PRBI Spring Trumpet 2018

Trumpet S p r i n g

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Becoming Change Agents Through Influence PEACE RIVER BIBLE INSTITUTE

President’s Message: Waldie Neufeld

Becoming Change Agents Through Influence Influence! Ironically, though culture argues media and friends have the most power of influence, such is not the case. Through his sociological studies, Penner pointed out parents and family still are the number one influencers. Friends and media do have impact, but usually more when it’s in line with the inherently written family rules.

I’ve always loved the conversion story of Howard Hendricks. He grew up on a rougher side of Philadelphia living with his non-Christian father.

He was invited to Sunday school by a young man named Walt who was sent out onto the streets to get his own boys to teach.

The church leader thought this would dissuade Walt from pursuing teaching. You see, Walt had not 1

Waldie Neufeld

been able to finish his schooling because of his mental challenges.

Walt was able to round up around twelve boys by beating them at a game of marbles, and over time led most of them to Christ. Many of these boys ended up in ministry, one of whom was Howard Hendricks.

Howard figured if he was that good at marbles, he might be worth listening too. The only thing Howard remembers is that Walt loved them.

Now Howard taught for fifty years at Dallas Theological Seminary impacting many students. Think of the influence he had and then by extension the influence Walt had.

We as Christians have a great opportunity before us in shaping the next generation for Jesus. Who knows how this will impact our

of student lives happens as these world! Central to shaping this three come together. generation is sharing the gift of abundant life that Jesus’ desires to Note what Emily had to say about her give his people which comes experience: “I came to PRBI knowing through God’s Word, the Spirit, that I needed to follow God, but and his community. Thus, our task skeptical of the “abundant here at PRBI begins by life” I had heard about explaining how that “Relationships so often. In my time abundant life works become the there I was able to study in student lives. We at PRBI seek to partner with ‘motion’ to work Scripture and then apply it as I related to others, parents and churches in the theology all while being coached turning young people into life.” by team members who towards Jesus Christ. were willing to answer We are finding that my questions and point me back to it works best through studying Christ again and again. Experiencing God’s word, the work of the Holy discipleship in such a hands-on way Spirit, and relationships, whether has shown me what a living, vibrant small groups, student work or even relationship with God looks like, and sports. In this vein, the dorms and has brought life to my faith.” care groups in particular become – Emily Peters excellent avenues for the Spirit to work, mixing classroom learning God’s Word under the power of the and the rub of relationships into Spirit through relationships shapes spiritual growth. Oh the power of lives. As Paul claimed, God’s Word the Word, the Spirit and positive is “. . . profitable for teaching, for relational influence! reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16), The fall Trumpet article focused and the Spirit gives “life to our on the need of God’s Word in mortal bodies” (Rom 8:11). If we preparing for life, the winter Trumpet couple these words with the author focused on being able to live of Hebrews, “but encouraging one out that theology, and as argued another” (10:25), we have a path here, relationships become the forward in training our youth. We “motion” to work the theology into have heard again and again how life. If we focus merely on head “community” adds that special knowledge, we become Pharisees, if dimension to what happens around we focus merely on the experiential, PRBI, as noted by Emily above. God we become aimless wanderers, works his transformative power in but if we focus on Scripture, the student lives here at PRBI year in and Spirit, and community, we become year out. rooted for life (Ps 1). Transformation 2

There are a number of ways that you can participate with us in influencing the next generation.

The biggest way is simply praying for the College. Simply praying for our students and staff weekly would be great, and we also have a monthly prayer update from the staff that we can send to you by request. Secondly, we have noticed in recent years that most students come to us through influencers. These influencers are alumni, parents, grandparents and constituents. Simply suggesting Bible School to a young person begins to open doors. If they ask why, or how will that help me, talk to them about character and how important that is for life. Most job firings revolve around character issues and building character is what we do with the Spirit. Your influence actually does matter.

Third, of course is through your gifts.

