PRBI Trumpet - Spring 2015

Trumpet S p r i n g

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Connecting Students to the Life–Changing Journey

Holding Forth the Word of Life

President’s Message In my last article, I began exploring the significance of PRBI’s vision statement and its relevance for our current world and current students. But the article focused only on the main idea of the vision statement (i.e. “to train believers to become disciple-makers”). This article will focus on the three relative clauses that follow the main idea, which are “who know God, model His character, and are able to build into others the lifechanging principles of God’s Word.” The vision statement was designed to bring about maturity.

We, at the college, have appreciated the work put forth by the sub-committee who originally put the vision statement together in 199899. Knowing the challenge of writing a short, coherent, yet complete vision statement, we sure want to thank them.

The committee included then president Reuben Kvill, Sharon Neufeld as the Development Director, Harald Heuge also 1

from the Development Department, and Bob Peters from the Board. This vision statement still crafts our present direction and flavour of the college. Now back to our vision statement, or more specifically, the last three relative clauses.

Each relative clause moves staff and students forward in their lives to maturity in Jesus Christ. Since God calls us forward to rule and subdue (Ge 1:26-27) and to be in relationship with Him and others (Mt 22:37-39), we must actively engage in our relationship with Jesus Christ. We cannot strongly move into our world or towards God and others, without first moving upward towards God (Mt 22:37-39), then inward to address our self-centeredness (Mk 8:3435; Ep 4:22-24), and then outward towards God’s mandate (Mt 28:18-20).

So our three relative clauses flesh out this maturing process. The first relative clause is “who know God”—an upward movement towards a relationship with

Connecting Students to the Life–Changing Journey God. Since God is infinite, we can never say we know Him completely. Thus, we focus on bringing them before the Father; to the reality that they are accepted, loved, and belong. A Christian’s first movement is always upward, a call towards God. Jesus stated, that we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind (Mt 22:37), that we are to know Him.

The challenge of course is that our first inclination as believers is not upward or Godward, but rather downward, towards the selfish desires of our heart (Ga 5:15; Je 17:9). Though we may put voice to a desire to seek God, our actions betray us and reveal our natural inclination to go against God (Mk 7:20-22). Our earthly responses, our self-centered desires, have driven deep ruts into our minds that take the Spirit’s power and grace (Ro 8:13) to release us and help us create new pathways in our minds (Ro 12:2).

The old pathways of the mind take clear identification (2 Co 10:5), a clear choice to

step out of the rut, and a clear faith choice to “put on the new self” (Ep 4:22-24). Paul beckons us onto new pathways.

We will not begin to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind, without first addressing our first love. Do I love God or do I love self, which gets expressed in numerous ways every day. For this reason, Jesus began exactly with this issue when he first taught the disciples. In Mk 3:20-35, especially 33-35, after having just selected the twelve, He begins with the whole issue of who will do the will of the Father. The question is who will have authority in their lives, themselves or God. He reminds them that “whoever does the will of the God, he is My brother and sister and mother” (Mk 3:35). The love of God, the upward movement, must come first. We believe that time invested in establishing a student’s own relationship with Jesus Christ is crucial for living life well and for serving others.

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Second, PRBI’s vision statement calls students to “model His character ”—an inward movement.

The inward movement focuses on the whole issue of dying to oneself (Mk 8:34-25).

And so the battle continues to escalate!

Paul identified this well when he pointed out, “for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate” (Ro 7:15b). The journey of modeling our lives after Jesus Christ begins each day, one step of faith at a time. To model Jesus’ character, we need community to help us expose the inconsistencies in our thinking, actions, etc. (Ga 6:1-2). If I push back against people poking at me, even rightly, I am exposed. Why am I surprised when they push back! Growing in spiritual maturity will always be an ongoing saga.

We believe that spiritual growth, becoming more like Jesus Christ, works best in the context of relationships.

Jesus chose twelve men to be “with Him” (Mk 3:14) and Paul wrote the Corinthians “To be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Co 11:1). Further, Paul’s words, teaching, reproof, correction, and training (2 Tm 3:16), require some sort of connection with others. A relationship bounded with grace and truth brings the warmth and safety that encourages disciples to grow in their faith.

As students, and we, become conformed into the image of Jesus Christ (Cl 1:28), students become the sweet 3

aroma and fragrance of Christ among those who are perishing (2 Co 2:14-15).

One recent mission rep said to me, our organization needs people who become a faithful presence in the communities where they are planted. But knowing God and becoming a faithful presence also needs to be mixed with adequate training.

So third, PRBI’s vision statement calls students to be “able to build into others the life-changing principles of His Word”—an outward movement. We are not done, as the author of Hebrews implied, until they are teachers (He 5:12).

Training and equipping is necessary for the equipping of God’s saints (Ep 4:13-16) so they can fulfill His mandate (Mt 28:18-20).

The training required to equip the saints for ministry often becomes the focus of what a Bible College does, but PRBI has long since argued that the three-way focus, upward, inward, and outward, becomes very necessary for impacting our world for Christ.

We believe a solid understanding of God’s Word, the Bible, has the answers to life and equips us to know God, walk in His truth, and serve others in grace and truth. Students need to get to know the God of the Bible, they need to know how to interpret the Bible, and they need to know how to live the Word. To assist them in this journey, they need authentic mentoring relationships and opportunities to share Jesus Christ, so they can grow in their faith and learn to make God known wherever they go.

