Atlantic Baptist University Welcomes New President
T
Inside 2-3
Program Highlights
4-5
Recognition
7-10 President s Report 11
Missions
12-13 Alumni 14-15 Faculty and Staff
The Growing Edge
he Board of Governors of Atlantic Baptist University is pleased to a n n o u n c e t h e a p p o i n t m e n t o f D r. B r i a n MacArthur as President. Dr. MacArthur comes to ABU from his present position as Director of Development for the United Baptist Convention of the Atlantic Provinces. Dr. MacArthur has held previous appointments in Baptist churches in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. He is a past President of the United Baptist Convention of the Atlantic Provinces and has served on various Boards of the Baptist denomination throughout Canada. Dr. MacArthur is a longstanding member of the Board of Governors of Atlantic Baptist University, having actively participated in its r e m a r k a b l e g r o w t h o f r e c e n t y e a r s . D r. MacArthur holds Baccalaureate and Masters Degrees from Acadia University and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. In announcing the appointment of Dr. M a c A r t h u r, t h e C h a i r o f t h e B o a r d o f Governors of ABU, Rupert Tingley, said, We are pleased that Brian MacArthur has agreed to accept the position of President of the University. Through his experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the position. He is very well known throughout Canada and will be very effective in promoting the goals of the University. Atlantic Baptist University was incorporated as a degree granting institution in 1983 by Act of the Legislature of the Province of New Brunswick. It is a Christian Liberal Arts and Science University offering B.A., B.Sc., and B.Ed. degrees and is open to all people. The mission of the University is to provide quality university education firmly rooted in the Christian faith. This means that the University promotes learning and growth
Dr. Brian MacArthur
for the whole person the mind, the body, and the spirit. Stepping down from the position is Dr. Ralph Richardson, who has served three fiveyear terms for a total of fifteen years as President of Atlantic Baptist University. Dr. Richardson s term of appointment as President ends June 30, 2 0 0 1 . M a n y t h a n k s a r e e x t e n d e d t o D r. Richardson for his contributions to the University during his tenure as President. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 NIV
Winter 2000, Volume 12 Issue 2
PROGRAM
HIGHLIGHTS
2
I
New B.Ed Program Becomes Newer
t was just over two years ago that The Growing Edge reported Atlantic Baptist University would be starting a Bachelor of Education Degree Program in the fall of 1998. The program was designed to accommodate students coming out of high school or in the early stages of university who knew they wanted to teach. Upon admission to the program, these students would be able to finish two baccalaureate degrees, including a B.Ed., in approximately five years. In the first two years of operating this concurrent program, ABU enrolled a respectable, but expected, 30 students. However, it was the escalating number of applicants to the B.Ed. program from various university graduates that caused the ABU officials to take note and begin discussions with the Department of Education about a second type of degree format called a consecutive Bachelor of Education degree. We ve been overwhelmed with the number of inquiries and applications from those individuals who have completed one baccalaureate degree and are hoping to complete a
second in Education, reports Seth Crowell, Interim V.P. for Academic Affairs/ Registrar. As a result, and after several discussions with the Department of Education representatives, we have implemented an accelerated two-year B.Ed. program which is expected to have formal government approval as early as January, 2001. This new adaptation to the existing program, which is only eligible for university graduates, has allowed ABU to double, in one year, the total number of Education students in its program. It is further expected that by the academic year 2001-02 there will be approximately 100 Education students studying as part of either the new concurrent or newer consecutive programs. Crowell concludes, This kind of growth within a single program is unprecedented within ABU s history and we need to thank God for the way He has opened doors and guided us smoothly through the process, particularly when it comes to achieving the necessary governmental certification for this degree.
Help us Rename Your Newsletter
* Submit your 50 - 100 word essay telling us the name you have chosen for this newsletter and why you believe it is the best name for this publication.
* Submissions can be e-mailed to: editor@abu.nb.ca or mailed to: The Editor The Growing Edge Atlantic Baptist University Box 6004 Moncton, NB E1C 9L7
e! v i t a e r Be C Use your imagination!
Deadline for submissions December 31, 2000
The Growing Edge
The Growing Edge is the newsletter of Atlantic Baptist University. Its purpose is to inform alumni, donors and friends about the University and to keep them in touch with the life of ABU, its family and friends. Alumni letters, unsolicited manuscripts, art and photos are welcome for possible inclusion. Items for Alumni Update should be identified by class. Free subscriptions to The Growing Edge are available upon request. Changes of address should be sent to : The Editor The Growing Edge Atlantic Baptist University Box 6004 Moncton NB E1C 9L7 Tel: (506) 858-8970 1-888-968-6228 Fax: (506) 858-9694 E-mail: editor@abu.nb.ca
Production of this issue of The Growing Edge: Editor: Jennifer Marr Student Writer: Karla House, 4th year Communication Studies Layout and Design: Jennifer Marr Production Team: Jennifer Marr, David Graves P.R. Committee: Roland Rackham, Dannie Brown, Gilda Ryder, Shawna Peverill, Nancy Bradley, Jennifer Marr Printer: Centennial Printing Publication Number: 1485768 CANADA POST Winter 2000, Volume 12 Issue 2
3
without losing your job!
ABU s new adult accelerated degree-completion program in ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT is here!
