Trumpet S p r i n g
Life and Career Prep
PEACE RIVER BIBLE INSTITUTE
2 0 1 6
President’s Message Go to Bible school! How will that help me prepare for a career? Though this question has been around a long time, it has become far more dominant in the discussion among Christian parents. Where Bible school was once encouraged as a first step by parents, it has now become a non-starter within our churches and Christian homes. Consequently, this topic has become a frequent study by the Christian universities, colleges, and seminaries across Canada. The question of “How will it help my child prepare for a career?” reveals a number of assumptions. One assumption presumes that if we have enough finances, the rest of life will work itself out. Students even choose career paths based on what pays the most or which career path has the best retirement. If this is true, then career training should begin immediately upon completion of high school. Now, do not get me wrong, I too worried about my children and their livelihoods. Yet, Jesus’ 1
Waldie Neufeld
words ring through my mind, especially when He asked, “Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (Mt 6:25c). Now, I’m not saying careers have no value, but Jesus pointed out the higher purpose of loving God and my neighbour as myself (Mt 22:37, 39) and the making of disciples (Mt 28:18-20). Purpose over career. Another assumption builds on the dichotomy between the sacred and the secular. It is often assumed, even by Christians, that Bible college has no value for career or life. Though we do not blatantly state this, nor believe this, we have bitten into this apple a lot further than we would care to admit. Let’s maybe rephrase this issue in the following way: “Does the Bible have anything to say about work?” As soon as the question is fashioned in this way, we quickly acknowledge our wrongheadedness. Then, a better question might be, “How do we train young people to impact their
Life and Career Prep through Bible College! world for Jesus Christ, which includes their work place?” Then our real vocation— calling in life—focuses on loving God and making-disciples, wherever our careers may lead. So how do we best prepare for our vocation? Where can this best take place and in what context? When we explore young people and parents reasoning behind career training, their main desire seems to be to impact their world. They cite the impact of professionals on their lives and thus want to make the same difference—a worthy goal for sure. Yet, we know that skills alone do not impact and universities rarely address soft skills in their training. By “soft skills,” I am referring to character formation, the training Jesus gave his disciples as in the following: follow the Father (Mk 3:35), deny yourself (Mk 8:34), serve the least (Mk 9:37), become a servant-leader (Mk 10:45), etc.—the internal transformation necessary to impact their world. We would argue Jesus spent three years preparing
his disciples for impact and He focused a lot on how they treated others, where their focus lay, and so on. We would call that character formation or sanctification (He 12:1-29). A teaching degree allows one to teach, but impact comes through character. Where will that character formation come from? It takes more than skill sets; it takes caring, integral people to leave a mark. PRBI seeks to partner with parents in this grand exercise of preparing God’s children for their vocation in life. With PRBI’s disciple-making mandate, our classes and campus activities (like student work) encourage the ability to impact another generation for Jesus Christ. The ability to impact comes from a heart sensitized to others, a heart that has been changed by Jesus. As James pointed out, “The one who thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue, deceives his own heart” (Ja 1:26). Knowledge in and of 2
itself only becomes useful when we apply that knowledge to a given situation and act upon it (Mt 7:24ff ). Since the disciplemaking vision overarches the classes and activities around here, then each teacher or supervisor begins looking for ways to bring the character formation to bear in class and in the activities. Another area where vision leads has been our whole student work area. Rather than seeing this area as simply getting something done, we have re-envisioned this area as a career preparation area, which includes character formation. What a difference that has made! We have created all sorts of areas where students can be supervisors and then need to learn the skills of leading and speaking into lives with compassion for the sake of others. The value of this kind of training has been affirmed from both a secular and sacred perspective. We have had numerous secular employers tell us they want our students because of character. For example, our town manager buttonholed me one morning and asked if they were permitted to advertise for workers on our student information board, because of the quality of our students. I of course said yes! (If you are interested in posting jobs, please see our web page.) From a church perspective, two denominational superintendents have both stated how valuable PRBI’s training is for leadership development in their churches, and they were not talking about their pastors but their church leadership. One specifically said, “I’ll take your 29 year-olds any day over a 40 yearold who has no Bible college training,” and he was referring to a two-year grad. So the investment not only delivers dividends in the students’ personal life, but also in their workaday world, their church life, or their missionary endeavors. 3
If we are looking for impact, then an investment of two or more years of a Bible college may set the stage well. When we consider a lifetime, what are one, two, or more years spent learning how to live Jesus? Though learning takes place in their freshman year, we see greater growth in their second, third, and fourth years where more leadership opportunities come their way. When we remember James’ words that a doubter is “tossed by the wind” (Ja 1:6), we immediately realize the necessity to train mature disciples of Jesus Christ. It will take mature toughened disciples of Jesus Christ to impact our cynical world for Him. Please continue to pray for the students and for the PRBI Team as together we continue to grow in Christlikeness. Because growing in Christlikeness impacts our world on such a grand scale, we would argue taking time for some Bible training prepares us the best for life and career. Please pray for parents and students contemplating Bible school. Pray they might look at life in its totality. Pray that they might see Bible school as a partnership in preparing their young people to walk with God and give them a good preparation for their career. To maintain a Bible college for life, a holistic education, PRBI remains committed to growing a personal relationship with God through the Word of God. God’s inerrant Word and His call to love Him remain central to the great commission’s call to make disciples, which is primary here at PRBI. 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.