The opportunity to change lives comes about through you. As you may well know, students carry about 60% of the costs, rentals cover 5%, and our constituency carries the rest. Each year God demonstrates his faithfulness through you. PRBI has existed for 85 years under God’s providence through your hand. What a story!

As you receive and read this article we are finishing up another school year and we will begin preparing for the next. Our spring will cost around $2000 per student.

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Your gift now helps us begin to prepare for next year. Thanks!

Remember, we have influence.

Waldie Neufeld, Ph.D. President Waldie has been at PRBI for 27 years.

He enjoys teaching the Gospel of Mark on disciple-making. He and his wife, Sharon, have four adult children.

[1] James Penner, “Lecture to Corporate Board,” PRBI, October 5, 2014.

[2] Howard Hendricks, “Bible Study Methods,” Lecture, 1986-87.

GET INVOLVED LEGACY GIVING

MONTHLY GIVING SCHOLARSHIPS & BURSARIES BE A PRAYER PARTNER REFER A STUDENT

2017-2018 Graduates Zacary Arnault Cody Barendregt Sarah Bohnet Ashley Bueckert

Raina Cornelsen Natasha Covert Matthew Daley Chelsie Denison

Julia Duke Joshua Evans Kay-Leesa Fehr Christa-Lee Ferguson

Matthew Fletcher Ashley Gulayets Jardin Lorencz Hannah Luymes

Tobin Miller Vanessa Moos Raine Oddy Robby Schallhorn

Julia Stobbe Brett Surbey Emily Teichroeb Tatherine Wilson

Please pray for the Graduates of 2017–2018.

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A Visit from a Friend Have you ever had to spend any time in the hospital? What was that like for you? My wife just had her appendix out but she was only there overnight. I swung by to drop off a few things but she was still so groggy from surgery that she hardly remembered my visit. Yet when someone has an extended stay, we should probably find some time to check in on them.

This semester I am teaching the pastoral students about hospital visitation. Most of them will have to stop by the hospital as part of their duties if they work at a church and I try to prepare them to maximize that time. Since most of them are in their early twenties, this is not something that they are very familiar with or comfortable doing. Yet it is important work.

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Jason Gayoway

Visiting the sick is something Jesus calls us to do, and even if we are not naturally gifted at it, we should swing by the hospital when a friend, church member or relative has an extended stay.

Personally I was never much of a chaplain. I just didn’t have the comfortable, accepting energy that people like Abe Braun seem to have in spades. Yet with a little training even someone like me can be a welcomed visitor to a patient. So I humbly present a few “dos” and “don’ts” for a friendly visit in the hope you will be a blessing when you go.

You Don’t Know Your Own Strength My family has always physically matured at a young age. When I was twelve I was already six feet tall.

So as you can imagine my teachers gave me several of those “you don’t know your own strength” talks after I pushed a girl too hard or threw a ball off someone’s head in dodgeball.

When we visit someone who is sick, we need to keep in mind that compared to them we are strong and powerful.

They may have slept poorly because of pain or be sleepy from their meds. Then we seem to bound into the room like Tigger from Winnie the Pooh, full of energy and wanting to engage them.

Sometimes our energy is welcome but it may also be overwhelming, especially if they have already had a number of visitors. Be sensitive to their energy level and be willing to keep your visit short.

Bring a Friend I remember as a young minister I often felt that I needed to work hard to prove to people in the church that I was useful. Whenever I would visit someone in the hospital, I would always go alone since I thought that this was my duty. Yet sometimes having a friend along can balance the energy of the conversation nicely.

When there are only two of you there is a chance for awkward moments.

A second person may see avenues of discussion that you missed.

Having said that, don’t feel that there needs to be conversation the whole time. Silence can be golden.

