COLUMBIA
CONTACT Connecting the Columbia Community | SPRING 2014
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
From the Editor
Columbia Contact | Spring 2014
Time to change I had a friend a number of years ago that moved around a lot while growing up. Her father believed that “change was the only constant,” which resulted in her family uprooting every two years or so to move to another part of the country. While on some level I envied her extensive postal code repertoire, I was not convinced of her father’s rationale for carting his family across North America. Constant change seemed like an unnecessary shock to the system. Fast-forward a decade, four postal codes, a college education, and I have a new appreciation for change. For many, our college years are a time of transition. It’s the first time away from home, which ushers in several new experiences for the recent high school graduate: the euphoric burst of freedom from the clutches of household rules, the first tastes of real adulthood, and the inevitable hard reality of laundry day and cafeteria weight gain. While everyone’s journey is different, many will agree that the years spent in college are transformational. My time at Columbia Bible College marks the most transformative years of my life to date. I came to Columbia with the expectation that I would learn about the Bible and grow in my faith. What I didn’t expect were the life-altering lessons of sacrificial love, forgiveness, and friendship. I graduated with a new sense of self and purpose, aspects that have served me well in all areas of life. I walked across the commencement stage with a better understanding of who I was, what I believed, and the importance of anticipating and accepting change. I realized that change was, in fact, a necessary shock to our systems. When we embrace change and allow God to transform our lives, we open ourselves up to new experiences, new communities, and new opportunities to impact the lives of others. This month’s Columbia Contact focuses on stories of transformation. Students and alumni are making a difference around the globe because they are open to the transforming power of the Gospel. For those of us who work at Columbia, these stories serve as a reminder of why we do what we do. For our readers, our hope is that these stories will encourage you in your own journey and that we may all recognize that we are a part of God’s plan for redemption and transformation. Mark Klausen Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Columbia Bible College seeks to equip people for a life of discipleship, ministry, and leadership in service to the church and community. Purpose Statement The purpose of the Columbia Contact is to encourage and provide updates about news, events and related college business to students, alumni and friends of the college. Editors Mark Klausen Myra Lightheart Contributing Writers Mark Klausen Richard Thiessen Bryan Born Alison Schneck David Warkentin Louisa He Kurtis Kube Sean Fast Anne Andres Phil Wiens Contributing Photographers and Illustrators: Sean Fast Myra Lightheart Mark Klausen Alumni Updates Bethany Schmaling Phill Whatman Chris Price
Jason Wood Jackie Friesen Ryan Gauer
Send alumni updates to alumni@columbiabc.edu Columbia Bible College is located in Abbotsford, BC, Canada, and provides faith formation and professional ministry preparation for Christians of all ages as well as supports the churches of the region in the fulfillment of their mission. Columbia is evangelical Anabaptist and is operated by two regional Mennonite conferences, British Columbia Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches and Mennonite Church British Columbia. Columbia Bible College 2940 Clearbrook Road Abbotsford, BC V2T 2Z8 www.columbiabc.edu Tel. (604) 853-3567 Toll Free. 1 (800) 283-0881 Fax. (604) 853-3063 info@columbiabc.edu Editor’s Note In the fall 2013 Columbia Contact, it was incorrectly noted that Laura Funk received the Temple Family Bursary. This should have read that Vanessa Funk received the bursary.
This issue Features 07
One Year Changed My Life First year students share their experience of Bible college.
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Journey Towards Reconciliation Reflections on Vancouver’s Truth and Reconciliation events.
Alumni stories 04
A Place To Call Home Graduates help create a home for at-risk youth.
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Agents of Light Understanding mission in Thailand.
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Why We Came, Where We’re Going Alumni reflect on their time at Columbia and where they find themselves now.
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Departments 03
President’s Desk
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News and Updates
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Bearcat Athletics
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From the Vault
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Upcoming Events April 19
78th Columbia Commencement
June 5
Columbia Open Golf Tournament Join us for this annual fundraising event at Redwoods Golf Course in Fort Langley. Visit columbiabc.edu/ColumbiaOpen
October 25
Annual Fundraising Dinner Save the date and plan to join us.