C
athy Rogers, the Program s new director, is busily preparing for the launch of the first cohort of students in January, and another to follow shortly thereafter. Cathy says, I m not a salesperson but, wow, this program carries itself! It comes to fill a long-time need. The unique delivery is cutting edge,
A
communication, and problem-solving skills, and a broadened understanding of management and supervisory practices. As well, this adult learner graduate will be able to make a greater contribution to high performance work teams and take more initiative within the organization and community. Cathy s excitement shows through when she adds, Recognition is given to prior learning from other postsecondary institutions and accumulated on-the job learning! Cathy knows all too well about the long-time gap in addressing the needs of adults wanting to further their education. She left a 17-year federal government career five years ago in order to complete her degree, and laments that this type of delivery was not available then. Cathy is an ABU, and soon to be a UNB, graduate, and her enthusiasm for this creatively designed and delivered degree-completion opportunity shows. Opportunity is closer than knocking now...it s here!
Export Partnering Program
tlantic Baptist University s Business Administration P r o f e s s o r, D a n n i e B r o w n , h a s announced that, for the first time, senior Business Administration students at Atlantic Baptist University are participating in the Export Partnering Program. The Export Partnering Program is a partnership with Atlantic Baptist University, A.C.O.A., and private New Brunswick businesses. The Director of this new program initiative, Professor Dannie Brown, delivers courses in Marketing Research and International Marketing. The students taking these The Growing Edge
innovative, and dynamic not to mention adult-oriented and learning-focused. This first, in what will hopefully be a series, of such widely welcomed degreeprogram designs, knows that working adults are busy and they bring valuable experience to the classroom. We re responding to a market demand, says Cathy. There are just so many working adults who want to complete their degree program, but are not willing to trade off their families or jobs in order to accomplish this goal. Adult learners need to attend classes only one night per week, and unlike the case with many traditionally delivered university programs, there will be no need to run back and forth to the campus for bookstore purchases, course registrations, or other student services these services are streamlined for adults unique situations. An adult will now be able to earn his or her bachelor s degree in ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT, from Atlantic Baptist University, finishing with improved verbal and written
courses are partnered with companies that are interested in exporting their products to the United States. The target market for this year s initiative is New England. It is the responsibility of the student teams to research the target market and prepare marketing strategies for impacting the target market. The three companies partnering with Atlantic Baptist University and A.C.O.A. this year are Hillsborough Fabrication of Hillsborough, TechnoLogic Machining Inc. of Moncton and Junction Lumber of Bathurst. A.C.O.A. is responsible for organizing the trade mission, which
is the culmination of the 26-week program. One student from each business partnership is chosen to accompany the business in question on the 4-day trade mission to New England. Professor Brown says, The introduction of this program provides a key element to business education for the next millennium international experience. More and more jobs are requiring employees with international and cross-cultural experience. This initiative keeps Atlantic Baptist University and its students at the forefront of Business Administration training. Winter 2000, Volume 12 Issue 2
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Finally, A way to get your Degree,
RECOGNITION
4
Murray Chair Lecture 2000 with Dr. David Lyon
Welcome Dr. Sam
Stephen Dempster, Sam Reimer, Mrs. & Dr. David Lyon, and Gary LeBlanc
Named in honour of ABU Past-President, Dr. Stuart Murray, who had a passionate commitment for Christian education, the ABU Murray Chair Lecture Series is funded by an endowment which purposes to promote the integration of Christianity into all aspects of academic study.
I
n the early church, a church f a t h e r n a m e d Te r t u l l i a n stressed that there was a major rift between the church and the academy, faith and the mind. In his mind this cleft was permanent and he described it in his famous rhetorical questions (for him), What has Jerusalem to do with Athens, the church with the Academy? Regrettably, Christians have perpetuated this division within the church s long history. The annual Murray Chair Lecture Series is intended to help build a bridge over this chasm by showing the importance of faith for reason and reason for faith. Dr. David Lyon, Professor of Sociology at Queen s U n i v e r s i t y, K i n g s t o n , O n t a r i o , demonstrated the importance of both faith and reason in his lecture this year, Connecting E-mail, Cyberspace, a n d G o d . Ly o n , w h o i s a n acknowledged expert on the social impact of the new information The Growing Edge
technologies, remarked that his whole scholarly life has been an attempt to relate his faith to his study and viceversa. The scholar remarked that Christians need to be aware of the potential and pitfalls of the new t e c h n o l o g y. Frequently the advantages are immediately seen but the disadvantages are overlooked. Repeatedly Lyon stressed that we need to be asking ourselves the fundamental question, What does it mean to be human? Rampant individualism and the social isolation of people become even more emphasized with the advent of the Internet, detracting from our humanity. Secondly, Christians have to guard an important theological principle: matter matters. The Word became flesh and not vice-versa. The new technology seems to create disembodied relationships, as people often are more familiar with persons thousands of miles away than with their own next-door neighbors. Finally, since this technology is in its infancy, Christians have the opportunity, and responsibility, to shape it in such a way that our humanity can be emphasized.
ABU welcomed Dr. Samuel & Mrs. Jessie Mikolaski as he addressed the students on September 25, 2000. During his address, he stressed the importance of education.
