The Ranchehouse is nestled in a valley on the edge of Cochrane with a picturesque view of the Rocky Mountains to the west. Each day clear skies gave us majestic views of the snow-covered mountains. The sermons and the special music, from the opening message to the end of the Eighth Day, all focused on building a stronger and deeper relationship with God and with each other, being a temple of God and aiming for that higher calling of being part of His family, “to be doing.”

Mr. Kubik’s opening video and Sabbath message were much appreciated. They help the Feast sites around the world feel connected together. The high attendance in Cochrane was 180 people on the first Holy Day. Activities included a festival dinner, family day, a hymn-sing and three evenings where the seniors could come and visit, play games and listen to live music.

Feastgoers also took advantage of Cochrane’s ideal location, 20 minutes west of Calgary and within easy driving distances to Banff National Park and Lake Louise. Many spent their afternoons traveling into the mountains to see the scenery and into Calgary to go to the Telus Science center or the Calgary zoo to see the Pandas, the snow leopard and the penguins. A pre-Feast guided bus tour into Banff and Jasper National parks was organized for those who could come a few days early.

Those who had the opportunity to join the tour were treated to sunny skies and breathtaking views, including the Columbia Ice fields and Glacier Skywalk (a glass-floored platform suspended out over the edge of the mountain). Because many of those attending in Cochrane rented holiday homes and apartments, there were great opportunities to invite others to their accommodation for food and fellowship. In one instance more than 40 people all came together for an evening!

Near the end of the Feast, Feastgoers started to bring donations for the local food bank. In the end there were four heaping shopping carts of food and nearly $1,300 collected. For all those who contributed, the local food bank said, “Wow, thanks so much!”

The Feast this year was very uplifting and rewarding, strengthening our hope for the soon-coming Kingdom of God.