Cover Photo by Sean Fast
A Photographer On A Mission Sean Fast graduated with a BA in Intercultural Studies in April 2013. An accomplished photographer, Sean uses his talent to capture images of the people and places he visits around the world. The Columbia Contact has partnered with Sean in this issue to showcase his talent and help raise money for Sean’s next mission trip. Read more about Sean’s journey on page 15. View and purchase photos featured in this issue at www.flickr.com/photos/sean_fast 02
Photo: Sean Fast
President’s Desk
Transformation into Jesus’ Image In a couple of months I will have completed 10 years of service at Columbia, and without a doubt the single most fulfilling aspect of my work has been witnessing transformation in the lives of current students, alumni and the people they serve. As I reflect on my experience, what strikes me is that transformation takes place on so many levels: spiritual, intellectual, behavioural, emotional, relational, familial, and cultural. Students arrive on our campus from all kinds of backgrounds, with multiple desires, needs and concerns, and God meets them in powerful ways. I find 2 Corinthians 3:18 to be one of the most hopeful passages in all of Scripture: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” What an incredible promise and prospect! Sometimes the process of change is quick and dramatic with a clear
decision made during a chapel service or when meeting with a professor or member of the student development team. One student approached me at the beginning of a class and asked if she could share what had happened the previous night. During a Vespers service, she had sensed the love of Christ in a powerful way, and felt compelled to find a quiet place, get on her knees, ask for forgiveness and give her life to Jesus. In her case, the change was immediate and obvious.
For others, transformation is a slower, more gradual process as they work through new ideas presented in class, read books, complete assignments, engage in deep conversations and participate in hands-on ministry experiences locally and globally. We hope and pray that God’s Spirit will continue to effect change in every student long after they leave Columbia, and that what has happened in their lives will make a difference to those they love and serve. It is an incredible privilege to watch a student learn something new and life-altering, begin the hard work of changing a habit, experience a call to serve, or humble themselves and ask for forgiveness from a family member or friend. This happens regularly at Columbia, and we thank you for your partnership with us in prayer and financial support. Together we are “co-workers with God” (1 Cor. 3:9) in his transforming mission.
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A place to call home
Columbia alumni turn a house into a home for at-risk youth.
Josh Willms (‘14 BA Youth Work) recently became a parent – but not in the way you might expect. This past summer, he and his wife, Alisha, became the house parents at Cyrus House in Abbotsford. Cyrus House is a home for youth who need a supportive living environment. The goal is for the young men in the house to experience a family-like setting and be equipped with valuable life skills to create lasting change in their lives. As house parents, the Willms’ model and mentor the teens in daily life skills such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting and cooperative living. Cyrus Centre, the organization behind the Cyrus House, is a not-for-profit organization that has helped hundreds of at-risk youth in the Abbotsford area. The creation of the house was an effort to extend the organization’s vision. “Like its tenants, the house itself has been through quite the transformation” Josh explains, “When a local business was contemplating what they could use the house for, the consensus was to knock it down and build something new. The house was rat infested, notorious for drug use and a general eyesore. However God had a plan to create a home for at-risk youth in Abbotsford. Through the work of countless volunteers, and around $250,000 in donations, this ugly, dilapidated house was transformed into a lovely, comfortable home. God redeemed this house, just as he redeems and transforms us from something ugly into something beautiful.” Anyone who has worked with youth knows the challenges that come along with it. Alisha commented on her time as a house parent thus far, “Living in the house has its good days and bad days; however, when these at-risk youth open up to us, and we can show them what being a family looks like, it makes it all worth it. Through the power of Christ these young men are being transformed.” “My time at Columbia Bible College taught me the importance of community and living out my faith in my daily life,” Josh reflected. “Through the Youth Work program, Columbia gave me a solid biblical foundation and equipped me to have an understanding of how to interact with youth in a meaningful way.” To learn more about the Cyrus Centre visit www.cyruscentre.com.
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News + Updates
Changing Times Focus Academic Offerings For the past decade or more, the post-secondary education landscape has been changing. With smaller family sizes, a growing demand for trades and more educational options available thanks to new technology, many traditional universities and colleges are experiencing a decline in enrollment. This is especially true for Bible colleges that are up against a shrinking Christian demographic in Canada and the US. While many statistics seem discouraging, these times of change can help focus efforts on new and innovative ways to offer quality Biblical education. This past winter Columbia launched an Introduction to Leadership Studies course designed for students who are seeking to develop leadership capacity that is both applicable to ministry and transferable into the marketplace. “As Columbia moves forward with its academic programing, transferable courses and marketplace skills will be a driving factor in creating curriculum,” says Doug Berg, Academic Dean. “While we maintain our roots as a Bible college, we also recognize that many of our graduates will not enter into traditional full-time ministry… we want to provide options for these students to succeed in the job market.” Columbia plans to launch a leadership pilot program this fall (LEAD) with future plans for a leadership minor. Furthermore, the past few years have seen an increase in one-year certificate programs, including the recent launch of Praxis (see below Praxis: A Year in Review). These certificate programs are designed to provide students with an opportunity to lay a firm foundation for their faith that will serve them well wherever they may go in life and career.
