Rod Bargen, long-time board member for VTI, reports on Celebration Sunday:

Celebration Sunday... perhaps better described as Celebration Weekend: the River’s Edge board met during the day on Saturday, then in the evening the VTI board met, with a number of new members, who are associated with the River’s Edge Camping Association (see board page). I’ve continued to have a sense of men and women with a heart for God, and unity, as we come together under our head, Christ. It was also a time to see Mike & Michelle Joos pack up and head out from their home at Discovery Lodge to a new ministry in Ontario.

On Sunday morning many of us celebrated “THE LIFE” together in Christ as we met for fellowship, sharing from the Word, and remembering the life and death of Christ through the emblems of the wine and the bread. The afternoon was an open house for  those connected with the ministry and was attended primarily by supporters of the River’s Edge ministry. There was a celebration service at 4:00 with praise music, recounting the work of River’s Edge over the year, a brief history and overview of VTI, and a message by Lance Duncalfe, with the theme “Today we celebrate the mystery of what goes on in unseen places, yet miraculously produces limitless, life-impacting potential!” Read the full text here.

We finished with an opportunity for questions and answers, and another meal together. For Ramona and I, it was a particular delight to reconnect with some people from our Sundre/Olds days when our children attended Olds Koinonia Christian School.

So, where to from here? We can honestly say, “Only God knows.” We have ideas, thoughts and dreams. We were reminded on the weekend of how “unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”  John 12:23 NIV. River’s Edge went through a “near death” experience in 2004 prior to growing to what it is today, and dreams for the future. Lance’s message highlighted this theme as well. As we proceed, we have a firm sense of the leadership of Christ and the unity the board, which is of greatest value. We covet your prayer as Christ leads us on...

Rod Bargen for the VTI board

For further questions, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact any other board member.

You have been a part of amazing moments in the history of VTI. For all of your investments and partnerships throughout the years, we are ever grateful! We want to update you on the plans that are being made to realign our ministries with River's Edge Camping Association (RECA).

First, VTI is not closing but rather realigning our ministries in partnership with River's Edge to continue the legacy of both ministries. The current assets and liabilities will initially be managed by an interim board that will decide on the organizational structure that will best benefit both ministries and comply with Canada Revenue Agency's requirements. The Leadership Team of RECA will form the ministry development and management team to realign VTI's ministries.

Second, the financial and donation side of the ministry continues to operate as VTI for now. All donations, including monthly automatic donations, will be receipted for tax purposes through the VTI charitable number and systems. As the ministry is still continuing to operate are trusting the Lord to continue to move in the hearts of His people to prayerfully sustain the ministry through their financial investment partnerships. We still need your support!

Third, Discovery Lodge Retreat & Training Centre is not closing. Though the Calgary office is now closed, Discovery Lodge will continue to host families, schools, churches and especially mission groups. The RECA Leadership Team will be seeking to promote and recruit an expanding ministry partnership that will eventually call the VTI facility their "home" for ministry training and sending events.

Fourth, River's Edge will become part of us just as we become part of them! As combined ministries, their programs, ministry events, facilities and missional opportunities will be available to all of us. We are joining forces to help River's Edge expand its focus and opportunities. We are confident that as God continues leading us into this new partnership that it is not about uniting a parcel of land but of expanding our collective global impact for generations to come.

Lastly, as in the past, we are seeking the Lord's confirmation and blessing in these decisions. We invite you to continue as a partner in impacting the world for Christ. We need to hear from everyone connected with VTI! Please complete the online response form - we want to give everyone an opportunity to join with us in creating something unique and engaging for the next generation of ministries hosted at the VTI site.

Yours, on behalf of those we serve,

Brian Rushton, Chairman of the Board

Click here to read the full update

River's Edge is the "camp up the hill" from Discovery Lodge and we have existed side-by-side for many years. Further to the board's announcement on April 29 regarding VTI's future, we are happy to report that we are in discussions with River's Edge to potentially have them operate our facility and continue to host retreats. This arrangement could potentially encompass training and sending mission teams overseas, continuing the VTI vision.

Here is a link to the website for River's Edge, a camping and retreat facility affiliated with the Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada. River's Edge was established in 1998 and runs camps for all ages, including horsemanship and adventure camps.

