Trumpet F a l l
2 0 1 5
Laying Foundations
PEACE RIVER BIBLE INSTITUTE
President’s Message: Waldie Neufeld
President’s Message “The Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith” (1 Tm 4:1a). Sounds as though Paul wrote about our times, with the huge church exodus of our youth. How do we reach our youth in particular, who are vacating church in alarming numbers? How do we prepare them for the challenges they will face in university, the work place, or their questions on morality, ethics, etc.? How do we help our young people find their footing in our fast-paced world? All would agree that some sort of faith training is important. Christian parents willingly fund secular work training, knowing their children need to earn a living, yet handling life and fulfilling God’s command to make disciples far surpass the challenge of making a living. How much are we prepared to invest in those endeavors? If abiding in God’s Word brings freedom (Jn 8:32), and eternal life equals knowing God (Jn 17:3), 1
Waldie Neufeld
let’s invest in our young people’s lives to help them grow in their relationship with God so they can impact their world for Him. Though we cannot find the words “Bible school” in God’s Word, there are similar ventures within Scripture that evidence deep faith training. In the Old Testament, the author of 2 Kings wrote about a group called “the sons of the prophets,” fifty in number (2 Ki 2:16-17), and their need for better accommodations (2 Ki 6:1). What exactly they did here is unknown, but it would seem Bible training is a possibility, since the Old Testament prophets were quite conversant in the Torah. Even Paul spent three years of in- depth Bible study in Arabia (Ga 1:17-18). Better yet, Jesus Christ set a prime example of training the twelve. He involved them in a three-year process of teaching and application (Lk 9:1-6), of letting them try what He was doing, and He also addressed their earthly thinking patterns (Lk 9:12-13).
Laying Foundations In both of the last two cases, three years were set aside for intense Bible study and in Jesus’ case, an intense study coupled with a strong relationalmentoring component. Richards stated, “Most studies agree that people will never sustain lasting change unless they are ‘resocialized.’”1 He further clarified that “we need new relationships with different kinds of people in order to grow and break out of past patterns.” This is how Jesus accomplished life-change in His disciples through an intense personal relationship over a period of time. Note, the disciples then freely engaged in their world and turned it upside down. “Jesus School of the Bible” guided students and called disciples through various spiritual stages over three years. Though the stages do not fall into four unique school years, many of the stages do follow patterns that one would find in most Bible colleges. Jesus’ various spiritual training patterns compare with
the many things that occur around PRBI. Note the following comparisons between Jesus’ ministry and Bible school. If one takes a look at Jesus’ early ministry, before He actually appointed His disciples, He spent considerable time teaching, healing (Mk 1:21-45), forgiving, partying, and even threshing grain on the Sabbath (Mk 2). Each sequence introduced considerable tension into the minds of His listeners, whether antagonist or follower. These tensions had some effect on the disciples, which gives us an indication of what needs to take place early in a disciple’s life. Since we know plucking grain on the Sabbath bothered the Pharisees, we may safely deduce the disciples must have wondered as well. Ironically, freshmen students face a similar tension in classrooms, sports, and the dorm as they engage with others, prompting an openness to God and a willingness to explore exactly what they do believe. 2
In the following Bible school years, the trail goes deeper into a student’s life. In second year, PRBI focuses on their commitment to God and their need to adopt an eternal perspective, which follows Christ’s example of discipleship. After appointing the twelve as His apostles, He worked on their followership muscle (the one who does the will of God – Mk 3:35) and then attempted to move the disciples from an earthbound perspective to an eternal one (i.e. the feeding of the 5000). Jesus’ success, or lack thereof, in this area always gives me hope in my discipling and in my own life. Growing in Christ-likeness is a journey. Year three at PRBI focuses more on learning to deny oneself and to serve others. Sound familiar to the Gospels? Jesus put forth that we are to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (Mk 8:34). And then year four focuses on learning to be a servant-leader (Mk 10:45). PRBI has become a training school for all who come, even those who end up in ministry. The majority of our students end up in the workaday world, serving our Lord Jesus in their communities. They often speak of the job value of their PRBI training. If Jesus modeled years of building very specifically into the lives of others, then we should follow suit. PRBI seeks to emulate Jesus’ model of discipling, helping young people navigate life’s challenges and messages. I’m not saying it’s the only way, just one way. It has and does provide students with an excellent 3
opportunity for spiritual growth, gaining direction for life, leadership training, etc. Further, it also comes alongside or reinforces what parents have accomplished, since it does take the village of God to raise a child. As parents, we all live East of Eden and therefore need help in training up our children. Is that not why we call the church alongside us when we dedicate our children? We still have time to redeem the next generation by getting them back to the basics, connecting them with the living God through relationships, and by giving them a solid foundation in their faith through His Word. We can encourage young people to try a year or two of Bible college. We can invest in colleges like PRBI who provide a sound biblical foundation for our future leaders. Come alongside PRBI’s spiritual mentoring by investing in one life at a time! Waldie Neufeld, Ph.D. President Waldie has been at PRBI for 25 years. He especially enjoys teaching the Gospel of Mark on disciple-making. He and his wife, Sharon, have four children and 13 grandchildren.