Columbia Welcomes Alumnus as New Development Officer A local of the lower mainland, Kurtis Kube is a self-proclaimed “nerd” who loves Jesus, has a passion for God’s Word, and desires to bridge the gap between the Church and the world. He is a BA graduate of Columbia and has been involved in pastoral ministry for over 8 years with his wife Karen. Kurtis also holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Azusa Pacific University and has spent time working in both finance and marketing. Among other experiences, this training has led him to work in prison as a teacher for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. “The Lord has had us on an interesting path. My experiences in both the church and the corporate world, along with teaching in a variety of settings including college and prison, have given me a unique perspective on how Jesus desires to impact the world and change lives. I am very excited to be back at Columbia and look forward to serving alongside such a wonderful family of Christ-followers.” Kurtis and Karen have two children (Abigail and Caleb) and will be welcoming the newest addition to their family in March of 2014! Kurtis will begin his new role in August.
Praxis: A Year in Review
By David Warkentin, Praxis Director The experience of urban discipleship in this first year of Praxis has been rich and rewarding for both students and leaders. We’ve been challenged to see signs of resurrection – life out of death! – in the various places we’ve visited. From alleyway art to the singing voices of residents in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, we have seen the gospel of life in our midst and been blessed by the experience of life together as a group. Sharing meals together, hearing stories of personal transformation in Christ, travelling (vans, planes, and subways!), and engaging in discussion in and out of the classroom, have made the experience of community central to this year in Praxis. 05
With a focus on the integration of faith, community and culture in Praxis, there have been several highlights along the way: Students: Their experience of connection and growth has been so encouraging. Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside: This year we partnered with Jacob’s Well, a relational-based ministry. Here we’ve seen the power of community in peoples’ journies towards faith and healing. The Arts: Through helping run a Josh Garrels concert, taking in a Broadway musical, and engaging the work of Pacific Theatre, we’ve experienced the beauty of faith and meaning through artistic expression.
The Metzger Historical Collection In the summer of 2008, Dr. Frederick Metzger approached Columbia about the College becoming a permanent home for The Biblical Museum of Canada’s Quest Exhibit. After several years of work the transfer of the collection was finalized in the summer of 2012 and renamed The Metzger Historical Collection. A ceremony to celebrate the inauguration of the construction of the exhibit area was held on January 13, 2014. Special guests included friends and family of the late Frederick Metzger. Both Frederick and his first wife, Margaret (Friesen) Metzger, led extraordinary lives as missionaries. As a young Reformed Church minister in Hungary, Fred Metzger was especially active in helping Jews and Christians escape Nazi persecution during the Second World War. His efforts included opening his home and working underground, posing as the chaplain of a chemical company. After World War II Margaret joined the European Evangelistic Crusade to preach the Gospel in Czechoslovakia and later was invited by the Hungarian Evangelical Alliance of Churches to Budapest where she eventually met and married Frederick. Margaret died in 1998 and Fred married Florence Edge over a year later. Florence was instrumental in organizing and cataloging the collection. This collection of replicas from Sumerian, Egyptian, Biblical and Classical times, together with art objects and documents from the Middle Ages to the modern era, was gathered by Dr. Metzger from over 18 world museums and from his yearly trips to the Middle East.
Pamela Williams from Sunbusrt Design Inc. presents the museum design plans. (Right) Artifacts from the Metzger Collection: King Farmer’s Victory Tablet and papyrus fragments from the Book of the Dead.
The exhibit space is being designed by Sunburst Designs Inc., and will be displayed on the lower floor of the Resource Centre building. Columbia secured the funding for the construction project from the Biblical Museum of Canada Society before the society dissolved. The project is expected to be completed by the fall of 2014.
New York City: Our 10-day trip was an amazing time serving, learning and sharing life together in the wonder that is New York City. Activities ranged from hurricane relief with Mennonite Disaster Service, to attending a Broadway show, to touring various neighborhoods with local churches, to hearing about the vision of MCC in the UN, to simply exploring the many streets and neighborhoods of the city. This trip served as a sort-of culmination of Praxis, a chance to see how an engagement of faith and culture is expressed in the countless ways God is at work in cities.
