ADC Today - Winter 2008 by Acadia Divinity College

Acadia Divinity College

Learning from the Church in Kenya

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on’t expect to make a huge impact on Kenya, but expect Kenya to make a huge impact on you.” These words of wisdom came from Canadian Baptist Ministries (CBM), to eight nervous seminary students from across Canada as we prepared to fly to Africa for the experience of a lifetime. We were accepted into CBM’s relatively new program called PRAXIS, an educational trip which sends students, all-expenses paid, to a location in the world where extraordinary mission work of the church can be observed first hand. Kristen Eaton, Craig Minard and I, from Acadia Divinity College, along with other Canadian students departed from Toronto to Nairobi, Kenya in May of 2008. The country had just emerged from a period of deadly post-election violence, and despite fears from folks at home, I had an overwhelming sense that I was doing God’s will. He was calling me outside my comfort zone in a way I could never have imagined. Our first week in Kenya was spent taking a course on “Integral Mission.” Integral Mission is CBM’s philosophy for missions, which aims to interconnect the proclamation of the gospel and the demonstration of the gospel. With Jesus Christ as the perfect model, the idea

by Michael Fredericks, 2nd year Master of Divinity

Michael Fredericks speaking to the children in the Eastleigh Community

is that traditional evangelism ought to go hand in hand with compassionate acts of social justice. One without the other is incomplete. This Biblically-based approach, which gives a great deal of attention to social justice, was clearly observed in several locations

around Kenya. The Kenyan Church is in many ways miles ahead of us. One of our most memorable visits was to the Eastleigh Community Centre. The centre, operated entirely by Kenyan Christians is situated in an extremely poor

08 er 20 Wint 4, No. 01 0 Vol.

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From the President . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Simpson Lectures . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 A Place that Transforms the Heart 4 Where are the Workers . . . . . . . . . 5

Reflections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Course Offerings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Events Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Alumni Reaches Out. . . . . . . . . . . 8

How God Stretched My Faith . . . 9 Open Arms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Acadia Class Milestone . . . . . . . . 13 Alumni News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 1

Reaching Back Stretching Forward In a recent brochure commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Acadia Divinity College, I reminisced that it’s been thirty years since I first walked through the doors of ADC. I was a young student excited about the theological training I was about to receive. Though I had little ministry experience, I was at peace because I knew God was calling me to a life of Christian leadership. I’m sure that the individuals involved in the incorporation of ADC in the 1960s had similar feelings. A little nervous about stepping out in faith but confident in the sense that God was calling them to build a college where individuals would receive training for Christian ministry. The past ten months as president of Acadia Divinity College have gone by quickly. It has been a busy but rewarding time of re-connecting, getting to know faculty and staff, meeting with alumni and donors and speaking at many churches within the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches. It has been especially rewarding getting to know our students. I have come to appreciate these dedicated men and women who strive to know God more and train to become strong Christian leaders. Our students represent many demographics. Some are full-time students who travel from as far away as Yarmouth and Charlottetown and as close as across the street. However, more and more are parttime, living outside of Nova Scotia or Canada, and are unable to move to Wolfville. Instead, ADC offers as many alternative forms of education as possible, including online and one-week intensive courses, as well as distance education like ‘Mondays in Metro’ in Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford and Lower Sackville. This fall, Dr. Craig Evans offered a course in Moncton at Atlantic Baptist University.

Celebrations

There have been many reasons to

rejoice in 2008. The weekend of May 9 was a busy time as we held our annual Commissioning supper and Service. It was well attended by families, church representatives, faculty, staff and fellow students gathering to acknowledge the accomplishments of ADC graduates. On Saturday, over 400 people gathered at University Hall as I was installed as the 6th President of Acadia Divinity College. The place was alive with music and we were challenged by the message given by Gary Nelson, General Secretary of Canadian Baptist Ministries. The Gowning Ceremony was a special moment when Drs. Millard Cherry (ADC’s first Principal), Harold Mitton and Andrew MacRae removed my academic gown and replaced it with the ADC Principal’s gown made for and first worn by Dr. Mitton. Together with the blessing by letter of Dr. Lee McDonald, this was a highly symbolic act. Other participants included the

Dr. Gardner’s predecessors, Drs. Harold Mitton, Millard Cherry and Andrew MacRae, participating in the official gowning.

University Chancellor, Mr. Arthur Irving, the Acting President, Dr. Tom Herman as well as President of Atlantic Baptist University, Dr. Brian MacArthur and the Convention’s Interim Executive Minister, Dr. Malcolm Beckett. Visit my homepage at http://adc.acadiau.ca to watch footage. Celebrations continued through to Sunday with the University Baccalaureate Service where Dr. Carol Anne Janzen preached the message. In the afternoon, 20 ADC students walked across the stage in University Hall to receive their degrees during Convocation. At this time, Laura Sherwood (’08) received the Silver Medal in Theology, awarded by the Faculty of Theology to the best all-round student at ADC.

During the months of May and June, the College was busy offering one-week intensive courses including ‘Restorative Justice’ by Rev. Dr. Pierre Allard. It is part of my vision for the future that we recover the emphasis on Chaplaincy that has been so much a part of our institutional DNA. The leadership of people like Dr. Charles Taylor and Dr. Dennis Veinotte inspire us to envision the day when we could have an Institute of Chaplaincy, training leaders for hospital, prison and military chaplaincy.

Changes

This July, the College experienced some faculty and staff changes. After serving three years as the Registrar, Dean of Students and Lecturer, Gail Noel decided to return to Newfoundland. We will miss her as she provided excellent service and offered a pastoral presence in the College. At the same time, Dr. Ken Penner completed his service to the College as Assistant to the President and Lecturer in Biblical Studies. He is currently serving at St. Francis Xavier University where I know his gentle and efficient manner will prove to be a blessing. In July, we welcomed Shawna Peverill as the new Registrar. She had formerly worked alongside Gail and in addition to her new role will continue to serve as Communications Liaison. Joining Shawna in Student Services is Lorraine Higgins as Assistant to the Registrar. Dr. Carol Anne Janzen has recently been appointed by the Board of Trustees as Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and continues as the Assistant to the Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program. In July, she also took on the responsibilities of Dean of Students. We also welcomed Sheila Levy to the ADC community as Executive Assistant to the President. Lastly, in July the Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Bruce Fawcett as Assistant Professor of Leadership effective January 1, 2009. His first responsibility besides teaching will be to direct the Self-Study for the College in conjunction with its re-accreditation process with the Association of Continued on Page 3

LEARNING FROM THE CHURCH IN KENYA FROM THE PRESIDENT

Continued from Page 2 Theological Schools. This is an extensive rocess and will involve a comprehensive review of our academic program as well as provide a strategic plan for the direction of the College.

