I never wanted to be an Anabaptist. Growing up in Winnipeg, I grew up a Baptist pastor’s kid who went to seminary and became a Baptist pastor. I never experienced a crisis of faith, probably because my parents were excellent role models. Their integrity convinced me that what I was being raised to learn was right, and I have retained much of what they taught me.

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, joy is defined by such words as bliss, great pleasure, happiness, or delight. Without a doubt, joy can contain elements of these emotions because we have experienced them in certain situations in varying degrees. None of these words are contrary to how the Bible would define joy; however, this seems too simplistic and temporary compared to the biblical view of joy.

In this article, I’d like to introduce you to Kiara Kosta. Kiara has been the youth director at Evangelical Fellowship Church in Steinbach, Man., for the last three years. Kiara brings a young and fresh perspective to youth ministry. I began my interview by asking her about the challenges that get in the way of discipleship in the current generation.

At the recent Steinbach Bible College Leadership Conference on baptism we found out the real controversy in our churches is over baptism and membership. Many churches are now questioning whether baptism should automatically make one a member of the church.

I married a man who tells time the way a compass points north. He knows exactly where he needs to be and when he needs to be there. I unfortunately don’t have the same innate sense of urgency.

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news of the sudden and unexpected passing of our colleague and friend, John Fumana. John has faithfully served as the Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission (AIMM) executive coordinator since 2020. He passed away on May 15, 2026.

The EMC Board of Missions is pleased to announce the acceptance of two couples for service in Spain. These couples will join a team led by Antonio and Esther Pitta.

Closing out the 2025–2026 school year was a meaningful and encouraging season for the Steinbach Bible College (SBC) community as we celebrated another group of graduates being sent out to follow Jesus, serve the church, and engage the world.

The Mennonite World Conference was founded 101 years ago with a desire to be in solidarity with Mennonites facing persecution. This was a time when political leaders were misusing their power and life was difficult for believers who held a peace position. My own relatives were living in a time of horror in the Soviet Union before they were sponsored to come to Canada in 1926.

Picture Butte Mennonite Church (PBMC) graciously hosted an EMC Missions Fellowship. This newly revised gathering aims at building awareness and relationships with EMC churches. Around 100 people gathered from all over southern Alberta on May 31, 2026. After a brief introduction and history of EMC Missions, we heard a report from Nancy Friesen.

The Council of International Anabaptist Ministries (CIM) is a group of agencies from across North America that meets once a year for collaboration and discussion. Each agency takes a turn hosting. This year it was the privilege of EMC Missions to host the meeting.

On May 15, 2026, the Canadian Christian Communicators Association held its annual awards ceremony in Toronto, Ont. The Messenger placed in seven categories for work published in 2025.