Photo: Mark Klausen
Victoria/Seattle: In November we toured these two cities, looking specifically at different urban expressions of Christian community. Places ranged from a community church, to a house church, to a mega-church. It was inspiring to see how God keeps calling people together to be a light in our communities.
Praxis students hanging out in Columbus Circle during their trip to New York City in February. Read about Jesse’s Praxis experience on page 7. 06
Quest
Discipleship is central to Columbia’s mission. Our one-year certificate programs offer a wide range of experiences and adventure for students who are looking for solid biblical teaching and transformational discipleship. We asked one student from each certificate program to share about their first year at Columbia. To learn more about any of Columbia’s certificate programs visit www.columbiabc.edu.
Cara McCaw God has revealed himself to me in countless ways in just a few short months in the Quest program. I have been tremendously impacted through intentional God-centered relationships and have discovered the importance of a right relationship with God as I allow him to speak into my life. This type of relationship is lived out by our leaders, taught in class and practiced by spending time in solitude with God. With the support of a loving community, God took the hurt and brokenness that I experienced as a result of losing my dad and helped me redefine my future. The more I learn about His character, the more I know who He created me to be and I was able to see myself as made in His image and find my value in Him. Furthermore, I have come to understand my need to be fully known and fully loved during my time in the Quest community. Ultimately, I choose to view the world as a place where I want to serve God by serving others, by focusing on honoring the gifts God has given me and using them to glorify him. These are the things that God has been showing me in the past few months. They seem like simple concepts but, once they are grasped, they are life changing in every possible way. It has not been easy, and I would not have been able to experience this kind of transformation if it was not for the loving community I am enveloped in; but it was, and is, worth it all.
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Cara (left) and a fellow Quest student.
Columbia One Rachel Thiessen
I have learned so much at Columbia, both in and out of the classroom. The professors are so welcoming and have such in-depth knowledge. I have been impressed by how passionate they are about teaching. Each subject is unique and engaging. God has impressed upon my heart his desire to restore his creation back to how he originally intended it. His restoration is not just a future goal, but through the relationships with ourselves, others, creation and God we are working towards that restoration. Through studying the scripture I understand so much more, and have drawn closer to God. He is certainly changing me. Through the community at Columbia, God has given me a new appreciation for each of his peoples’ unique stories. Through others’ stories I have learned to better understand and love the differences God has made in each of us. What I have learned in class has proven to be very relevant to my life and God has used that to show me how he is leading me. I have been provided with new ways and opportunities to connect with God individually and in community. God has shown me the importance of a strong faith community, and how essential it is to not only grow in my personal relationship with him but to grow as a community. This year has been a great year. I have grown, learned about myself, about my God and others around me.
Praxis Jesse Zak
This year in Praxis has been amazing! I’ve grown in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Before coming to Columbia I had trouble sharing my faith with others. In high school I was shy and at times even ashamed to tell people I was a Christian. The supportive community at Columbia has given me confidence to be open and honest with friends back home, in ways I wouldn’t have before. In Praxis, the experience of community has been so good. We’re very adaptable as a group, which has been such a value in realizing how friendship can occur in diversity. This group has been an encouragement to me as we journey through Praxis together and experience growth in different ways. One of my biggest areas of growth has been in awareness – Praxis has been an eye opening experience! I can remember talking to two men in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and they asked me, “What would I do to help fix social issues?” I found this incredibly challenging, but also inspiring. I’ve realized we need a far greater awareness as Christians, especially of the ways we can dehumanize those who struggle in our society. In recognizing that everyone is broken in one way or another, I’ve become less judgmental. Even in small things like a new attitude, I can make a difference! Another important area of growth for me has been as a role model with youth. This struck me while we volunteered with a youth group in Victoria and I had the opportunity to share life and have fun alongside a group of teenagers. The idea of being a role model is something that this experience has helped me embrace and I want to take with me beyond this year. Overall, this year with Praxis has helped me own my faith, value supportive friendships, and see the ways God is at work in the world around me. 08
Journey towards
reconciliation
As a part of British Columbia’s Reconciliation Week, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada held a National event in Vancouver from Sept 18-21, 2013. This was one of several national events held by the TRC in an attempt to engage the Canadian public and provide education about the history of the residential school system, the experience of former students and their families and the ongoing legacies of residential schools within First Nations communities. Several students, staff and faculty from Columbia Bible College attended parts of the event to engage and listen to the conversation and learn more about Canada’s First Nations history.
