Trumpet S u m m e r
PEACE RIVER BIBLE INSTITUTE
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President’s Message:
Waldie Neufeld “As long as the earth endures,
seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.”
- Genesis 8:22
The Promises of God Earlier this spring during our staff retreat, our Interim President, Kim Cairns, prompted us to spend time reflecting on the promises of God. When Kim asked us this, my first thought was, “This will be easy, I already know where the Lord is going to direct me.” I’ll admit it, I was wrong. During that hour, the Lord led me to a place in Scripture that I had read over many times, but had never stopped to notice before. It was Genesis 8:22. What struck me about this promise is that its fulfillment revolves around the premise that things will change. I remember thinking, “That’s interesting, but is this really the promise you have for me today, God?” I even began searching the Psalms for something else, nevertheless, for whatever reason, I couldn’t shake this verse. After thinking about this promise for a few weeks now, I am convinced that what the Lord was encouraging my soul with that day was that change is part of His plan, even at PRBI. It goes without saying that PRBI is in the midst of a season of change. With Waldie retiring, a change of seasons has occurred. Let’s all continue to pray for this new beginning at PRBI with anticipation about what the Lord is going to do.
Jeremy Johnston Director of Development 2
Challenges or Opportunities? Christianity faces blatant attacks at every corner here in Canada. What’s being taught in our schools and what’s being encouraged in our work places only highlight the importance of knowing how to stand against the flow. Further, the Church also faces the growing illiteracy among our Christian youth and the ongoing need for shepherds who know the Word, can teach the Word, and can care for their people. But these opportunities simply highlight the need for Bible training and the importance of PRBI. These times require believers to know God, know His Word, and know how to represent Him in this day and age. Thus, God’s mission requires PRBI to remain strong as 3
Waldie Neufeld
it charts the opportunities on its way forward. The one constant in this time is our God, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and our guide the Holy Spirit. So in the midst of these opportunities, PRBI is anchored in the one true God and His Word. Though PRBI began life in 1933, its constitution dates from 1947, the year in which the mission was formally identified. Nevertheless, this mission, or identity, was etched in the fabric of the School long before the constitution was signed. PRBI has faced various types of opportunities over its eighty-six year existence, but God’s mission remains unchanged.
The Church needs partners like PRBI in giving solid Bible teaching and mentoring to its youth in their relationship with God. PRBI seeks to address this partnership through its mission, vision, and values.
central to Canada’s Church as it moves forward.
Vision, on the other hand, paints a picture of what we will look like on that hill. PRBI’s vision is “to train believers to become disciple-makers who know God, When one thinks of mission, my model His character, and are seminary prof, Aubrey Malphurs, able to build into others the lifeencouraged us to think of mission changing principles of His Word.” as the hill we wanted to take. Head, heart, and hand! This vision We could therefore say that the statement helped focus PRBI in original founders of PRBI sat down its mission of training students. in 1947 and identified the specific Jesus Christ saw disciple-making hill they wished to take. They as central for spiritual maturity identified that hill as and thus disciplethe following: “The making should “PRBI’s mission conduct of a Bible remain as core to PRBI. is central to College, the training of Disciple-making, or students in a thorough Canada’s Church spiritual mentoring, knowledge of the has become one of as it moves Word of God, Holy PRBI’s hallmarks. If forward.” Scriptures, and the there is one comment training of students we hear from alumni, to become ministers, whether at it’s the disciple-making thrust of home or abroad.” Notice, they PRBI that has set them on a secure identified PRBI as a “college” that foundation. Those who talk about focuses on training students in PRBI and its discipling culture, a thorough knowledge of God’s talk about the following: 1) How Word. Though this mission was PRBI helped them build a firm sorely needed during PRBI’s early identity and lay a firm foundation years, due to a lack of churches for their faith; 2) How the many and Sunday schools, our current different classes prepared them youth and Church still need the to handle what life has thrown same Bible training today. So at them, from family issues to much of education focuses on how to study the Bible, how to training young people to earn a lead in church, how to lead in living, but little on learning how their work, how to work, and so to live, especially in relationship on; and 3) How from pastoral with God. Thus, PRBI’s mission is training to leadership training, 4
denominational superintendents have consistently affirmed what PRBI does. Values then are the passions that motivate the PRBI team to take the hill. We believe teaching the Word of God through strong biblical academics and through intentional, interactive relationships, helps students integrate spiritual truth into their lives and communities. PRBI also seeks to provide quality, affordable education. These values help young people lay down a spiritual foundation that will bring the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ to their world. The mission, vision, and values can only be accomplished by the PRBI community. All hands need to 5
be on deck for the opportunities that lay ahead. The PRBI staff and faculty are fully invested in this mission. Further, PRBI needs God’s people to walk alongside the School to make it possible to train God’s students. As I step away from my post at PRBI, I invite you to stay the course with PRBI. God works such wonders through the training of the Word, the prayers of His people, and their gifts. May God be praised! Waldie Neufeld, Ph.D. President Waldie has served at PRBI for 29 years, and is now retiring from PRBI this June. He will be deeply missed!