[1] Richards, James, How to Stop the Pain, 76-77.
GLOBAL MINISTRIES CONFERENCE
PRBI
OCT. 22-23 Speaker:
Dr. Effa is the Professor of Intercultural Studies at Taylor Seminary in edmonton, AB. He has served in Nigeria, where he was a professor at Mambilla Baptist Theological Seminary. His teaching and research interests include: missions, evangelism, anthropology, spiritual formation, and African theology. Dr. Allan Effa
Thursday
Friday
(Grande prairie)
(Sexsmith Arena)
7:00 p.m. – Keynote Session 8:30 p.m. – Q & A with dr. Effa 10:00 p.m. – Alumni Soccer Game
Peace River Bible Institute 9601-100 Street / Sexsmith, AB / 780-568-3962
10:00 a.m. – Keynote Session 7:00 p.m. – Keynote Session 10:00 p.m. – Alumni Hockey Game
From Our Faculty Ages ago when the earth was young, I went to seminary and wrote a paper on the strategies for making churches healthier. There are always things to change in a church and I wanted to know what we should focus on. I wanted to know what the ‘right’ way of doing church was, if there was a right way. My head was so full of ideas from seminary that I needed some kind of tool to sort out what I should be aiming for and how to achieve it with a large group of people so we were not all pulling in different directions. Even back then there were many books written on the topic. Some said that what the church needed was more personal evangelism and gave guidance on how to do so. Others centred on what was called ‘warfare prayer’ and felt that since the church’s primary battle was spiritual it needed to be handled by special prayer. Still others wrote from the perspective of their large churches and sought to replicate the success they had. 5
Jason Gayoway
Eventually, a large survey was undertaken to try and find core principles for church health and growth that were true across all cultures and sizes of churches. Just reading that now makes me think that they were aiming for the moon! Nevertheless, this survey was completed by about a thousand churches over six continents. This was compiled into a book called ‘Natural Church Development’. To make a long story short, the NCD survey verified many assumptions about how churches should be run and debunked others. For example, it taught that one of the key focuses of healthy churches was evangelism or what they described as ‘need-oriented evangelism’. The book describes this as evangelism that is focused on the “questions and needs of non-Christians” rather than bringing them into a program where pressure is placed on them to convert. It was also discovered that there was considerable benefit to
The Roots-Up Church finding people in the church who had the gift of evangelism and intentionally directing them to this ministry. Need-oriented evangelism was only one of eight ‘core characteristics’ that were found in healthy churches. The survey determined how each of these could be measured in a congregation and found that these eight characteristics needed to be at certain levels for a church to be healthy and growing. Some of the others had to do with organization and leadership but a significant determinant of whether your church would grow and be healthy, no matter where you lived, was the spiritual temperature of the individuals in it. Your leader could be a great preacher and your boards could be structured superbly, but unless the average person in your church could answer “yes” to questions like, “Do you find prayer to be an uplifting experience?” your church was probably not healthy and growing.
Years ago I was the minister of a church that took the NCD Survey. It said we were low in an area called “Passionate Spirituality” which measured things like how on fire people were in their faith and how enthusiastic they were about the church. You can see how this would be a tough area to ‘fix’ in a whole congregation of people. It is like the pastor would have to get to know each member deeply enough to assuage their doubts, build up their areas of faith, and to show them what a real walk with Jesus looks like. As a young pastor I am not sure any of my efforts did much to build people up in this area but I think if I could talk to my younger self I would advise him to consider steering the church towards discipleship. One minister would never be able to do all of these things himself, but maybe if all the mature believers took up this load it might be accomplished. I think we could call a church that did that ‘discipleship-focused’. 6
A discipleship-focused church feel connected with God and with one has at its core the idea that the life of another. They are a gathering of fellow the church comes from the depth of believers and find lots of time for worship spirituality of its members, just as the life and fellowship since their church is quite of a tree comes from its roots not from simple and program free. What we call the decorations hung on its branches. ‘discipleship’ seems to happen naturally. Emphasis is placed on developing one’s No doubt some of their life comes prayer life, holiness level, and intimacy from the thrill of starting something new with God. This may mean the church tries or being around new people, but many to create small groups churches seem to be able “The fellowship is that are safe enough for to continue in that vein people to share their real because they feel for a long period of time deepest truths in. It connected with God if they are alive at their may foster even smaller root level. “That’s great,” and with one another.” groups of three people you might reply, “but where time is given for them to really what about older, larger churches that are get to know each other and to help each losing this spiritual vitality? What would other focus on God. We see Jesus Himself you do with the example of a second, spending time with three people, twelve larger church seeing a broad decline?” people, and sometimes larger sized I am not advocating that we scrap all of gatherings so discipleship does not have the ministries in a large church. Those to be done in only one size of group. take a long time to set up, but perhaps a However, the larger the group the less light could be shone on the benefits of the willing the participants are to be genuine whole body going deeper with God. and to talk about what is really going on inside them. We all have our masks and Life Comes from the Roots we tend to put them on when we don’t Discipleship is at its core trust the people around us. an attempt to invigorate