A life lived following Jesus Christ has lasting meaning and impact. The challenge of course is developing an authentic relationship with Him. As we get to know Jesus, our character grows to be like His and we take on His heart of service. We believe a life of service reflects Jesus’ character and is an expression of our love for Him. At PRBI, we provide students with practical opportunities to explore their gifting, to explore their place in Jesus Christ’s kingdom.

Would you walk with us as we seek to connect students to the lifechanging journey of coming to know God? His transformative power

by His Word and Spirit work wonders in student lives, as they engage with Him. You are a vital part of this transforming process.

Would you specifically help us through prayer (i.e. that students would be teachable and we would be sensitive to the Spirit) and through your ongoing investment in students. Would you be willing to assist in this transformative opportunity this spring as we conclude one school season and prepare for another?

Waldie Neufeld, Ph.D. President Waldie has been at PRBI for 24 years. He especially enjoys teaching the Gospel of Mark on disciple-making. He and his wife, Sharon, have four children and 13 grandchildren.

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From Our Faculty On the values page of the PRBI website it is stated that, “PRBI is committed to: Teaching the Word of God through strong biblical academics.” Our faculty work hard to provide quality academics for our students; they continue to study in their fields so that they can pass on current and relevant knowledge. Yet as much as we desire to pass on this knowledge it is not our end goal as an academic institution.

Without diminishing the quality of our academics we strive for a larger goal than transferring knowledge. Our objective is also stated on our website, “Academics at PRBI are designed to help you establish your relationship with Jesus Christ, understand what it means to become a follower, and learn how to take others through the same process.”

How do we achieve this goal? What does discipleship in the classroom look like?

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Kim Cairns

It is Intentional It has been said, “No plan is a plan.” If the faculty do not plan for discipleship in most cases it will not happen. So then, in addition to reading, writing, and preparing the information for their courses the faculty must consider how they will incorporate discipleship into their lectures and assignments.

Dan Ikenouye, one of our adjunct faculty likened teaching in the classroom to a bus tour. To paraphrase him, much is covered in a tour but to make the trip memorable one needs to also get off the bus at times and look around. As part of their courses, faculty must intentionally plan to make stops along the way so that the students have opportunity to take the information from their heads into their hearts. Moving information from head to heart can happen with a good question, a planned discussion or an assignment that takes them beyond acquiring knowledge to application.

Discipleship in the Classroom It is Holy Spirit Directed The key element of the discipleshipmaking process is inviting the Holy Spirit into our academics. The effectiveness of discipleship depends on the Holy Spirit’s direction. Without the Spirit’s anointing the class becomes a mere academic exercise. It is not only the faculty who need the Spirit’s anointing in teaching, but the students also need His grace in learning.

Faculty must remain alert to the direction of the Holy Spirit as they prepare and deliver their course material. With the Holy Spirit’s participation they will not simply fall into teaching the same material again and again but each class and each year provides a new opportunity to see God at work in the students’ lives. Knowing our material is important but equally important is knowing our students and praying for them. Listening for the question that unlocks a discipleship moment and keeping our office doors

open to their inquiries help faculty build in a discipleship component to the student– teacher relationship.

It is Relational Discipleship in the classroom involves more than an effective presentation. It is life on life. The faculty seek to model what they are teaching. Sometimes that means admitting when we are wrong and asking for forgiveness. Once after showing my impatience with a class, I knew I had not represented Christ well in that situation. I asked the class for forgiveness and later I received a note from a student expressing their appreciation for the apology. The student went on to explain that they never had a male authority figure in their life ever ask for forgiveness. Indeed, a humbling moment for me but a reminder that discipleship is more than words, it is also example.

The faculty strive to heed Paul’s instruction to Timothy in their teaching.

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Watch your life and doctrine closely. most comfortable experience initially, and Persevere in them, because if you do, you in some cases it takes time and repeated will save both yourself efforts to overcome, but “Without the Spirit’s in most cases we are and your hearers (I Tm 4:16). Earlier in the anointing the class encouraged by the signs same chapter Paul urges of transformation and becomes a mere progress we witness.

Timothy . . . but set an example in life, speech, academic exercise.” The student’s growth encourages us to keep love, faith and purity (I Tm 4:12b). As a faculty I am acutely aware of at the task of discipleship even if it is how much talking I do in the classroom. sometimes challenging.

It gives me pause to ask, “Am I walking It is Unexpected (at times) the talk?”

Normally we would expect that the best discipleship moments come out of our It is Uncomfortable (at times) To my knowledge grading student Bible courses. It is true that these courses assignments is not the preferred activity provide some great opportunities, but it of any faculty and that might be under has been my experience that discipleship stating the point! But grading assignments opportunities also pop up in other types is part of the academic experience that of classes.

Classes that focus on relationships cannot be avoided. In our context it also can be an avenue of discipleship as faculty like Christian Life Development, People patiently help students see where they Helping, and Family Studies often provide students an opportunity to explore how can improve and grow.

We can contribute to their life and relationships intersect with their discipleship when we encourage their faith. The assignments in these courses efforts and affirm the direction they are intentionally designed to stimulate are taking in their studies. That is personal growth in faith, spirituality, and obviously a comfortable experience. relationships with God and others.

An unexpected place where Walking with a student in their mistakes and occasional failures also provides discipleship takes place is in our general a significant discipleship opportunity, studies courses like Sociology, Philosophy, albeit sometimes an uncomfortable one. and History. One would not immediately In working with a student our goal is to think that these courses would lend not only help them raise their grades but themselves to discipleship. However, we also find opportunities to address these courses all deal with worldviews other issues they might be dealing and developing a Christian worldview is with which are affecting their studies. fundamental to the life of discipleship. As Very rarely is the issue of poor grades worldviews are critiqued and a Christian purely an academic one. In most cases worldview is presented, students are given other life issues are competing for the opportunities to clarify what it means to student’s attention. It might be a broken follow Christ in society. Courses like these relationship, a habit that is defeating help them identify where they have been them or some form of rebellion against influenced by a non-Christian worldview God and other authority figures. Wading and what needs to change to more into a student’s issues may not be the consistently represent Christ in the world.