2015-2016 Graduates
CURRENT ENROLLMENT
FOUNDATIONS (1 YEAR): 29
ACS (2 YEAR): 25
BBS (3 YEAR): 5
BRE (4 YEAR): 23
GENERAL STUDIES: 10
STUDENTS: 92
From Our Faculty Andy Bannister in his editorial Turning the Tables writes, “It took me a long time before I learned that often the most powerful form of apologetics is asking questions–gently probing at somebody else’s worldview to expose where it breaks down. Too often our skeptical friends assume they get to ask the questions and we get to answer them: but sometimes when you turn this around and ask questions back, it can take the conversation in new directions.”1 Jesus was a master at using questions to turn the tables in conversations with his skeptics. On one such occasion an expert in the law approached Jesus with a question. He did not come seeking truth but to test Jesus, presumably to discredit him. Although the lawyer would use questions to shift responsibility away from himself, nevertheless, Jesus patiently responds with his own questions in order to take the conversation in a new direction. In 5
Kim Cairns
the course of the conversation Jesus will not only expose the motive of his skeptic but he will also uncover a deficiency often found in our own worldview. The conversation is recorded in Luke 10:25-37 NIV2. On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (v. 25) It is not so much the question that is being asked that raises Jesus’ suspicion but the person asking it. An “expert” in the law should not have needed to inquire about something so basic to Jewish faith. Jesus, deducing a trap, answers with a question, “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” (v. 26) In essence Jesus responds, you answer it and I will correct you if necessary. The lawyer answers, “`Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, `Love your neighbour as yourself’” (v. 27). Jesus affirms that he has answered
Who is My Neighbour? correctly and challenges him, “Do this and you will live” (v. 28b). Now the lawyer looks silly. He has asked a question that any devout Jew could have answered. His motive has been exposed and his opportunity to trap Jesus has been lost. The lawyer, knowing he has failed to trap Jesus, now tries to justify himself. How? By asking another question! The lawyer asks, “And Who is my neighbour?” (v. 29). Jesus would not squirm out of this question so easily for this was a philosophical question that had been debated ever since God confronted Cain about his missing brother and Cain responded, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Ge 4:9c). The lawyer would use the question just like Cain had used his question, to shift responsibility away from himself. As long as the lawyer is not clear who his neighbour is, there will be no need for compliance with the command. He attempts to hide behind
his question but once again, there is no hiding from Jesus. Jesus does not enter into a scholarly debate about neighbour relations. Rather he tells a simple story about an incident that took place on the road between Jerusalem and Jericho. The road going down from Jerusalem to Jericho was a steep, isolated and dangerous path. In Jesus’ day it was an excellent location for bands of thieves to mug unsuspecting travellers. As well, Jericho was a priestly town which would account for two of the main characters using the road. The story centres on an unknown man who was accosted by robbers and left lying on the side of the road. His injuries were serious enough that without help the man might die. The first two characters to come along are a Priest, followed by a Levite. They represent people who are alerted to a need but ask the pious question, “Who is my neighbour?” Both were well versed 6
in the law, undoubtedly familiar with the commands to love God and love your neighbour. Neither one could walk past the suffering man and not wrestle with the law of God written in their scrolls or more importantly written on their hearts. Obviously all kinds of excuses (which Jesus does not speculate upon) must have run through their minds. Whatever rationalization they used resulted in them passing by the wounded man without showing love to him. Consider the situation from the perspective of the victim. He knows that if help does not come soon, he may die. Does the victim have any trouble answering the question, “Who is my neighbour? ” Would have he refused help from either the Priest or the Levite? In fact the victim has a completely different question in his mind once the Priest and Levite have abandoned him. “Will someone, anyone be my neighbour?” The fourth person in the story appears on the scene. He was a Samaritan, and to the lawyer that would have conjured up all kinds of negative images. The Samaritans were a despised people, half-breeds trying to survive among a pure race. For Jesus to use a Samaritan in the story would have driven home a point 7
to the lawyer. Those who had been taught the great commands since birth; these failed to love their neighbour. Instead, one outside the chosen people of God; one who was despised and rejected by the chosen people, reached out in compassion to the victim. He cared for the victim in solitude and secrecy without any mention of compensation. It was an enduring act of compassion not an emotional impulse. He looked after the man right into the future. He was alerted to a need; acted upon it; and followed through. Jesus concludes by asking the lawyer another question, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” (Lk 10:36). Note the reversal of ideas here. It was never Jesus’ purpose to answer the lawyer’s question, “Who is my neighbour?” Rather he intended to confront with a different question, “Are you a neighbour?” The lawyer seems to get the point. He, like the Priest and Levite, was hiding behind a question, “Who is my neighbour?” Jesus encourages him to become a neighbour like the Samaritan. Do we ever use the question, “Who is my neighbour?” to hide behind or shift attention away from our unwillingness to be a neighbour? When we ask, “Who is my
