can expect opportunities to lead, so take advantage and ask for help when you need it. Summerbridge lasts a relatively short time, but it can be a significant experience if you are prepared to make the most of your time there and go all-in.”

Learn more about Summerbridge here 

—Christina Dunfield, MCC Maritimes

See also “Sharing God’s love through graphic design”

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