cent of them non-members. Lots of young
families had fun together, accomplishing
River Park’s intention to love their neighbours with no strings attached.
Whispering Pines is a camp funded by
eight EMCC churches in southeast Alberta.
River Park sponsored seven
children from their Kids’ Klub
to summer camp, connecting
with these families in a deeper
way.
Each event is building a
foundation of care and con-
cern for the community, a min-
istry that Enslen emphasizes is
an “emerging” passion. “We continually
ask the Lord, ‘Where’s the next opportun-
ity?’ and are excited to see Him leading us
one step at a time.”
God is using
all sorts
of people
to affirm
His love
Unconditional
Jesus-love
Even though this heart for the com-
munity is a new vision, neighbours al-
ready refer to River Park as “a place you
can get food and clothes when you need
them.” One week seven people showed
up saying, “Hey, I heard you can get food
here.” It’s a safe haven for those experien-
cing tough times.
geared to thetimes,
anchored to the rock
“It’s easy for a church to slide into
the comfort zone of the ‘same old’ programs,” states Enslen. But in the last few
years River Park has become more intentional about finding ways to connect
with their neighbours. Living a Life on
Loan was a six-week teaching series to
help care groups grow in their vision to
touch their neighbourhood individually
and collectively.
Enslen says, “We want God’s compassion for our community to impact each
member’s decisions 24/7 without ideas
and decisions initiating from the pastor.”
From sermons to small groups to action
in the community, many in the church
are becoming catalysts, prodding others
to open their eyes to the harvest in this
southern Alberta neighbourhood.
What Enslen describes as a “dark
community” doesn’t make it easy. There’s
lots of theft, stabbings, even murder in
the neighbourhood. River Park’s goal is
to dispel darkness with the Light as they
seek to bring transformation, creating a
safe neighbourhood for all. Working co-operatively through their small groups
will strengthen them and guard against
burnout.
River Park invited representatives from
city hall to discuss challenges in the city
with a 30-year strategy for the neighbourhood. Resources on community transformation were shared and a vision laid
to establish community centres that will
give meaningful opportunities to those
who are caught up in crime.
River Park’s primary ministry is to their
community, secondarily to their city, and
thirdly to the world. “And of course, inwards as well as outwards,” summarizes
Enslen. ft
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www.faithtoday.ca/digital
ChaRleNe De haaN is a freelance
writer in Toronto. She is also manager
of educational services for The evangelical Fellowship of Canada. river Park
Church is an affiliate of the eFC. read
all the profiles in this ongoing series at
www.faithtoday.ca.
