Marjorie Machen (Class of 1984)

This month we are pleased to highlight Marjorie Machen (nee Brouwer), class of 1984, as our ICS alumni highlight.  In addition to this, Marjorie will be speaking at chapel at ICSS on May 6 at 8:45 am, where she will share her story of being struck by a car while training for an Ironman in 2008, causing a severe spinal cord injury and with no feeling from the chest down and with limited use of her arms and hands.  Since then, Marjorie has gone on to leading spin classes at the YWCA, creating and selling amazing art and telling others her story, advocating for individuals with limitations and disabilities.

"Thank you, for the honour and opportunity to be featured as an alumni graduate of Immanuel Christian School.

Having been chosen and adopted at three weeks old to my most wonderful and Faith filled loving parents Luke, and Jeanette Brouwer, I had the privilege of attending this private Christian school. In fact, while my parents, and other siblings were living in Nordic Alberta, my father, upon hearing that a Christian school was going to be built down in Lethbridge, was the reason that our family moved here. It was extremely important to my parents that we all received a Christian education. All five of my siblings attended ICS. I was the youngest of five siblings, and my older sister Patricia Faith, who was also lovingly, chosen and adopted, attended ICS, from kindergarten to grade 12.

There were so many meaningful experiences that shaped my time and life at ICS. In particular, as a lover of sports, team sports, such as basketball, volleyball, and track and field, allowed not only team spirit and teamwork, it also came with dedication, commitment, and a lot of fun. Track and field, however, became the sport, where I was able to shine and excel. I joined a local track club in the 8/9th grade, and participated in the events of 100, 200 m sprints, hurdles, and long jump. At the age of 15/16, I had the honour and privilege of being ranked third in Canada in long jump competitions. These commitments and opportunities not only shaped my life as an athlete, but more importantly, as a believer and representative in and for Christ.

There were many fond and great memories attending ICS, such as singing in spring and Christmas concerts, Hot Dog Days, school, bazaars, Spirit dress up weeks, and high school Art classes. Overall, looking back over the years, having attended Immanuel, I can most definitely see the impact and providence of our Lord and Saviour. It came with some challenges and adversities as well, but they become training grounds and lessons to make one grow, as well as refine and purify our character for the kingdom of God. It also involved a process of forgiveness, which is oh, so freeing.

God’s ultimate faithfulness, His promises and His divine design and intervention in our lives, makes me extremely grateful, blessed, and thankful for being a child, woman, mother of 4 gifted, and talented, beautiful children, along with being a grandmother to 5 very special & uniquely, gifted grandchildren, from our Heavenly Father.  Like a grade school spring program, “Kids of the kingdom, that’s who we are, We love Jesus, we love the Lord! My name is Marjorie, and I love the Lord!”