Congratulations to Jack Stultz
The administration, faculty, staff, and students of Atlantic Baptist University would like to congratulate Board of Governors member, Mr. Jack Stultz, for his recent induction into the Junior Achievers Hall of Fame.
by Dr. Stephen Dempster
Winter 2000, Volume 12 Issue 2
5
C
ompass Group Canada is our food service provider here at Atlantic Baptist University. This past year, our food service staff participated in an employee incentive program that is designed to motivate employees to go that extra mile. The Delston employees had five stars that they needed to achieve. The challenges involved in achieving the five stars were based on helping Compass achieve its goals of customer and client satisfaction, preferred employers, operational excellence, financial performance and market leadership.The Delston staff here at Atlantic Baptist University came out on top across Canada. Sandy Harris Chef of the Year
Congratulations
Kathy Briggs Associate of the Year The Delston Team - National Account of the Year Food Service Director, Jeannie MacDonald, - Attended the National Awards Banquet in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 2001 program is underway with the promise that the Delston Team will give it their best efforts. Our congratulations to the Delston Team for their success!
Congratulations to Mr. Marshall Thompson who won several awards at the Westmorland Horticultural Society competition this summer. Marshall volunteers countless hours of his time to tend to the grounds here at Atlantic Baptist University. Thank you, Marshall!
Apologies
Major Donor Appreciation Banquet guest speaker, Mr. Robert Eaton and his mother, Dr. Elizabeth Eaton being presented with a rendition of the architecture of Atlantic Baptist University, by Roland Rackham, Vice President for Development.
An oversight was made and Reginald Ward s name was omitted in the graduation list in the Spring 2000 edition of The Growing Edge newsletter. Please accept our apology for this oversight and for any inconvenience this omission may have caused.
The Lanctin Family during the Atlantic Baptist University Heritage Centre s recognition ceremony of the work of the Lanctin Family in French Baptist Ministry in New Brunswick. Pictured from Left to Right: Rev. & Mrs. Henri Lanctin, Mr. & Mrs. Georges Lanctin, and Rev. & Mrs. Eugene Lanctin
The Growing Edge
Reginald graduated with a B.A. in Biblical Studies, with Distinction (cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher) during the April 2000 Convocation ceremonies. He is currently pastoring at First Chipman United Baptist Church. Winter 2000, Volume 12 Issue 2
RECOGNITION
Five Star Food Service
6
STUDENT LIFE
Life back at ABC - I mean ABU I
t s t r u e G o d d o e s w o r k i n mysterious ways. I never thought that I would be back in New Brunswick at my old school, but here I am. I m filling in as the Student Services Manager, for Linda Hisey, while she is on maternity leave, and I love it. It amazes me and humbles me how welcoming the students, staff, and faculty have been, especially since this is not a permanent position. I have this incredible opportunity to build relationships with students that go deeper than the surface; to help make their stay with us as positive,
developmental, and meaningful as possible. Whether it s through office work, playing pool and pingpong with the students (I am not very good, YET!) or helping the Resident Assistants, it s all about being there for the students. As I think back to my time at ABU ( 91- 93) and the faculty and staff who impacted my life, this is my opportunity to give back and, God willing, to impact even one student while I am here.
Rebecca Alward
On Earth as it is in Heaven...
T
he day was as perfect as it could be: it was warm, sunny, with a slight breeze, and the leaves on the trees were at their very peak. It was absolutely ideal for spending an afternoon outdoors, walking through overhead canopies of multi-coloured leaves, and gazing at colour co-ordinated hills. As far as the eyes could see, for miles in the distance, almost everything was yellow, orange, and scarlet. ABU s 20th annual Fall Foliage Day was just about perfect in the setting, yes, but also in the people. About 125 students, with some faculty and staff, walked for about 6
kilometres, up the south slope of Gowland M o u n t a i n i n A l b e r t C o u n t y, f r o m HillsideThird Elgin Baptist Church, down the east slope to Pleasant Vale, and circling back to the church again. They began with a short talk on how to do a landscape meditation, and shared a d e d i c a t o r y p r a y e r. T h e y p a u s e d t o regroup with a student-led meditation near the summit of the mountain. And they finished back at the old church with a singsong, testimony of the afternoon in review, and supper in the fresh air. God could speak through a magnificent day, an impressive spectacle to be seen, and some great people to be with, commented Dr. Douglas Mantz, the
host for the afternoon. It was a superb experience, the best I can remember in all the years ABU has been doing this. It was very much the ideal of education at ABU: education with exploration, individuality, social interaction, physical exercise, intellectual insight and spiritual growth all built into the same event. There must have been 20 or more students who testified quite memorably at the end how much the meditative fall foliage walk had meant to them. Fall Foliage Day is a great tradition at ABU and, it is quite striking to think that students can experience something like this as part of their education only at ABU. It s something very special and very valuable that only we have. Thanks to the people of P l e a s a n t Va l e a n d G o w l a n d Mountain who provided for almost all our needs even before we knew we needed them. by Doug Mantz
Dr. Doug Mantz and students during Foliage Day celebrations
The Growing Edge
Winter 2000, Volume 12 Issue 2
7
Quality university education firmly rooted in the Christian faith
1999-2000 ANNUAL PRESIDENT S REPORT The Growing Edge
Winter 2000, Volume 12 Issue 2
PRESIDENT S REPORT
ATLANTIC BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
PRESIDENT S REPORT
8
