How do you get gamers out of the house while simultaneously giving them a chance to learn more about Christianity?

EtherLan held at the Winkler Bunker this weekend solved that question offering a multitude of gaming experiences and answers for those curious about scripture. Approximately 120 people attended the event this year.

"EtherLan is a ministry that reaches out to all those geeks out there," explains pastor and EtherLan Director Harold Espinosa. "We get everybody together and just play games. We also have pastors as well as people who know how to tell people about Jesus."

Espinosa says the goal is to create relationships with those who come and hopefully help them take their next steps with Jesus.

Scott Goddard came from Morris Youth for Christ Centre, shared his story of being a Christian and how it can often be a difficult journey

Though gamers are often seen as loners, Morgan Wiebe organizer for the Nintendo portion of EtherLan, says once gamers get together and have a common interest they quickly open up.

A special guest speaker was invited this year, Scott Goddard, who volunteers at the Morris Youth for Christ Centre and is currently studying at Steinbach Bible College.

This was the first year Goddard has attended EtherLan and was really excited to be a part of the unique ministry experience. During his time at EtherLan Goddard shared what it means to be a Christian.

"I wanted to make sure people understand that being a Christian isn't easy. Being a Christian isn't just going to church on Sunday and getting the attendance and that's it. Being a Christian is hard and you have to make a lot of sacrifices."

Formed in 2006 by Espinosa and Hank Wall, the event began as a way to connect with 5-15 individuals who attended the event.

In 2010 EtherLan added a fundraising aspect, beginning a project to build a Bunker youth ministry in Puerto Rico.

Now in 2017 between 150-200 individuals attend the event. However, with the sister location completed, fundraising will be used to help make improvements in the surrounding area in Puerto Rico and to send a missionary.

"We're working on getting a missionary down there for a three-year term. We're now using the money to build, for example, a basketball court, volleyball court, some more classes to educate people and to help teach who Jesus is."

Recently Puerto Rico was hit by hurricanes Irma and Maria, with power remaining unavailable to most of the 3.4 million people for an estimated three to four months.

After this weekend over $4,000 was raised for the Puerto Rico’s Bunker and Fajardo, the community where the youth centre is located.

The Bunker wants to let the community know they are accepting donations to assist the people of Fajardo and Puerto Rico during their time of need.