Photo: Zack Embree (www.zackembree.com)
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y wife Karen and I were able to attend the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings in Vancouver for a day. One week earlier, the focus of the college chapel had been on the TRC, and we heard from Isadore Charters about his experience in an Indian Residential School. As some of the staff debriefed around the lunch table the next day, most of us admitted that we knew very little about Indian Residential Schools. As we drove into Vancouver, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had a feeling that what I was about to hear and see was going to be sad and disturbing. In the morning we attended the plenary session where we heard the stories of half a dozen Indian Residential School survivors. The themes of these stories were similar: entire First Nations communities were emptied of their children; experiences of physical and emotional trauma; feelings of abandonment; some children only returned home after several years and some never returned home. Survivors spoke of not knowing how to be a sibling to their brothers and sisters, and of children not knowing how to relate to their parents. It was indeed all very sad, and it was obvious to me that the pain was still very raw for some. After lunch we heard Stephen Lewis, past Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations and an Honorary Witness at the TRC in Vancouver, speak for several minutes. He spoke of his work on the international scene in South Africa and Bosnia, observing the results of Apartheid and ethnic cleansing in those countries. He confessed that with all the attention he had given to international situations, he had failed to focus on issues of this nature here in Canada. He used strong language to condemn Canada’s dealings with its First Nations people, especially in relation to the Indian Residential Schools. The emotions I felt were not the sadness I had felt in the morning but a sense of anger and the need for justice. After hearing and reading the accounts of those who experienced the Indian Residential Schools, I left Vancouver with a sense of sadness for the many victims of the residential schools as well as anger and shame for what my country had done in the name of cultural assimilation. Whatever “good” the politicians and the churches felt they were doing was far out-weighed by the pain and long-term damage inflicted on First Nations children, generation after generation. I left feeling that reconciliation with First Nations people in Canada cannot happen until there is a collective sense of the severity of the damage inflicted on them. As a Mennonite, I know that we were not involved in the administration of the residential schools, but as part of the larger Church in Canada we must all acknowledge the evil of which we were historically a part, and do what we can today to repair damaged relations and work towards reconciliation. God calls us all to be agents of reconciliation and as Christians in Canada this work has to include reconciliation with the First Nations people of our nation. Richard Thiessen is in his 14th year as Columbia’s Library Director.
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ttending the TRC was an opportunity to listen to the stories of First Nations people, to grieve with them, and to be a part of the apologies that were made on behalf of the Church. It was a conscious effort to be a part of the journey towards reconciliation. I attended the Church’s Circle of Reconciliation where people told stories of the unfathomable abuse they had experienced at the hands of people from the church at the residential schools. Many survivors admitted that, although they were not ready to forgive, by telling their stories they were taking a step towards forgiveness. Others had forgiven the church despite how Christ’s name has been misrepresented. These stories gave me hope that no matter what we have done in the past, Jesus will bring reconciliation. We are all broken and even in the darkest of stories, there is a glimmer of hope that change can happen. During South Africa’s TRC events, the former oppressors went into their victims’ villages to listen to their stories. What if, in Canada, we followed the same model? What if Christians who were oppressing the First Nations people came to them humbly on the reserves asking to listen to their stories? What if there were small TRCs that spread across the nation of Christians wanting to hear stories and apologize for the wrongs committed? Maybe then after hearing their stories in their contexts we would understand better what they are going through and how we can move forward. Maybe then, with honest awareness, real reconciliation could take place. Allison Schneck is a first year Intercultural Studies student.
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Photo: Louisa He
Support
The Power of a Gift Gifts come in all shapes and sizes. Some gifts can break the bank while others are priceless without requiring a cent. Despite the cost, the best gifts are those that leave a lasting impact on both the recipient and the giver. With the rising cost of post-secondary education, Columbia is continually working hard to provide financial aid for students. We rely on donors for the financial support to provide these scholarships and bursaries as well as to cover general overhead costs. Donations come in all different amounts and in all different ways. Louisa He, a recent graduate from Columbia, shares her experience of unexpected support and the lasting impact of her donors’ generosity.
