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For years, pastors Sam Doerksen and Stan Friesen, both leaders within the Christian Mennonite Conference, dreamed of providing a quiet, affordable getaway for full-time Christian leaders. Doerksen and Friesen felt there was a need for this type of ministry. They envisioned a place surrounded by nature where rest, study, family time, and rejuvenation would be the focus and in April of 2026, the opportunity for this started to look like a reality.
Sam, who also works for Focus on the Family at the Kerith Pines Retreat Center in East Braintree, was approached by board members of the church just down the road. For just over a century, the East Braintree Community Church had served as a gathering place for Sunday services, potlucks, weddings, and funerals. However, more recently, the remaining members of the church realized that it was time for a change. Sam was asked if the CMC could envision repurposing the building so that ministry could continue at this site. It was here that Sam and Stan could see their dreams start to take shape.
A group representing the CMC visited the church and after the tour, the overall thought was that the building and property held much potential to be transformed into getaway dedicated to foster retreat and rest for ministry leaders. The trustees agreed in favour of moving forward with acquiring the church and property with the endorsement of the conference ministerial.
A committee was formed in June and together they’ve met to discuss how to renovate the 2244 square foot church. It will be a spacious, private residence that is fully furnished with a primary suite, 2 additional bedrooms, two full bathrooms, kitchen, dining room, living room, study, along with laundry facilities. Plans are being finalized including blueprints and coming up with a suitable name for this place of rest surrounded by towering red pines.
The CMC is deeply grateful for the thoughtful generosity of the East Braintree Community Church and pray that the remaining members will be greatly encouraged with the fact that ministry will indeed continue here on the property and that the Lord will continue to build his church as his workers spend time in creation with him in rest and study. We praise God for his goodness and creativity in caring for his people, “always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father.” Ephesians 5:20 NASB