neighbour?” it becomes one in a string of the biggest costs of being a neighbour many questions that often keep us from is giving up our time. To be a neighbour simply being the neighbour God has means setting aside our agenda to reach called us to be. out to that lonely elderly person, to relieve Being a neighbour is seldom that single mom of some of her demands, convenient. Possibly this has never been to listen to that young person who is more true for the west than it is right seeking attention. Like the Samaritan, now. The number of people fleeing war we will need to do it without expecting and poverty from the Middle East and compensation. North Africa is staggering and no one has This parable is what Bible a good solution for stemming the tide. commentators refer to as an “example Refugees are overwhelming Europe and story.” The Samaritan is a worthy example Canada is being pulled into to follow. But is it the the seemingly unstoppable “Being a neighbour Samaritan’s example we flow. Moreover, so many are called to follow or is it is seldom questions, right? Who is Jesus’ example reflected in convenient.” going to pay? What about the Samaritan? security? Solutions to stem the tide need Was not Jesus despised and to be explored for the sake of the refugees rejected by people? Did not Jesus and the receiving nations. However, in this set aside his self-interest, leaving the moment the question is not really whether security and comfort of heaven and did these people will be our neighbours, or he not enter into a world of sinners to whether they should be our neighbours, be our neighbour? For Jesus it was not the only question that requires an answer convenient, nor comfortable, and it was is what kind of neighbour will we be to costly for him to become our neighbour. them? It is not convenient but then when Our motive for being a has it ever been convenient? neighbour then, is not mere obligation Being a neighbour is seldom to a command. Instead, we do it out of comfortable. Possibly this has never been gratitude for what Christ has done for us. more true for Canadian evangelicals than While we were yet sinners, Christ became it is right now. Evangelicals are increasingly our neighbour and died for us. So let finding that their neighbours do not share us set our questions aside, go, and be a their values in areas of marriage, sexuality, neighbour to whomever God places in our and gender identity, to name a few. The path. issue is not whether people who do not Kim Cairns share our values will be our neighbours. Academic Dean Instead, we must ask, what kind of neighbour will we be to them? Can we Kim has served as a member of the PRBI Team still show love to them while maintaining since 2009 and as Academic Dean since 2011. He our convictions? Will we break out of our is married to Kimberly (nee: Tattari, g ‘95) and they comfort zones to be a neighbour? have four adult children and three grandchildren. Being a neighbour will be costly. Sharing our material resources with refugees is a given. Facing rejection and [1] Bannister, Andy, Turning the Tables, inContext The Apologetics Magazine. Vol. 4. p. 3. ridicule from people who do not share [2] Canadian The Holy Bible: New International Version. Grand our values may happen. However, one of Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984. 8
Discipleship at Home Advice for Newlyweds This spring Margaret and I will be married for 27 years. We have experienced some great times and some difficult times. Here are some things I wished I would have known in our first years together: Set the Spiritual Tone of Your Marriage Early. By this I mean set in place some practices of talking about your walk with Jesus, reading Scripture, and praying together early on. It is much easier to do this in the early stages of marriage. And husbands, learn to take the initiative on this, do not leave this to your wife. Leave and Cleave. To have a healthy marriage, both of you must learn to establish your own home and to have healthy boundaries with your parents. Your spouse is now your first go-to person in your life. 9
Learn How to Speak and Listen. This means learning how to be assertive (expressing what you would like to see happen) and how to listen (concentrating on what they are saying, not on your response). Learn to Fight Well and Resolve Conflicts. This takes practice, but learn to stick with each other, and not give up until a concrete solution is reached that you both can agree on. Practice Hospitality. Very early on, invite others into your home and make it a safe place where others can come and receive what they need. God is shaping you into a ministry team. There are so many more, but these ones are key. Nelson Senft Pastor of La Glace Bible Fellowship Adjunct Faculty – PRBI
Media Selection
Bedtime Discipleship
How do we turn our children’s screen time desires into discipleship moments?
At our house discipleship often happens at bedtime. Right when we want to put our feet up at the end of the day our son wants to talk! Taking the “bedtime stalling” (his attempt to engage us with a multitude of questions or stories to avoid going to bed) as an opportunity to reconnect with him and help him focus on God became one of the most meaningful discipleship times with him. Something about this time of day brings out vulnerable moments, where he is open to talking and processing life.
Try subscribing to Right Now Media (for free) through your church. If your church does not have access to Right Now Media, perhaps encourage them to pursue it. Right Now Media is like the Netflix for Sunday school material and Christian DVD’s. Once subscribed, take a week or two with your kids and watch one of every show they might like in the kid’s section. The point of this is to figure out what shows are going to satisfy their screen time desires. These shows will also give you great content for your discipleship moments with them later in the day. Depending on their age, What’s in the Bible with Buck Denver and Theo are good shows to watch first. Now that you have found the shows they like, incorporate these shows into their day. This is where your own philosophies and parenting values come in regarding media consumption. Whatever they are, stick with them, but perhaps begin switching your children’s screen time from Curious George, Dora, Paw Patrol, etc. to the shows they like on Right Now Media. At bedtime or meal times, debrief what they watched. This is what turns the screen time from consumption to discipleship. By the way, you will be amazed what they learned about Jesus and the Bible! But I will let Jill chat about the value of leveraging this time with them in the next column over.