The moment the Prince of Peace intersects into an individual’s life, a supernatural change occurs. I decided to attend Columbia because I knew that God wanted to teach me about relationships. My time there was a time of refinement, as it taught me the necessity of vulnerability and authenticity within the body of Christ. When I decided to attend, my friends approached me and told me they would fundraise to help with my tuition. It was quite the experience. For the entire summer, my friends rallied a big group of people and together they raised an entire semester’s worth of tuition for my first year. Although the support was financial, it was so much more than money. The encouraging words from strangers and the affirmation through the amount of people that walked into my life to support me was overwhelming and beautiful. I look back and I am amazed at the willing generosity of others. Being in ministry, I am once again observing the power and necessity of support. I have been privileged to witness firsthand the life-changing force that a caring and stable community can bring. I am also reminded of the humility and self-awareness required by those who need support. I could have said no to my friends when they asked if they could fundraise for me, and I honestly thought about it because I felt undeserving of such a sacrifice on their part. But I also realized that in answering my prayer of provision through my friends, God was also leading me towards humility and community. And so I give thanks. Louisa is currently an apprentice with Youth Unlimited, an organization that desires to transform a generation from the inside out. Specifically, her ministry is walking alongside young moms of Surrey through a program called Stepping Stones. You can connect with Louisa online at www.louisahe.com.
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BE A PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER. GET INVOLVED Prayer Support Student Mentoring Volunteer Opportunities Student Financial Aid Legacy Giving*
COLUMBIA EXISTS TO FURTHER THE MISSION OF GOD.
We exist to make a difference in the lives of students and the world in which they serve. We need the support of generous alumni and donors like you to partner with us. Consider donating your time, services, or financial support to Columbia and become a part of something bigger.
Donate online at columbiabc.edu/donate or contact Development at development@columbiabc.edu or 1.800.283.0881 *Legacy Gifts (estates, securities and property) can be made through Mennonite Foundation of Canada.
Alumni
Photo: Sean Fast
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agents of light by Sean Fast ‘13 Sean Fast, BA in Intercultural Studies, recently completed mission training and will be travelling to Europe for a 3-year term. He will be working with people who have never heard the name of Jesus and is excited to share the truth of who Jesus is. If you are interested in supporting Sean or would like to receive e-mail updates, connect with him at abelovedson@gmail.com.
I was sitting in our weekly baking class beside my language teacher. She was in her early 30’s, owned her own coffee shop, and was starting a second one. The baking was in the oven and she was sitting around the table with 10 other Thai people who wanted to learn how to bake. A Thai Christian had just finished leading a Bible study and was now speaking to my friend Koi, answering her questions that had come during the study. Everything was in their language so I had no idea what was happening, I simply sat and prayed. Suddenly I heard the word “attitan” and Koi went upstairs with the pastor. I had finally gained an idea of what might be happening and was beyond excited. Koi returned and told me that she was now a Christian! I was in awe of how God had been working in and through our team leading up to this February evening. I had been in Thailand one month prior to my studies at Columbia. While there was no “ah-ha!” moment, I had a general sense of peace and excitement during the trip that I was called to full-time mission work. However, I wanted more education and to gain practical experience before I went back overseas. When I looked into the Intercultural Studies program at Columbia, I knew it would be a perfect fit.
I came in with an idea of missions and left with a call to missions.
My time at Columbia was amazing. I came in with an idea of mission and left with a call to mission. This call is based on my identity and authority in Christ. Four years of studying the Bible, equipping for ministry, being challenged and mentored by professors, and an eight-month internship in Thailand left me excited for ministry and more in love with Jesus than ever before. At Columbia I was asked to consider various leadership positions and, although I do not consider myself a strong leader, I listened to what I felt God was inviting me into. These experiences were not always easy, but being confident that God wanted me there made it okay. As a Resident Leader in my 4th year, as I was facing culture shock and piles of homework, it was knowing that God had invited me into this position that got me through the hard times. I looked back on my previous experiences and how God worked in my inability and I knew he could do the same in that situation.
As I reflect on the night that Koi gave her life to Christ the most significant thing is how God worked through me despite my inability. I sat in her coffee shop with her and her husband for hours on end. Sometimes we wouldn’t talk and other times we flipped through the dictionary to form broken sentences that took minutes to complete. After a while, a friendship formed and Christ was evident in the actions of my team; it was so attractive that she needed to know more. Romans 12:9 says that God’s grace is sufficient for us, and that his power is made perfect in weakness. I had to rely on this promise both during my time overseas, and when I was back at Columbia in leadership positions feeling ill-equipped. It was 14 months after Koi accepted Christ that her husband, Knot, accepted Him also. He told our team that I was the first one to tell him about Jesus. I racked my mind for when this could have happened because I know I never spoke it with words due to the language barrier. So I praise God for his work through me! What an honour it is to be a part of what God is doing. This is just one of many lessons I have learned throughout my time at Columbia, but it is always in the forefront of my mind. It is a truth that I will always need to lean on.
