Part 1: Hutterite Hospitality
Following their efforts to provide meals for truck drivers at a border crossing and their journey to support the Freedom Convoy in another province, Ben and his team continued their mission. They set up near the provincial legislature in Winnipeg, about 90 minutes from the Hutterite community where Ben lives. As demonstrators gathered outside the legislature, Ben’s group established a food station across the street.
Jim, a friend, often stayed in his truck near our food trailer, where we stored supplies. We had two U-Haul trailers: one for cooking and supplies, and the other, equipped with a table, was a warm place to prepare sandwiches.
We grilled outside, then brought the cooked patties in for the women to assemble with buns and cheese, while we also had soup ready.
The trailers were secured at night, with Jim monitoring them. A schedule allowed various Hutterite volunteers to join us on different days. Ben recalls, “Though we were at the legislature, no one was paying attention.” The outdoor supporters became their main focus, as they listened intently to the group’s message.
In a March 2022 Eagle Vision interview, Ben expressed, “I’ve hugged more people in the last two months than ever before. Everyone’s searching for connection, feeling like a sponge, dried out from two years of isolation. People are meant to love, care for, and support one another.”
His team frequently put in grueling 12-hour days. One of the most fulfilling aspects was engaging with the homeless, listening to their stories, and providing them with food. “Every day, we saw people who were hurt, sick, lost, and without hope,” Ben shared. “On average, we served about 300-400 people daily, with weekends drawing in around 2,000.”
Ben became emotional reminiscing about the overwhelming drive he felt while working, stating that even after lengthy hours, he would never feel exhausted: “It was as if an invisible force compelled you to keep going. Just when we thought it was time to pack up, a new crowd would arrive, and we’d restart.”
During these weeks, discussions about spirituality flourished. One night, Jim reached out to a troubled woman in the early hours, talking about Jesus and his forgiveness. After an hour of conversation, she returned the next day, more alert, and accepted Jesus into her heart.
Additionally, connections were rekindled with former Hutterites who had left the community over the years. Ben noted, “Some had departed five, ten, or even twenty years ago. We welcomed them back, and they reciprocated our support.” Immigrants, particularly those from Poland and other nations escaping difficult situations, also approached Ben’s team, eager to assist.
“Many told us, ‘This tyranny is what we fled from,’” Ben explained. One supportive immigrant, who ran a small repair business, shared how seeing the community’s efforts restored his hope and helped him sleep again after many sleepless weeks.”
Ben highlighted the family divisions resulting from COVID-19 policies, stating, “Every non-Hutterite family I know has been strained due to restrictions. Events like weddings and funerals became segregated by vaccination status.” He emphasized the conflict present in many congregations across the country.
Ben reflects on the history of his ancestors who fled persecution to find a place where they could practice their faith freely without fearing their government. He believes people have misplaced trust in authorities, urging them instead to conduct their research and utilize common sense. “Canada was built on dialogue among its people. Mistakes happen—so let’s resolve them at the kitchen table.” However, he noted that during the trucker protests in Ottawa, all communication seemed to break down.
In early 2022, as Ben’s team filled stomachs, eased pain, and nourished spirits, he noted, “Initially, our goal was simply to feed truckers with nutritional meals, but it evolved into a greater mission.”