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A Final Challenge PRBI is “a college for life”. Our goal is to integrate discipleship into all of our academics. We are intentional in our objective but completely dependent on the Holy Spirit’s anointing and guidance to fulfill it. We covet the prayers of our constituency for these God-directed moments in the classroom, the study hall and the office. Pray for our faculty that they will be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s prompting as they prepare and deliver courses. Pray for our students that they will be willing to engage the head and the heart in classes and in their assignments.

In closing, might I encourage you that discipleship outside the classroom can look very similar to discipleship inside it? Incorporating discipleship into the “classroom of life” requires intentionality.

If we do not plan for it in our busy lives it will not happen. It is not merely a human endeavour but only through the direction and power of the Holy Spirit will we grow in our relationship with Christ and our ability to pass Him on to others. It will involve the study of God’s Word but it also requires life on life experiences with other like-minded believers. These life on life encounters will not always be comfortable experiences but sometimes in unexpected

places and with unexpected people God will create the conditions for our growth in discipleship.

God’s plan, both inside and outside the classroom, is “to help us establish our relationship with Jesus Christ, understand what it means to become a follower, and learn how to take others through the same process.”

Kim Cairns Academic Dean Kim has served as a member of the PRBI Team since 2009 and as Academic Dean since 2011. He is married to Kimberly (nee: Tattari, g ‘95) and they have four adult children and three grandchildren.

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Tough Questions How Do I Grow Spiritually After Bible School?

Call it what you will—bubble, boot camp, greenhouse—Bible school creates a uniquely designed and controlled spiritual growth environment that you will not experience after PRBI. However, while we cannot duplicate the Bible school experience, we can apply the same discipleship principles of growth in other forms.

For example, instead of Bible classes, you must find Bible teaching through church, resources, books, podcasts, and personal study. Instead of dorm care groups and staff mentors, intentionally connect with growthminded people in your church, even if they are not your normal social circle.

You might find a mentor, but don’t depend on that—learn to tap into the spiritually hungry community wherever it is available. Hopefully you get the 9

PRBI Faculty

picture: Ask yourself, “What principles fostered spiritual growth at PRBI, and how can I practice those principles in other forms?”

Most of all, realize that no one will create a spiritual growth plan for you. You must pursue God through your own initiative under the Spirit’s guidance.

You must learn to think creatively, act intentionally, and tap proactively into your local church. Bible school trained you for growth, but now you must put that training to work.

Brad Cowie Faculty

Does Truth Change?

How Should a Christian Engage With Today’s Culture?

I recently read a couple questions that went something like this: At what point (if any) can we stop questioning Scripture in one way or another and stand confident in what the Bible says? How solid is ‘truth’ if it is constantly changing?

Let us begin with Scripture. God’s Word is truth (Ps 33:4; Pr 30:5; Jn 17:17).

As such, we can stand confident in the knowledge that because God cannot lie (Tt 1:2), that which is written in Scripture is indeed trustworthy and true (2 Pe 1:21), God breathed (2 Tm 3:16), and shall never pass away (Mt 24:35; Mk 13:31; Lk 21:33).

What about bias? No one can escape it. In the words of John C. Lennox, “our worldviews are of course shaped by experience and reflection. They can and do change—on the basis of sound evidence, one would hope.”1 In short, “the important lesson is that we should be humble enough to distinguish between what the Bible says and our interpretations of it. The biblical text just might be more sophisticated than we first imagined and we might therefore be in danger of using it to support ideas that it never intended to teach.” 2 3

Andy Crouch states that culture is what we make of the world, and that which we create, we seek to share with others.4 Unfortunately, in today’s culture a lot of what is shared with others is not in alignment with God’s Word.

Regardless, in John 17, Jesus prays for his disciples and specifically asks that the Father not remove them from the world—their culture. In other words, Jesus wanted his disciples, us, to engage with people. In fact, Jesus tells us in Matthew 28 to “go forth into all the nations,”—even to the nations with uncomfortable culture. The balance however, as Paul points out in Romans 12, is that we are not to be conformed to the patterns of this world. In other words, we need not embrace the evil in culture, but we must not neglect the people.

Regarding our personal response as disciples, since we are bombarded with our culture, the lure of materialism, promiscuity, even the pursuit of happiness, we must engage by making our own culture based upon God’s Word, and do our best to influence our world for Christ.

Dustin Burlet Faculty

Shane Dell Dean of Men

Email: prbi@prbi.edu to submit your questions.

[1] Lennox, John C., God’s Undertaker: Has Science Buried God?, 13.

[2] Ibid., 25.

[3] For further reading see Kevin DeYoung’s “Taking God at His Word: Why the Bible is Knowable, Necessary, and Enough, and What That Means for You and Me.” [4] Crouch, Andy, Culture Making: Recovering our Creative Calling, 23, 40.

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Reuben Kvill Memorial Dr. Reuben Kvill stepped into the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ on December 17, 2014, in Grande Prairie, Alberta, at the age of 78 years. Many people are grateful that Reuben was in their lives. He will be especially missed by his wife Rose, his children Pamela (Jim) Dittrich, Paul (Stephanie), and Eunice (Doug) Friesen, and his 10 grandchildren.