Stretching Forward

The busyness and excitement at the College has continued this fall. In September, we welcomed back returning students and introduced new students to our community. We enjoyed getting to know each other better during Orientation and during a wonderful BBQ held at Kingswood Camp. The BBQ was hosted by the executive of the Acadia Divinity College Student Association which is dedicated to bringing the overall community together with such events as Pizza, Pop & President and the winter and spring ADC Banquets. As we recognize the 40th Anniversary of Acadia Divinity College, we are reaching back and celebrating the leaders who have given great service to the College. In June we celebrated the life of Dr. Oliver Ohsberg (lovingly known as Dr. “O”) who was called home to be with his Lord. He was a mentor to many of us and an excellent example of a Christian educator. It is now time for us to stretch forward and build on the legacy of those who have gone before us. God has used ADC to prepare men and women for pastoral leadership in churches, chaplaincies, denominational ministries, Para church organizations, university and seminary faculties, cross cultural missions as well as other areas of Christian ministry. Excellence in both the academic and practical training of students has been emphasized at the Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral levels. Many things about theological education at ADC will remain the same as we move forward. Other things will change. The most important point is that leaders emerge with great confidence in the Lord and His call to serve. We desire to provide them with a strong theological education that will be foundational to their calling wherever God leads them. Please pray for us as we work towards this goal.

district of Nairobi. Unlike any community centre I’ve ever seen before, the large facility serves mainly as a school from preschool to high school to college. Somali Muslim children and Christian children learn and play together, most of them from the poorest families, some even orphans living alone or with their siblings in the slums of the Mathare Valley. Students who graduate from the high school can move on to vocational training and eventually go out and start their own successful businesses. As we drove into Eastleigh, we saw trashlined muddy streets providing the backdrop to spontaneous fighting, abject poverty and children lounging on mounds of garbage sniffing glue. Amongst such despair, when we entered through the gates of the Community Centre, it was like entering a new world. Our first encounter was with a large sign reading “RESTORING LOST HOPE” – this is absolutely what the Centre is doing, through the grace and power of God. Not only are they providing hope in a physical sense, the Centre also serves to lead people to the saving grace and hope of Jesus Christ. With a large church on the grounds, all the children are subject to religious education. Although blatantly Christian, the centre’s reputation and success rate is so excellent that Muslim parents count it a joy for their children to be educated here. About 40% of the students are Somali Muslims. In an area of hopelessness and strong Islamic roots, the Centre is demonstrating and proclaiming the gospel in profound and powerful ways. We were given the privilege of two tasks at Eastleigh. One was painting an old classroom that had been sullied by refugees who took shelter here during the post-election crisis. The other was playing with young school children. These children, along with dozens of other folks we encountered along our journey taught me one of the most significant lessons from the trip – that true happiness has nothing to do with your material belongings. The stereotypical image of sad-looking children covered in flies is quite far from the common reality. I have never met a happier group of people than the people I met in Kenya, especially the children. Time and time again, these folks, who essentially have nothing, showed us that contentment in life isn’t relative to your circumstances, and that having

Continued from Page 1 nothing can sometimes mean having everything. This doesn’t mean, however, that as Christians we have no responsibility to help those in greatest need. Jesus Christ taught us that the two greatest commandments are to “love the Lord your God with all your heart… and your neighbour as yourself.” (Matt. 22:37-39) It’s time we ask ourselves, “who is my neighbour?” The needs of the community in Canada are considerably less noticeable than in Africa, but no less significant for the church to address. In Kenya, we saw what the church everywhere has the potential to be: a tangible witness of Christ’s love to the community in which God has placed it. CBM’s two denominational partners in Kenya are heavily engaged in community relief and development projects as part of their regular church ministry. One church project we visited provided cows for rural families affected by AIDS. The program is totally selfsustainable and constantly expanding. In most of the homes we visited, we encountered children whose parents had died of AIDS. Their grandparents or other family members have taken them in, but struggle to feed them and provide for their school fees. Programs such as this allow poor households to make a modest income enough to support these orphans and keep them out of Kenya’s dismal orphanages. The churches are also involved in agriculture, agro-forestry, and similar pursuits. We visited a water project where a seasonal river has been dammed to provide irrigation water year round for local farmers. Crops can now be grown more frequently and fruitfully. All the persons we visited were incredibly grateful. This kind of intelligent work is being carried out every day by pastors and lay leaders all over Kenya. They are not only preaching the good news to the lost, but they are bringing the good news to the poor. This is what followers of Christ are called to do. All in all, my month in Kenya was a lifealtering experience. Kenya had a huge impact on me. My views of the world, of the church, and what it means to be a disciple of Christ were all changed in important ways. Perhaps most significantly, I learned that Christians everywhere have been called to live out their faith to the poor around them. Perhaps I will return to Kenya someday, but for now, I will seek to be an “integral missionary” where God has placed me. How about you?

Simpson Lectures

JUST LIVING: THE BIBLICAL IMPERATIVE FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

With Dr. Ron Sider February 9-11, 2009 Dr. Sider is Professor of Theology, Holistic Ministry and Public Policy and Director of the Sider Center on Ministry and Public Policy at Palmer Theological Seminary and President of Evangelicals for Social Action. In 1982, The Christian Century named him one of the twelve “most influential persons in the field of religion in the U.S.” Sider is the publisher of PRISM magazine and a contributing editor of Christianity Today and Sojourners. Monday, February 9, 7:30 pm Loving the Whole Person the Way Jesus Did: Wholistic Ministry in the Twenty-First Century Tuesday, February 10, 7:30 pm Rich Christians, Global Poverty and God Wednesday, February 11, 7:30 pm Toward an Evangelical Political Philosophy Wednesday, February 11, 9:45 am Living Like Jesus See Page 7 for Week-Long Course descriptions.

Workshop titles & registration forms can be found at http://adc.acadiau.ca

A Place that Transforms the Heart

t is 4:40 am as I get out of bed and dress. After putting on my jacket and boots I step out into the frigid pre dawn air. Opening the trunk I place a crate of eggs, 10 loaves of bread sausages, apple juice, peanut butter, jam and four liters of milk. I open the driver’s door, slip into the seat and start the engine, desperately wanting the heat to come faster than it does. Pulling out of the driveway I head over to Jim’s place where he is already waiting for me. A few minutes later we arrive at an inner city church and meet up with another of our men from church and three others I have recruited and we begin the task of preparing breakfast for approximately sixty homeless men. Each of the guys is assigned their task and within an hour and a half are serving breakfast. In the mean time I have begun talking with the regulars whom I have met over the last year. We have the morning paper and discuss Bill (a street person) whose body is pictured on the front page of the morning paper. He was found outside the hospital where he had been a patient. The guys had known him and we had an opportunity to talk about his life. Later I was talked with a former soldier who had seen combat in Bosnia and now suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. The result has left him with depression, drug dependency, disability and living on the street. A young man got to see his daughter over Christmas and was really excited about it. An elderly gentleman with a cane came in and discussed where he would go to get out of the cold after breakfast. I decide to stay open for an extra hour until the men’s shelter opened again. I talked with another man who was not feeling well and, though had breakfast, was sick and needed to lie down. I spoke with another young man who had finished his second helping and asked if he wanted more. “No!” he replied,” I am full, this is really great.” Someone else shows up who I hadn’t seen for a while; however, today he was there. I asked where he had been. “In jail” was his reply. I told him it was good to see him. These are just some of the conversations I had that January morning in 2008. I could not think of a better place to be. Though I had started the morning facing the frigid

By Pastor Brian Keezer morning air, I ended it with a heart that was warmed by the privilege of being allowed the opportunity of coming along side of men in need of warmth, food and friendship. Living out the gospel after being an ordained pastor for the past 27 years there is nothing more gratifying than this. At Mulgrave Park Baptist our mission is to transform lives, heal hearts and win souls one person at a time. This is where the church of Jesus Christ has the most effect: being real, being Jesus hands and feet in a hurting and broken world, not just in the pew on Sunday but in the lives of real people with real need. Is it easy? No! Do I feel adequate? No! This is simply being obedient to the call of God. “I was hungry and you fed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and in prison . . . When did I do this for you? When you did it unto one of the LEAST of these my brothers you did it to me.”(from Matthew 25 adapted) The funny thing is that when we are obedient, God takes hold of our

hearts and transforms us, heals us, and wins us. Then I begin to wonder who Jesus has really healed. How about you? What is God in Christ calling you to do in the broken and hurting world where you are? Do you feel that God has a call in your life and do you find you are wanting something more from your faith? Maybe there is an emptiness that you just can’t put your finger on yet. If you really want to know and are serious, then ask Him and I am sure he will open a door and set you on an adventure that will transform you.