Bedtime discipleship happened in many forms over the years. When he was a baby and toddler we would pray over him and sing to him and with him. When he was in elementary school he was full of questions and interesting thoughts. When he reached junior high he was antagonistic towards Christianity. Now as an older teen he still really likes to talk at this time of the day. Taking this natural time, and putting some intentionality to it, turns it from “just” parenting, to discipleship. Bringing God into the talks and into the parts of his day is helping him to place his focus on Christ and what He is doing in his life. We engage him by: listening to him, letting him ask questions, asking him questions, talking about God and with God. With just a bit of a shift in perspective, the “bedtime stalling” became a rich time of discipleship in our family. Jill Gayoway Business Associate
Jeremy Johnston Director of Development 10
P M A C MMER
E K A L R A E B P M A C E L B BI SU
ITH
Y
PROUDL
ING W R E N T R PA
935
CE 1 N I S I B R P
Register your kids today at www.bearlakebiblecamp.org P.O. Box 390 Sexsmith, AB T0H 3C0 (780) 567-2293 office@bearlakebiblecamp.org
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Student Spotlight As I prayed about summer job opportunities early last winter, the Lord laid it on my heart to try something new and to serve Him through a summer ministry away from home. Throughout my year at PRBI I was encouraged by my friends to consider serving at Bear Lake Bible Camp (BLBC). As in several other areas of my heart, God was softening me to think about this experience that I had always imagined would be for other people but never something within my own comfort zone. After asking many questions, God clearly made it known to me that this was an opportunity to be a part of something that was so much bigger than me. So, I signed on to serve at BLBC as a female cabin leader and boat driver for the summer of 2015. My summer was wonderful but not easy. There were times that I asked God why He allowed certain situations to occur. These situations moved me to grow deeper in my relationship with Jesus Christ and helped me understand again that God is enough for every area of my life. The opportunity to share God’s Word and my testimony with campers was something that I looked forward to each day even though it often seemed like the girls were not listening. To my surprise, most often, they were listening! At the end of the each week campers would share what they had learned and it
Courtney MacLellan
was usually a combination of these three things: 1. The Bible is actually really interesting and fun to read and learn about. 2. Having a relationship with Jesus is what is most important. 3. There is nothing we can do that would cause God to ever stop loving us. The amazing thing was that these kids came from every type of home you could imagine—good Christian homes, atheist homes, dysfunctional family homes, etc. But regardless of their situation, God used camp to plant seeds and change their lives for His glory. Many campers took Bibles home and left camp with an interest in finding a church to attend so that they could continue to learn about Jesus! I am thankful to the Lord for providing the strength, energy, patience, and health I needed to not just survive last summer, but to thrive; not just to teach and love the way Jesus did, but to experience it for myself. Courtney is a 2nd year student who worked at Bear Lake Bible Camp during summer 2015. Courtney will be joining the PRBI Team this spring as our Graphic Artist.
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Development Message “An old Native American story tells of a young boy who was sent into the woods alone on an autumn night to prove his courage. Soon the sky darkened and the sounds of night filled the air. Trees creaked and groaned, an owl screeched, and a coyote howled. Even though he was frightened, the boy remained in the woods all night, as the test of courage required. Finally morning came, and he saw a solitary figure nearby. It was his grandfather, who had been watching over him all night long.” 1 This story brought to mind Hebrews 13:5c-6 which talks about our heavenly Father’s promise to us. The text says, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” so that we confidently say, ‘The Lord is my Helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?’” This sounds quite a bit like the grandfather in the story, though the main difference is that we are given a promise, and can know that God is with us, which means that we do not need to be afraid, unlike the young boy. 13
Jeremy Johnston
This alone is a great promise from God, but there is even more here to consider. You see the context of this passage is money. The first part of verse 5 says, “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.” Just like the grandfather never left the young boy in the woods alone, God does not leave us alone either, even when it comes to money. He takes care of us. As I have reflected on my life, I have realized that often I do not recognize God’s provisions until the morning comes and I see that God, like the grandfather, was standing with me all night long, so to speak. One of our students, Burdeen, experienced this firsthand as well. She writes, “Over the past four years God has really shown me what His provision looks like. Through His people He has given me over $25,000. From people I have met in gas stations, to people at my church, to
Never Alone different jobs, and even my own classmates; God has shown me His love and provision for my financial needs. Without this help I would never have been able to attend PRBI for as long as I have and I would not understand God’s provision and care as I do now.” What Burdeen so eloquently points to is that unlike the grandfather in our story, God has others standing with Him in the woods, as it were— standing with Him are His people. And God’s Word tells us that He is pleased to accomplish His holistic care in our lives through His people, whether it is financial (Ph 4:19), emotional (Ro 12:15), physical (Mt 6:25-34), or spiritual (Ja 5:16). And that is what Burdeen experienced, the people of God standing with her financially. The reality is that many other students for over 80 years, myself included, have experienced the blessing of God’s people standing with them.