not the superstructure of the church but the roots How Discipleship Works in a Church of it one cell at a time. It doesn’t care so I think one way of looking at what much about when a youth group meets, discipleship is trying to accomplish at a but whether the youth are growing in church-wide level is to think of a church their walk with God. It doesn’t seek as from the perspective of whether the life such to change the governance model of of the church is causing organization and the leadership as to bring the leaders to programs to form or if the organization a new level of faith and prayer. Let them and programs are there to try to breathe decide what to do with the structure after life into a dead church. My role model they have that. They still might make poor for this is the small, new fellowship of decisions in leadership or planning but believers meeting in a hall somewhere. they will be on fire for God and so will be Not to say all church plants are healthy granted more chances. Meet up with one but let’s imagine we find one that is. There of the deacons from the second church they are, most of them new Christians and you might be impressed with their or vibrant Christians who have taken skill or planning, meet up with a deacon a chance and started a new church. from the first and you would come away The fellowship is real because they feeling that God is real. 7
Relationships and personal growth would come before programs and that any new program proposed for the church would be asked, “How does this grow people in their walk with Christ?� I think one of the problems with older churches that have a number of programs is that the members may feel that all of that activity is enough for God. An excess of meetings and programs can hide the fact that the spiritual temperature of the congregation is slowly cooling. I’m not saying that a church has to get rid of all of its programs to be spiritual, but that it has to be much more intentional about discipleship than a small church plant where the focus is solely on our walk with God. Discipleship does not solve all of the problems of a church since some problems are indeed structural. Godly people still can make bad decisions, follow a flawed vision or be poorly trained in their ministries. This is where better organization and philosophy become practical and life-giving. Even large churches can be filled with life. Numbers do not restrict God. The Spirit can just as easily move in 3,000 as He can in 30. Yet, all too often the organization, the building, and the tradition hide the fact that the roots are dying.
If you have ever had much contact with PRBI, you know that we are focused on discipleship. We teach classes, run sports teams, and have fun together but at the core of it is the concept of helping students grow in their walk with God through various sizes of small, intimate groups. I think it is fair to say that this has succeeded and this success has left a lasting impression on the students who come through here. Many of them go on to be leaders in local churches and one of the first things they want to do is implement the discipleship model in their congregation. It is our hope that this would bless their churches, especially in the area of spirituality. Jason Gayoway Faculty Jason has served as PRBI faculty since 2008 and as Pastoral Ministries Chair since 2013. He is married to Jill and they have two children, Austin and Ethan.
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Tough Questions Are All Religions Basically the Same? When this is asked by someone outside of the church it is a way of asking whether there is any consequence to unbelief. If God is the same for all religions, perhaps it would be okay for them to continue believing what they do rather than going on the journey of seeking Him. Thus it is important that we give a good answer. Studying world religions reveals that they have irreconcilable differences. In the Eastern religions, the goal is to get rid of bad Karma or otherwise reach enlightenment so they can get off of the wheel of ceaseless reincarnation through good works or meditation. Christianity shows us that our good works do not impress God and that it is only through accepting His Lordship and forgiveness that we will be reconciled to Him. Perhaps the best answer to this question is to look at what the prophets 9
and founders of these religions had to say. Namely, that the key prophets and writers of the holy books did not think that they were saying the same things as other religions. No leader felt that their teachings were unnecessary or a duplication of what came before. Neither Jesus, nor Muhammad nor Buddha simply said, “Well what I believe about God doesn’t matter since the guys who wrote about this before are all talking about the same path and the same God.” Instead they had very definite opinions on whom or what God is and what He wants from us. So definite in fact that it forces us to choose which of them to follow. Then the question becomes, “Why follow Jesus?” Since space is limited, I would recommend reading The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel. Jason Gayoway Faculty
Do You Have Any Tips For Easier Bible Reading?
Can We Trust the Authenticity of the Bible?
Even the Bible says that the Bible can be difficult to read! Peter admitted that his beloved brother Paul wrote letters “in which are some things hard to understand” (2 Pe 3:16). This might be one of those times when Peter said out loud what we were all thinking. Here are two thoughts on what you can do to make the Bible easier to read. A paraphrase like ‘The Living Bible,’ when read beside a literal translation like the NASB, can loosen up tight language. Paraphrases are often based on paragraphs and can help us not to get fixated on complex words or sentences but read larger chunks for context and clarity. One of the reasons it can be hard to read the Bible is the expectation that it requires a stack of other books. Lexicons and commentaries are valuable but if they pose an obstacle for you, try your own on-board equipment. When we read out loud our brains automatically go to work sorting out what the text is supposed to sound like. You might see the words in monotone but you will not say them that way for long! Sound draws out important words, blocks off phrases and lists, and connects rhythm to meaning. Try speaking a paragraph of Scripture out loud, you might be surprised by what you have to say!