Where Are The Workers?

here was a buzz in the room as we oriented new students to life at Acadia Divinity College. “What program are you entering?” I asked one of our new students. He replied, “Master of Divinity.” My quick response was, “Good! We are very short on people training to be pastors.” He looked me in the eye and asked, “Why?” My next morning began with a call from a local pastor who commented, “This church is a challenge, I really need some good leaders. Where can I find them?” A few days later, a conversation with a caretaker at Atlantic Baptist University raised the question again: “Why is there a shortage of pastors and church leaders?” I shared with him my own story of attending Mt. Allison University and reading an article in The Atlantic Baptist magazine pointing to the fact there was a shortage of pastors in Atlantic Canada (1958). The reading of that article began “an inner pull” or process towards the realization pastoral ministry was to be my calling in life. Matthew records the account of Jesus going from town to town on a preaching, teaching and healing mission with his disciples. Jesus had a great passion to reach the struggling crowds, seeing them as “… sheep without a shepherd.” He challenges his leadership team, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into the harvest field.” (Matthew 9:37) There is a world shortage of people preparing for leadership in the church. It is being reflected in seminary enrolment. It is estimated only 13,000 people are in training for 18,000 church leadership positions. Leadership Magazine speaks of the shortage of shepherds in this note, “Warning: the list of endangered species is growing. To the bald eagles, koalas, and

spotted owls, add another, ordained pastors energized by what they do.” What are the reasons for this shortage of shepherds? The shepherd’s task is a challenging calling in our culture. As pastors, we are in a high-demand, low-stroke profession in a culture that does not value our work. We often labour among people with unrealistic expectations and, deep inside, we expect far more from our church and from ourselves than is possible. Brian McLaren gives us a heads up on the chaos of pastoral work: “Surviving the amazing expectations, the delicate power issues, the free-floating rage, the stress, the demands, the motive erosion, and the disappointments that every pastor faces before noon on Monday – it’s not easy for any of us.” Luke tells us Jesus called upon his 72 workers to “pray for more workers” as they headed into the abundant harvest field of ministry. At the same time he was warning them, “Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.” (Luke 10:3) In terms of the challenges of serving Christ and his church, nothing has changed. We live and serve in a world filled with opportunity - “the harvest is plentiful”- and with danger - “lambs among wolves.” However, it is a powerful and trustworthy shepherd, one who provides and protects, who calls people into such a mission. But where do we find the workers? We find them through hard work and passionate prayer as we enter into the harvest with great expectations. Here again Jesus “models” the recruitment process for us. It was while serving in the harvest that Jesus called workers to be a part of his leadership team. Peter, Andrew, James and John came from their fishing boats. Matthew walked away from the tax collector’s booth. I believe we will find workers to meet

Dr. William Brackney Honored

Seated second from the left Dr. William Brackney

by Dr. David Watt the abundant harvest opportunities, the pastors for our churches, out in the marketplaces of our world. Again, in Luke’s account Jesus models the “hard work” of recruitment as he has gathered 72 workers, trained them and sent them out into the harvest. Jesus instructs them to pray for more workers even as they enter the mission field. He coaches them, equips them, divides them into teams and then releases them (as lambs among wolves) to work in the harvest. Jesus is challenging the church today (you and I) to pray and work the harvest and, as you go, witness the wonderful things God is doing in the harvest field. I can now look back over 50 years of serving our Lord in pastoral and missionary roles here in Atlantic Canada and around the world. The rewards of my personal experience are reflected in the report of the returning workers from the harvest field. Luke shares this exciting news, “The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.’” (Luke 10:17) Mark Twain once said, “Twenty-five years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” A cadet maxim at West Point Military Academy reads: “Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible.” Where are the workers? Jesus said, “Go. I send you out as lambs among wolves.”

r. William Brackney was one of the honored guests at the dedication of the new facilities of the American Baptist Historical Society on the campus of Mercer University in Atlanta, Georgia, in September. Formerly, Dr. Brackney was executive director of the ABHS and archivist of the American Baptist Churches USA. The Historical Society is the largest assemblage of Baptist life and thought in the world and now enjoys new facilities in Atlanta. Dr. Brackney was featured on a panel discussing “History Matters!” and his new book, “Congregation and Campus: A History of Baptists in Higher Education”, (to be released this month from Mercer University Press) was unveiled.

Reflections on Restorative Justice

his past June, ADC was privileged to host an outstanding oneweek intensive course on Restorative Justice, taught by Rev. Dr. Pierre Allard. Dr. Allard has had a distinguished career in prison chaplaincy and the criminal justice system in Canada, including positions as Director General of Chaplaincy and Assistant Commissioner

for Correction Services Canada. For over thirty years, Pierre has built partnerships with volunteers and brought spiritual sustenance to prisoners; as founder and director of JustEquipping, he is at the forefront of the restorative justice movement nationally and internationally and teaches and consults widely.

Three students share some reflections on their experiences of this course: Restorative Justice involves the victim, the offender and the community, and when all are engaged and share the same goal, then great and transformative changes can happen. Will it work in every situation? Likely not. Is it worth being given a chance? Most certainly. What brings about healing for all is Restorative Justice. Ponder the image of this – the offender, the victim and caring members of a community, walking armin-arm on the journey to wholeness – all in and through the love and grace of our loving God, enabling and empowering each individual to become fully what God desires for each of our lives. And what does the Lord require of me but to do justice to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God. [Micah 6:8, adapted] by Dora Crosby

Early in the course, I grasped the obvious linkage between Restorative Justice and the simple tenets of Christ’s teaching. It became clear that truly to follow Jesus, one could not tolerate, let alone accept, a justice system based on vengeance. Christ and vengeance represent a dichotomy. You cannot accept Jesus and His ultimate sacrifice while at the same time condoning any form of vengeance. The professor took us back in time, back to the Old Testament, where he rebuffed all the punitive theology in less than twenty minutes, a rebuke from simple passages in the Book of Genesis. Therein, I gained the rationale, the justification, indeed the ammunition I needed to complete my conversion from punitive theology to Restorative Justice. This course gave me a new outlook on theology, one more consistent with the teachings of Christ and one that fits better with our God of justice and mercy. Conflicts resolved in violence not only beget violence but also are magnified in violence. However, conflicts resolved in reconciliation lead to peace and harmony. This course revealed a lost Biblical treasure and then helped us find it. by Bill Martin

What resonated most for me all week, and does still, was a phrase Dr. Allard repeated many times – that more than anything else, what a prison chaplain can and must bring is “a word not our own,” the Word, which we believe to be the truth above all other truths, and in which lies our hope, the only hope that we have to share with others. Indeed, prison chaplaincy and Restorative Justice come together in telling this truth, and bringing this hope, of the “Word not our own,” for the heart of that truth and hope is nothing less than the astonishing grace of the reconciliation offered, and the restoration of right relationship between God and humanity “miserable offenders” that we all are effected by Him through Christ Jesus. by Lorraine Street If you feel that you might have a calling to prison ministry, ask us about the Diploma in Prison Ministry offered by ADC. We’d be delighted to tell you about our nationally-recognized diploma. As well, there is more from each of these students on our website, http://adc.acadiau.ca/.