Some of you have seen this email from River's Edge. Please note that discussions are ongoing and this email may not capture most recent events. In the meantime, VTI staff are still living on the property and managing retreats. Discovery Lodge is still open for business and you may book retreats by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or calling (403) 637-2997. Our office in Calgary closed on Monday, May 30. If you wish to get in touch with a VTI staff member, please call Discovery Lodge at (403) 637-2997 (leave a message) or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it us. You can also send mail to 3a, 3023 - 21 St NE Calgary AB T2E 7T1 and it will be forwarded to us.

We have published a special Pathways newsletter which contains two pages of Alumni news and photos like the one to the left (alumni from Friends & Followers 2004-05)! Click here to access. Pathways is a newsletter for VTI friends and alumni and is emailed out 4 - 5 times a week.

Subscribe online or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it us or call 1.800.565.3818.

What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word "Rwanda"? Genocide, right? But Rwanda has come a long way since the masssace of 800,000 in 1994. It is now considered a model for developing countries having achieved stability, economic growth and international integration (source: Wikipedia). But there are still scars....

Our 2010 GAP team was in Rwanda July 13  - August 3, living at the YWAM base in Kigali. They used the arts to share the love of Jesus in orphanages and schools, working with orphans, widows, street kids and prostitutes and completing various work projects. Follow their journey on their blog.

You are welcome to join us at the GAP Closing Rally on Sunday, August 8 at 10:00 a.m. (MDT) at Cremona Country Fellowship. For driving directions, go to Upcoming Events.

39 team members have just returned from 12 days of ministry in Costa Rica. One team of 28 was from Heritage Christian Academy, Calgary. This is the 11th year we have taken an HCA team overseas. Mark Sorell reports: "It has been an honor and privilege to work with them. The theme of the trip was Impact with a cross over a heart. We saw God impact lives in a number of ways. It was impacting to see about 40 people make decisions to follow the Lord." To see video check out this link.
The second team was made up of 11 from Cornerstone Christian Academy, Kingman, AB. They were based out of Fortuna (Guanacaste) and Campamento Roblealto. They did physical labour and presented the gospel using the spoken word and the arts. This was the second time we have trained and helped to lead a team from CCA. Mark says, "It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with them. They had some amazing opportunities and we will hear some stories from them shortly."

Christian hip-hop troupe, Refined/Undignified, from Caronport, SK, will be "dancing with a purpose" on Friday, November 14 @ 7:00 p.m. at Foothills Alliance Church, Calgary. They seek to share God's love with teens through the medium of dance. They will be joined by Covenant Music Award nominee, Jill Hagen, and Kelsey Plowman & the Komforters. Tickets are $15 at the door (advance tickets no longer available).

Kelsey Plowman, VTI Artist in Residence, is kicking off her concert year at Zion Evangelical Missionary Church, Didsbury on October 5 @ 7 PM. Tickets are $10 in advance (call the VTI office at 1-800-565-3818) and $15 at the door. Opening for her is Jill Hagen (another VTI Artist in Residence), who has recently been nominated for 3 Canadian Gospel Covenant Awards: Inspirational Song of the Year, New Artist of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year. Special guest Annika Odegard (top 14 in Canadian Idol 2007) will also be opening. Come on out and be inspired! For more information on these artists go to: www.myspace.com/kelseyplowmanmusic or www.jillhagen.com. Band members include Ray Banman, bass (GAP 2007), Luke Ducharme, drums (F&F 02-03, Encore 03-04) and Kurt Driedger, guitar. Jill Hagen will be touring in Alberta and Saskatchewan in October and Kelsey Plowman will be touring in Alberta and Manitoba. For all upcoming concerts, go to Teams, Team Tours or click on: http://www.vti.ca/site/index.php?option=com_gcalendar&view=gcalendar&Itemid=172.

We work with many wonderful hosts around the world. Our ministry would not be possible without their dedication and commitment to hosting and mentoring. Here is what several say about our teams:

I want to thank you (Jill Hagen) and the guys in the Band for coming to Elliston and Avon this month. To say that the trip was successful would be a gross understatement.  The people of both churches were very blessed by the ministry and message you all shared. The music and worship were a true blessing. I can only give God the Glory for the turnout that we saw on March 14 at the school gym in Elliston. There were over 70 people in attendance, with the bulk of those being high school and junior high school aged kids. We have heard nothing but great things about you and the band, your music, message and overall show of love and concern for the choices the kids make. Many have asked, “When are they coming back?” That is awesome!