For most followers of Jesus, the belief in the authenticity of Scriptures (2 Tim 3:16) is unquestioned. That said, in recent times, the trustworthiness of the Bible is being questioned by critics. The main arguments are related to the notion that numerous scribal errors were made during the repetitive copying of biblical manuscripts over time1, but do these arguments make the Bible untrustworthy? Here are three assurances: 1. The original manuscripts that eventually became our Bible were used and widely circulated for a long period of time even before the first copies were made (often preserved for 150 to 500 years before being discarded).2 This certainly strengthens the reliability of Scripture. 2. There are only a handful of disputed texts in the Scriptures, two major ones would be Mark 16:9-20 and John 7:53-8:11. Disputes over the authenticity of these two texts are often used as evidence that there may be many more texts that are also inauthentic. However, this argument is purely speculative. 3. Most importantly, our Bibles do include textual variants, but none of these variants significantly alter any of our Christian theology and practice. The Bible can be trusted.
Scott Butler Faculty
Email: prbi@prbi.edu to submit your questions.
Dan Ikenouye Pastor of Clairmont Community Church & Adjunct Faculty at PRBI
[1] Bart D. Ehrman, Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why, 89. [2] Craig Blomberg, Can We Still Believe the Bible, 34.
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President’s Message: Waldie Neufeld
Student Spotlight This past year I did my internship in the country that the Human Development Index (HDI) rates as the lowest country in the world in terms of life expectancy, literacy, education, standards of living, child welfare, and quality of life – Niger, West Africa.1 Extreme conditions make living and thriving in Niger nearly impossible. It is fair to say that Niger is the hardest or nearly the hardest place in the world to live. With that in mind, I wondered what impact a Canadian girl teaching math, French, and personal hygiene, at a sewing school for girls could have in a place like Niger? This type of question lurks in the heart and mind of every international worker, no matter how much people consider them successful. Questions or not we are called to service. The following is a story of a time when I learned that my questions did not have to be answered for God to work. It all began to make sense when I met a little boy named Jimmy. 11
Kerri-Jo Fehr
It was before dawn one morning as I walked out onto the street in front of my house. The sand slid out from underneath my feet as I headed towards Jimmy’s house, wondering if that day he would receive the much needed medical help he required. You see, Jimmy desperately needed surgery. He had an infection that tore away at his femur, creating a gaping abscess that was causing him unimaginable pain and discomfort. After picking up Jimmy from his home, we walked towards the main road to catch an overcrowded taxi to the hospital. I had to go with Jimmy because his family had no idea of what there was to fight for when it came to Jimmy’s health. If I had just given the money instead of being there to come to Jimmy’s aid the family would have used all the money to buy food. Nothing would have been left for Jimmy’s medical needs. After our long journey to the hospital we realized that our journey was all for naught. The doctors
What My Internship Taught Me were on strike. We went back to Jimmy’s house and tried again and again, but to no avail. I felt useless and wanted to give up. There was nothing left for me to do. What I learned from my time in Niger is that sadly, I can’t save anyone from poverty or sickness (only God is mighty to save) but God still wants me to take care of them no matter what the outcome. Thankfully, in Jimmy’s case he finally did get the surgery, not because of anything people consciously did, but because God opened up a door in an unexpected place. Even after this victory, I could not fix all of his family’s problems. It was difficult to only be able to help Jimmy and not the rest of his family. There was still the need for food, as well as an epileptic boy and a blind boy that needed help. Every day I had to come to the point of recognizing who God was and who I was. I had to trust that whether or not I saw God working, He was saving people from their situations and their sin.