Continuing Education Opportunities in 2008/2009 If you would like to audit a course or take a course for credit, contact Student Services at: adcstudentservices@acadiau.ca or (902) 585-2215 or toll-free at 1-866-875-8975.

J-term

(January 5-9, 2009)

CHUR 7083 - Movements of Awakening and Renewal DR. ROBERT WILSON

Is Revival what the church needs today? Beginning with a definition of Revival, the course will examine various renewal movements including Pietism, The Great Awakenings, the Wesleyan Revivals, the Prayer Meeting Revival, Crusade Evangelism and various 20th Century renewal movements. PLEASE NOTE: Early registration is required since background readings need to be done before class. PACC 6623 - Loss, Grief & Death - DR. CHRIS COFFIN

Exploring end-of-life issues through the lens of change, loss and grief, and addressing challenges that arise in pastoral ministry, chaplaincy and personal care. Course content: Presentations by specialists in the fields of medical care, mental health, law and chaplaincy; in-class case studies and discussion. Participants will be helped to identify and own their feelings as a step toward finding effective ways to minister to others. YMIN 6143 - Leadership & Youth Ministry - DR. BRUCE FAWCETT

This course will explore contemporary leadership theory from a Christian perspective with a view toward applying discoveries to the ministry of youth leaders. Topics will include: conflict management in ministry, leading change effectively, time management, vision casting, community analysis, and recruiting a leadership team. This course will also explore practical ways youth leaders can assist adolescents in developing their leadership gifts. CLIN 7243 - Intro to Prison Ministry - REV. STEPHEN BROWN

In this introductory course to Prison Ministry participants will explore how to minister to those in conflict with community, with themselves and with God. In expanding their views of prisoners and the factors that contribute to losing one’s way in life, participants will grow in compassion for those in need of healing. At the conclusion of the week-long course, students will participate in the Kairos Street Marathon session held at Acadia Divinity College.

Simpson Week

(February 9 – 13, 2009) PRAC 7513 Special Topics in Practical Theology - Mission as Just Living - DR. LOIS MITCHELL

This course will explore the intersection of personal faith (discipleship), God’s missional nature (based on justice and righteousness) and ordinary life (in a post modern and “emerging” context). We

will consider the global implications of the biblical mandate to “love our neighbours as ourselves” as we examine a faith-based response to the realities of economic and political globalization. Students will participate in ALL of the Simpson Lecture activities (the lectures themselves, the talkback sessions, workshops, chapel and prayer breakfast) as a large component of the class time for this course. CHUR 5023 - Church History Survey II - Since the Reformation DR. ROBERT WILSON

Integrating the Simpson Lectures as part of the course, students will examine the key developments in the Western Church from the time of the Reformation including: Anabaptism, Puritanism, Pietism, the Evangelical Revivals, Roman Catholicism, the Canadian Church and the many developments of the 20th Century. This is the second half of the required introduction to Church History for the MDiv program. CLIN 6123 - Understanding Mental Health Issues in Prison and Military Chaplaincy - DR. DUNCAN VEASEY

This course examines the increasing problems with psychiatric issues and drug abuse in prisons and military psychiatry and their effects on individuals, families and institutions and the intersection of these with chaplaincy. It will include the historical context and current management controversies.

Courses in Metro

THEO 6013 - Christian Ethics - DR. WILLIAM BRACKNEY

Mondays, January 12 to April 13 Bedford Baptist Church 158 Rocky Lake Dr., Bedford The central question this course seeks to answer for Christians is, “How then shall we live” in light of biblical teaching and our understanding of the faith in view of environmental concerns, human rights, peace, justice, children, hunger, and other major areas of ethical/moral decisions. We will look at several ethical approaches and after evaluating each, we will set out to work on projects to enrich class discussions. At the end, we shall build a framework for making effective decisions for our lives in contemporary contexts of Christian faith and life. PRAC 5013 - Homiletics - DR. LIONEL MORIAH

Tuesdays, January 13 to April 14 New Beginnings Church, 26 Cherry Brook Road (off Main St.), Dartmouth This course acquaints the student with the fundamental principles of sermon construction and the techniques of sermon delivery. The course combines the consideration of the theology of preaching and the role of biblical preaching with the actual preparation and delivery of sermons.

For information on our Online courses please see our website at http://adc.acadiau.ca/continuing_education/online_courses.html.

2009 Calendar of Events January 5-9 J Term Courses see page 7 Feb 9-13 Simpson Week Courses see page 7 February 10 Alumni and Friends Supper 5:00 for 5:30 pm Wolfville Baptist Church RSVP: 902.585.2217 March 5 - 6 Day for Discovery Rev. Danny Smith Acadia Divinity College Call to register 1.866.875.8975 May 8 Commissioning Supper Wheelock Dining Hall Acadia University May 8 Commissioning Service Wolfville Baptist Church May 10 Spring Convocation University Hall, Acadia University

For more information on these events, visit our website at http://adc.acadiau.ca

Alumni Reaches out to Acadia Campus

ichael Fisher is about to others who are all thirsty for the a full time MA peace that God alone can give. student who His classes at ADC have emphasized to graduated in the him participation and practical learning, Spring with his Master which he has been able to use in his everyday of Divinity degree. ministry at the church and has broadened his Born and raised in scope of ministry. Michael feels well equipped Jamaica, he moved to after studying at ADC with the relevant inforBermuda in 1997, where he served in the mation necessary to be an effective church New Testament Churches of God. He later leader, additionally, Michael added, that graduated from Bermuda College with two chapel has helped him to embrace different Associate Mathematical degrees. Michael ways of worshiping God and this has certaindecided to move to Canada to further his ly made him more appreciative of other forms education and he completed a Bachelor of of worship. This has proved very helpful at Science degree in Mathematics at Dalhousie Emmanuel Baptist Church where the comUniversity in 2005. Michael became involved munity is highly diverse. in Emmanuel Baptist Church under the leadMichael is passionate about practical spiriership of Dr. Lennett Anderson. God used tual formation that empowers believers to live a Lennett to help Michael listen and respond God-centered life that “Seeks Holiness on to the call of God on his life for ministry. Purpose.” He does not consider his passion for Emmanuel Baptist Church has prayerfully spiritual formation and seeking holiness on and financially supported Michael while he purpose as anything but standard practice for has been studying at ADC. anyone who is a Christian. More specifically, Michael’s love for soccer landed him a Solomon encourages the young to seek God spot on the Acadia University soccer team. He was involved in the International Gospel Choir of Acadia, as a referee and player in both indoor and outdoor intramural soccer, and as a teacher of Karate for free. In all of these situations, he considered his ministry to be one of engagement where those Michael Fisher - Far Left who may be thirsty for God can see a life of example and as a result become interested enough about during their youth. This is what Michael does seeking such a personal relationship with best. His heart is that the body of Christ, young God. people especially, will relentlessly pursue and He saw God using him to break down experience a truly passionate and fulfilling relastereo-types of what a typical “pastor” tionship with God. ought to look like or how he ought to There is much truth in the proverb that behave. People then realized that they were “a man’s heart plans his way but [ultimately] the no different except that pastors have LORD directs his steps” (Prov. 16:9). In that answered the call to share in the privilege of light, Michael, is very open to whatever God demonstrating what the Kingdom is all decides for his future!