Have a Loose Plan I tell the students to create a ‘pastoral plan’ when they visit a patient. Even a few moments of thought before entering the room can make the visit that much more interesting and productive. Yet even if we have some important things to talk about with the patient, we need to follow their lead and toss our plan if it does not seem to be something they are willing to talk about. We should see ourselves as serving them and we can wait with faith that God will give us a door to speak about important subjects another time.

Survey the Land What does the patient’s room look like? Does it seem as though family has been there? What kinds of things are on their nightstand?

These are clues that show you how much support they have from their friends and family. A patient with many visitors might be tired while one who is alone might need you to round up other caring people to come by. If you suspect they have little support you could gently ask about it. We all need people to care for us but sometimes later in life we have lost those supports.

The Smell of Success I’ve never been one for scented body sprays, colognes or perfumed deodorants but some people go for 6

that sort of thing. The commercials make it seem as though the right smell will make you successful, attractive and powerful. You might even be able to ride on a white horse and impress your significant other after using them! I can’t confirm or deny that any of those things will happen but I know that people stuck in a small hospital room do not always appreciate the lingering scent. Some patients have allergies to such scents so they are best left at home (the body spray, not the patient).

Close in Prayer If the patient is tolerant of your faith, ask if it would be OK if you prayed for them. I don’t usually prepare my prayers but I think it is a good idea to include a passage like a portion of Psalm 23 in my prayer or the Lord’s Prayer. There is just something comforting and faithful about those beloved passages.

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To Conclude…

Near the end of the book of Matthew is a scene of the judgment day that I have always found very sobering.

As Jesus separates the sheep from the goats he comments that, “I was sick and you visited me.” I don’t think Jesus wants that verse to be used as a club to beat people with until they visit the sick, but to be an encouragement for us to make an extra effort to stop by. It’s nice to be remembered by the ‘real world’ when you are stuck in a hospital bed. I hope our pointers help you feel empowered to make a friendly call soon.

Jason Gayoway Faculty Jason has served as PRBI faculty since 2008 and as Pastoral Ministries Chair since 2013. He is married to Jill and they have two children.

President’s Message:

Financial Update

Waldie Neufeld

Peace River Bible Institute Statement of Operations and Budget Jul 2017 - Jan 2018 Revenue

tudent 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

603,474

1,016,500

59%

75,582

90,700

83%

104,659

206,700

51%

423,183 19,100 442,283

791,000 73,500 864,500

53% 26% 51%

1,225,998

2,178,400

56%

Expenses To Date

Annual Budget

% of Budget To Date

Academics

237,766

408,415

58%

Student Life

165,485

344,108

48%

175,367

276,813

63%

212,149

334,473

63%

92,433

181,324

51%

339,775

582,695

58%

Facilities & Maintenance

86,935

142,743

61%

tudent Aid

Special Project

28,535

6,000

476%

tudent Aid

Student Aid

16,600

15,000

111%

-

-

Academics

tudent Life

ood Services Food

Services

Development

Promotion & Development

Admissions

Admissions

AdministrationAdministration

Maintenance

Others

Others Total Expenses Net Income (Loss)

1,355,046 (129,048)

2,291,571

59%

(113,171)

Excludes Amortization Expense

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Student Testimonies Giving Up Control Kleenex boxes are something I always keep on hand. My Dad knows me so well that he got me Kleenex that said, “use these before you call me.” And have they ever been used—in great quantities.

I am currently in my second year doing general studies, but I have been called to do ministry with my specific skill set and gifts.

However, before coming to PRBI, I thought I was set for life—an amazing job that paid well, a supportive community and church family, friends who love me dearly, a beautiful house—it was going all the way I wanted it to. I was set. And in control. Or so I thought.

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Until January 2016. That’s when I started to become unsettled and had a life–changing experience.

There was a still and silent voice that said, “Learn more about me,” I thought—awesome. I’ll read another one of my books, try to read my Bible more, even though I don’t understand lots of it, and learn more about You in that way. That was what I could do—I took it under my control to figure out how to do it.

