Over 500 people were in attendance for the Community Worship Service at the Winkler Harvest Festival on Sunday morning at the Meridian Exhibition Centre, 1045 Grandeur Avenue, Winkler, MB. The Community Worship Service is part of the annual Winkler Harvest Festival, which typically takes place on the second weekend of August. Sunday's worship service consisted of worship, prayer, a free-will offering, Scripture reading, guest speakers and an exhortation. As well, there was a story time for children, presented by Pembina Valley Bible Camp. A guest speaker on Sunday was Chris Derksen, the Executive Director of Pembina Counselling Centre. He delivered a brief presentation on the work of Pembina Counselling Centre and their vision and mission for the community. "We exist to help individuals who are struggling personally or in relationships, to gain direction and find lasting hope," as stated on the Pembina Counselling Centre website. Derksen continued in the presentation, "Struggling is not a sign of failure, it's a part of the human condition." View this post on Instagram A post shared by CHVN 95.1 FM (@chvn951) The other guest speakers were Assani Muhanuzi, Founder and Project Director, and Harold Hamm, Chairperson, of HANDS Canada. HANDS Canada aims to provide education to children in need in the Democratic Republic of Congo. "HANDS Canada stands for Hope for All Nations' Development and Sustainability," said Muhanuzi. Muhanuzi and Hamm explained the beginnings of the organization in Winkler in the Fall of 2015. Muhanuzi explained, "It [HANDS Canada] started because I grew up in a hard situation and with no education, you can't do much." Their website details in fuller depth the work they accomplish. View this post on Instagram A post shared by CHVN 95.1 FM (@chvn951) The service concluded with an exhortation from Pierre Gilbert, Ph.D., Associate Professor Emeritus of Canadian Mennonite University. He spoke about the importance of recognizing and regarding God as Creator, and the sanctity of human life. "Human beings have intrinsic value and we are defined by the image of God," said Gilbert. Sunday morning was about a community worshipping God, receiving and giving hope, and acknowledging the value of human life.