From the Desk of the President Dear Friends of Atlantic Baptist University, It hardly seems possible that we have already passed the midway point in the fall semester. We have enrolled 372 f.t.e. students this year (f.t.e. means full-time equivalency). This figure represents an increase of 26 f.t.e. students or an increase of seven percent. The largest growth this year has been in the Bachelor of Education degree program. We have a great student body. The students are serious about their studies, eager to learn, and open and honest in their approach to spiritual things. There are several changes worth noting in the academic area. The first has to deal with a new B.Ed. degree program. Up to this point, we have only offered a concurrent degree program i.e. a B.A. or a B.Sc., which is taken at the same time as a B.Ed. degree over a five-year period. This year, however, we have introduced a two-year post-degree program. We have already enrolled 35 students in this program thus accounting for the largest part of our enrollment growth this year. In the early fall, the Board of Governors approved a Degree Completion Program for mature students. This program will allow individuals already having some post-secondary education, and who are presently in the work force, to return to university on a part-time basis and complete a degree in Organizational Management within two years. This Program has a long track record in the U.S. and has recently been implemented in Canada. ABU has signed a contract for Dr. Ralph Richardson the rights to teach this Program in the Maritime provinces. It is our plan to have this program underway by the end of January 2001 with two cohorts (groups of 18-20 students working together) operating by the end of March 2001. We are also planning to teach two courses in Greece this summer. The study tour will leave Moncton on May 3 and return May 19. The two courses; Graeco Roman Backgrounds of Early Christianity and Paul in the Cities of Greece, will be taught by Dr. James Murray of the UNB Classics Department and myself respectively. The cost has been set at $3,395.00 and includes flight, hotel stays, breakfast, museum and site expenses, and air-conditioned coach for our travels in Greece. If you are interested, please visit our website or inquire about a brochure from Nancy Bradley at (506) 858-8970. Please remember it is a study tour and will allow the student to gain six hours of credit if both courses are taken. I also need to note the financial situation. Last year was a tough year for the University. Our audited statements, as follows, show a deficit of $110,000. This, along with the previous year s deficit, puts us into a very difficult situation. Thus far this year we have operated within our budget, but donor income as of September 30 has been significantly down. While it is obvious that student numbers have helped us and that the new programs provide additional income, we have felt it necessary to address the current situation by presenting a Five-Year Plan to the Board of Governors for their consideration. This Plan is supported by strategic initiatives in public relations, student recruitment and fundraising. If we are successful, and we must be, we will see a significant turn around at ABU in the next several years. We will need your help as we face the challenges of the future. We earnestly request that you fervently pray for ABU, its President, administrators, staff, faculty and students. Help us share the ABU story in the churches of Atlantic Canada and beyond and encourage potential students to consider the programs at ABU. And support us with the finances necessary to see ABU grow in the next several years. We have been given several great opportunities to influence our society through the B.Ed. program, the Degree Completion Program and our other degree and certificate programs that place committed graduates in our schools, places of business, and in our churches. Please stand with us in this great endeavour! Thank you!
Fall 2000 Registrar s Report (# of students enrolled at ABU)
Year 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 The Growing Edge
Full Time 296 351 313 316 345
Part Time 11.75 8.25 19.50 30.00 27.00
Full Time Equivalent 308 359 332 346 372
% Change 16.73 -7.48 4.10 7.00 Winter 2000, Volume 12 Issue 2
9
FINANCIAL
Grant Thornton LLP Chartered Accountants Management Consultants Canadian Member Firm of Grant Thornton International
AuditorsÂ’ Report
We have audited the statement of financial position of Atlantic Baptist University as at June 30, 2000, and the statements of operations and fund balances, and changes in cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the UniversityÂ’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. Except as explained in the following paragraph, we conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. In common with many charitable organizations, the University derives revenue from contributions and bequests, the completeness of which is not susceptible to satisfactory audit verification. Accordingly, our verification of these revenues was limited to the amount recorded in the records of the University and we were not able to determine whether any adjustments might be necessary to contributions revenues and general fund and capital fund balances. In our opinion, except for the effect of adjustments, if any, which we might have determined to be necessary had we been able to satisfy ourselves concerning the completeness of the contribution referred to in the preceding paragraph, these financial statements, present fairly the financial position of the University as at June 30, 2000 and the results of its operations for the year then ended in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Moncton, New Brunswick September 1, 2000
Chartered Accountants For a complete copy of our 1999 - 2000 audited statement please contact Mr. Craig Prosser, Director of Financial Services at (506) 858-8970 Ext. 104 or e-mail: cprosser@abu.nb.ca
The Growing Edge
Winter 2000, Volume 12 Issue 2
NEWS
To The Board of Directors of the Atlantic Baptist University
FINANCIAL NEWS
10
Atlantic Baptist University Statement of Operations and Fund Balances Year Ended June 30
Endowment Fund
Capital Fund
General Fund 2000
1999
2000
1999
2000
$1,881,508
$1,867,288
$-
$-
$-
1999
Revenue Student fees (Schedule B) Other fees (Schedule C)
134,835
139,677
-
-
-
Contributions (Schedules D and R)
861,174
883,586
157,907
392,658
34,419
Conference services (Schedule E)
99,567
37,737
-
-
-
Investment income
-
-
1,304
22,900
6,310
Sundry
-
-
2,582
-
-
$31,635 5,587 -
Gain on sale of investments
5,374
-
Prior year s deficit (Note 2g)
(141,000)
(54,440)
-
-
-
2,841,458
2,873,848
161,793
415,558
40,729
Administrative support (Schedule F)
644,922
549,381
-
-
-
-
Institutional advancement (Schedule G)
232,196
284,459
-
-
-
-