How God Stretched my Faith Overseas

he young woman with short, dark hair and trendy, dark-rimmed glasses arrived at our class a day late. She sat across the table from me and my teaching partner, Kim, and though I sensed she was a little cautious, she also appeared intrigued. Every now and then I’d catch her smiling or quietly laughing at things we said that others didn’t seem to notice. On the other hand, sitting right beside us from the first day classes began, was another young Polish woman who seemed equally as interested to learn. She had a warm smile and tried to help Kim and me whenever she could. A few weeks before we arrived in Katowice, Poland to help run this English as a second language camp along with 13 other Atlantic Canadians, both young women had begun to attend the Baptist church where we taught. Little did we know how quickly we would come to care for Natalia and Kasia. Kim and I were drawn to all of our students. They were kind and, although some were a little shy, we sensed that they were eager to learn English. Even though we were inexperienced and awkward as teachers, Kim and I felt accepted by our Polish pupils. As the week progressed, we began to feel like we knew each student in a unique way. I began to realize that the very thing that experienced short-term mission workers had told me would happen was coming true. It wasn’t so much about what you did on your mission (in our case, teaching English), it was about the people. It was about the relationships that you began to build. Short-term mission work is not something that I gravitate towards. I like familiarity with my surroundings. I like knowing what I am going to eat each day. I enjoy the comfort of home and friends and family. And, I like my time away from others for short periods every day. In my experience this past summer, short term missions provides very little of these “creature comforts.” I knew before I left that it would be challenging but I didn’t realize how much. It became clear to me the night we arrived at Katowice Baptist Church and I was told they had run out of beds. That situation was eventually resolved, but the challenges continued. Over the next two weeks, I didn’t sleep well, I desperately missed my

independence and I felt inadequate as a teacher. Nonetheless, I began to feel a tug on my heart for the people in my class and our Polish hosts. It wasn’t difficult. I felt embraced by these people. I could tell that they cared for all of us who had travelled from Canada. I began to feel a special bond develop. Through it all, I could see God’s hand at work in my life. I realized that He wanted me to step through this experience and get to know this resilient group of people. He wanted me to learn a little about their difficult history during World War II and through many years of Communism. He wanted me to get to know their journey of faith. And, I think God wanted me to see how other Christians live with so little compared to us North American Christians and, yet, are so in love with Jesus. Since my return, I have stayed in close contact with Natalia via email. It has been a privilege getting to know this creative, university student who has a passion for literature, art and music. When we arrived, Natalia was just beginning to get to know Jesus and how much He loves her. After years of nominal church attendance, Natalia has discovered that she can have a direct relationship with her God. She has discovered that no matter what

By Shawna Peverill has happened in the past, she is loved, forgiven and accepted. Many of her emails have impacted me greatly. I am continually amazed at her insight at the age of 22 years. I am moved by her comments about her Lord, whom she has recently asked into her life. She is now talking to the pastor of Katowice Baptist Church about baptism. One email she sent this fall has had a particular impact on me. Her honesty is humbling. “I realized that I don’t know anything about God, about Jesus. I saw Him only on picture. I didn’t know anything about grace. I didn’t understand grace! I didn’t know that I could benefit because of Jesus’ death on the cross. I thought I can benefit if I do good acts. Then, I said to Jesus to take bad power far away from me because I am weak. I can’t win. But, He won, through death. I said that, now I really believe that He died on the cross for me; for Natalia Laskowska, and I want to give Him my life and I want to be an instrument in His hands.” Thanks be to God, for His goodness to us and for His patience as we discover more of His love. Whether we are a new Christian living in Poland or a long time Christian living in Canada. He is good.

Kasia, Shawna, Kim and Natalia visiting the castle in Kraków, Poland in July 2008.

Dr. Oliver Ohsberg Open Arms Steady and was told the theme for this newsletter is Committed “The harvest is plentiful.” Certainly when

t is still with great sadness that I write this to you. Our beloved Dr. Oliver Ohsberg was called home to be with his Lord and Saviour on June 12, 2008. Although he accomplished much academically and professionally, Oliver’s greatest joy was serving the Lord he loved, and loving his family, his cherished wife of 56 years, Wilma; son, Robert and wife Nancy and grandchildren: Karissa, Ian and Victoria whom he loved dearly. Over the years, Oliver had taken great interest in Acadia Divinity College’s work of preparing men and women for Christian ministry. He took an active role in the life of the college serving as a faculty member as Professor of Christian Education from 1972 – 1991. He was appointed Associate Dean in 1980, and served in that capacity until 1991. Dr. Ohsberg wrote several books related to Christian Education, and Ministry to the disadvantaged. He is listed in “Leaders in American Science”, and was Contributing Editor of “His Dominion.” Affectionately known to many of his students as “Dr. O”. He was devoted to his students and welcomed them into his home along with his wife, Wilma, on many occasions. All who worked and served with Oliver will remember a steady, committed, thoughtful man, faithful to his family, the Lord and to the mission of His Church.

http://adc.acadiau.ca

Jesus mouthed these words, He was referring to a great harvest of people. But I would like, just for a moment, to look at our beautiful Valley at this harvest time and see the harvest truly is plentiful. Our grocery stores and markets are overflowing with food. Our restaurants and high-end coffee shops are equally full of people purchasing meals and favourite drinks. I know - I am one of them. Truly, we are blessed here. Of course, I think anyone reading this article knows not all people have the things we have or the opportunities available to us. I’ve seen firsthand people living in poverty in El Salvador, Romania and Cuba. And this past week my wife, Cathy, received a call from a concerned citizen about an apparent homeless man in downtown Kentville. We went to check on him and found a homeless, sad, dirty and mentally disturbed man. We gave him a $20 bill and a sleeping bag. As we drove home, we were overcome by a great sense of sadness and conviction. My wife, my daughter, Nellie, and I discussed and wondered about how there is such contrast between fellow human beings, and what does this mean for us who call ourselves Christians? How can these extremes exist in our world, let alone in the Church? There is no denying our Father’s heart is for the

By Andy Northup ’04 hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick and those in prison (Matthew 25). Therefore, should we not be concerned for the same? I feel not only are we the most blessed but we, as Christian people in the land of plenty, are some of the most tested people on earth. Will we sacrifice some of our plenty to help our fellow humans who are broken, lost and without hope? To be honest, I come to this article a simple, foolish, broken person. The journey to help co-found the ministry of Open Arms (a street ministry to those in crisis), has been one of great trials. These trials have been mostly personal because Open Arms has shown me that I am prideful, selfish, judgemental, and that I hoard my plenty while ignoring my neighbours near and far. But this does not change the truth of God’s word and that we as “mature Christians” may someday find ourselves without excuse. On an ongoing basis we at Open Arms minister to the homeless, and those in fear of homelessness, right here in our Valley. But if that is not enough to get our attention, how about the 850 million people in the world who go hungry or the 30,000 children who die of starvation each day. I leave us with the words of Saint Basil, “The bread you store up belongs to the hungry; the coat that lies in your chest belongs to the naked; the gold that you have hidden in the ground belongs to the poor.”