However, the small prompting kept occurring during my quiet times, through prayer and Scripture, and especially in bed at night. It was a battle—surrendering my job as a personal banker and the sense of security its pay cheque brought as well as the friendships I had relied

on so heavily. “TRUST” was an impactful word for me in 2016 and continues to be as I seek to serve my Lord and Saviour more with faith in obedience.

Coming to PRBI, I knew many stories and principles from the Bible, but I was missing so much of the big picture. There is still a lot that I don’t understand—but during my time here at PRBI, I am finding the Bible is fitting together in a way I never saw before. Did you know the Old Testament fits together with the New Testament?

(Pull tissue) Let me tell you about my first semester in Old Testament.

Talking about what you may ask?

Genesis 1—one of the most well– known stories in the Bible. I was so moved. How had I missed God and His characteristics in the very account of His creation? The Lord humbled me by showing how great and powerful He was throughout creation, and that I had such a lack of knowledge about who HE IS. I thought by coming to school I would just understand my faith better and be able to defend myself—but first I had to pause, and recognize who HE IS. My roommate and I would often come back from OT–1 with tears in our eyes, releasing them in the safety of our room as we talked again and again about who HE IS, and who He has been to me in the past, the present, and will continue to be in the future.

Throughout the past year and a half, I have found myself deep in the Old Testament—which I never was before. To be in complete awe of the power of God over and over is something that I hope will never fade away in this life or the next. But today, He teaches and reminds me of His relentless and unconditional love, causing me to pause.

Currently, I am experiencing His sovereignty in the way He chooses to lead me. I am not in control—I wish I could say that I’ve figured it out and have fully surrendered my control issues, but, there is so much in me that would love to go back to my “comfortable” life where I thought I had it all figured out. Now, I choose to wait patiently as the Lord leads in His own timing. Will I choose to be patient and not take control, to obey, and rest in who HE IS? It may involve a bit of Kleenex, but I’m in.

Shari Willms 2nd Year Student

God’s Provision One day at my wife’s cousin’s house we were having “table questions.”

One stood out: “What is one thing you think you will regret in 10 years?” Taking time to think, I said, “I think I will regret not going into ministry.” It was a simple answer. I had a good career with no plans on leaving. That question haunted me the following month.

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The second moment, which took from being able to pick up a little place about one month later, was bit of work to help financially my youngest son’s dedication in to having people give financial our church. Our pastor had my gifts. We have had people put family on the stage and he began money anonymously towards our to pray for us. I don’t remember tuition, we have received bursaries what our pastor said but I heard through the school because of their God tell me that I needed to stop generous supporters and we have telling my kids to follow Him and also had people drop off groceries instead start showing them how for us at our house. One time that to follow Him. I sat through the really stands out in my mind was rest of the service from my first year in “I needed to stop quietly thinking on school. It was the last telling my kids that and had a feeling I day of the month and to follow Him was being called to go we didn’t have enough to PRBI to train for full- and instead start money to pay for our time ministry. I didn’t showing them how rent the next day. We say anything to my wife had not told people to follow Him.” about it that day even that we didn’t have the though she kept asking me what money to pay rent but instead we was wrong. I was wrestling through prayed that God would provide for what it would mean to quit the us. I was trying to figure out what career I had started at the County to do. I was thinking I would need to go to school. The next morning, to leave the school because there I got ready for work and my wife was just no way to make it work asked again what was up with me. financially. I had a part-time job I finally just told her, “I think I need at the Sexsmith Arena and when I to quit my job to go to PRBI, so we got in my car to go to work I saw can go into full-time ministry.” She some cash in the car’s cup holder. I burst into tears, which was not the pulled it out and it was exactly the reaction I was hoping for. But then amount we needed to pay rent. I she told me she had been feeling was blown away both by how God this way for two years and had been had provided and at how little faith praying that God would draw me to I had. We have never found out who the place where I would choose to God used to put that money in our follow His call. I took that day to seek car. It really confirmed in our hearts counsel from some trusted friends. that God will provide for us not I gave my notice at work the next just here in school but in whatever day and soon after applied to PRBI. ministry He calls us too as well.

