While GIFT was birthed in the fall of 2004, it's conception began in the spring of 2002.  The local Christian school was having our annual 30 Hour Famine event and four friends (Caitlyn Dyck, Derek Enns, Nate Visconti and Debbie Friesen) banded together to provide the music for the praise and worship sessions.  We enjoyed it so much that we decided to continue playing together and did so on a regular basis for the year that followed, mostly in our home churches.  In the winter of 2003 Nate sold his drum set and stepped out, being replaced by Clemens Lehman.  After this our focus shifted a little and we started planning our own monthly events, called "Saturday Night Alive".  We shared a desire to make a difference in our area with these events but also were aware that what we were doing was short term, as we went our seperate ways the fall of 2003.

 

The idea of a monthly praise and worship event laid dormant for a year but was revived again in the fall of 2004 when another group of friends banded together, forming the band Unquenchable.  (Clemens Lehman, Jon Mast, Aaron Heerema, Kathryn Goodman, Julie McQuaker and Debbie Friesen)  When discussing a name for the event Aaron suggested GIFT ~ Growing in Faith Together, and it stuck.  At first we planned to schedule the events month by month if we had time but in December the decision was made to have GIFT on a monthly basis, the second Saturday of the month.  Since January 2005 we have not missed a month, praise God!

 

Because four of the band members were heading off to school in the fall, a new music team was formed and began playing together in September 2005.  We also decided to change the day from Saturday to Friday.  This group was formed of seven people representing three schools (plus one homeschooled and one working), six churches and ranging in age from 15 to 20.  As the new 'year' began, I (Debbie) stepped into the role of coordinator for GIFT at large and the music team specifically. 

 

As it was observed that GIFT had become not only a monthly event for Christians in general but a form of discipleship in music and leadership for the music team year round, the music team yet again was changed this fall of 2006, with plans of having a new team each year, to provide opportunity of training for more students.  In each stage leaders have been produced, both musically and spiritually.

 

And so, GIFT continues as a ministry to encourage and challenge believers through music, teaching, sharing, prayer and fellowship.  From it's very conception, this has been the goal of the monthly events and by God's grace He is moving to make it successful.