Our Second Covenanting Service

n a Sunday afternoon in early September, Acadia Divinity College celebrated its second Covenanting Service in Manning Memorial Chapel. The service provided an opportunity for new and returning students, faculty, staff and their families and supporting community to begin the academic year with a focus on their mutual task of training servants of the Gospel. In a formal way, the service marked the beginning of the journey of ministry preparation just as the Commissioning Service will mark the culmination of the students’ training.

The service included scripture, prayers and a message exploring the Biblical concept of a covenant by Dr. Glenn Wooden, Professor of Old Testament and uplifting music. In closing, President Harry Gardner invited all present to form a circle around the perimeter of the sanctuary before giving the blessing. In a collective response, the ADC community covenanted their mutual support, in partnership with the Holy Spirit, to each other and to their respective responsibilities.

Walk by Faith

hen I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I, Send me!” Isaiah 6:8. This was a scripture that God called me to serve Him in October 2004 when I was still working with OMF under its China ministry in Hong Kong. Having served in this mission organization for 2 ½ years, God has widened my sight in the China field and since then I have the burden to serve the Chinese people in mainland China. In September 2005, I attended Hong Kong Bethel Bible Seminary in its Master of Divinity program which is affiliated with Acadia University in Canada. I just graduated in June this year. What made me come here? This may be your question. Here is my answer - I started thinking and praying for my direction since last year. Actually my practice church invited me to serve at her church after graduate. However, I did not have the vision to stay in Hong Kong and on the other hand I was still

by Wu Wai Yin Emily (’08) 1st Year – MA in Theology not getting ready to minister in a church. Deep inside my heart, I always had a passion to further advance the theological studies in overseas and therefore I did not accept the church’s invite. Then I prayed earnestly to God whether it was His will for me to step out, if it was His will, He had to give me confirmation. At last He confirmed me with Matthew 19:29. Though I knew that I had to go out, yet I did not know where I should go at that time. Indeed I had two choices, either going to L.A. or coming to Acadia. Before I came here, I already know that ADC is better than L.A. I also know that the winter in Nova Scotia is especially cold too. One day, a fellow in the seminary got a vision that I will go to Canada in a prayer meeting. That night, I prayed to God not to send me to Canada because I could be frozen in such cold weather and it is so far way. Due to my little faith, the environmental elements and my unclear Canadian PR status, I initially chose to go to L.A. However, God closed the door to

the US in May this year. After that I was so struggling whether I should come to Nova Scotia, to a place which is so new and strange to me. I did not know whether I can make it to start in September, and also I was not sure whether the Canadian Consulate approved me to come here. By His grace, all the problems and uncertainties have been sorted out in four months’ time. As I trust if it is His will, it is His responsibility to work out everything. In the midst of the waiting, God gave me great peace and I knew that this time I had to step out from my comfort zone to here. Finally, I landed on Halifax in August 31st in the mid-night safely and peacefully. I do not realize how blessed I am until I arrived Wolfville. God has truly prepared me a beautiful and right place more than I thought and expected. God not only calls me to equip in ADC, but also calls me to serve the Chinese students in Acadia. Please remember my new mission on the campus and the fellows working together in this ministry. May all glories and praises to my heavenly Father!

Do you want to help lower student debt? This is a great way! A gift of securities + tax advantages = a healthy investment in Acadia Divinity College Did you know? You can donate shares directly to ADC, eliminate the capital gains tax bill and receive a charitable tax receipt for the full market value of your shares. It’s a tremendous investment in Acadia Divinity College for our students. Call ADC at 902.585.2217 or talk to your financial advisors. Advantages • You become entitled to a charitable income tax deduction for the fair market value of the gifted securities at the end of the day on the date the securities are received in our broker age account.

• Your standard capital gains tax rate on gifts of publicly listed securities

is reduced to zero. This means that when you transfer publicly listed securities to Acadia Divinity College, you will not pay any capital gains tax on the appreciated value of those shares. • A gift of securities to ADC can be made for much less than the net cost of an equal gift of cash. By donating the securities you eliminate the capital gains tax that would ordinarily become due if you had sold the appreciated securities on the open market and donated the proceeds from the sale to charity. • Your charitable deduction can be claimed against up to 75 per cent of your net income and any unused

deductions can be carried forward throughout the next five years. • It’s easy and simple to do!

How does it work? When making a gift of securities, decide which securities or mutual fund holdings you wish to donate. Then instruct your broker to transfer the shares electronically or endorse the share certificates and forward them to Acadia Divinity College. You’ll receive a tax receipt for the closing price of the securities on the date they are received in the Acadia Divinity College brokerage account. Simply contact us in advance, and we will provide all the necessary information to your broker to facilitate a smooth and prompt transfer.

ADC & Technology

DC is committed not only to its students, but also to the wider Christian community of which it is a part. To this end, we are continuing to work hard on making the ADC website an accesible and useful resource for the wider ADC family. THE ADC BLOG: The front page of the ADC site is continually updated with a variety of information including upcoming events, notice of new resources, faculty news, etc. Because the frontpage information is a blog, readers can conveniently subscribe to the blog in their RSS reader. HAYWARD LECTURES ONLINE: The annual lectureship in theology is now freely available online for any to view. The available online video archive reaches all the

Student BBQ

his year has already been an exciting and busy time getting reacquainted with our returning students and welcoming the incoming class. After orientation and the start of classes we had a great time at our yearly retreat and BBQ at Kingswood Camp! Over food, fellowship, and a campfire we began the 2008 school year with laughter and praise. Marshmallows and games aside, this school year has begun and we pray that it will be a year of both fellowship and learning. In partnership with Dr. Gardner, the student body, staff and faculty and

By Danny Zacharias way back to the 1980’s. SIMPSON LECTURES ONLINE: The annual lectureship in practical theology is now freely available online for any to view. The available online video archive reaches back to the 1980’s. CHAPEL PODCAST: The heart of ADC’s community time is the weekly chapel gathering. We are privileged to have a wide variety of excellent speakers — faculty, students, local pastors, and others from a variety of ministries. We are very happy to now invite others to join us in chapel from afar. Each chapel speaker is now audio recorded and placed on the ADC website. For your convenience, listeners can also subscribe to the chapel podcast in iTunes.

by Amanda Henderson, 3rd year Master of Divinity

the Acadia Divinity College Student Association, we are working hard to ensure that we are growing academically, spiritually and as a community. In the midst of classes and placements there is a growing opportunity and growing presence for small groups, secret prayer partners, prayer groups, and a host of other activities. We believe it is important for us to prepare for ministry and other callings in an environment that supports and encourages those who make up its community.

What Means This Longing?

