EMC Festival 2022: Not-So Late Show

By Diana Peters

It was with curiosity and perhaps some hesitation that we gathered for the Not-So-Late Show at the EMC Festival. What would acknowledging the past and looking to the future in a “classic late show format” be like? The lights in the auditorium dimmed and the Not-So-Late Show band led us into an entertaining and moving evening.

Show host Andrew Dyck (otherwise pastor at Stony Brook Fellowship in Steinbach, Man.) warmed up the audience with a monologue referring to current events and experiences with a comedic twist. It was refreshing to laugh instead of grumble at what we have been living with in the past couple of years.

With the audience relaxed, it was time for comedic sketches like “Top 10 things overheard at EMC Festival.” They took inspiration from EMC “rivalries” (looking at you, fellow acronyms with “M”), Mennonite culture and EMC national office staff.

The audience then indulged host Andrew by letting him catch up on a task he had neglected; writing thank you notes such as “Thank you, Dutch Blitz, for being the closest pacifists will ever get to conflict.” Yes, if you were wondering, it was another comedic sketch. Kudos to the writers behind this show.

Taking a break, host Andrew, in a pre-recorded video asked locals on the streets of Steinbach “What’s Next?” Responses were mixed, but for the most part there was hope in moving forward. Common themes were being together more, better care of selves and one another, living in the moment and being prepared for future things.

What Not-SoLate Show would be complete without commercial breaks? Yes, we had those too. We were treated to glimpses of what else we could look forward to at EMC Festival (International Food Market, here we come), promotions of partners such as Steinbach Bible College, and a call to action for refugee sponsorship of Afghan Christians. When was the last time a commercial break held such inspiration?

But this night wasn’t all about entertainment—it was also about being challenged and encouraged. And with that came, arguably (no offence to the other segments), the part most looked forward to—guest interviews.

Lucas Aragon and Sid Reimer began a coffee ministry in Winnipeg during the pandemic.

Jaime Loewen

In our first guest appearance, we heard from Sid Reimer, a retired insurance broker, and Lucas Aragon, a homeless man of God, both of Winnipeg. Sid and Lucas met in 2019 when Sid returned from a meals-on-wheels type ministry in Mexico and was looking for an opportunity to serve similarly in Winnipeg. He approached Lucas, asking for counsel. Over the next many months, a partnership developed, and a pop-up coffee shop ministry began.

Twice a week, weather permitting, Lucas and Sid set up a table at the intersection of Portage and Carlton with the sign “Coffee Free.” Coffee and pastries, donated or sold at discount by local suppliers, are handed out for as long as supplies last.

This is a safe place for people, Sid and Lucas said, and often they have a chance to pray with people. This ministry has been going on for about a year and half, and in that time Lucas and Sid have seen many people who carry heavy burdens and trauma. Yet, they find a moment of peace at the coffee stand.

Lucas and Sid ended with the encouragement to listen for God’s message, treat people well with words and hands, be committed, share how good life is when walking with Jesus and trust in God.

With that challenge still ringing in our ears, Gary and Andrea came on stage as the second guest appearance. Gary and Andrea served in Uzbekistan; when they were forced to leave, they were led to the Uighur people in Northern China. They worked there for ten years and did not feel restricted as foreigners.

Andrea and Gary shared about the oppression of the Uighur people in China.

Jaime Loewen

On July 5, 2009, Gary and Andrea witnessed a peaceful protest that turned violent. This Urmqi Riot or—as the Uighurs call it—massacre, became the impetus for dismantling Uighur culture and communities. Eight thousand young men disappeared in the days after, and many traditional neighbourhoods were destroyed.

Ministry became simple: just saying, “God is here,” looking in their friends’ eyes and assuring them that the memory of them will not end.

Tensions increased in the next seven years and, in 2016, a targeted and methodical oppression began against the Uighur people. Barriers appeared everywhere. Police stations were built at intersections. The Quran became illegal. It was not good to look Muslim. People disappeared or were sent to re-education “schools” or prison. The oppression became genocide.

Though it was not directed at them, seeing so much fear among their friends was very difficult. Brains, Gary said, slowed down—you can’t process a lot in trauma—and ministry became simple: just saying, “God is here,” looking in their friends’ eyes and assuring them that the memory of them will not end. When they had to leave China four years ago, Gary and Andrea’s family needed to heal. It has taken time. To close, Gary mentioned a tradition in France of setting the table in the evening. Darkness is here, but the table is set. Dawn is coming. What an encouragement!

A big thank you to all those who made this Not-So-Late Show a success!