He began life on the farm but eventually headed down the path of education. It was at Alberta Bible College in Camrose, Alberta, where he met Rose.

They courted through Reuben’s first year at Berean Bible College in Calgary and were married in October of 1963.

Following the wedding, he completed his education at Berean. In 1965, they returned to Metiskow, Alberta, and fulltime farming. When Reuben felt called “off the tractor and into ministry,” he moved the family to Manitoba to attend Winnipeg Bible College (now Providence University) in Otterburne. Upon his 11

1936–2014

graduation with a Bachelor of Theology, he was invited to return to Berean, this time as an instructor. During his years teaching at Berean, Reuben continued his education by attending summer school in Otterburne where he completed his Master of Divinity.

In 1983, Reuben accepted a position on the faculty at PRBI and moved up to Grande Prairie. His steadfastness and his faithfulness to the word of God earned him the office of President, which he held until 2002. After that, he served PRBI as Chancellor, with many miles travelled for the college. Reuben spent twenty some years of his working life here at PRBI, for which we are very thankful. We also want to thank Rose for her support along the way.

More than all his other degrees and awards combined, Reuben was most honoured in 2002 to have conferred upon him a honourary Doctorate of Divinity from Briercrest Family of Schools.

We will remember Reuben for a number of things. We will not quickly forget Reuben’s sense of humor. When that grin spread across his face, there was no stopping the tongue till it got out. But we will remember Reuben more for how he always took us to the Word. His Bible was ever ready and his fingers ever willing to turn to passages for answers.

Neither will we forget Reuben’s hospitality when guests came on campus and in his home. He made mission reps and pastors feel at home on campus, creating an atmosphere of hospitality among us all. He would share with them what God was doing with the students and what we were trying to accomplish. Reuben will also be remembered for his redemptive approach to student life, where he sought to match grace and truth. His flavouring in student life philosophy is still very evident today.

But Reuben’s greatest legacy is the vision he crafted for PRBI in the fall of 1989, which was formally passed by the Board in the winter of 1990. As he came on as President in 1989, the Board asked him to re-envision PRBI’s future and he proposed the school should focus on our Lord Jesus Christ’s command to “make disciples.” As Proverbs points out, “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained” or the people perish (Pr 29:18). So we are to plant God’s Word in peoples’ minds which will sprout and take root in the next generation, and so forth (2 Tm 2:2). The vision was not exactly earth shattering, yet in hind sight, profound! As other Bible colleges

set off to gain transfer agreements with universities, Reuben set PRBI on a path to bring students in touch with God, His Word, and His mandate. This one idea has served PRBI well. While other schools have closed, PRBI remains. A future created by a vision. Two secular authors wrote that organizations who create their own ocean to swim in, called “blue ocean strategy,” will survive.1 Red ocean strategy is doing what every other Bible college does.

Further, two Christian authors wrote, “keep it simple,” that’s the only way people will remember.2 Reuben did both. PRBI’s blue ocean strategy focused on making disciples as Jesus commanded, which was profoundly simple. He saw the need for a solid biblical education along with a practical application of the Word of God in student lives. PRBI swims in a blue ocean of simplicity because of Reuben. Thank you Reuben.

Waldie Neufeld President

[1] Kim, W.C. and R. Mauborgne, Blue Ocean Strategy (Boston: Harvard, 2005), 12.

[2] Rainer, T.S. and E. Geiger, Simple Church (Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing, 2011), ix.

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Development Message In the last Trumpet I wrote about 7 kingdom resources we simply must manage; our body (1 Co 6:19), mind (Ro 12:2), tongue (Ja 1:26, 3:1-10), emotions (Ep 4:26-32), time (Ep 5:15-17), spiritual gifts (1 Co 12:4-6), and finances (1 Tm 6:17-19). I proposed the idea that as disciples every kingdom resource decision is a spiritual one, so we must decide how God wants us to manage and use what He has given us in a way that honours Him and impacts our world for Jesus Christ (1 Pe 4:10-11).

As a young child I was known amongst my family of seven as the one with the generous spirit. I was the kind of kid who would give or do anything for anyone. I remember, like it was yesterday, wanting to take my older brother’s punishment of having to go to bed early upon myself so that he did not have to endure it. I do not say this to boast, that’s just the kind of kid I was. As I entered my teenage years my generous spirit seemed to wane. I changed, and 13

Jeremy Johnston

not for the better. I became stingy. Self centered. Inconsiderate. I became a scrooge. Scripture such as, “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (Ga 6:10), no longer reminded people of generous little Jeremy like it once had. Whereas before I would give my toys away to my younger siblings, now I sold them – entrepreneurial yes, but not generous! I remember my mom saying to me “You used to be so generous, what happened?” To be fair, I was still young. But, to be honest, it has not been until recently—this past year— that the Lord has begun changing my heart in this area of my life.

I am beginning to realize that the problem with abundance in any amount is that mismanagement of our treasure can quickly lead to a carnal heart (Lk 12:34).

Further, I am beginning to realize that I have been blessed so that I can bless others and that my treasure is in heaven

We are Blessed to Bless Others (Mt 6:2-4; Lk 12:33). This has been hard for me to accept, but oh so good for my heart.

I recently watched a video series

by Bill Hybel’s called Simplify. One of the featured stories was about a married couple who was financially blessed. While their friends and co-workers would go on elaborate vacations and buy bigger and better things, they did not. They simplified, even though they could afford it! Instead, they set a budget for each month (seemingly less than half of what they made) and stuck to it. They still had more than enough, but did not spend frivolously. They paid off their house and car and did not upgrade to newer bigger models. The money that was left over was used to give away to those in need. They believed so strongly that they were blessed not to bless themselves, but to bless other people, and that is what they did—that is how they lived—that is what they modeled to their children.

