Last month, supporters of CRWRC—now known is World Renew—gathered together in Edmonton, Alberta to celebrate 50 years of serving others with justice and mercy.

The event, held at Covenant Christian Reformed Church, was organized by a dedicated and creative group of local volunteers (see photo) who met as a planning committee throughout the year.

World Renew consultant Roy Berkenbosch, who also served on the planning committee, described the event as a “non-stop celebration of God's faithfulness to and through World Renew.”

The festivities began at 5:30 p.m., with a feast of ethnic dishes from various countries where World Renew has worked, which were provided by World Renew enthusiasts from 17 different churches and partner groups in Classis Alberta North (CAN). More than 500 people were in attendance. Some were dressed in the green polo shirts worn by Disaster Responsive Service volunteers, while others wore aprons designed for the celebration.

The event segued from feast to formal program with a flash mob performance of the South African hymn "Siyahamba.” As attendees ate their way through samosas, tortillas and curries, they enjoyed a variety of special presentations paying tribute to the generous individuals involved in World Renew five decades of ministry. Music was provided by the Joyful Noise children's choir, The King's University College community chorus, and singer song-writer Justine Vandergrift, who composed a song specifically for the occasion.  

World Renew Co-Director Ida Mutoigo delivered what Berkenbosch called “an energetic and positively punchy greeting.”  Fred Schuld, a former World Renew staffer in the Philippines, prepared an inspiring slide show that highlighted the contributions of the Canadian church members to the work of World Renew as staff, volunteers, DRS, board members and more. Edmonton’s Mayor, Stephen Mandel, brought his greetings.

Kohima Daring, a country consultant for World Renew in Bangladesh, also provided salutations and thanks on behalf of World Renew’s partners around the world.

A cookbook of all of the recipes served during the event was available for purchase. Its title—From Boerenkoel to Chibwabwa—is symbolic. Boerenkoel is a Dutch dish of kale and mashed potatoes, while chibwabwa is an African dish of pumpkin leaves mixed with tomatoes, onions and ground nuts eaten. Louisa Bruinsma, another organizer of the event, explains it significance by saying. “We came from narrow Dutch roots and have expanded to become globally enriched.”

All in all the evening was a moving and joy-filled way to honor World Renew’s legacy and to look to the future with excitement and hope.

“The lively, celebrative spirit that was so pronounced throughout the evening spoke volumes about the special place that World Renew has in the hearts of the CRC in Northern Alberta,” says Berkenbosch.  “I can hardly wait for the 100th!”