While being here at PRBI, God has provided for us in so many ways, 11

Sam Retzlaff 3rd Year Student

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President’s Message: Waldie Neufeld

The Pursuit of Excellence It has been said that the life of a leader is a constant quest for excellence. Those who don’t care about excellence or growth are not going to be leaders. It is that simple.

This idea harmonizes well with PRBI’s discipleship model in a number of ways. First, it’s consistent with the result of our discipleship model, that being the development of student leaders who are able to effectively minister to others.

Beyond this, it resonates well with those outside our nuclear communities, including those who are spiritually lost. The quality and character of excellence is something that is magnetizing. It is something that is universally desirous and beautiful. And this is precisely why we strive to instill it within our students.

Matthew 22:34-40 tells an interesting account of the type of dialogue that Jesus routinely shared with the Pharisees. They asked Him, “Master, which is the great commandment 13

Jon Osborne

in the law?” to which Jesus readily responded, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Needless to say, they didn’t have a rebuttal so they immediately moved along to other questions, hoping to somehow befuddle Him along the way.

It is of utmost importance to note that we can cut straight to the heart of the matter if we first determine the biblical motive for the pursuit of excellence. Jesus certainly didn’t mince his words with the Pharisees and for this we can be thankful. He gave us the standard, in lucid terms, of what our life objective ought to be as followers of Christ. And if we are indeed orienting ourselves toward Christ, then literally everything else, including the minutia of life, will fall into its rightful place. The Apostle Paul echoes this in 1 Corinthians 10:31 by his exhortation “whatsoever you do, do all for the

glory of God.” Indeed, this is just one of many references found in the Epistles regarding the quality of excellence and the active effect it ought to have upon our daily lives. It is the logical conclusion and application of what it means to “love the Lord.” We are, therefore, called to bring glory to God in whatever task is set before us, with every breath that we are given.

Furthermore, it behooves us to reflect the image of our Creator and the One who gave His life for us, for without His divine intervention, we would most certainly be lost souls.

As we continue to unpack this idea of excellence, several key relationships begin to surface. For instance, there is a direct correlation between the mettle of one’s character and the desire to pursue excellence.

And as our character is honed through the variegated growth opportunities of life, we realize our potential, through the empowering work of the Holy Spirit. In essence, our practice meets our potential.

It’s a microcosm of the divine work that God performs in our daily lives as we are transformed into His image, and as we are receptive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. It is also interesting to note the all-inclusive nature of the pursuit of excellence. It’s a pursuit which requires wholeheartedness in every endeavor, regardless of what the endeavor may be. In succinct terms, it is

a component of a worldview perspective which then translates into lifestyle choices.

The innovative John W. Gardner bequeathed us this pithy reflection: “The society which scorns excellence in plumbing as a humble activity and tolerates shoddiness in philosophy because it is an exalted activity will have neither good plumbing nor good philosophy: neither its pipes nor its theories will hold water.”

Indeed, there is a great deal of scientific theory which is directly applied in the mechanical trades, especially given the continual evolution of technology. And of course, when one is lacking in the area of understanding theory then bad things generally tend to happen; in fact, it’s only a matter of time. So, let us take heart in this, that if we begin to grasp the idea of pursuing excellence, then we can begin to experience maturation in Christ. We will begin to experience joy and victory in new and practical ways in our everyday lives. It is a holistic, creative, and adventurous way of living out the Greatest Commandment.

Jon Osborne Faculty Jon has served as PRBI faculty since 2017. He and his wife, Jessica, have four young children.

[1] Kenneth R. Raessler, Aspiring to Excel, 2003.

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Alumnus of the Year Award When Dr. Waldie told me I was picked for the Alumnus Award, I was stunned, ‘cause alumni people of the year have to have done something wonderful and I haven’t done anything wonderful. The Lord seemed to say, “I have chosen you to represent all of the ordinary alumni.”