Student recruitment (Schedule H)
147,703
74,369
-
-
-
-
Academic support (Schedule I)
975,937
1,000,526
-
-
-
-
Library services (Schedule J)
155,063
175,204
-
-
-
-
Student services (Schedule K)
125,683
91,952
-
-
-
-
Physical plant (Schedule L)
281,643
280,284
-
-
-
-
81,397
85,234
-
-
-
-
189,444
205,079
-
-
-
-
Campaign costs
-
-
10,124
12,613
-
-
Amortization of capital assets
-
-
460,907
481,197
-
-
Provision for doubtful accounts
-
-
-
93,375
-
-
Interest on capital debt (Note 2d)
-
-
367,286
368,014
-
-
2,833,988
2,746,488
838,317
955,199
-
-
$7,470
$127,360
$(676,524)
$(539,641)
$40,729
$37,222
$(427,551)
$(340,120)
$7,952,815
$8,223,225 $941,062
$903,840
141,000
54,440
-
-
-
-
7,470
127,360
(676,524)
(539,641)
40,729
37,222
(258,146)
(269,231)
258,146
269,231
-
-
$(427,551)
$7,534,437
$7,952,815
$981,791
37,222
Expenditures
Computer network (Schedule M) Food services
Excess of revenues over expenditures (expenditures over revenue)
Fund balances, beginning of year Transfer of prior year s deficit to current year s operations Excess of revenues over expenditures (expenditures over revenues) Allocation from general fund to Capital Fund (Note 2d) Fund balances, end of year
$(537,227)
$941,062
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
The Growing Edge
Winter 2000, Volume 12 Issue 2
11
I
t has been four years of red tape, but a lifetime dedicated to fulfilling God s will. For international student Walter Awinda, studying in Canada has meant wading through mounds of documentation: Visa applications, transcripts, and English proficiency tests. It is in this however that Awinda has experienced God s unwavering faithfulness. This past September Awinda finally walked through the doors of Atlantic Baptist University joining 372 students in his new home. For Awinda, coming to Canada has meant leaving a wife and three small children in his home of Kisumu, Kenya. This, he says, is unquestionably the most difficult aspect of his cross-cultural trek, yet he remains earnestly in prayer that before long they will reunite. What is it that has caused Awinda to leave a family, friends, and the securities of home to move halfway across the world? A heart for the poor, and a willingness to see God s work carried out unto completion. Awinda was brought out of very difficult beginnings. At age 11 his mother passed away leaving him to survive this world on his own. With no help from his estranged father, Awinda s situation caused him to harbour a considerable amount of bitterness. I looked at people doing so well, and my world was falling down. I had no food or clothes. In the midst of this however, someone was praying for Walter Awinda. Ilse Brugmann, a German missionary heard of the young boy and took an interest in him. She ensured Awinda had adequate clothes and food and kept after him to go to school. Through Ilse I began to see and know hope for life. I learned what love means. I got over my bitterness. I learned about God from Ilse but more than that, I saw the love of God in her by the way she lived her life. Years later Awinda would dedicate his life to Christ, still remembering the lessons Ilse taught him. From here, Awinda felt God s calling on his life to enter full time service in ministry. Awinda enrolled in Kapsabet Bible College in Kenya, where The Growing Edge
he studied for four years. His training equipped him for two years of youth ministry following college and a position
Walter s Children - Faith (6), Walter Junior (2), and Ilse (8)
teaching bible school to lay people. In all this however, Awinda felt an ever-present pull on his heart to return to help the poor. In 1991 after praying diligently for guidance in this area, Awinda along with three missionaries, four african men, and one man from Kenya started Compassion Ministries. This organization seeks to reach the poor in rural, remote areas, which make up approximately 70% of Kenya s population. Awinda believes rural areas are very much neglected as a whole and hold the greatest spread of poverty. These people are barely existing Awinda comments. Life is consumed with finding the next meal. This picture is not uncommon to Awinda. This is what I came from and it has always been in my heart to reach these people. Compassion Ministries focuses on preaching the gospel to communities but also tending to physical needs. This is done through several means. Much focus is placed on women in an effort to make them self-sustaining. Compassion
Ministries finds markets for women to sell baskets and other handcrafts, as well as lending them the money to start their own business. The women are also taught basic hygiene and other concepts as simple as boiling water. Through these measures, such diseases as diarrhea, cholera, and malaria can be minimized. Another huge initative of Compassion Ministries is providing water. For a woman, gathering 20 litres of water can be a four-hour chore. In 1994, God enabled the ministry to drill the community s first well. One of the elderly women of the village, zealously expressed her appreciation to Awinda. Thank you for bringing us our Hospital, she said. Later Awinda inquired as to what this meant. She explained that this well was the source that would not only wipe out many sicknesses that were rampant in the village, but would also help to bring hygiene and alleviate the women s heavy task of carrying water. Awinda s ten years with the ministry were very rewarding, yet he still sensed God calling him to further his ministry. Over the years as I was doing the work, I was dealing with the symptoms of poverty. An orphan for instance is a symptom of poverty - but why is the child poor? This is a question I have wrestled with, and I want to do further studies so I can address this. When a missionary friend handed Awinda information on a small Christian University in Canada, Awinda began to see doors slowly opening. ABU s motto - That Christ might have the preeminence, spoke to me, Awinda explains. In the four years that followed, Awinda dedicated his time to prayer, believing that in His time, God would continue to guide and direct his life. Now enrolled in the Sociology program at Atlantic Baptist University, Awinda has powerful evidence of God s leading. It will be four years of study before Awinda will return home, yet he waits in eager anticipation to serve his people and share with them the many blessings of which his life has been blessed. by Karla House
Winter 2000, Volume 12 Issue 2
MISSIONS
Walter s Story - A Dream Come True
A L U M N I
12
O
For the Love of the Game...