Again thanks for the time invested here. You all were gracious guests, personable, professional and Christ like. What more could we ask for? I do hope you will keep us mind when you are thinking of coming back this way. You and the band are always welcome to come and visit us at our home. Thanks again.

Dave Carroll, Area Missionary, American Missionary Fellowship.

"How is the Encore Team doing? I miss them. They were so humble & cooperative. I think God really used that great spirit in many ways as well as the team's wonderful talents. I have no words to describe how much I appreciated this team."

Dwain Fowler, Pastor of Grace Brethren Church, Beaver City, Nebraska (unsolicited testimonial).

"Hi there Calgary, I'm just back from dropping the Quebec (GAP) team off at the airport. Hopefully they and all 12 pieces of luggage will arrive intact.

"What a wonderful blessing they were. We enjoyed each one personally, and as a team they were such a strength as they ministered (here) at the VBS and then at camp. I personally have the most to be thankful for, I think. I directed my first-ever camp more by necessity than choice, and it went very well, thanks to the Lord's wonderful provision with your team. Crystelle agreed to co-direct with me, and she completely took over the activities part of the program. The rest were very capable counselors and wholly involved in the program. We had a great week, and we know that kids made first time professions and we know that others who had received Christ as Saviour other years were challenged to take a new look at what that means in their lives. I know there will be eternal rewards for their efforts here.

"They were such a great bunch. Cheerful, willing, caring, TALENTED, versatile, encouraging, fun, committed. What a blessing once again this year to have a team to help with the ministry here."

Sharon Bouchard, Camp Director, Camp des Iles, near Lachute, Quebec (unsolicited testimonial)

I just wanted to say thank you to the team (Friends & Followers 66) who came last Friday night, though I wasn't there, I heard great things about it. Alex, the team leader, was very helpful on the phone when I spoke to him and my volunteers told me he and the whole team did an excellent job on Friday night. Thank you again for sharing, we hope to host your team again in the future!

Megan Giesbrecht, Youth Director, City Church, Winnipeg, MB (unsolicited testimonial)

Nipawin Bible College is the latest college to accept transfer credits from our Friends & Followers program. Eight Bible colleges in western Canada currently accept transfer credits from our F&F program, anywhere from 18 to 45 credits, depending on the school and the student's chosen program. Our curriculum consists of 16 courses which cover areas like Bible & theology, missions & evangelism, the arts, children, youth and general audience ministries, crosscultural communication, oral communication skills, spiritual formation, leadership and team development.

You can find a quick link to all the team and staff applications on our website right under the Quick Links title (left hand column, above the Pathways logo), or click here.

We are now set up to accept shares as a receiptable donation (through an agent). Please contact our office for more information.

Our One-Five Encore team has just released a CD: Reflections, which is available for $10 (plus S&H; use this order form). Four songs were written by team members: AJ Toker, Janelle Kroeker and James Witherow, as well as Bryce Driedger (last year's F&F team). Please contact our office to order your own copy.

Our 07-08 Friends & Followers and Encore teams and new ministry staff were commissioned on November 23 in Calgary. The F&F team flew out two days later and are now in Manila getting oriented and learning a bit of Tagalog. The Encore team just finished recording for their One-Five album coming out in mid-January. Above: members of the two teams plus friends perform a song at the Commissioning Service.

Our talented Encore team has written and recorded a CD: Reflections which is now available for $10 plus shipping & handling. Send in this order form or contact our office at (403) 777-2970 or 1-800-565-3818 (will also be available on iTunes).

The Friends & Followers team will be on tour October 26 - November 12 in southern and central Alberta. Click here for their itinerary.

Our Encore team will be visiting various schools and churches in northern Alberta throughout October. Click here for their itinerary.

We are pleased to welcome a number of new staff on board this fall: Jared & Cheryl Nickel (music, youth, maintenance, chalk art - back, 2nd from left & front, 3rd from left), Bill Ginther (development, mobilization - back, far right), Coralie Walker (staff advisor, mobilization, Encore itineration, children's ministry - front, far left) and Becky McAskill (drama, F&F itinerarion, accounts payables - front, 2nd from left).

You can now donate your new or existing HBC Rewards points to VTI! Click on this link for more information.