No matter how confusing things got and how many tough questions about life and God I had, I realized that God was in control, even in a place like Niger. Even more, I recognized afresh that I have a part to play. As James 1:27 says, “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” It’s quite a blessing to learn these lessons and I’m looking forward to what God will teach me this year at PRBI. Kerri-Jo is in her fourth year of the Bachelor of Religious Education with a Global Ministries major. After spending a year in Niger, Kerri-Jo has returned to PRBI where she is a Care Leader and an avid crocheter.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_ by_Human_Development_Index#Low_human_ development
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President’s Message: Waldie Neufeld
Development Message Let me tell you about Joe (at least we will call him Joe to protect his anonymity). One thing you should know about Joe is that he is one of the friendlier people I have ever met—and I only met him once at our local soccer club. Really the story all begins when my co-worker, Nolan, and I were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the soccer club caretaker. You see, we had a youth event to set up for at the indoor soccer pitch, and we were pressed for time. When the caretaker, Joe, arrived, we were relieved and eager to get started on our setup. Little did we know that Joe was a bit of a talker, a friendly man, which resulted in an unexpected amount of chit chat for someone you just met for the first time. “So where are you guys from?” Joe asked. “PRBI, in Sexsmith.” Nolan and I said in unison. It was almost immediately that Joe’s whole demeanor changed towards us. He lit up. “Do you know so and so?” Joe said. “What about the really short, but extremely loud fan, do you know her?” 13
Jeremy Johnston
“How about the one from Saskatchewan?” Some of his clues took some guess work, but each time we would figure it out. With a smile on his face, Joe began telling us about how our students, the soccer team, had deeply impacted his life. Little did Joe know, our setup time was dwindling. After we had talked awhile, Joe was noticeably more comfortable with us, and he began telling us about a time at the soccer club when PRBI was playing a game. “My phone rang and I just knew something bad happened,” Joe said. “I was told by a family member that my dear brother had suddenly died that afternoon and I was devastated. The trouble was,” Joe said, “that I could not leave the soccer club since I was the only one working that night.” Devastated, Joe carried on with his work that evening, but one of our students could tell there was something wrong so they asked Joe how he was doing. With tears in his eyes Joe said to our student, “It’s my brother, he died today.” Filled
“Lord, Bring Us Some Joe’s” with compassion, the student decided to pray and spend time with Joe. Touched by this gesture of kindness from a mere acquaintance, Joe indicated that this moment deeply impacted his life and he could not express to us how grateful he was for our students. Joe even went on to suggest that the soccer team’s influence on his life may just inspire him to go back to church one day. All this impact on a guy who didn’t even play sports. What I was reminded of by my encounter with Joe was that there is an incredible opportunity afforded to us when we involve ourselves in things like community sports and fitness. You see, it is not just about playing soccer, volleyball, basketball, or even the great Canadian game of hockey for that matter. What it is all about is being involved in others’ lives and putting ourselves in situations that give us the opportunity to impact others for eternity. Oddly enough, my time with Joe reminded me of my Dad.
One thing you should know about my Dad is that he loves baseball and so do I. As a kid I was fortunate enough to be able to play minor baseball and have my Dad as my coach for many of those years. For over 20 years Dad coached, umpired, and served as the President of West Kelowna Minor Baseball. Perhaps most importantly he also befriended many people at the ballpark over the years. What I am only beginning to realize now is that being at the ballpark for my Dad was more than just about the game of baseball. Sure he does love baseball, but it was all about building relationships— the ballpark was Dad’s mission field. Dad modeled to me that sports can be a means to something bigger—an opportunity to share Jesus with those who have not yet heard. I think it’s fair to say that my Dad, as well as PRBI, modeled this type of ministry to my sister, because as it turns out, my sister was the PRBI student who prayed for Joe that day at the soccer club. 14
Meeting Joe and reflecting on my Dad’s ballpark ministry helped me to begin to dream about what our new gymnasium and community fitness centre could become. I began to imagine how many lives our students will be able to touch as they interact with our community, on our campus, in this new facility. I began to envision lives being transformed right here on our campus as relationships are formed while lifting weights or playing basketball. What an opportunity and responsibility we have to be good witnesses for Jesus. Really, PRBI’s new gym and community fitness centre is a tool. It represents an opportunity that our students will have to share the Gospel with our community. Would you consider praying for us as we lay the groundwork for how our fitness centre will run? Would you pray for a suitable Athletics Department Manager with a big vision to make the most of the opportunity that we have in front us to reach the lost for Jesus. Pray for “Joe’s” to come onto our campus. Pray for our students, staff, and alumni, that they would capture the same kind of vision that my Dad and sister have modeled to me. To date, we need to raise approximately $1,000,000 to complete the fundraising for this new building. Perhaps God would lead you to partner with us in this opportunity to see lives changed through our new facility. Is God leading you to partner with us? Pray with us, “Lord bring us some Joe’s.” Jeremy Johnston Director of Development Jeremy (g ‘09) has been on staff at PRBI since 2009. He and his wife Leah have a two-year old son, Jasper, and are expecting their second child in December.
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I LOVE T H I S P L AC E
GET INVOLVED Please fill out the response card to the right for more information or to indicate how you would like to make an impact.