ctober 14, 2000 marked another successful weekend of a tradition that spans close to two decades. The Atlantic Baptist University annual alumni softball tournament brought good weather and cheerful spirits, as players from the past and present came together. The Alumni tournament has been an annual event since 1983 but this y e a r s t o u r n a m e n t b r o u g h t a n important milestone for the women marking this, the 10 th anniversary of w o m e n s i n v o l v e m e n t . A t l a n t i c Baptist University women acted as host to Bethany Bible College and Hillside United Baptist Church. Excitement ran high on the women s field as Hillside Baptist worked through the round robin rather handedly and headed into the final in the number one position. Facing Bethany Bible College, Hillside Baptist was forced to step up the play but Bethany squeaked by one extra run, making for a very close decision.
Bethany was able to strip ABU of its three-year standing title. The men s tournament was made up of 7 teams: The current Atlantic Baptist University team, Bethany Bible College, New Brunswick Community College Moncton, Saint John Wesleyan, as well as a junior, middle and senior team of alumni. Two divisions played off to advance teams into the semi-final. ABU scored a 19:1 victory against NBCC, while the Junior Alumni stepped up in a close match against Saint John Wesleyan winning by a single run. The final game took an interesting turn of events as the Junior Alumni went head to head with ABU. With the junior team carrying several new alumni, many of the players were up against former teammates. During round robin play earlier in the day the junior team suffered a gaping defeat against ABU with a score of 24:3. The final game however would tell a different story as the junior alumni came back for an overall victory
taking this years title. A t l a n t i c B a p t i s t U n i v e r s i t y s athletic coordinator and this years tournament organizer Bob Murry, is pleased with the overall success of the tournament. It was nice to see the two ABU teams (past and present) represented in the final; it made for an exciting game. The tournament participants were also heard singing it s praises. Second year business student and third baseman Mark Nelson reflected on the unity the tournament created. It s interesting to see such a wide representation from so many different generations of ABU, says Nelson. For other players, it was a time to meet up with old classmates and enjoy the game. Alumnus Steve Dobson offered words of encouragement to his senior teammates during Saturday afternoon play, We re the oldest team here, but we always have the most fun and we re definitely the best looking. by Karla House
1960-64 Alumni Group E
arlier this year an individual from one of our 1960-64 Alumni Groups made the comment that she expected the weekend of Sept.15-17 to be the highlight of her year. I am sure that most, if not all, of the 60 or so folk who gathered on Campobello Island that weekend for our annual get-together would agree that it was definitely an unforgettable experience. From the time we arrived on Friday evening until we left after dinner on Sunday, it was one long continuous stream of reminiscing with friends, some of whom we hadn t seen for almost thirty years. Whether it The Growing Edge
Invades Campobello was as we tried to spot whales amongst the waves on a glorious boat trip Saturday afternoon, picked apart a steaming red lobster at the banquet that evening; or stood, the next
Some of the Campobello crew
morning, at the grave site of a fellow Alumnus, Paul Haney, who died a few short years after we left UBBTS, the phrase that echoed again and again was Do you remember when ? We are bound together by those special memories. The years that have passed since we were students together at UBBTS just seem to melt away as we renew acquaintances and share with one another at our annual get-togethers. We highly recommend that other Alumni groups begin to do the same thing. You won t regret it! by Carol Thorne ( 64)
Winter 2000, Volume 12 Issue 2
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Wayne Hagerman ( 74) graduated from Acadia Divinity College on October 21, 2000 with his Doctor of Ministry degree. Janine & Bryan ( 73) Hagerman are pleased to announce the birth of their son Liam-Patrick who was born on August 30, 2000. He is a brother for Christianne (3).
1980 s Jim & Loralee (Landers) Druart ( 88) are happy to announce the birth of their second child, Eliza, on May 10, 2000, in Moncton, NB. She is a sister for Annie.
1990 s Rob MacGregor ( 90) graduated from Dalhousie Law School on May 26, 2000. He is currently articling with Patterson Palmer Hunt Murphy in Charlottetown, PEI.
2000 s
Merley Wheaton ( 94) graduated in 1999 from McMaster Divinity College with an M.Div. He was married on May 15, 1999 to Margaret Smart and is currently the Recruitment Co-ordinator for Baptist Leadership Education Centre.
Gordon ( 00) & Becky (Wright) Dickinson ( 99) were married on May 27, 2000 at Long Creek United Baptist Church, PEI. The service was officiated by Dr. Richard Coffin and Rev. David Morehouse ( 81).
Liz & Mike Long ( 90) are pleased to announce the birth of Sophie Eloise, on June 22, 2000.