This became even more clear as I looked back through the PRBI yearbooks. One yearbook in particular caught my attention. I was struck by what was written in the 1956-57 edition. It is as if it were written just yesterday because the words are still true today. It says, “Our yearbook is affectionately dedicated to our many supporting friends who have stood by us, with us, and behind us in the twenty-four years of our history as a school. Many do not see that a school operating at such reasonable rates cannot thus support itself. Were it not for the many gifts, large and small, coming from a faithful constituency we could not carry on for long. We recognize this. We recognize too, the many friends whose support takes the form of daily, prayerful petition. What a bulwark and benefit we have here. This is support beyond evaluation! We salute, therefore, the faithful stewards of the Gospel, the unseen pillars 14
in our Bible school and High school ministry – our faithful friends! Who could be better subjects for the Dedication of our yearbook.” Believe it or not, those students that year (1956-57), received free tuition which was PRBI’s practice at the time. They paid a modest $30 as a service charge on top of their Board and Room which was $210 for men and $180 for women (My guess is that the men ate a little more than the women!). Both men and women had much to be thankful for, just like Burdeen and our students today. In 2016, our Tuition and Fees are still affordable thanks to the hundreds of donors who every year make it a priority to give to PRBI, standing by us, with us, and behind us and our students. Thank you for your generous support. You truly are standing with God, like the grandfather in the woods, for our students! What a blessing. As is our custom, I would like to once again ask you to continue to partner with us financially so that we can continue training disciple-makers for years to come. Would you consider clipping out the “I Love This Place” response card to the right and mailing it back to us with a donation? (To give online visit our website.) We greatly appreciate you standing with us. Thank you and God bless you. Jeremy Johnston Director of Development Jeremy (g ‘09) has been on staff at PRBI since 2009. He and his wife Leah have two young children.
I LOVE T H I S P L AC E !
GET INVOLVED Please fill out the response card to the right for more information or to indicate how you would like to make an impact.
Please mail to: Peace River Bible Institute PO Box 99 Sexsmith, AB T0H 3C0 [1] Our Daily Bread. Burning Questions. Oct. 15, 2013.
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BE A PRAYER PARTNER
MONTHLY GIVING
LEGACY GIVING
REFER A STUDENT
SCHOLARSHIPS & BURSARIES
STUDENT AID
I LOVE THIS PLACE! I would like to partner with the discipleship ministries of PRBI!
Cheque
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$_________
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Credit Card number: ______________________________
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 2015 - Jan 2016 Revenue Student Revenue Student General Income Sales
Fees & Other Programs
& Non-Program Fees & Services
Residence Rental Rental
Income
Donation - Undesignated Donations
- Undesignated - Designated Total Donations
Donation - Designated Donations
Total Revenue
Expenses
Income To Date
Annual Budget
% of Budget To Date
574,148
1,010,500
57%
42,536
47,000
91%
118,933
225,020
53%
392,281 40,115 432,396
720,000
60%
1,168,012
2,002,520
58%
Expenses To Date
Annual Budget
% of Budget To Date
Academics
Academics
253,355
423,857
60%
Student Life
Student Life
160,366
272,222
59%
162,804
249,925
65%
186,503
318,309
59%
96,101
160,159
60%
295,559
521,667
57%
68,020
131,132
52%
Food Services Food
Services
Development
Promotion & Development
Admissions
Admissions
AdministrationAdministration Maintenance
Facilities & Maintenance
Student Aid
Special Project
1,415
-
Student Aid
Student Aid
7,000
-
Others
Others
17,417
-
Total Expenses Net Income (Loss) Excludes Amortization Expense
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1,248,540 (80,528)
2,077,271 (74,751)
60%
Alumnus Honour Recipient The Board of PRBI has chosen D. Robert (Bob) Peters as our Alumnus Honour Recipient for the 2015–16 school year. From its inception, PRBI has been significant to the Peters family. Serving on the board, logging for lumber, growing v e g e t a b l e s, or supplying beef, Bob’s parents, Henry and Kathryn Peters, set a great example for their children who all attended PRBI for at least one year. Six of the eight children served in full-time ministry including Harold, Bob’s older brother, who also served as president of PRBI (1980-89). Bob attended three years of high school and one year of Bible School at PRBI, after which he completed his theological degree at Canadian Bible College and his education degrees at the University of Alberta. Bob came on the PRBI Corporate Board in 1973 and served until 2014, taking part in many committees, especially all things written or researched. Twenty-two of those years he was on the Board of Directors, our decisionmaking Board. He also taught at PRBI as adjunct instructor for several semesters in Principles of Administration, Christian Education, and Reformation History. His contribution and his presence along with his wife, Shirley, on and off campus has been highly valued. Bob has always been highly involved in any community in which they found themselves. He served on the
local ATA executive, Teacher’s Convention, Education practicum with Field services of the University of Alberta, sang and served on the executive of the Grande Prairie College and Community Choir, and was secretary to the advisory committee of the Alberta Wheat Pool (Agricore/United). Lay involvement in churches included Christian education and music in Abbotsford, Red Deer, Edmonton, and Grande Prairie. In the Grande Prairie Alliance Church, he served on the Board of Elders for 25 years, Care Group leader for 17 years, choir, and a variety of ensembles for most of his adult life. Shirley has been a wonderful help-mate to him. They both taught school in the public school system where Bob also served as principal. Alongside these activities they also farmed in varying amounts for over 50 years. Currently they are retired but still farm a little and serve in senior ministries at the Grande Prairie Alliance Church and the senior lodges in Grande Prairie. They continue to take special interest in PRBI. Bob highly values the foundation and preparation for life he received at PRBI.1 Waldie Neufeld, Ph.D. President
[1] Written with assistance from others and Bob Peters.