To me this is remarkable and worthy of

imitation. As disciples, this is what we are called to. But just like the Rich Young Ruler (Mk 10:17-27), this too can be hard to accept.

One of the great joys of working at PRBI is seeing our students wrestle through and learn that we are truly blessed to bless others! This does take a reorientation of our heats. Our desire is to train Christ-following disciple-makers, who have a significant impact in their communities, churches, and families for Jesus Christ. We seek to provide unique opportunities for our students to accomplish this vision. That is why we do the Winter Carnival in February, and one of the reason we do Circle of Friends in January, Service Projects during Global Ministries Conference in October, Field Education and Practical Work Experience year-round so that our students learn to serve and become generous with their kingdom resources.

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One group of PRBI students that have learned what it means that we are blessed to bless others has consistently been our students who serve on the Sexsmith Fire Department. PRBI has an ongoing agreement with the Sexsmith Fire Department that gives qualified students the opportunity to train and serve as volunteer firefighters while attending PRBI. Here is what a couple of our student Fire Fighters had to say when asked about learning to serve: —“God has taught me that being a blessing to others requires commitment, sacrifice, and a lot of hard work. You really need to put yourself aside to serve others wholeheartedly. Serving at the fire hall has taught me how to love those around me in a much deeper way and provides an excellent opportunity to be a light in people’s lives. It has brought to life what we are taught at PRBI.” — Megan Deal —“One of the biggest things I have learned is that being a blessing one day and not the next, just does not work out very well – especially in firefighting. Firefighting has also provided me an opportunity to put to use what I have learned in the classroom and model Christ to non-Christians.”

— Kyle Gulayets

—“God has taught me that I can serve him in many different ways and it has been great to be able to get involved with our community. Serving on the fire department has helped me find joy in serving our community, and needless to say has given me valuable training.”

— C.J. Wicker Through the last 80 years, PRBI has been blessed by those who know that they are blessed to bless others! I would like to both thank you for your partnership with us, and invite you to continue investing in the lives of young people at PRBI by giving of your kingdom resources. Your investment in our student’s lives is yielding growth for God’s kingdom!

Jeremy Johnston Director of Development Jeremy (g ‘09) has been on staff at PRBI since 2009. He and his wife Leah have a one-year old son, Jasper.

Fill out the survey on the envelope to help us make the Trumpet even better!

2014-2015 Graduates

Please pray for the Graduates of 2014-2015.

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Financial Update Peace River Bible Institute Statement of Operations and Budget July 2014 - January 2015

Revenue Student Fees & Other Programs

Annual Budget

% of Budget To Date

593,409

1,084,300

50,507

35,650

Rental Income

127,685

241,224

53%

Donations - Undesignated Donations - Designated Total Donations

437,326 62,767 500,093

712,800

70%

Sales & Non-Program Fees & Services

Special Projects

17,100

Interest Income

17,776

13,000

Total Revenue

1,306,570

2,086,974

Expenses

Expenses To Date

Annual Budget

55%

63%

% of Budget To Date

Academics

251,648

416,999

60%

Student Life

162,757

271,917

60%

Food Services

155,386

272,727

57%

Promotion & Development

188,099

296,162

64%

98,827

157,842

63%

342,184

527,466

65%

Facilities & Maintenance

69,851

141,232

49%

Special Projects

17,100

Total Expenses

1,285,852

2,084,345

62%

20,718

2,629

Admissions Administration

Net Income (Loss) Excludes Amortization Expense 17

Income To Date

Admissions As we go about recruiting for PRBI it is easy to get caught up in the ideas of trying to do it better, present a new way, communicate more frequently, and in general try to be more effective. Although these things are not wrong in nature, it is easy to take them on as the determining factor as to whether students choose to attend PRBI or not, and forget that the Spirit is the one at work.

Last fall I was on the road for a week representing PRBI at various schools, churches and youth groups. During this trip God used situations almost daily to show me how His Spirit is the one at work, and that in all things He goes ahead of me.

These are things I know, but seem to need reminding of on a consistent basis. Funny how that works, call me an Israelite!

During that trip, I shared about PRBI with a grade 11/12 class. After my presentation, the teacher advocated for Bible College in a strong way. When the class was over he shared with me that earlier that week they as a class had been discussing the value of pursuing time at a Bible College. One of the students had even said to him “I don’t really know of any schools”. Needless to say, we all left encouraged from that meeting! God is at work.

Later that week I met with two teens who had emailed me (with no previous contact) wanting to meet so they could ask questions. Both of them are now coming to eView and plan to apply for September! God is at work.

My final meeting of the week was with a church. A Dad had contacted me asking if I would share with the youth about the value of Bible College. He has a desire to see each of the youth in his

church attend Bible College for at least one year and has made it his mission to passionately share this vision with other parents and youth. He is now bringing a large group of students to eView and his son is planning on applying. Our God is at work. He is the one that goes ahead stirring hearts and by His Spirit, drawing many to Himself. May we each be faithful to what He has called us and to rest knowing His Spirit is the one at work.

Sandra Ford Admissions Manager After graduating from PRBI in 2007, Sandra worked at the college for two years and then returned in January of 2012. Sandra loves being an auntie to her five nieces and three nephews!