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Alumni
Why we came & Where we’re going
Alumni reflect on their time at Columbia and where they find themselves now. Send your alumni updates to alumni@columbiabc.edu
Bethany Schmaling My years at Columbia in the Quest program and then Caregiving & Counselling, were two of the most impactful, faith-building years of my life. I went in thinking that I knew a lot about the Bible and God, and I came out realizing that, in actuality, I knew very little – but that I wanted to continue learning about our Lord as long as I live. The staff and coaches at the college hold a true concern and care for each of the students; that we would leave the school walking closer with God, and knowing our God-given gifts and how we might be best-used in His Kingdom work. I have been to three different Universities/Colleges, all very different, and I can attest to Columbia being scholarly, God-fearing, and a whole lot of fun. If you want to make deep friendships that will last a lifetime, know Jesus more intimately, and learn about God’s Word, Columbia is the perfect place to start.
Kurt + Jackie Friesen After much prayer, some tough discussions, and a 100% confirmation vote, Kurt has accepted a pastor position at a church in Saanich, BC. Throughout this discernment process, we have experienced incredible affirmation that this is where God is leading. Since accepting the job we have continued to pray and ready ourselves for the transition. We have an amazing family in Abbotsford and leaving it for a place where we know no one is a difficult decision, but we cannot deny God’s hand in it. And if there is anywhere that we want to be, it’s in the center of God’s will. We could stay here and make an impact on the ministries we are currently involved with, and that would be great, or we can take a leap of faith into the arms of God and go on some of the biggest adventures of our lives. As we look forward we are expecting to see God work. We don’t know what He has in store for us yet, but we know that He has a plan and a reason for us stepping out into the unknown. All we have to do is keep listening to his voice and mimicking his footsteps in front of ours. He is already there doing a great work, and we feel so privileged to be invited into that work with him.
Chris Price I am currently the lead pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Coquitlam, B.C. I have been on staff here for the past 7 years. I’ve been married to my wife, Diandra, for almost six years and we have two children, Kaeden (age 3) and Mila (6 months). I recently wrote a book, published by Apologetics Canada, entitled Suffering With God. This book is my attempt to wrestle with the problem of evil and suffering from a Christian perspective. The book is both philosophical and pastoral; addressing some of the intellectual and emotional aspects that are involved in suffering with God. My goal is to offer hope beyond BAND-AID solutions. This book is not a healer; rather, I hope it is a revealer of the God who comes to meet us in Jesus Christ. It is not too much to say that this book wouldn’t have been written without the shaping influence that Columbia Bible College had on my thinking during the five years I attended. Check out the book out at www.sufferingwithgod.com
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Phill Whatman Thinking back on my four years at Columbia, two ideas jump out at me: ownership and a Christ centered community. Before Columbia, my faith and belief system came from my parents. When I took the leap of faith to attend Bible college, I found that I started developing my faith on my own in a great environment. I was able to explain why I believe what I believe rather than taking it on the assumption of what parents told me. Of course, what my parents told me was good but when I sought it out for myself I began to own my faith. Once I started taking ownership of my faith, I was able to walk my faith on my own two feet and stand strong when the world was telling me something different. I also loved the community at Columbia because I had already experienced some of the shallowness of the world in my early teens: friends that only cared about momentary pleasure rather than my heart. When I found a place where people actually cared about my walk with Christ I knew I would always have strong relationships that I could turn to in order to keep myself grounded. It has been over five years since graduating and I still keep in contact with some solid friends from college. We share our struggles, joys and our passion for ministry. Each summer my friend Tommy calls me to tell me that he is coming to Kelowna to “burn it up” with a bunch of skateboard kids from Skate life. For an entire weekend I pack my little apartment with youth and participate in ridiculous shenanigans, while making Jesus known. It was at Columbia Bible College where I grew beyond myself by establishing lifelong connections and sharing in various passions that build Christ’s kingdom.
Jason + Anna Wood At the beginning of October, we travelled to Victoria to participate in Power Shift, an event geared toward young people, focused on building a movement toward a fossil fuel-free economy. We were challenged by First Nation speakers actively defending their people and land from polluting industries, young people organizing their own communities to address climate change, and even by more well-known environmentalists like David Suzuki. We also got to participate in a number of really interesting workshops and panel discussions. Jason and Anna were married in 2013. Jason currently works with Sole Food in Vancouver, an organization that transforms vacant urban land into street farms that grow artisan quality fruits and vegetables.
