During World War 1 (1914-18), the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) surveyed the area which later enclosed the hamlet of Anzac, Alberta. Nearly one hundred years ago (1917) Anzac was the end of the railroad line for northern Alberta. Later, rail tracks would be extended to Waterways, now a part of Fort McMurray.
Just over twenty years ago a group of believers started a church which would later in its history become known as the Willow Lake Baptist Church. (Willow Lake is now known as Gregoire Lake) It is this church that is now coming into a closer relationship with NorthLife Fellowship Baptist Church. It is our desire that increasingly we become one church in two locations: NorthLife Anzac and NorthLife Fort McMurray. Eight hundred residents are just a short ride from the NorthLife Anzac facility, an attractive white chapel gracing a hill overlooking vast acres of forest.
We are soldiers of Christ advancing the cause of Christ into new territory, seeing individuals released from the captivity of Satan.
An army corps and a transportation line brought this continuing village of Anzac into existence. Indigenous peoples traversed this country for generations previously. On a spiritual note, the Christian church also is established by virtue of an army corps of followers of Christ. We are soldiers of Christ advancing the cause of Christ into new territory, seeing individuals released from the captivity of Satan. “Be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus…endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ. Soldiers do not get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.” 2 Timothy 2:1-4.
As Christians, we continue to survey our communities looking for opportunities to engage people with the gospel of Christ. The kingdom of God advances as we “lay the track” so that people may journey by faith into a personal relationship with Christ.
Locally, we encourage you to soon visit with our brothers and sisters who gather each Sunday in Anzac. A warm welcome will greet you (and the monthly potlucks are delicious). Your presence and participation are needed for the health and community impact of NorthLife Anzac. Our campus pastor for NorthLife Anzac is dedicated to leading the ‘troops’ to expand the outreach of this, the only church, in Anzac.