And I thought, “I can do that.”

I want to leave you with a verse that I hope you will never forget, even though the context is talking about giving financial help, the principle of it is extremely encouraging. 2 Corinthians 8:12 KJV, “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.” Let’s take out the ‘Haths.’

What do I have? I can talk. As a little girl of two I would sit on the students’ laps and entertain them with my chatter. Looking back, I realized what a huge gift that was to me. It gave my little soul confidence that people would like me. What a gift!!

My parents, Beth & Walter McNaughton (founder of PRBI) got to know each other as staff at PRBI. All four of their children were born in Sexsmith. I met John at PRBI. In 15

John’s final year, he was the only grad—the school almost closed as there were only twelve students.

Why didn’t it? Because the board and alumni gave and gave and prayed and prayed.

Don’t forget the school after you leave.

Pray and as God blesses you, give.

Each day I try to remember to say, “Father, I just want to do Your will on earth just like it’s done in heaven.

I want to talk and tell people how wonderful You are. So please guide me.” Plus I frequently have to pray— sometimes before I pick up the phone or go to a board meeting.

“Set a watch, O Lord before my mouth. Keep the door of my lips.”

God planned and gave us the abilities and disabilities we have. You and I will reach people that no one else can. If there is a willing mind, our Father will take what we have and use that and not expect us to do things He didn’t equip us for. He will use you and me to do His kingdom work. There is NOTHING more exciting or rewarding than being “in cahoots” with God Almighty.

My prayer is that we will be ordinary alumni with willing minds reaching lots of other ordinary people for Him! Ruth McNaughton Enns

SPREAD THE WORD!

Our donors strongly believe in investing in young people and want to support their desire to attend PRBI by giving them $3000 towards their tuition. They have removed the barriers so that anyone can attend this September 2018!

Learn more at www.prbi.edu/Freshmen3000.

If you are interested in contributing, visit www.prbi.edu/donate or contact us.

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College Update in Pictures

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Alumni&&Staff StaffNews News Alumni BIRTHS SNYDER, Tim (g ‘01) & LeAnn (ug ‘01), along with proud big brothers Micah and Lane, are thrilled to share the birth of William Paul, born on December 27, 2017. Tim continues to work for the Calgary Fire Department while LeAnn stays at home corralling all the boys on their acreage near Airdrie.

OSBORNE, Jon (ug ‘01, staff ‘17–present) & Jessica (ug ‘02), are pleased to announce the arrival of Judah Alexander, who came into the world at 5:15 p.m. on February 13, 2018. He weighed in at 6lb 11oz and was measured 19-3/4”.

Both Jessica and Judah are doing well, praise God. The other children (Josiah, Cadence, and Ezra) are thrilled to have a baby in the house. Jon has served as faculty at PRBI since 2017.

WEDDINGS SENFT, Ben (g ’17) & Heidi (Turnbull, ug ’16) were married on January 20, 2018, and are living in Grande Prairie, AB. Ben works as a shed builder for Parlee Sheds and Shelters Ltd and Heidi works for Pomeroy Lodging as an accounts payable clerk. They are currently looking into full time vocational ministry options.

WILSON, Andrew (Student) & Jillian (Broemeling, ug ‘17, staff ‘17–present) were married December 22, 2017, and are currently living in Sexsmith, AB. Andrew is in his third year at PRBI in the Pastoral Ministries program, and Jillian is serving as PRBI’s Communications & Media Coordinator. They are loving married life and the adventure of building their lives together.

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UPDATES GULAYETS, Kyle (g ’16) & Courtney (ug ‘16, staff ‘16-’17). Courtney writes: Thank you PRBI Staff for your prayers in our move & settlement into life in Cochrane, and especially for your prayers in Kyle’s transition into Calgary Fire Recruit Training. We are developing relationships within our church—Harvest Bible Chapel Calgary North. We are thankful to have the friendship and support of three other Calgary Firefighters & wives in our church!