Ryan + Heidi Gauer Growing up I always had a fascination for gadgets and technology, and knew that ultimately I would want a career in the technology industry. At the prodding of my parents, I took the year after graduating high school to attend Columbia before heading off to pursue technical training at other schools. It was one of the most profound and life-changing years of my life. I came to Columbia knowing I wasn’t going to receive vocational training, but saw it more as essential life training. While the classes allowed me to establish a solid theological foundation for my life, I consider that only part of the education I received while being a student at Columbia. Living in residence, and participating in a travelling ministry team (Souled Out) allowed me to connect with people in a much deeper way. As a result I formed several lifelong friendships that I would not have otherwise had – including one with the girl who would become my wife! As things turned out, after losing my job with one of the world’s largest IT firms, I found myself back at Columbia, this time as a staff member working in the IT department. Now I am able to use my love for technology, my talents and gifts to help further Columbia’s mission of equipping people for life.
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Photos: Paragon Creative
Bearcat Athletics
Court Highlights
/BearcatAthletics @cbcBEARCATS
Each year Columbia Athletics has the privilege of working with approximately 48 varsity student-athletes, and a dozen coaches. With all those involved it is our desire to provide the opportunity and the means for students to grow in faith and character through sport, all to share the love of God so that He may be glorified. This year has been no exception. Whether it is praying with opposing teams, serving at the Abbotsford Food Bank, or competing on both the Provincial and National stage, Christ is proclaimed through our words and our actions.
Bearcat Brunch On February 15, Columbia Athletics hosted the Bearcat Brunch. The fundraising event was a chance for friends of Bearcat Athletics to come out and support our studentathletes. This year Martin Rennie, former head coach of the Vancouver Whitecaps shared an inspiring word about the importance of excellence in sport, life and our spiritual walk. The event was a great success, raising over $24,000 for student-athlete scholarships and bursaries.
Coaches’ Corner: Phil Wiens Over the past 10 years, I have had the privilege of being a part of Columbia Athletics in the roles of player, captain, assistant coach, as well as head coach. My involvement with the Bearcats has been an experience that has led to many positive changes in my life. When I arrived at Columbia in 2004, I was an immature student-athlete who did not understand what it meant to work hard at something in order to accomplish a goal. Through the mentorship of older teammates and coaches, I went from being an athlete who hardly passed his classes in my first two seasons to receiving the President’s Award in my 5th year. Through my four years of coaching I have experienced both the elation of accomplishing more than we ever dreamed of and winning a national championship and also the disappointment of losing the final match of a season and missing the playoffs, even after working hard together as a team for many months. Through on-court success and failure it is the lessons that each one of us learns through working together towards a goal that truly matters. I have watched guys who, at the start of the season, are too embarrassed to pray in front of others and at the end of the year are bold in prayer. Young men who showed up thinking only about themselves who leave our program as servant leaders looking to help others. And ultimately, year after year I see young Christian men who grow in their faith and character learning to love God and each other through sport.
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From the Vault
Looking Back: 50 Years of Student Council
1973 Top: 1963/64 Peter Wiebe, John Funk, Sig Schroeder, Nellie Froese, Alvin Epp, Laura Brucks, Len Chmelyk, Mr. J Neufeld. Above: 1973/74 Above Right: 1982/83 Right: 1992/93 Student Council Executive: Graham Nickel, Shauna Langemann, Garth Klassen, Travis Dorchak, Stefan Baerg, .
2003
1983
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Photos: Columbia Bible College Archives
1963
Half a century has brought change to a number of areas at Columbia: leadership, buildings, programs, and certainly fashion. What stays the same is the commitment our students have to their community. Student Council exists to serve and lead students by demonstrating Christ-like behaviour and creating an environment that fosters good friendship and community.
Above Left: 2002/03 Brent Brown, Derek Thiessen, Peter Kent, Julia Krueger, Charity Roy, Jessica Roarty, Nathan Ramer, John Cheny, George Schmidt Above Right: 2013/14 Tolu Ojo, Shelby Williams, Bethany Smith, Taryn Ferrede, Mandee Mramor, Gwyneth Mason, Ryan Domingo, Justin Paulsen, Casey Keister, Jacob Penner, Jason Thomassen. 18
Stay CONNECTed. Email
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