A Winkler resident says living with an artificial limb has created opportunities in the most unexpected places.

Silas Penner was serving in Cambodia earlier this year as part of a Youth With A Mission (YWAM) outreach. He explains the country has long been plagued by landmines, leading to more people living as amputees.

However, an amputee himself, Penner found himself making deep connections with people despite language barriers because of the shared life experience.

"I got to share my faith and it was such a cool experience meeting locals and being able to talk to them," he says. "Having an artificial limb is such an amazing testimony... being able to relate this with them. People might think you're different but really you can use this to connect with someone. It's an amazing tool to further God's kingdom."

He says YWAM was a time of growth in a Christ-centred community, "it was an amazing experience, I would definitely do it again."

Penner was born without his left leg below the knee and has been a lifelong supporter of War Amps noting the organization has supported him with numerous artificial limbs and emotional support. He's also volunteered his time as a mentor to young amputees through War Amps' CHAMPS program.

"Just someone for the younger amputees to look up to... someone to ask questions if they're wondering 'what's going to happen when I want to get a job,' and those kinds of things. It's just being there for them."

War Amps recently kicked off it's annual Key Tag Service in Manitoba, which Penner says is a great opportunity to support their work in the province.