Dr. Allison A. Trites

ven in this post-modern world, many people have a sense of incompleteness, a transcendent longing for an ideal relationship with Someone, with others, with the world around them, and with themselves. John Bartol, an effective pastor with over forty years experience in the ministry, seeks to address these spiritual longings in this interesting book. Dr. Bartol’s study is organized around the subject of Paradise, a theme introduced at beginning of the Bible and again at the end in the book of Revelation. He shows how Paradise was lost, and how it can be regained. In the course of his exposition, he considers the unfulfilled longing for perpetual pleasure, permanence, perfection, and spiritual fulfillment, and finds a solution in the Christian message. God’s revelation through nature and Scripture is climaxed by his revelation in Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection provide a way back to Paradise. Repentance and faith are the indispensable keys to appropriating God’s gift of life, eternal life in his Son. “This is a fascinating treatment, enriched by the author’s background in literature, philosophy, and theology. Controversial subjects such as sex, the image of God, self-esteem, heaven and hell, are illumined and clarified. Dr. Bartol writes with the mind of an apologist, the passion of an evangelist, the sensitive concern of a pastor, and the perception of a prophet. He insists that the mind, heart, and will are all involved in true repentance and living faith. His book will help many honest seekers in their spiritual quest.” Editor’s Note: This book can be obtained from the author, Rev. John W. Bartol, 37 Manning Drive, Windsor, NS BON 2TO $22.50 (tax included) Email: jbartol@ns.sympatico.ca Phone (902) 798-1061 www.longing.

Acadia’s ‘Class of 1948’ Celebrates Milestone

he weekend of July12-13, 2008 represented a seminal achievement in the life of Acadia University’s Class of 1948 as approximately 20 of the remaining class members returned to campus for their 60th anniversary meeting and the annual Acadia graduate reunion. The current Class chairperson, Claire Jefferson, led the Saturday morning class meeting, which featured a photo session with Acting President Tom Herman and an address

from guest speaker Robert McDowall, Director of Planned Giving at Acadia University. Mr. McDowall used a garden hoe to illustrate the seminal role that they and all Alumni play

here did the Church get its Bible? What was the process that brought these important and authoritative writings together as a single book? These questions and more are addressed in Exploring the Origins of the Bible, the sixth book to appear in the Acadia Studies in Bible and Theology series (Baker Academic). The new book grew out of the special Hayward conference that was held in April, 2006 featuring keynote speakers Emanuel Tov of Hebrew University and James Charlesworth of Princeton Seminary. Some of the contents include chapters by Professors Craig Evans and Glenn Wooden of ADC and Professor Stephen Dempster of Atlantic Baptist University. The book can be obtained directly from Baker Publishing Group or Amazon.ca.

in assuring the continued high quality and output of Acadia’s educational program and help in maintaining the University infrastructure. He had tallied that the Class of 1948 had contributed roughly 1.25 million dollars to various University fundraising appeals, endowment and scholarships over years! David Cumby, a 3rd year Master of Divinity student and a part-time pastor at Hall’s Harbour Baptist Church since resigning from a public library career in 2006, represented Acadia Divinity College at this event. David is the 2007-2008 recipient of the Douglas A. Wilson Memorial Scholarship, which was established by the Class of 1948 in tribute to their Life President, who passed away in the fall of 1992. For the first 12 years, the Award was given to an outstanding Acadia student studying at the Baccalaureate level. However, for 2006 -2007 the parameters were modified to direct it towards full-time Masters theological students with financial need “who show character, promise of leader-

ship and the desire to pursue a career in the Christian ministry.” The inaugural ADC recipient that year was Mr. Nathan Hill (now pastoring in the Windsor, Ontario area). David shared with the attending Class members the positive financial and emotional boost that receiving such additional assistance can make in the life of a Pastoral Ministry student, especially in this day of increased tuition, fees, living expenses, debt and study-related stress. Pastor Cumby said “it was not only a distinct honour to receive this award in this Diamond anniversary year, but also to be the first Wilson Memorial Scholarship holder to formally address and to thank the gathered Class (and its past and absent members) on behalf of all previous Award recipients.” The 2008-2009 Scholarship winner will be chosen and announced later this fall. As a member of the Class scholarship sub-committee indicated, the updating of the purpose of the Scholarship was not only timely, but an even more fitting tribute to Douglas A. Wilson, an exemplary Class leader, friend, and community member, who had spent 41 fruitful years in the pastoral vocation as a Presbyterian minister.

Honorary Degree Recipient 2008 Dr. Kenneth R. Davis

n Sunday, May 11, Acadia Divinity College was pleased to honor Dr. Kenneth R. Davis with the Doctor of Divinity degree at its 2008 convocation held in University Hall. In the citation read by Professor Craig Evans, many of Dr. Davis’ accomplishments were highlighted including the instrumental part he played in guiding Trinity Western University, British Columbia, to full and independent membership in the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, and also in putting together the consortium of seminaries known as ACTS (Association of Canadian Theological Schools). Professor Evans noted, “Ken Davis is the doyen of Christian higher education in Canada and is fully deserving of recognition for his remarkable achievements.” Dr. Davis, an ordained Baptist minister and long-time friend of the late Professor Jarold Zeman,

was on the faculty of the University of Waterloo for 10 years before relocating to Trinity Western, where he served for 24 years. He was also pivotal in establishing the Association of Canadian Theological Schools (ACTS) of Trinity Western University – a consortium of seminaries that he spearheaded. Davis delivers a spiritual depth and academic expertise that is exceptional and his vision is that it is vital to give the world godly leaders – people committed to personal holiness – as well as to integrate faith with each academic discipline.

Alumni News ARMSTRONG, Karl, ’07, was ordained on September 21 at West End Baptist Church, NS. BUDD, Steven, ’03, has resigned from Tracy Mills Baptist Church, NB and has been called to Maugerville United Baptist Church, June, 2008. BUDD, Stephen, ’03, and wife Heather, welcomed Olivia Hope, born January 22, 2008. CAMPBELL, John, ’07, was ordained on November 9 at West End Baptist Church, St. John’s, NF. DENNIS, Troy, ’94, has resigned from Shelburne Baptist Church, NS and has been called to the position of Associate Pastor at Highfield Baptist Church, Moncton, NB. DENTON, Greg, ’84 has retired from Liverpool and Brooklyn Baptist Churches. DIMOCK, Carol, ’89, was ordained on November 15 at Wolfville Baptist Church, NS. EMBREE, Renée, ’08, has been called to serve as Associate Pastor at Main St. Baptist Church, Saint John, NB. FEWKES, Alan, has been called to serve as Associate Pastor, Youth and Young Adults at Kennebecasis Baptist Church, NB. GARDNER, Adrian, has been called to Grand Bay United Baptist Church, NB to serve as Associate Pastor. GOSMAN, Sterling, ’07, was ordained November 16 at New Minas Baptist Church, NS.

JOHNSTONE, Devin, ’07, and Lenore, welcomed their first born, Brian William, born March 22. JOHNSTONE, Devin, ’07, was ordained on September 28 at Kentville Baptist Church, NS. KEEZER, Chris, ’08 and his wife Beckie, welcomed their first born, Natalie Grace, June 22, 2008. KRAUSE, Don, ’85, has resigned from Hillcrest United Baptist Church in Saint John, NB. LOCKE, Phil, ’92, has been called to serve as Interim Pastor at Pleasantville Baptist Church, NS. MACDONALD, Freda, ’97, has accepted a call to part-time ministry at Hill Grove Baptist Church, NS. MACKAY, Garth, ’02, has resigned from Hartland Baptist Church Pastorate, NB. MACKINNON, Tim, ’07, was ordained on October 19 at Murray Harbour Baptist Church, PEI. METCALFE, Peter, ’93, has resigned from St. Martins United Baptist Church, and has relocated with his family to Bedford, NS. MITCHELL, Joseph, ’05, was ordained at First Congregational Church, November 16. MILLETT, Darren, ’08 has been called to St. George United Baptist Church, NB.