Please mail to: Peace River Bible Institute PO Box 99 Sexsmith, AB T0H 3C0
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Designation: Ongoing Ministry Needs Campus Development New Gym Project Student Aid
I would like to: Receive monthly Prayer Alerts Name on Card: ___________________________________ Receive information on Signature: ______________________________________ starting a scholarship/bursary Receive information about You can also give online at www.prbi.edu/give Legacy Giving Expiry Date (MM/YY): _____________
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Financial Update Peace River Bible Institute Statement of Operations and Budget July 2014 - Jun 2015 (unaudited) Revenue Student Fees & Other Programs
Annual Budget
% of Budget To Date
995,628
1,084,300
60,579
35,650
Rental Income
214,022
241,224
89%
Donations - Undesignated Donations - Designated Total Donations
735,723 96,241 831,964
630,000 82,800 712,800
117%
Sales & Non-Program Fees & Services
Special Projects
17,100
-
Interest Income
41,587
13,000
Total Revenue
2,160,880
2,086,974
Expenses
Expenses To Date
Annual Budget
92%
104%
% of Budget To Date
Academics
419,622
416,999
101%
Student Life
301,814
271,867
111%
Food Services
258,092
272,727
95%
Promotion & Development
298,636
296,162
101%
Admissions
149,873
157,842
95%
Administration
575,573
527,466
109%
Facilities & Maintenance
108,435
141,232
77%
Student Aid
19,802
-
Special Projects
18,279
-
Total Expenses
2,150,127
2,084,295
10,754
2,679
Net Income (Loss) Excludes Amortization Expense 17
Income To Date
103%
Admissions Each person coming to PRBI this year has chosen to attend because someone told them of the necessity, the impact, the life change, the adventure, or the spiritual growth that they would experience at PRBI. All have had the support of someone around them, often a trusted voice who encouraged them to commit to at least a year of Bible College. Though this is part of my job as Recruitment Manager, it is still a thrill when I am able to be that someone in a prospective student’s life. This summer while sharing about PRBI at Bear Lake Bible Camp, I played our promotional video, which highlights one of our current married students experience at PRBI. Our video captured the attention of a young married woman who was cabin leading at camp that week. After the presentation, she approached me and asked several questions about PRBI. You see, she and her husband felt called to attend Bible College, but she did not realize that it was possible for a married student to attend, until she watched our video. She thought that they had missed their opportunity altogether to attend since they were no longer single! We were able to chat through some of their thoughts and questions quickly. Two days later she applied and she is attending PRBI this fall! Simply presenting them with the opportunity, opened the door and to her surprise she discovered we actually wanted to see them come and grow with us. For a married couple to decide to come that quickly is extremely rare. God was at work in their hearts long before the opportunity came for me to enter in and encourage them towards coming to PRBI! Notice that it took a simple conversation
to make the desire God placed in their hearts possible. We all do have a part to play. As disciples of Jesus, we need to have conversations that point people towards a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ. Often that will mean that we need to point young adults towards PRBI where they will have the opportunity to deepen their faith and establish a firm foundation. Will you join us in having conversations with young people that encourage them to attend PRBI?
Nolan Dyck Recruitment Manager Nolan joined the PRBI Team in 2012 after completing four years. On his days off, he can be found riding motorbikes, reading, or at Starbucks.
Coming to a Town Near You!
Our Admissions Team would love an opportunity to share about PRBI with your group or individual(s). Contact admissions@prbi.edu or 1-800-959-PRBI (7724)
October 26 – 28 Kelowna
November 4 – 5 Lower Mainland BC
November 8 – 14 Central and Northern BC
November 29 – December 5 Edmonton and area 18
2015-2016 Freshmen
Please pray for the Freshmen class of 2015–2016.
ENROLLMENT UPDATE
FRESHMEN: 42
UPPERCLASSMEN: 45
PART-TIME: 7
FULL TIME EQUIVALENT: 90.7
MEN: 51
WOMEN: 43
PRBI Team Members 2015-2016 Back Row: Colleen Hiebert, Kim Cairns, Jason Gayoway, Nolan Dyck, Jeremy Johnston, Darrel Schmidt, John Bell, Dave Groff, Shane Dell Middle Row: Emma Hanet, Shelley Martindale, Ruth Willis, Sharon Neufeld, Rebekah Brisbin, Jill Gayoway, Kathryn Wood, Adeline Willems Front Row: Waldie Neufeld, Scott Butler, Alex Gao, Cornie Giesbrecht, Brad Cowie, Brody Klassen Missing from Photo: Megan Deal, Darrell Gerber (medical leave), Anne Laursen
Moving In and Moving On Welcome Scott Butler (Faculty), Alex Gao (Associate Director of Administrative Services), Cornie Giesbrecht (Maintenance Manager), Dave Groff (Executive Assistant), Colleen Hiebert (Kitchen Administrator), and Anne Laursen (Admissions Manager) to the PRBI Team. Thank you Dustin Burlet, Hanna Bussemeier, Camille Demers, Sandra Ford, Janet Gibbs, Eddie Hall, Wanda Penner, Kate Potter, Ron Reynolds, and Caleb Semenyna for your excellent service on the PRBI Team. God bless you as you continue to serve Him elsewhere. 20
College News GYM PROJECT UPDATE
The construction of the gym continues to move forward. Our contractor, K & M Building Contractors, have been working hard to keep this project on schedule. The anticipated completion date is April 2016 and will likely be open to the public September 2016.
