Allen and Cathy Hilgendorf work in the North Hastings and Haliburton Highlands. As an itinerant preacher evangelist, Allen covers roughly five thousand square kilometers in the territory from Coe Hill to Wilno, and Wilberforce to Palmer Rapids.
Allen and Cathy Hilgendorf. Allen is dressed as a circuit riding preacher and Cathy is in typical dress for a woman in that era.
Itinerant work:
Allen visits house to house by vehicle, bicycle, canoe and horseback.. Along the way he distributes Christian literature, and lends a willing ear to people that need someone to talk to, building relationships as he travels. He preaches at churches and other Christian gatherings, mostly instructing and challenging them to think evangelistically and reach their communities with the gospel.
In the summer the ministry includes setting up at fairs, festivals and rodeos. He dresses up as an old time circuit riding preacher and participates in every parade that is available to him. Usually several volunteers flank him as he rides, passing out appropriate Christian literature to hundreds of people. He also participates in other horse events such as trail rides and competitive team penning. Often, during trail rides to remote bush camps, people find themselves relaxed, more open and free to talk and pray without the usual pressures of everyday life.
Allen Hilgendorf in a parade, dressed in period costume as a circuit riding preacher.
Preaching...the old fashioned way:
Creativity is one of Allen's great strengths. Not only does he dress up for rodeos and fairs, but he creates venues in which to draw a crowd. By advertising and conducting the meetings in a pioneer setting - inviting folks to come by horse and antique auto...even dressed in period clothing, he creatively provides a fun atmosphere for a serious message.
Allen utilizes the rest of the year to follow up on the relationships that were begun during the summer months. He also pastors two churches on a part-time basis. Working Together:
Throughout the year, Cathy and Allen have the opportunity to minister together, helping couples who are experiencing marital or other family difficulties.
Their love and care of people who are isolated and/or hurting is evident in the broad scope of ministry that the Lord has called them to.
Music & Art:
Allen is a talented painter. His murals have been commissioned by corporations and private individuals all over Canada and graced the cover of several issues of The Shantyman paper, SCA International's previous publication. He uses the art as "A platform from which I can present Christ." says Allen. Allen is available to preach at your church or other Christian gathering. He will challenge you in new ways to think outside the box to reach your community for Christ.
Samples of Allen Hilgendorf's Art A link to our Resources page (coming soon) will allow you to support Allen & Cathy Hilgendorf's ministry by purchasing these wonderful prints online. Not only will you be helping the Hilgendorf's, but also SCA International, as Allen donates 50% of the proceeds sold here to the overall ministry. For a look at more of Allen's work go to the Resources section of this site. (coming soon)
Contact Information
R. R. #5,
Bancroft, ON K0L 1C0
Phone: (613) 332-6861
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