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)

March 27 – April 2 Central Alberta

September 22 – October 5 Central/Southern Alberta Saskatchewan

October 26 – 30 Kelowna and area

November 4 – 15 Central and Northern BC 18

College News CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

Circle of Friends was a night filled with excitement for all who attended! The dramas, varied music, Waldie’s speech (to listen, visit: http://www.prbi.edu/ChapelMessages), student testimonies, and of course the food were all noted as highlights. If you were unable to attend, make sure to mark us on your 2016 calendar. You will not want to miss it!

This year we had nearly 40 sponsors who gave over $19,000 to make this event possible. In addition, we received over $50,000 in donations that evening! We are so thankful to God for how he continues to provide for PRBI.

CAMP DAYS

Camp Days is one of the ways we continue to partner with Bible camps specifically by connecting them with our students for summer ministry. The Camp Reps are telling us that PRBI’s Camp Days is one of the best that any of the colleges put on.

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SPORTS TEAMS UPDATE

Our sports teams continue to play at competitive levels in Grande Prairie. Here are a few highlights from each team this year: Men’s Hockey – The team has experienced success in both hockey skills and character development. They have 18 wins, 5 losses, 1 tie, and are going to Salmon Arm, British Columbia, for a tournament at the end of March.

Women’s Basketball – This is a determined group of ladies, and because of this there has been significant growth on and off the court.

Men’s Soccer – This team, made up of alumni and students, is currently in the quarter finals of the playoffs.

Women’s Soccer – This group of students and alumni have come together to help grow each other in their walk with God. Their record is 10 wins to 14 losses.

MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT DAY

On February 14 we hosted our second Marriage Enrichment Day on campus with Waldie and Sharon Neufeld. We had couples from as far away as 108 Mile House in British Columbia, as well as La Crete and Ponoka in Alberta. It really was a great day!

Mark Your Calendar — The next seminar is planned for Winnipeg, MB, on May 23, 2015, at New Hope Community Church of the Nazarene (9:00 a.m. –4:00 p.m.). Cost is $30 per couple which includes a catered lunch. No child care provided (nursing babies only).

Street parking only. Visit www.prbi.edu/MarriageDay to register.

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EVIEW

eView is our annual campus visit event for anyone in grade 10 or older. It is an intentional three days of experiencing life as a college student. Prospective students stay in the dorms, eat in the Dining Hall, attend classes, join a care group, and then decide for themselves if PRBI is for them.

This year, we were excited to once again be able to include a Friday night youth rally which several of the local youth groups also attended! Overall we hosted 70 visitors and, since eView, another 6 applications to attend PRBI this fall have been received.

GYM PROJECT UPDATE

As a college we are thrilled to announce that we will begin construction on our new gym this April—once the ground thaws. Our contractor, K & M Building Contractors, has asked us to prepare the building site, so we have already had to say goodbye to some of our trees.

To help fund this project, we have approached a number of organizations for financial support and have seen some great results. Just recently we received $10,000 from Canadian Natural Resources Limited. We thank CNRL as well as many of you who have already given towards this project.

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PERSONIFY

Personify, our music and drama ministry tour team, will be traveling through Alberta and British Columbia promoting what God is doing at PRBI as well as encouraging Christian youth in their faith. Here is their itinerary to date: Date

Church

Location

a.m.

Rolla Bible Baptist Church

Rolla, BC

p.m.

Buick Gospel Mission Church

Buick, BC

April 20

p.m.

Nechako Community Church

Vanderhoof, BC

April 21

p.m.

Edson Baptist Church

Edson, AB

a.m.

Yellowhead Koinonia Christian School

Edson, AB

April 19

April 22 April 23

p.m.

TBD

a.m.

Cherry Coulee Christian Academy

p.m.

TBD

Bow Island, AB

April 24

p.m.

Bow Island Evangelical Free Church

Bow Island, AB

April 25

p.m.

Fort Macleod Alliance Church

Fort Macleod, AB

April 26

a.m.

Fort MacLeod Alliance Church

Fort Macleod, AB

a.m.

Prairie Christian Academy

Three Hills, AB

p.m.

Wainwright Evangelical Free Church

Wainwright, AB

April 28 April 29

p.m.

TBD

April 30

p.m.

Church of the Open Bible

a.m.

TBD

p.m.

Elk Point Baptist Church

Elk Point, AB

p.m.

New Sarepta Zion Evangelical Missionary Church

New Sarepta, AB

a.m.

New Sarepta Zion Evangelical Missionary Church

New Sarepta, AB

p.m.

TBD

a.m.

Slave Lake Koinonia Christian School

May 1 May 2 May 3 May 4

Ponoka, AB

Slave Lake, AB

If you are interested in hosting one of our teams this spring or in the next school year, please email prbi@prbi.edu or call the college (780-568-3962) and ask for Jeremy.

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SUMMER MISSIONS TEAM

Bethany Gulayets (student) and Rebekah Brisbin (staff ) will be joining a team from Action Ventures led by Mark and Cheryl Sorell. August 2–28 they will participate in the ministry “Arts with a Purpose”. The team’s ministry focus is to share the gospel effectively through service and performance in orphanages, the streets, schools, and sports events in Kigali and Gulu, Uganda. Pray for them as they raise support and prepare to go.

WINTER CARNIVAL

Our 5th annual Winter Carnival held on Family Day proved to be a great opportunity for our students to connect with the community. Nearly 700 guests, many who are nonChristians and would not normally set foot on our campus, attended our free Carnival sponsored by local businesses! It was so encouraging to see the happy smiling faces of both children and parents. Many parents expressed their appreciation for such a well-organized event and the town was also very appreciative for a family focused event on a day when many dads were able to join their family.