Micah ( 00) & Jody (Stabback) Linkletter ( 00) were married on June 17, 2000 at First Baptist Church Dartmouth, NS. Rev. Kevin Vincent ( 87) delivered the message to the bride and groom and Gordon Dickinson ( 00) and Jon Dixon ( 99) were the groomsmen. Gordon also wrote and performed a song during the signing of the register.
Robert ( 93) & Suzanne (Hartling) Weaver ( 90) are happy to announce the birth of Audrey Joyce Victoria, on June 1, 2000. She is a sister for Nathan (5) and Jordan (2 1/2). Robert Morrow & Angela Clark ( 95) are pleased to announce the birth of their first child, Benjamin James on February 7, 2000.
ABU s Wide World of Sports Softball Men s Bethany Tournament · 3-2 record · Lost in the semi-finals · Adam O Blenes Home Run champ · Ken LeBlanc team MVP ABU Alumni Tournament · 4-1 record · Lost in the finals · Over 45 alumni in attendance · Dana Fisher Team MVP Women s ABU Alumni Tournament · Lost in Semi-finals · Heather MacLeod and Jessica Betts Co-MVP s
The Growing Edge
Soccer Men s Soccer 3-7 Leading Scorers Andrew Hiltz 5 Robin Oxley 3 Women s Soccer Overall record 3-2 Leading Scorers Sarah Haines 5 Katrina Horsman 4
Athletes of the Month
September Women s: Sarah Haines- Soccer Men s: Eric Flanagan- Soccer October Women s: Heather MacLeodSoftball Men s: Ken LeBlanc- Softball
Upcoming Events Men s Soccer League Play-offs (Oct. 28) Men s Basketball Holland College Tip Off Tournament (Nov 3-5) Univ. Maine Fort Kent Tip Off Tournament (Nov. 17-19) Women s Basketball ABUversus UNBSJ (Nov. 7) For more information please contact; Bob Murray, Athletics Coordinator Atlantic Baptist University 1-506-858-8970 Toll Free 1-888-968-6228 bmurray@abu.nb.ca
Winter 2000, Volume 12 Issue 2
ALUMNI & SPORTS
1970 s
Alumni Updates
BITS AND PIECES
14
I
Professor Barnes in Ethiopia
n the mid 80 s, a country sent out a cry f or help so piercing that an entire world could not help but stop to listen. Ethiopia, a country torn by famine, war, and disease, has earned its reputation as an almost m e d i a f a s c i n a t i o n . To N o r t h Americans, Ethiopia and starvation have become virtually synonymous. Fifteen years has passed since tragedy swept Ethiopia, yet famine is still waning, threatening the lives of close to16 million people in the horn of Africa. D r. A n d y B a r n e s a b i o l o g y professor at Atlantic Baptist University, has felt the sting of a suffering people in Ethiopia. For six years Barnes and his family lived in the Amhara National State, where Barnes taught as a university p r o f e s s o r. W h i l e e m p l o y e d a t Alemaya University Barnes was hired under Food for the Hungry International, a Christian relief and development agency for developing countries. It has been two years since Barnes sensed the call to return to Canada, leaving behind a home and friends he once believed he might never see again. An unexpected phone call this past spring however, would take Barnes on a summer-long divine detour back to the country he and his family have come to treasure. A United States Foreign Aid consulting firm, in collaboration with the Amhara National Regional State, approached Barnes to take part in a proposal project regarding the current Ethiopian agriculture. The goal of the team was to examine agricultural extension systems and to advise on solutions and government funding. For four weeks Barnes traveled with the team down familiar dusty roads, stopping at night in small hotels, often with no electricity or running water. The team s strategy was to look at the extension agency from top to bottom. They gathered information from the wealthiest technology researchers and Ph.D The Growing Edge
holders, right down to the poorest farmers. In an effort to determine where the agricultural problems laid, data was gathered from over one hundred farmers in the area. The team sought to give the most impoverished of farmers a voice by answering i m p o r t a n t q u e s t i o n s . Wi t h a technological system already in place, why are the farmers reaping no benefits? Did the farmer see any advantage in technology at all? Or is the problem rooted in poor communication of the way the technology is administered? Time will tell what impact this
will have Barnes explains. The Ethiopian Government and US Aid were receptive to the team s extensive report, outlining a proposed budget and resolution. However, it will be a matter of funding and co-operation from all parties involved before any benefits are actualized. What is the future of Ethiopia? Barnes admits that the outlook is bleak. Ethiopia has been fighting a 23month-old border conflict with
neighboring Eritrea, killing tens of thousands of soldiers and eating up a million dollars a day. The conflict lies over a small barren piece of land in the North that Barnes describes as a useless distraction, put into place only for political practice. Up until the war with Eritrea, Ethiopia was experiencing good economic growth but was still ranked as one of the poorest countries in the world. It is predicted that two more years of no rain will easily put Ethiopia b a c k i n t o a f a m i n e o f 1 9 8 4 s proportions. Today, Ethiopia continues to heavily rely on other countries support. Canada, the US, and the European Union, endow several hundred thousand tons of grain o n a n o r m a l y e a r, a n d o n a particularly bad year may give up to one hundred million tons. Ethiopia simply cannot support itself. A lot of changes would need to take place for Ethiopia to ever get out of this state...I m not sure it ever will, Barnes admits. ...Ethiopia is too warn out and too run down, because of deep social and historical r e a s o n s . . . We c o u l d s o l v e a t least some of the problems more quickly if they could get out of these wars. Small rays of hope however, peak through as a testament of G o d s faithfulness. The Christian church of Ethiopia amidst tremendous adversity, continues to thrive. During a heavily laden Marxist government from 1974 to1990, the church almost went under after experiencing harsh persecution. A new government lifted the anti-evangelical movement, from which emerged a Christian c h u r c h s t r o n g e r t h e n e v e r. T h e church now practices in freedom with a firmly rooted foundation. by Karla House
Winter 2000, Volume 12 Issue 2
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Atlantic Baptist University would like to welcome the many new faculty and staff members who have joined us. Bob Murray ( 97) has joined the Student Development Department as Athletic Coordinator. Rebecca Alward ( 93) is currently filling in for Linda Hisey in the Student Development Department as Student Services Manager. Dr. Rick Thomas ( 67) has joined the faculty as a sessional faculty member teaching Religious Studies. Brian Taylor and Stewart West have joined the faculty in the Education Department. Janet Williston has joined the academic team as the Administrative Assistant to the Interim Academic Dean. Sarah Patterson has joined the library staff as Assistant Librarian. Laverne Lewycky has joined the faculty in the Communications Department. Chris Cudahy ( 00) has joined the recruitment team as Admissions Counsellor.
