Just under 300 people gathered over the last few days for the Evangelical Mennonite Mission Conference's (EMMC) Treasured Foundation youth conference.

Kellin Friesen is the Chair of the Treasured Foundation Committee. He says EMMC hosts the conference every three years. This year it was held in Steinbach, Man.

"Treasured Foundation is just a way of connecting youth and youth leaders from across the conference so every three years it is an intentional event to connect to understand that we are all trying to do the same thing but also to come alongside youth groups to create excitement and passion for what God is calling them to do."

Friesen says with all the youth and youth leaders combined, there are a total of 280 people involved in the Treasured Foundation youth conference from as far as southern Ontario, Alberta, and even Belize.

The teens gathered for sessions at Steinbach Bible College and also served neighbouring communities. "They are going to downtown Winnipeg and visiting numerous senior homes here in Steinbach as well and helping out with the local MCC."

In years past, Friesen says Treasured Foundation has been held in Minneapolis, but this year they decided to move it to Steinbach.

"We chose to come to Steinbach for a few reasons. One, our conference has a really good relationship with Steinbach Bible College and so knowing that there are no students here and that we could use such a great facility like Steinbach Bible College was a draw. Bringing it out of the States also meant that we could offer the event at a cheaper price which has allowed a lot more kids to be able to come."

Friesen says it has also been great to connect youth with local humanitarian organizations that local EMMC churches routinely collaborate with. He says they are very happy with their choice to run Treasured Foundation in Steinbach.

The conference began on December 28 and closed on December 31.