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VIEWBOOK AND PROMO VIDEO

Our brand new Viewbook and Promo Video have arrived and they turned out great!

To watch our new video online visit our wesbite. Email admissions@prbi.edu to get your free copy of our new Viewbook.

ALUMNUS HONOUR AWARD

Since 1985, at our graduation ceremony, PRBI has honoured various alumni or friends of the college who have made significant impact on PRBI, our country and our world for Jesus Christ. This year, Paul Chamberlain will receive the Alumnus Honour Award and will be our speaker for the graduation weekend. We are always looking for new alumni to honour each year. If you have any suggestions, please email president@prbi.edu. Listed below are our honourees: 1985 Harold Peters

2001 Mrs. Charlotte Driediger

1986 Daniel Wiebe

2002 Esther (Wiens) Schlichting

1987 C. Wilfred Johnson

2003 George Cathcart

1988 Donald Masterson

2004 Harold Norman Throness

1989 Walter McNaughton

2005 Paul Balisky & Bob Ried

1990 Aaron Goertz

2006 Henry Penner

1991 Ralph Balisky

2007 Terry & Marcy Balisky

1992 Oswald Throness

2008 Sid Warren

1993 Jean Balisky

2009 Marvin Thiessen

1994 Arnold Erickson

2010 Ruth Foxall (SIM)

1995 Sylvia Advent

2011 Warren Larson

1996 Herb Heppner

2012 Mark Landis

1997 Phyllis Lawson (SIM)

2013 Reuben Kvill

1998 Gordon Creighton

2014 David Schmidt

1999 Henry Werner

2015 Paul Chamberlain

2000 Dr. Carl Tracie 24

Alumnus Honour Recipient The Board of PRBI has chosen Dr. Paul Chamberlain as our Alumnus Honour recipient for the 2014–15 school year.

He not only has spent time here on two occasions but he also has a long family heritage at PRBI. First, he studied at PRBI in the 1973-74 school year and then returned as faculty for the 1983-86 years. Second, his father Art (and Helen) Chamberlain served on faculty here in the 1950s and his grandfather Henry Wiebe served on the Board for many years too (1950s through early 1960s). We also had Paul come and speak at our Graduation Ceremony for our 75th anniversary celebration in 2009. On a side note, he and his wife Gail have always been willing participants in helping us present PRBI to the people in the Langley and Abbotsford area of B.C.

Paul and Gail have two sons: James and Tyler (also a PRBI alumnus) who is married to Raechel, and they have one daughter. When Paul is not teaching, he enjoys swimming outdoors, camping, motorcycling, and other outdoor activities.

Currently, Paul serves as Professor of Apologetics and Philosophy, Director of Trinity Western University’s (TWU) Institute of Christian Apologetics, Program Chair of the Master of Arts in Christian Studies degree, and Program Chair of Diploma in Christian Studies at 25

TWU. TWU is located in Langley, B.C. Paul pastored before his time at TWU and also worked with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries for a time while teaching at TWU. His education includes an MDiv from Trinity International University, in Deerfield, IL, and a PhD from Marquette University, in Milwaukee, WI (PhD in Ethics, Political Philosophy and Philosophy of Religion).

Paul’s passion is to call Christians to live out and express their faith to the people around them. He seeks to equip believers to communicate the message of God’s love to their friends and neighbours in a way that is accurate, credible, and relevant to their lives.

He also is an accomplished author with the following books: Why People Don’t Believe: Confronting Seven Challenges to Christian Faith (2011); How To Talk About Good and Bad Without Getting Ugly: The Art of Moral Persuasion (2005); Whose Life Is It Anyway? Assessing Euthanasia and Other End-of-Life Issues (2002); Final Wishes: A Cautionary Tale About Death, Dignity, and Physician-Assisted Suicide (2000); and Can We Be Good Without God?: A Conversation about Truth, Morality, Culture and a Few Other Things that Matter (1996).

Alumni & Staff News BIRTHS

ANDERSON, Scott (g ‘07) & Leah (nee: Budd, g ‘06) and brother Corban welcomed Cheyanne Joanette Anderson into the world on June 14, 2014, weighing in at 7 lbs 1 oz. She is healthy and happy. The Andersons are currently living in Clairmont, Alberta, and attend the Grand Prairie Alliance Church. Scott works at Surepoint, while Leah enjoys being a stay-at-home mom. They continue to enjoy sports, Scott on a Grande Prairie basketball team and Leah on the PRBI soccer team.

RETZLAFF, Sam & Vanessa (nee: Peters, g ‘08) On July 6, 2012, I married Sam Retzlaff, with his now 9 year old son Gabriel! We live in Sexsmith and attend Grace Bible Fellowship. On August 8, 2014 our son Marshall was born! We are embarking on a big change; we will be selling our house and moving onto the PRBI campus, while Sam attends PRBI this fall. We are trusting in God’s provision and direction as we take this step.

UPDATES

BURLET, Dustin (g ‘07, Staff, ‘11-present) & Rebecca After four short years of being a faculty member at PRBI, Rebecca and I have made the decision to go to Hamilton, Ontario, in order for me to pursue my PhD at McMaster Divinity College under the tutelage of Dr. Gus Konkel, Dr. Mark Boda, and Dr. Stanley Porter (among others). It has been a joy and a privilege to have been able to serve at PRBI. Thank you!

GERBER, Darrell (Staff ‘95-present, Medical Leave) I continue to take part in the trial drug program. It is hard to believe it is already 1 1/2 years since it began. There has been some minor shrinking of the many tumors in my liver, and I continue to battle with lack of energy. Yet in the midst of this I still see God’s hand in my journey, particularly of late in regard to travel safety as I have made some trips to Edmonton in pretty bad weather. Pray that I will continue to see God’s hand and plan in my life.

