Just under 300 visitors have descended on Steinbach over the last few days for the EMMC Treasured Foundation youth conference.

Kellin Friesen is the Chair of the Treasured Foundation Committee. He notes EMMC hosts the conference every three years.

Speaker Gord Penner at Treasured Foundation"Treasured Foundation is just a way of connecting youth and youth leaders from across the conference so every three years it is an intentional event to connect to understand that we are all trying to do the same thing but also to come alongside youth groups to create excitement and passion for what God is calling them to do."

Friesen says with all the youth and youth leaders combined, there are a total of 280 people involved in the Treasured Foundation youth conference from as far as southern Ontario, Alberta, and even Belize.

"We have taken over the Roadhouse 52 Inn and Suites, that is where our lodging is and we have been using Steinbach Bible College for our sessions and then during the afternoon, we are sending teams out to go and serve. They are going to downtown Winnipeg and visiting numerous senior homes here in Steinbach as well and helping out with the local MCC."

In years past, Friesen says Treasured Foundation has been held in Minneapolis, but this year they decided to move it to Steinbach.

"We chose to come to Steinbach for a few reasons. One, our conference has a really good relationship with Steinbach Bible College and so knowing that there are no students here and that we could use such a great facility like Steinbach Bible College was a draw. Bringing it out of the States also meant that we could offer the event at a cheaper price which has allowed a lot more kids to be able to come."

Friesen says it has also been great to connect youth with local humanitarian organizations that local EMMC churches routinely collaborate with. He notes they are very happy with their choice to run Treasured Foundation in Steinbach.

The conference began on December 28th and the youth will head home at 7 P.M. on Tuesday the 31st.