Grunthal remembers beloved pastor

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 18/06/2015 (3206 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The community of Grunthal gathered together Thursday night only hours after Dave Neufeld, the pastor of Abundant Life Fellowship Church, died in a airplane crash. As they came together, they remembered a man who always made time for people.

Upwards of 300 community members descended on the church Neufeld helped nurture to commemorate the 59-year-old man in an emotional service. A microphone was passed through the room as dozens of people reminisced with tales of a supportive man who reached out to anyone in need. Tears were shed by many adults and children. Countless hugs were exchanged.

Neufeld was celebrated for his willingness to meet people wherever they were in life.

IAN FROESE | THE CARILLON
It was a packed parking lot outside Abundant Life Fellowship as the community gathered to remember Dave Neufeld Thursday night, who passed away earlier that day in an ultralight plane crash.
IAN FROESE | THE CARILLON It was a packed parking lot outside Abundant Life Fellowship as the community gathered to remember Dave Neufeld Thursday night, who passed away earlier that day in an ultralight plane crash.

“I’m new to town but he’s already been around,” said one man. “He welcomed me, he prayed for me.”

Another man credited Neufeld with saving his marriage. A woman recalled how Neufeld brought people, who were at the time strangers, to her home to help her move.

A child spoke of a fishing trip he joined Neufeld on.

“He was a good pastor and I hope he has a good time in heaven,” the boy said.

The church’s prayer team united at the front of the auditorium while worship songs serenaded the solemn sanctuary. Friends met at the front to pray, their arms wrapped tightly around each other’s necks. Neufeld’s brother, Ron, was embraced with dozens of hugs.

Carl Reimer, a member of the church’s worship team, said they had a cue each Sunday while the last song was playing to signify when Neufeld would walk up stage.

Sometimes Neufeld missed that nod. He was so captivated by the worship music he forgot.

“He was in a place of Jesus and now he is physically in a place of Jesus,” said Reimer. “Praise the Lord.”

Neufeld died Thursday morning southeast of St Pierre when the ultralight plane he was piloting crashed. He had several children and cared for foster children as well. 

Neufeld’s funeral service will be held Wednesday, June 24 at Southland Church in Steinbach at 2 p.m.

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