Randi Hayes has joined the Registrar s office as the Registrar Office Assistant. Michael Liston has joined the faculty in the Biology Department. Linda (Cann) ( 92) and Todd Hisey ( 91) are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Alexander Gordon who was born on August 10, 2000. He is a brother for Julianna. Gilda (Bagley) Ryder ( 83) has been promoted from Development Systems Manager to Manager of Development Programs. Shawna Peverill ( 86) has been promoted from Admissions Officer to Director of Admissions. Shawn Stovell has been promoted from Student Life Coordinator to Director of Student Development. Andrea Bishop has been promoted from Information Systems Manager to Assistant Registrar. The faculty and staff wish to say goodbye to Tammy (Steeves) MacDonald ( 88), who held the position of Assistant to the Admissions Office. Tammy and her husband Mark and their children Joshua and Isaac have moved to North Carolina where Mark has recently begun a new job.
Employment Opportunities at ABU 1. Business Administration Professor Qualifications: A doctorate in business or related area and business experience are preferred. Consideration will also be given to candidates with a M.B.A. (or equivalent) plus significant professional experience and a willingness to pursue a doctorate. To be considered for appointment, candidates must be committed to the mission and the statement of faith of the university and must be enthusiastic about integrating faith and learning. Starting date: August 1, 2001, pending final budgetary approval. 2. Custodian Qualifications: The applicant will have at least grade twelve education and have the ability to work independently. This individual will need to have an attention for detail and the ability to follow instructions carefully. Since this person will be working with a larger group, the ability to work as a team is an asset. Starting date: January 2, 2001 For more information please visit www.abu.nb.ca/html.gen_evnt.htm#Jobs
The Growing Edge
Statement Read in Legislative Assembly on April 28, 2000 by John Betts Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Dr. Ralph Richardson for his 15 years of service as President of Atlantic Baptist University. Mr. Speaker, in the last few weeks, we have witnessed university students picketing for lower tuition fees, they were paying $2900/year. Later, professors of the University of Moncton were on strike for $79,000/year in salary. Our Minister of Education has committed a 6% increase over the next 3 years. I would like to focus on a University in my riding, which epitomizes what our Premier said in a speech last night in Minto, and I quote, The government can t be all things to all people. Atlantic Baptist University receives no public funding and its highly qualified professors make $42,000/year. Yet, there are no strikes, no pickets and students learn in a drug free atmosphere. I would like to congratulate Dr. Ralph Richardson for 15 years of service as President and for his leadership in granting degrees in 12 different majors.
Winter 2000, Volume 12 Issue 2
BITS AND PIECES
Faculty and Staff Updates
ABU
CALENDAR OF EVENTS February
December December 8 Please join us for the
ABU Choir Concert
First Moncton United Baptist Church 7:00 p.m. Under the direction of Dawn RameyCrowell and Mark Lloyd
February 4 - 5 ABU-in-View
April 18 - 21, 23, 24 Final Examinations
March
April 26 Closing Banquet
March 2 - 11 Winter Break March 30 Senior Class Conference
December 12 Last Day of Classes
April
December 14 - 16, 18 - 20 Final Examinations
April 12 Last day of classes
January
April 12 - 13 Easter Break
January 8 Classes resume
April 27 ABU Choir Concert April 28 Alumni Brunch 10:00 a.m. April 28 Convocation 2:00 p.m.
Study Tour to Greece 2001: In the Footsteps of Paul
Atlantic Baptist University is pleased to announce plans for Study Tour to Greece 2001: In the Footsteps of Paul (May 2-19, 2001). This is an opportunity for students, alumni, and friends of ABU to complete 6 credit hours of university study (for credit or general interest) while travelling overseas. Courses offered: RS3453: Paul in the Cities of Greece taught by Dr. W. Ralph Richardson HI3253: Graeco-Roman Backgrounds of Early Christianity taught by Dr. James S. Murray For more information contact: Dr. Richardson at rrichardson@abu.nb.ca Dr. Murray at jsm@unb.ca http://www.abu.nb.ca/html/gen_grece.htm 1-888-968-6228
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Box 6004 Moncton, New Brunswick Canada E1C 9L7