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Grad Testimonies God’s Grace is For Me At PRBI I have been learning to be open and vulnerable with God and not fear that His reaction to me will be rejection or disappointment. I do not need to worry, because He already knows me, loves me, desires me, and calls me to His side. He wants me to stop living my life in light of my past brokenness and worldly significance. Rather I should have an identity in Him as His child, His daughter, who is significant because of Him! I am learning to accept myself since God accepts me — a sinner who continues to wander in brokenness. This allows me to be more genuine with God and recognize the power and depth of His grace and love for me day after day. As the Psalmist says, “Oh Lord, You have searched me and known me” (Ps. 139:1). And even though He knows me, us, He went to the cross for us even still! 19
I am also learning that I can truly run to Him with confidence and say, “Father I need you!” and that He delights in this heart’s cry. He doesn’t want me to perform, He wants me to simply abide. I must continue to align my thoughts with Scripture and actually let it soak into my heart being willing to trust in Him. Further, I have learned that He is enough. Regardless of my insecurities or doubts, I am accepted and loved by Him and I can have faith in this. What I have learned at PRBI is that I have a gentle and patient Father who persistently waits for me, His child, to come up behind Him and wrap my arms around Him again and again and say that I love Him (this child analogy stood out to me in a Waldie class). He is so gracious! Christa-Lee Ferguson Associate of Christian Studies
God Can Use Even Me
God Loves Me
God can use even me. These five words changed my life. Throughout Scripture we see God using the weak, the foolish, and the unexpected. Christ, the humble carpenter, is the perfect example of this. God even used the mouth of a donkey to speak out to Balaam. How audacious we are, assuming that God is incapable of speaking through us as well!
Four years ago I came to PRBI with the mentality that I did not really have much to learn. I grew up in a Christian home and therefore thought that I knew all the answers to questions about Christianity. Once I got to school it did not take long for God to humble me and show me how much I actually did not know. But even more, God has, and continues to show me that Christianity is not about knowing the facts, but about being in relationship with Him.
If there is one thing that I learned during my time at PRBI it was my own sinfulness and inadequacy. Life in close community seems to draw out hidden sin. I have been staggered by the tremendous task that lies before me. How could I possibly minister to the people of God? What do I offer them? This very day I have come face to face with the problems of His people. People wonder where God is when times are hard. They struggle with addiction and loneliness. I have been speaking with a woman going through a painful divorce. It is these hurting people that I have been called to minister to. “…God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise…” (1 Co 1:27). These words are a great comfort to me in my failings and shortcomings. But I am learning that even in my weakness God is glorified. All I can do is pray, then, reach out to those in need. What a blessing it is to build into the lives of God’s people! It is not a question of our ability, but of our availability. When God calls I want to be ready.
I remember a night in my second year where I felt completely defeated. I had given all that I had and still felt like I was not grasping the Christian lifestyle. I prayed and asked God to reveal to me what was preventing me from really knowing Him. He brought to mind a sin that was hindering our relationship. As I began to deal with that sin, I started to see a whole new side of God. He is a relational God who intimately knows me. He does not condemn me, but treats me with care and kindness. I continue to be on this journey of getting to know God. Just when I think that I have Him all figured out, He shows me another aspect of His character. It is in those moments that I fall even more in love with my Heavenly Father. God is not interested in how many things I can do right, but rather wants to be in relationship with me because He loves me. Emily Willms Bachelor of Biblical Studies
Andrew Giesbrecht Bachelor of Religious Education Pastoral Studies Major 20
College News GYM PROJECT UPDATE
The construction of the gym is drawing to a close and the builder will likely be done in May or June 2016. With that said, we are excited to announce that the Grand Opening will be September 5, 2016 (Labour Day)! The service will begin at 2:00 p.m. followed by an Open House (public welcome). To date we still need approximately $900,000 to finish the project debt free. We do have access to a mortgage to cover the bills in the interim, but we ask you to pray with us that the money will come in quickly.
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 – This team has played at an exceptionally high level this year. The season will be wrapping up in mid-March with a tournament in BC. Men’s Basketball – With not having a team last year, we have been building a team for the future. They are looking forward to playing in our new gym next year. Women’s Basketball – This group of ladies has been resilient in working through some key injuries and player losses, and still giving it their all on the court. Men’s Soccer – Despite having a limited bench of subs, these guys went out and fought hard every game. They are currently in playoffs looking for a division title. Women’s Soccer – This year the team is made up of students and experienced alumni that together put forth an exceptional effort.
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NEW ONE-YEAR PROGRAM – REACH
We will be offering a second option for our one-year program. Starting this fall we have created a program called Reach. This program is designed for students who want to reach out and live out their faith in different cultures. It is for students who want to expand their understanding of the impact Jesus is having around the world. The Reach program is designed to lead students into a deeper faith through study as well as practical hands-on experience. For the inaugural year, 2016-17, the students will be going to India. Following successful completion of the one-year Reach Certificate students can seamlessly continue into any of the other two, three, or four-year programs.
COMING TO A TOWN NEAR YOU!
Our Admissions Team would love an opportunity to share about PRBI with your church or group. Contact admissions@prbi.edu or 1-800-959-7724.