SUMMER PROJECTS
Our summers at PRBI are always filled up with various maintenance projects and this summer is no exception! Take a look‌ Our campus is looking particularly attractive these days thanks to the gardening of Louise Von Zuben.
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Upgrades to The Meeting Place (the former Bookstore).
Much needed new desks were installed in the Women’s Dorm.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
This year we have no changes to our Board of Directors. Members of the Board of Directors are as follows: (top left) Abe Braun, Les Derksen (Board Chair), Ruth Enns, Don Warkentin, Dennis Landis, Travis Toews, Richard Smith, and Graham Plett. May the Lord bless their leadership through another year. 22 22
MISSION TEAM REPORT
Bethany, a student (left), and Rebekah, a staff member (right), joined a mission team from ActionVentures that travelled to Uganda in August.
The gospel was presented through skits, music, and other art forms.
Bethany commented, “Uganda taught me that communication with God must be priority in my everyday life.”
Rebekah shared, “What struck me most about the Ugandan believers was their incredible love for one another, and how they were committed to putting the interests of others above their own—something I’m definitely trying to emulate and improve on.”
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come see for
BEFORE YOU DECIDE
eview 2016
March 10-12
Grade 10+ admissions@prbi.edu
(A child called Charity, that is)
What if you had one more child in your family – would that child also be included in your estate? The example below illustrates a charitable giving option many people are adopting to leave a lasting legacy to both their heirs and charities dear to their hearts. Whether your estate is big or small, there are only three places you can direct assets at the time of death – > Loved Ones > Taxes and Fees > Charities you Care About Whether or not you have children, adding a Child called Charity as a beneficiary to your estate redirects money to charities of your choice that would otherwise go to taxes. For those who have a lifetime pattern of giving, it is natural to include charity in your estate plan. Estate to your children
Include an additional ‘child’
Your
Your
$500,000*
$500,000*
Estate
Estate
$146,000 TO CHILD 1
$167,000 TO CHILD 1
$146,000 TO CHILD 2
$167,000 TO CHILD 2 $167,000 TO CHILD 3
$146,000 TO CHILD 3 * after taxes
$125,000 TO CHARITIES
(The math is not wrong – call and ask about the simplicity and impact of using the Child called Charity to create a lasting legacy)
Our partners at ADVISORS with Purpose have created hundreds of custom-built estate plans for donors just like you, helping them leave a legacy with eternal significance. Call 1-866-336-3315 today to speak to an estate specialist—this service is provided at no cost or obligation to PRBI’s supporters.
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Alumni & Staff News BIRTHS
KIRSCHNER, Josh & Ashlee (nee: Aitken, g ‘09, Staff, ‘09–’10) We are delighted to announce the arrival of our precious baby girl, Eliza Aman. Born on November 28, 2014, she immediately brought much joy and life into a dreary winter. Big brother, Kaiden, is probably her number one fan and best protector; we love seeing the two of them interact with each other. We are eagerly anticipating seeing how God will shape both their lives. THIELMANN, Andrew (g ‘13) & Anna (nee: Neudorf, g ‘13) We are pleased to announce the birth of our baby girl, Kayla Marie. She was born on August 3. She is a sister to Joshua, who loves being a big brother! We thank God that Kayla is growing and healthy. Our prayer for her is that she would be a wise and discerning woman who loves the Lord.
UPDATES
GERBER, Darrell (Staff ‘95-present, Medical Leave) Can’t believe it was six years ago that I was told I had terminal cancer. Lots of water has gone under the bridge—many ups and downs, gains and losses. Many have lost their battle during those years, only the Lord knows why I have not succumbed to this disease. Two years ago now I joined the drug study not knowing what was to come. I am still amazed at how it has attacked the cancer within. Here’s to the year ahead, the continuing journey into the unknown, the struggle to remain fixed on the prize and see the light of the Lord.
WEDDINGS
BULMER, Joshua & Alina (nee: Voisky, ug ‘12) Married March 7, 2015. Now living in Grande Prairie, Alberta, we have been able to buy a house and are blessed by the many gifts God has given to us. Josh is currently working as a Mechanic at Integra Tire/Cap-It and I am working as a Event Manager at Western Event Rentals. We are both involved in worship ministry at Grande Prairie Alliance Church and enjoy the community we have there. We are excited to see what the Lord has in store for us!
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DERKSEN, Darren (ug ‘06) & Kristen (nee: McMahon, g ‘15) were married on June 13, 2015. They are currently living in Sexsmith. Darren works as a mechanic at Norlan Chrysler and Kristen works as a barista at 55a Kaffee. They are enjoying the beginnings of their new life together.
