John and Irene Plantz, along with their banjo-playing friend Jon Penner, recently blessed the community with their gospel harmonies at our Farmer Appreciation Lunch. Performing under the name “Rooted in Him,” the group brings heartfelt music, ministry, and encouragement to every stage and gathering they attend.
Related stories:
- Just over 500 attend Farmer Appreciation Lunch, Mitchell Groening wins the bin
- Morris rolls out the rodeo: Manitoba Stampede brings big fun to the Prairies
A spiritual and geographical journey
Originally from near Dugald, the couple moved to Winkler after Irene underwent knee replacement surgery and needed a more accessible home. “We started looking, and finally it was through an opportunity to come and preach in the Winkler area, at a place called Friedenfeld West near Haskett,” said John. “We considered it and we prayed about it, and after much prayer we decided yes — this is where we were coming.”
Decades of ministry and missions
“I went to Bible school. And after Bible school, I got into different ministries, became a pastor, and Irene and I worked in a church in Winnipeg,” said John. “Then from there we got involved with missions and went with Friends of Israel for 33 years, and we're just retiring as of the 31st of this July.”
Explaining the Friends of Israel ministry, John said, “It started back in 1938... to help Jewish people that were being persecuted, put to death during the Holocaust... They started sending clothes and money and it became like a refuge.”
In addition to advocacy and support, John has personally led 28 tours to Israel. “I studied my archaeology there,” he said. “I like history... when you open up the Bible and you're reading about these places and you're standing in the very place — it's not something that was made up. The evidence is there... once you've been to Israel, you'll never read the Bible the same way.”
He even uncovered a rare artifact: “I found a three-legged bull... it’s still in the museum in Jerusalem.” (You'll have to reach out to John directly to get that story).
Music as ministry
“I’ve always loved music since I was a little girl,” said Irene. “My dad helped me learn to sing harmony and I listened a lot to the Louvin Brothers... You can say things to people in music that you might not be able to say in another way.”
John added, “My mom loved bluegrass music... Bill Monroe, the Louvin Brothers, and others... I grew up in a very troubled area... at 15 I almost ended my life. And I look back now and I think, wow, what all I would have missed.”
The couple regularly brings their musical encouragement to local care homes. “We go to Salem, Evergreen, Maples, and even Eden,” said John. “Sometimes people are slumped over and there’s no response, and all of a sudden you start singing and they start tapping their toes.”
He recalled a powerful moment: “One guy in the middle of a song said, ‘I love you, John.’ I didn’t grow up with that... I didn’t hear the word ‘love’ until I was about 50 years old, from my dad. But when this man said it, I didn’t know what to do with it... What a blessing it is.”
From a song to a life together
“I was about 17 years old when I heard Irene sing... I fell in love with her even though she had wanted nothing to do with me,” said John. “Ten years later, she came to Ashern, where I was preaching. I heard her sing again... I said something I had hardly ever said, ‘Would you like to go out for a cup of coffee?’ And she said yes.”
They’ve now been married 42 years.
Next local performance: Cripple Creek Music Festival
“On the 4th Sunday of July, we’re going to be at Cripple Creek,” said John. “It starts at about 9:50 — that’s usually when I start speaking. We’re called Rooted in Him. Jon Penner has joined us, and one of the things that we like to do is just to be an encouragement to people.”
Rooted in Him will open the day with a devotional and music set that reflects both their faith and musical passion.