I work as a part-time live-out nanny for an unbelieving family of two girls. Praise be to God that I can already see Jesus working through me in their young hearts.

On February 1, Kyle graduated with high marks after 14 long weeks at the Fire Training Academy, with long days and short evenings. It was a great celebratory end to his training!

For those of you who continue to keep us in mind, please pray for Kyle’s new phase in his CFD employment as soon he will begin life on the floor at a hall and with a new crew as a probationary firefighter. His responsibilities as a rookie will be demanding at best and the expectations of him will continue to be sky-high!

CHAMBERLAIN, Paul (g ‘85) & Gail. Paul writes: I’m happy to say my new book just came out in February, “Why People Stop Believing.”

This book is a response to the recent wave of Christians, especially Christian leaders, who are rejecting Christianity and, often, becoming some of its most ardent critics. This is a new challenge from a different breed of critics who are using their instant credibility and insider’s knowledge of Christianity to debunk the faith they once believed.

They have a greater knowledge of the Bible, theology, church history, etc., than most other critics Christians are likely to meet. They’re also well aware of the kinds of responses most Christians are likely to give. I continue to see this as a pressing issue for Christians in Canada and throughout North America.

My experience has been that when Christians are hit with challenges from critics like this, they are often blown away and find themselves entirely unprepared. These challenges are often framed in different ways than most Christians are prepared for and the result can be devastating for them. The book opens with an actual case of a mature but unprepared Christian who experienced a virtual faith crisis from a bruising encounter with this kind of critic. I continue to see this as a pressing issue for us all.

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WITH THE LORD ENNS, John (g ‘68). John’s 15-year struggle with Parkinson’s and dementia ended on December 21, 2017 after a battle with pneumonia. John’s “milliondollar smile,” as his nurse named it, was a symbol of the peace he exuded because he had accepted his limitations as from the Lord. That unexplainable, God-given peace provided many opportunities to share our faith in our Amazing God. That was John’s deep desire: “Talk of all His wondrous works” (Psalm 105:2). Born in Steinbach, Manitoba in 1942, John grew up on a farm near Niverville. One night, while working in Winnipeg, he came to understand what Christ had done for him as he was led to stay up overnight reading his Bible. He came out West in 1965 looking for a homestead and came to PRBI. He married Ruth McNaughton on August 3, 1968 and served with CSSM (now One Hope Canada) for about 8 years. John studied at Winnipeg Bible College (now Providence College) and received his Bachelor of Theology and Master of Ministries degrees.

John and Ruth joined Janz Team ministries (now TeachBeyond) and spent 7 years in Gramado, Brazil where John taught a variety of subjects at the Bible school. When they returned to Canada in 1991, John enjoyed carpentry and lay counselling ministries including time with Burden Bearers in Grande Prairie. God blessed them with six children and their spouses: Wanda (Chad) Farr, Rachel (Mark) Thiessen, Philip (Cheila) Enns, Janet (Wade) Greentree, Treasa (Mark) Breen, and Andrew (Dara) Enns, PLUS 21 grandchildren – 2 safe in heaven and 19 on earth. God does ALL things WELL!! They all miss John very much and are thankful for the time they shared with him.

To learn more, email plan@advisorswithpurpose. ca or call 1-866-336-3315

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About PRBI About PRBI: Peace River Bible Institute 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

Email us at development@prbi.edu to submit your updates.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! www.facebook.com/acollegeforlife PRBI - Peace River Bible Institute

If you know of an alumni who has passed away, please let us know.

COMING EVENTS April 21 Graduation Ceremony

October 18–19 Global Ministries Conference

June 16 PRBI Golf Tournament

February 1 Circle of Friends Banquet

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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Peace River Bible Institute Box 99 Sexsmith, AB T0H 3C0

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