April 8 – 14 AHEA Conference and Central Alberta April 24 – May 8 Tour Team – Northern BC May 19 – 26 Okanagan Valley, BC May 27 – 29 YC Alberta
Anne Laursen
Nolan Dyck
CAMP DAYS
We had 16 Bible Camps join us this semester for our annual Camp Days event: Bear Lake Bible Camp, Brightwood Ranch, Camp Arnes, Camp Sagitawa, Camp Wapiti, Circle Square Ranch, Covenant Bay Bible Camp, David Thompson Bible Camp, Lake of the Trees Bible Camp, Lone Prairie Camp, Manitou Lake Bible Camp, Ness Lake Bible Camp, RockRidge Canyon, Riverside Bible Camp, Sturgeon Lake Bible Camp, and Sunnybrae Bible Camp. Our partnership with these camps continues to be an integral part of our recruitment process, and it really does work well! Thank you camps for supporting us. 22
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
Circle of Friends continues to be an exciting event around here! If you were unable to attend, make sure to mark us on your 2017 calendar (February 3, 2017). You will not want to miss it!
This year at Circle of Friends we honoured Sharon Neufeld who will be leaving us after 25 years. After much consideration, Sharon has decided to move on after this semester and is seeking the Lord regarding what to do next in ministry. It was really fitting that we honoured Sharon at Circle of Friends because she was the one who conceived and envisioned this banquet that we have all known and loved for 25 years.
In the early days of Circle of Friends it took a lot of ingenuity to put it on. Everything, and I mean everything, was borrowed for this event. The plates, silverware, tables, table clothes, cups, mugs, you name it, it was all borrowed. There was no budget back then, every last dollar had to be raised by Sharon herself. But she persevered. She rolled up her sleeves, believing that this was what God wanted, and with the help of her department made Circle of Friends an annual event that we all look forward to each year.
Of course, Circle of Friends is but a drop in the bucket in regards to what Sharon has accomplished at PRBI. She has been a huge blessing to so many. She has impacted countless lives. She has been passionate about our vision of making disciples. She has been a culture builder and shaper. She will be missed. Thank you Sharon for walking with us for 25 years. Blessings on you as you leave PRBI. 23
WINTER CARNIVAL
Our 6th annual community winter carnival on Family Day was a huge success. The event was attended by more than 850 guests and all budget costs were again covered by local business donations. Our students help oversee and run the event and they did a great job of serving our guests and smiling as they did! We praise God for opportunities like this to get local families onto our campus.
eVIEW
What we are noticing is that if we can get prospective students on campus to check out what it is like to be a PRBI student, they are far more likely to come. That is why eView is such an important event for us each and every year.
Prospective students stay in the dorms, eat in the dining hall, attend classes, join a care group, visit a staff home, and then decide for themselves if PRBI is for them.
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SUMMER MISSION TEAM
The PRBI Mission team, Lauren, Josh, Christa-Lee, Nathan, and Kat will be heading to the Middle East for a month long mission experience with Christar. Our students will be working at a Women’s Centre for Syrian refugees, teaching ESL, shadowing missionaries, and meeting local pastors. Pray for the team as they build a support base to engage in this challenging mission opportunity.
SPRING TOUR—APRIL 24 TO MAY 9
Our drama and music tour teams are going to be travelling together this year promoting PRBI throughout Alberta and British Columbia. Here is their itinerary to date: Date
Church
Location
April 24
a.m.
First Baptist Church
Dawson Creek, BC
April 29
p.m.
Goodlow Evangelical Free Church
Goodlow, BC
May 2
a.m.
Cedars Christian School
Prince George, BC
a.m.
Bulkley Valley Christian School
Smithers, BC
p.m.
Terrace Evangelical Free Church
Terrace, BC
May 4
p.m.
Prince Rupert Fellowship Baptist Church
Prince Rupert, BC
May 5
a.m.
Houston Christian School
Houston, BC
May 6
p.m.
Island Gospel Fellowship Church
Burns Lake, BC
May 3
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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Alumni & Staff News BIRTHS
DELL, Shane (g ’08, Staff ’11-present) & Danni (Campbell, g ‘09) are pleased to announce the arrival of their second child, Raemie Elizabeth, born October 15, 2015. Shane has served as Dean of Men since 2012. JOHNSTON, Jeremy (g ’09, Staff ’09-present) & Leah joyfully announce the birth of their new little blessing from God, Silas Ambrose. Our beautiful baby boy was a week late, born just before the new year on December 30, 2015, weighing 8 lbs 1 oz and 20½ inches long. His sweet smile brightens our day! We are so blessed to have him in our lives! I feel so privileged to serve at PRBI and am looking forward to many more years of making disciples at PRBI. Leah also feels privileged to be a part of the PRBI community and is very thankful to be a stay-at-home mom with little Silas and Jasper. Pray for us both as we continue to learn how to disciple our children. SNYDER, Tim (ug ‘01) & LeAnne (Kinvig, ug ‘01) Lane Daniel joined Micah and our family on July 20, 2015. We are living on an acreage near Airdrie, AB, with Tim working for the Calgary Fire Department and LeAnn keeping things running at home. God has given us much to be joyful about!
