CANORA - Even while on the road competing in chuckwagon and chariot races, the hankering for spiritual fulfillment remains.
That’s why some competitors will organize their own multidenominational church service, like the cowboy church held at the Canora Ag Days on the morning of Sunday, Aug. 26.
“It’s a way for us to have church, even on the road,” said Kelvin Young of Weekes, who sang and played the guitar during the service, performing How Great Thou Art, The Old Rugged Cross and I Saw the Light.
Lorne Bonk, who’s from a farm near Wolseley, serves as a layperson. For 40 years, he’s been going to events like Canora Ag Days across eastern Saskatchewan and western Manitoba. He himself is not a competitor, but he does have cattle and horses.
He said when he started, he had the feeling he should do something like this.
“Then I saw an article in the newspaper about a fellow in the United States who was doing it,” he said. “Then I went to [the Canadian Western Agribition and there they were starting it there and that's how I got into it.”
Bonk provided the use of his sound system for the service.
“I think it's important to introduce people to Jesus let them know that He died for them,” he said. “He loves them and that they can be sure return to life by just devote your life to Him.”
The service itself took an informal approach, with participants giving testimony about the impact Christianity has had on their lives.
Cody Leach of Weekes was one of the competitors who gave testimony. He told the story of how he was trying to impress a woman – Heidi, who’s now his wife. She gave him his first Bible and he figured he’d just memorize a few verses.
“I had never read the Bible in my life, never even opened it,” he said. “I started reading it and I couldn’t stop – I just kept on reading it. I ended up figuring out that I had to make a decision here: that God is who He says He is, or just run the other way.”
In his sermon, Bonk talked about the importance of living for today. He said it’s easy for people to delay things for tomorrow, when they achieve goals like getting married or paying off a mortgage. It’s easy for people to look back at the nostalgia of the past. He said today is the day to live for God and help others that might be searching for Him.
“Let's do it today, OK? And tomorrow and the day after this many days as the Lord gives us. Don't lose your dreams. Don't forget about the past, but don't forget to live today because that's the day that God has given you, given us. Enjoy it. Make the most of it. Let your light shine for Jesus.”
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