BCAS presents cheque to Oyen Ministerial Association

By Diana Walker

On May 3rd, Linda Bingeman, vice president of the Big Country Agricultural Society, presented a cheque to the Oyen Ministerial Association in support of the work they do in the community. The Ministerial Association and the Agricultural Society have partnered together to put on Night in Bethlehem since 2008. Every other year, as Christmas approaches, volunteers descend upon the agricultural center to transform a portion of the interior into a street in first century Bethlehem, filled with live animals, Roman soldiers, and, of course, the holy family. This event typically draws substantial crowds from Oyen and surrounding communities.

From left to right: Fr. Rodel Abanto, Pastor Brad Broadhead, Bill Kolkman, Linda Bingeman, Bonnie Burke, and Rev. Dr. Catherine Holland.

Dave Cordick, BCAS President. It is a privilege for the Big Country Agricultural Society to assist the Oyen Ministerial Association with the many needs of the community that fall between the cracks in established social services.

Beyond putting on Night in Bethlehem, the Ministerial Association—which is made up of representatives from all the churches in Oyen—also seeks to provide for those in need in the community. It organizes and conducts regular services at the Big Country Hospital in extended care and at the Oyen Lodge and, on occasion, brings worshippers from different traditions together with events around Christmas and Easter such as carolling and walking through the Stations of the Cross. When disaster strikes, when someone finds themselves in a vulnerable position and requires shelter or transportation, when an emergency arises and funds need to be disbursed quickly, the Association is there to help. Most recently, the Ministerial has provided funds for weekly Alcoholics Anonymous / Narcotics Anonymous meetings in the community.