HAMMOND, James, ’07, was ordained on September 14 at Elgin Baptist Church, NB.

MOORE, Richard, ’89, was called to a part-time ministry at Northwest Baptist Church, NS.

HANLEY, Perry, ’96, resigned from Springhill Baptist Church, NS to be called to Oromocto Baptist Church, NB.

MOSHER, Deb, ’07, was ordained on November 8 at Windsor Plains United Baptist Church, NS.

HOLMES, Colin, ’06, and wife Shiann, welcomed their first born, Ahna Lauren, on August 23.

NYLEN, Rob, ’98, has accepted a call to Main St. Baptist Church, Saint John, NB.

INGALLS, David, ’80, has been called to Stoney Island Baptist Church, NS. IRVING, Jeff, ’06, was ordained October 7, 2007 at Havelock Baptist Church, Havelock, NB.

JANZEN, Wilma, ’08, was ordained at Kentville United Baptist Church, NS on November 2. 14

RECK, Stacie, ’95, has received her PhD. in Education from the University of Alberta. The title of her dissertation is – “Colouring with Brown Crayons: Evaluating Religious Education Curriculum.” Congratulations Stacie! ROBBINS, Anna, ’93, ’97 and Peter, ’94, welcomed their first born, David Alan Alfred, November 12, 2008. SHREVE, Mike, ’07, was ordained on November 29 at Forest Hills Baptist Church, NS.

SMITH, Roger, ’05, and his wife Gaile have accepted a call to Centreville Baptist Church, Digby County, NS. TAYLOR, Heather, ’01, and Quentin, welcomed their second child, a daughter Kaira Lynn, born July 23, 2008. TEED, Steven, ’08, has been called to Tracy Mills Baptist Church, NB, August, 2008. THOMPSON, Brandon, ’07, was ordained on October 12 at Hartland Baptist Church, NB. WALKER, Gordon, ’81 has resigned from Grand Harbour United Baptist Church, Grand Manan Island, NB. WALSH, Matthew, ’06, was ordained on October 5, 2008 at Stewiacke Baptist Church, NS. ZACHARIAS, Danny ’07, and his wife Maria welcomed a daughter, Ella-Rose Maria born on August 1.

MEMORIAL

LONG, Brian, ’78 passed away June 1, 2008 at home with his family at his side. McNEILL, George, ’77, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on June 9, 2008. ROBERTS, Athol, ’40, passed away October 27, 2008 and went home to be with his Lord and Saviour.

ASU Counsellor Award

ike Ashfield , an M.A. in Theology student made a significant on campus contribution last year as Acadia Student Union Counsellor representing our School of Theology and winning the ASU Counsellor of the Year award. He also organized a much heralded and respectful debate on the subject of “God, Evil, and Morality” with Dr. Stephen Maitzen, Chair of the Philosophy Department. At last Spring’s annual Grad banquet on May 11, Mike was awarded a further honour through the prestigious Golden ‘A’ Award acknowledging his excellent academics, qualities of leadership and significant contribution to university life at Acadia. In addition to his strong attention to studies and student government, Mike was also a respected Residence Advisor and a volunteer for the Wolfville L’Arche community.

Our Revenue Sources from the Year Past Dear Friends, The question from one of our supporters at a meeting this week was “Where do you (ADC) get your money?” Pam Connell, the ADC Financial Controller, produced this helpful chart to answer the inquiry. The challenge this year is our funds from student tuition are down, which puts pressure on us to reach the Annual Fund goal of $300,000 by the end of March. We encourage giving

throughout the year but make two special appeals – our Christmas and March Appeals! Paul outlines a variety of spiritual gifts in Romans including, “...if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously” (12:8). We invite you to prayerfully consider what God would have you contribute to the mission of ADC this year. We thank you for your partnership in this important ministry.

Laura Sherwood Awarded

his Year’s Silver Medal in Theology was awarded to Laura Sherwood. It is awarded by the Faculty of Theology to the best all-round student at Acadia Divinity College. Primary criteria is the student’s CGPA together with excellence in spiritual maturity, meaningful participation in college life, potential for contribution to the ministry and life of the church.

Information for the Pie Chart was obtained from the audited financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2008.

Please remove and mail with payment, or call with this information.

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Spending of funds is confined to Board approved programs and purchases. Each gift designated toward an approved program will be used as designated with the understanding that when any given need has been met, designated gifts will be used where needed most. Gifts are acknowledged and an official receipt issued for income tax purposes.

Distinguished Alumni Award Awarded

ELL DESERVED! At the ADC Alumni Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual BBQ on August 22nd at Mt. Allison University, N.B., the Rev. Dr. Dennis Veinotte received the Distinguished Alumni Award for exemplary achievement. Dennis Veinotte was born in the small rural community of Cross Roads, Country Harbour, Guysborough County, N.S. He graduated from St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rural High School, Sherbrooke, N.S. after which he earned the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of

Divinity and Master of Theology degrees from Acadia University. He later received the Doctor of Ministry degree from

By Rev. Don Rafuse, President Acadia Divinity College Alumni Association

Andover Newton Theological Seminary in Boston, Massachusetts. In 1962, Dr. Veinotte was ordained at Gaspereau United Baptist Church in Gaspereau, N.S. Besides student pastorates, he ministered in Baptist churches in Gaspereau, Kentville, Windsor, south-end Dartmouth, and Pereau. He also served as Chaplain in Saint John hospitals and as a Chaplain with Correctional Services Canada in Springhill, N.S. With the Canadian Association of Pastoral Practice and Education (CAPPE), Dr. Veinotte held accreditation as teaching supervisor in both clinical pastoral education and pastoral counseling education. For 17 years, he was Professor and Director of Clinical Pastoral Education and Pastoral Counselling at the Acadia Divinity College. He was instrumental in founding the Valley Pastoral Counselling Services Association, where he continues to be involved in both administration and counselling. Dr. Veinotte is currently a certified counselor with the Canadian

Counselling Association and Nova Scotia Association of Counselling Therapists. He has written articles and conducted workshops on pastoral care and counselling, communication skills, marriage counselling, grief and end-of-life issues. Dr. Veinotte has served on CABC boards and has held various positions at the association level. He has acted as consultant to local churches with respect to standards and education and conflict management and to Acadia Divinity College regarding thesis preparation and defense. Married to the former Connie Barteaux, Dr. Veinotte and his wife have two married children, Lori-Ann and Paul, and three grandchildren, Grace, Mason and Luke. Upon receiving the award, Dr. Veinotte shared several captivating and sometimes humorous stories. But, on a serious note, he reminded us God often calls his servants from very humble, rural beginnings. And we never know where that will lead us when we make ourselves available for His service. On behalf of the vast worldwide family of alumni of the Acadia Divinity College, I want to wish Dennis and Connie well as they continue to serve God together and may God bless them!

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