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POTTER, Luke (g ‘05) & Kate (nee: Jahnke, g ‘02, Staff, ‘03-present) I have been blessed to be a part of God’s work at PRBI. I also have exciting personal news: I am expecting!! Maternity leave will start in July and then planning to be a stay-at-home mom for Jude and his new sibling after maternity leave ends. I will miss working at PRBI but look forward to new adventures. We are still planning to stay in the area as Luke is the Associate Pastor at our church, Webster Community.

WEDDINGS JOHNSTON, Daniel (g ‘14) & Hailey (nee: Worthington, g ‘14) were married on October 11, 2014. They are currently living in Sexsmith. Danny is currently serving at Bear Lake Bible Camp as Assistant Director and is looking forward to a great summer of ministry, and Hailey is working at a hotel in Grande Prairie. They are enjoying their new life together.

NEVILLE, Simon & Brianne (nee: Yurkewich, g ‘09) were married June 28, 2014 in Calgary, Alberta. We are currently living in the city while Simon is at Mount Royal University in the nursing program and Brianne is working as a dental assistant. We are enjoying the community of our church and seeing the Holy Spirit teach us more about what it means to carry our crosses daily, and turn more of ourselves over to serving Jesus! God is good, all the time!

SURBEY, Brett (ug ‘14) & Kayleigh (nee: Corfe, ug ‘14) were happily married on September 20, 2014, in Sexsmith where they are currently living. Brett is presently working for a landscaping company in Grande Prairie and plans to return to PRBI this fall to finish his BRE-Pastoral Major.

Kayleigh is working at ATB Financial in Grande Prairie and is looking forward to what the future holds. Both feel a call to return to Malawi, Africa, at some point and are very excited to see what God will do through their ministry.

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WITH THE LORD

PARAS, Alice Alexandra (nee: Zaichowsky, g ‘43) Our beloved mother departed this earth December 14, 2014, in McLennan, Alberta. At peace, she entered eternity to worship her dear Lord and Saviour, be reunited with husband Bob, son Samuel, and many other family and friends who preceded her. At the age of 93 she was the last of her immediate family. Alice was born February 11, 1921 near Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan and from there the family moved (1928) to a homestead in the Woking area of Alberta. Alice attended PRBI and after graduation she married Robert (Bob) Paras (June 5, 1943), and immediately went into Ukrainian Mission Work in the North Peace (rural districts). From there they moved to Armstrong, British Columbia, and for two years helped to care for Bob’s young siblings, Rose and David. As the family grew they moved to Clairmont, from there to High Prairie (a year after Samuel’s death). In 1967, the family moved to McLennan, Alberta where they established ‘Bob’s Royalite’. Alice remained there until her death. A woman of innate dignity, wisdom, determined character and compassion she lived a remarkable life that centred on trust in the love of God. She is survived by grateful children: R. Elaine, Elgar (Fran), Dean (Pat), Dwight (Ann), James, Ed (Anita), Carey, Lee (Paulette), eighteen beloved grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren; three sister and one brother-in-law as well as many nieces and nephews along with their families. She also leaves spiritual children, those who came to know and love Jesus through her diligent teaching and example. Known as ‘the hat lady’, lover of butterflies, her creative flair--decorating wedding cakes, gardening, and reading. Alice so appreciated her ‘angel’ neighbours, the local church community, the influence of PRBI, and long-time friends throughout the Peace Country.

HUEGE, Harald (Staff, ‘98-’01) Harald was born in Schwenningen Am Neckar, Germany, on August 5, 1957, and came to Canada in 1959. Harald attended Westwood Collegiate and later Winnipeg Bible College where he received his Bachelor of Arts. He continued his education at Red River College and earned a degree in Business Administration. He also received a Master of Divinity from North American Baptist Seminary and then pastored for 18 years. Harald then joined the PRBI staff and worked in the Development Department from 1998 to 2001. He also worked at the Kidney Foundation for two years, and then Revenue Canada for four years. He enjoyed sports—especially the Bomber and Jets games. He will be lovingly missed by his mother Kathy; brother Gordon; three daughters, Nadia, Kristianna, and Sonja. He was predeceased by his father Joachim.

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LOVETT, Irela Betty (nee: Haddon) Irela was born on July 3, 1932 in Twickenham, England.

Irela married Ron Lovett in June 1953. In March of 1966 the family moved to Canada.

Ron went to Briercrest Bible Institute where he completed a three-year diploma. From there God led them to Peace River Bible Institute for four years. Irela was kind to everyone she met.

She was generous even though she had very little material wealth. She was loving even when those around her were unlovable. She forgave because she knew what it was like to be forgiven. She was patient, no matter what the circumstances. Irela was appreciated in her role as a pastor’s wife during the years Ron pastored at Grace Bible Fellowship in Sexsmith. Living her last years in Stony Plain, Alberta, Irela went home to be with the Lord on February 12, 2015. She was predeceased by her husband, Ron, of 59 years in 2012. She is mourned by her children: Anita (Ed) Paras, Hilary (Tracy) Newton, and Paul (Donna) Lovett, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Irela also has two surviving brothers, several in-laws, and many nieces and nephews in England.

COMING EVENTS April 18

Graduation Ceremony

May 23

Day of Marriage Enrichment — Winnipeg, MB

October 22–23

Global Ministries Conference

February 5, 2016 Circle of Friends

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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