WITH THE LORD
MONTGOMERY, Cheryl Ann (nee: Berreth, g ‘76, Staff, ‘75–’76) Cheryl was a prairie farm girl from the Torrington, Alberta, area. Cheryl was born June 19, 1953, and passed away July 2, 2015. She accepted Jesus as her Saviour at Gull Lake Bible Camp in Alberta when she was nine years old. In grade 10, the family moved up north to the Peace country to farm. After high school she spent three years working in Peace River. From 1973 to 1976 Cheryl attended PRBI where she met Roy Montgomery. They were married on June 7, 1975. Together they had three children and buried two. Cheryl poured herself into the ministry of being a pastor’s wife. Together they served in three Alberta churches; DeBolt, Leslieville, and Millet. Cheryl worked with Pioneer Girls, Bible Camps, Kids Clubs, and VBS where she used the activities of teaching songs, playing games, and craft projects to love and befriend many children. Cheryl enjoyed singing in choirs as well as the Ladies’ Double Trio in Leslieville. Cheryl leaves to mourn her husband Roy, daughter Tabitha (Tyler) Hanson and three grandsons as well as her mother, Lily Berreth, brother, Glen (Audrey) Berreth, and sister-in-law Iris Berreth. SAWATZKY, Helena (nee: Wiens, g ‘45) was born in Dawlekanowa, Russia, on October 12, 1922. She was born second in a family of 6 children. As life was not easy in Russia, at age 2 the family moved to Mexico, and then in 1927 moved to the Peace River to homestead. It was while attending a home Bible study group that Helena accepted Jesus into her life. Helena was very musical. She played piano, accordion, guitar, autoharp as well as enjoyed singing. Helena attended, and graduated from PRBI (1940–41, 1942–45). Following graduation Helena worked for a mission board in Toronto, Ontario. It was at that time that through a friend from church she met John Sawatzky. They were married July 27, 1951. They began farming in the Waldheim/Hepburn, Saskatchewan area and eventually moved to Maidstone, Saskatchewan. God blessed them with six children. Helena enjoyed gardening, teaching musical instruments, and making (and selling) crafts. Helen’s husband John passed away in 2012, and her son Daniel in 1986. Helena passed away May 26, 2015 at the age of 92. She is mourned by her children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. 28
WILSON, Elizabeth (nee: Friebel, g ‘46) was born in Consort, Alberta, on December 9, 1921, the fifth child to Paul and Antonie Friebel. Life on the farm was rugged and hard but the children learned not only to work but to memorize scripture earning themselves a free week at camp each summer. At age 10 Elizabeth gave her heart to the Lord. She enjoyed many books that her mother had brought over from Germany. The book “The Pastor’s House in India” made an indelible impression on her and she believed the Lord to be showing her that she was to go to India. Elizabeth was a student at PRBI from 1943 to 1946. She then worked in India with India Mission for 20 years. On August 15, 1957, Elizabeth married John Wilson, a widower with four grown children. They continued in ministry together until John’s retirement in 1973. They returned to Canada and settled in Three Hills, Alberta. For the next 14 years Elizabeth helped on staff at Prairie Bible College. After almost 20 years of marriage John passed away in 1987. Elizabeth enjoyed many volunteer ministries in senior care as well as the time she spent with the Horticultural Society. Elizabeth is survived by her younger sister and brother, and John’s two daughters and their families, with whom she had a very warm relationship.
Email us at development@prbi.edu to submit your updates.
If you know of an alumni who has passed away, please let us know.
COMING EVENTS October 22–23 Global Ministries Conference
March 10–12 eView
February 5 Circle of Friends
April 23 Graduation Ceremony
About PRBI About PRBI: PRBI is a Canadian Degree Granting Bible College in Sexsmith, Alberta, founded in 1933. PRBI is known for quality academics and its highly relational culture that purposefully fosters an atmosphere of spiritual growth. PRBI has a distinct commitment to train students in a thorough knowledge of the Word of God and to train students to become disciple-makers whether at home or abroad. PRBI’s educational model purposefully integrates the academic learning experience with an experiential learning component making us a Bible College for life. Vision Statement: To train believers to become disciple-makers who know God, model His character, and are able to build into others the life-changing principles of God’s Word.
CONTACT US www.prbi.edu prbi@prbi.edu 780-568-3962
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The TRUMPET is the magazine of Peace River Bible Institute that is comprised of contributions from faculty, staff, alumni, and students who are passionate about making disciples in their churches and communities. Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are from the Holy Bible, New American Standard Bible (Copyright 1995 by The Lockman Foundation). All rights reserved. If you would have any comments please email us at development@prbi.edu. Printed in Canada.
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leave a LEGACY make DISCIPLES For over 80 years, our graduates have been making a difference around the world. Continue the tradition of preparing young people to minister in the church and workplace by leaving a legacy to PRBI in your will. Call our partners at ADVISORS with Purpose today to speak to an estate specialist—this service is provided at no cost or obligation to PRBI’s supporters (1-866-336-3315), or contact stewardship@prbi.edu for more information.