UPDATES
HANET, Meghan (g ‘12) After two wonderful years at PRBI, I have gone on to train as an actor, singer, and writer at Rosebud School of the Arts in Rosebud, AB. I am now in my fourth year, and as my final project, I will be producing and acting in a play in late July based on the last book in the Anne of Green Gables series called Rilla of the Island. God has so clearly guided me to where I am now. I will be graduating in September and then looking for work in the theatre world. Acting is such an uncertain life, but I am trusting God to continue guiding me. 26
GERBER, Darrell (Staff ‘95-present, Medical Leave) The last few months have been fairly rough. Just as you all were receiving the winter Trumpet with my glowing update, I received news that things were not as good with my cancer. There was slight growth in my tumors and my liver enzymes were beginning to rise, possibly indicating negative impact from the medication I take. It was a long wait for the next scan so one was re-booked for mid-January— the report here in Grande Prairie was inconclusive. I begged a favor of the research team in Edmonton to have it reread there, as they have been reading my scans for 2 1/2 years and know what they are looking at a little better. After a long wait the results showed the small amount of growth in the tumors had reversed significantly. However, in the meantime there were several other issues that arose, one of which was a long drawn out cold, which really knocked me down. During this time it was discovered that my liver enzymes were skyrocketing, a big concern from my perspective. Today I received good news on several fronts— my truck which was hit by someone in front of our house during the night at Christmas, has finally been settled. Even better my blood results this week showed a very significant improvement in my liver enzymes and good overall numbers for other components. I really praise the Lord for this turn around, which I truly believe to be an answer to prayer. I know many have been praying about this issue over the last couple of months. Now I just need to beat this cold that is still hanging on as of the time of writing. Thanks so much for your ongoing prayers. You are faithful, even when news is often not quickly coming. I look forward to spring, and getting out again, even though it means I need to find another truck. The Lord will provide. May you all continue to find His grace sufficient in the day-to-day.
LETOURNEAU, Joe (ug ‘05) & Laura (Derksen, ug ‘05) We have answered the call to go into ministry, and intern in Gold River, BC, partnering with Village Missions. Village Missions churches are mostly located in rural communities across Canada and the USA. We have been living in Gold River for just over a year, arriving late 2014 with a 2-year internship in mind. Pray for us as we embark in this new and exciting journey God has led us on.
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Neufeld, Sharon (Staff ‘91-present) When Waldie and I moved to Sexsmith from Dallas, Texas, I wondered what life at PRBI would be like. I remember in our early years being asked, “How long do you think you will stay?” Well, 25 years later we are still here. Never did I dream that PRBI would be such an instrumental place for spiritual and personal growth in my own life. I’ve been blessed to work in the Development Department with amazing people and meeting so many supporters and prayer warriors over the years. No work of God is accomplished without many wonderful, dedicated followers of Jesus Christ. Teaching in the classroom has been one of the most stretching areas for me but God has used that area to teach me and I trust the students also. The great joy however has been the privilege of investing in the lives of the students that have come to PRBI seeking to grow in their walk with God. God is still in the business of transforming lives as students engage in His Word and rub shoulders with other believers. There is such a need for young people today to know God, His Word and to discover who they are and how they are equipped to impact their world for Christ as they partner with Him. As of the end of April I will no longer be employed at PRBI. I want to say a huge thank you for the wonderful years of being able to contribute and minister here at PRBI. Thank you to all the amazing staff I have had the privilege of working alongside of and their ministry into my life. And lastly, it’s not often a couple gets to work as closely as Waldie and I have been able to these past 25 years—I am truly grateful and very blessed. I’m sure we will still be doing things for PRBI together! As I step away, would you join me in praying for the Lord’s leading and direction in this next phase of my life and that it would be used to further His Kingdom?
WEDDINGS BOURGET, Michael (g ‘14) & Michelle (Plante, Staff ‘11-’14) We were married at the Demmitt Hall, Demmitt, AB, on January 16, 2016. We are currently making our home in Sexsmith, AB, and are excited to see God’s plans for our life together.
PLANTE, Dominic & Megan (Deal, ug ’14, Staff ’14-present) We were married on December 28, 2015.We are currently living in Sexsmith, AB. Dominic is going to GPRC taking a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in criminology. Megan is working as a part-time cook at PRBI and a parttime respite worker. We look forward to building a life with each other, and growing closer to God. 28
WITH THE LORD JOHNS, Laurence Leslie Laurence passed away on December 30, 2015, at the age of 78 at the Grande Prairie Care Centre, Grande Prairie, AB. Lawrence attended high school at PRBI for grade 10 (1953), 11 (1954), and graduated grade 12 (1955). A celebration of Life was held on January 5, 2016, at the Salvation Army Community Church in Grande Prairie, AB.
NOVLESKY, Murray Murray passed away January 9, 2016, at the age of 75 at Grande Prairie Care Centre, Grande Prairie, AB. Murray attended high school at PRBI in 1955-56 and 1956-57. As per his wishes, there was no service.
SALWAY, Shirley Anne Shirley passed away peacefully on November 11, 2015, into the loving arms of her Saviour Jesus Christ, at the age of 76 years, with her family at her side. Shirley attended high school at PRBI for the 1956-57 school year. A funeral service was held on November 18, 2015, at Beaverlodge Alliance Church in Beaverlodge, AB.
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 April 23 Graduation Ceremony
October 20-22 Global Ministries Conference
September 5 Gym Grand Opening
February 3 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.
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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.