Gifts That Last Forever

Walton Family Scholarship

Rev. Daniel Walton

If life has taught me anything, it is not to tell God that I’m “not going to do” something. I learned this lesson early on when I was applying to universities after graduating high school. I felt sure that I was “not” going to apply to Crandall University. When the final decision was made, not only had I applied and been accepted to Crandall, but I had turned down a full tuition scholarship from another university in order to attend. Looking back now, I’m so glad God changed the plans that I may have thought I had.

The people I met at Crandall, as well as the faculty and staff that I became friends with influenced me greatly. There was no such thing as a “free ride” just because it was a Christian institution. You worked for what you got. Standards were high, morals and values were encouraged, and people became like a family.

Due to the quality of education I received, the bursaries awarded to me, and the mentors I gained for my life and ministry, Crandall became a very special place in my life. Having such life shaping experiences at the institution and recognizing that Crandall is a private university that does not receive operational funds from the government both inspired me to want to make a difference at Crandall and help provide a pathway for future students to come and hopefully share some of the experiences and memories that I hold so dear.

Creating the Walton Family Scholarship was a way to do this. Since I am blessed enough to be able to contribute in this way…why would I not? Recognizing that we are living in a time when education costs continue to rise and smaller universities such as Crandall are often affected, there seemed no better time to set up this scholarship. Will it help people fund their education? Yes. However, it will invest in the shaping of lives as well.

As a former Crandall University student who benefited greatly from the generosity of others, I now want other students to have the same option. Maybe you too had the same experience as I had. You do not have to fund the whole scholarship at once, it can be done over time. Consider it. Think of the blessing you are providing to someone else and in turn you will be blessed.

Rev. Daniel Walton CAF Chaplain, CFB Shilo, MB

Lasting Legacies Live On

Mrs. Jean Saunders Irving

Jean Saunders Irving was one who gave to others, and throughout her lifetime, many were blessed by Jean’s passionate and generous heart before her passing in 2019. Her contributions made a difference in many communities and numerous projects and the compassion that she showed for those in need stemmed from her deep and unwavering love for her Lord.

So it is most fitting that her legacy of generosity continues through her daughter, Mary-Jean Irving, who recently established the Jean Saunders Irving Memorial Scholarship Fund at Crandall University to not only honor her mother’s memory but to continue to impact lives. Students studying at the University will not only benefit from her lasting legacy but carry the impact of Jean’s generous spirit into a world filled with need.

New Life Mission Bursary

Left to right: David Williston, Treasurer; Bob Moore, Chair; Gilda Ryder, Director of Development and Planned Giving.

When it was founded in the early 1980’s, the New Life Mission ministry on Lester Street in Moncton, NB focused on providing a safe, comfortable, and nurturing environment for youth and children, regardless of their socioeconomic environment. The organization’s mission was to help these local children realize their God-given potential and empower them to become active contributors in their community.

Unfortunately, in recent years the mission’s viability weakened and eventually, in the fall of 2020, after numerous meetings, the Board of New Life Mission voted unanimously to close the ministry.

But, the legacy of this ministry will continue. The Board also voted that the building be given to the Harvest House Mission in Moncton, articles within the mission be offered to city-wide ministries, and the residual funds from the property closure be used to create the New Life Mission Bursary Fund at Crandall University. Through these initiatives, there is assurance that the ministry will continue to impact the lives of students and youth to come. For instance, the Bursary Fund stipulates that it be awarded to a student whose desire and intention is to work in a church or a parachurch ministry specifically to support, mentor, counsel and/or teach children.

To continue honoring the work of the New Life Mission, donations earmarked to the perpetual Bursary Fund are possible. Ultimately, the spirit that inspired the conception of the Mission over 37 years ago and that cared for and challenged youth for Christ will indeed continue but in a new way.