Peace River Bible Institute Peace of River Bible Institute Statement Operations and Budget Peace River Bible Institute Statement of Operations and Budget Julof2018 - Apr 2019 Statement Operations and Budget Jul 2018 - Apr 2019 Jul 2018 - Apr 2019
Revenue Revenue Revenue nt Revenue Student Fees & Other Programs nt Revenue Student Fees & Other Programs nt Revenue Student & Other Programs ral Income Sales & Fees Non-Program Fees & Services ral Income Sales & Non-Program Fees & Services ral Sales Non-Program Fees & Services enceIncome Rental Rental&Income ence Rental Rental Income ence-Rental Rental Income tion Undesignated Donations - Undesignated tion -- Designated Undesignated Donations -- Designated Undesignated tion Donations tion - Undesignated Donations -- Undesignated tion - Designated Donations Designated Total Donations tion - Designated Donations - Designated Total Donations Total Donations Total Revenue Total Revenue Total Revenue
Expenses Expenses emics Expenses Academics emics Academics emics nt Life Academics Campus Life nt Life Campus Life nt Life Campus Life Services Food Services Services Food Services Services Food Services lopment Promotion & Development lopment Promotion & Development lopment ssions Promotion Admissions& Development ssions Admissions ssions nistrationAdmissions Administration nistrationAdministration nistrationAdministration tenance Facilities & Maintenance tenance Facilities & Maintenance tenance & Maintenance nt Aid Facilities Special Project nt Aid Special Project nt Aid Special Student Project Aid nt Aid Student Aid snt Aid Student Others Aid s Others s Others Total Expenses Total Expenses Total Expenses Net Income (Loss) Net Income (Loss) Net Income (Loss) Excludes Amortization Expense Excludes Amortization Expense Excludes Amortization Expense
Income Income To Date Income To Date To891,363 Date 891,363 891,363 106,451 106,451 106,451 177,336 177,336 177,336 546,806 546,806 145,404 546,806 145,404 692,210 145,404 692,210 692,210 1,867,360 1,867,360 1,867,360
Annual Annual Budget Annual Budget Budget 1,083,000 1,083,000 1,083,000 107,800 107,800 107,800 194,355 194,355 194,355 868,230 868,230 223,500 868,230 223,500 1,091,730 223,500 1,091,730 1,091,730 2,476,885 2,476,885 2,476,885
% of Budget %To of Budget Date %To of Budget Date To Date 82% 82% 82% 99% 99% 99% 91% 91% 91% 63% 63% 65% 63% 65% 63% 65% 63% 63% 75% 75% 75%
Expenses Expenses To Date Expenses To Date To347,834 Date 347,834 347,834 327,483 327,483 327,483 284,327 284,327 284,327 325,680 325,680 325,680 156,927 156,927 156,927 498,879 498,879 498,879 132,196 132,196 132,196 5,233 5,233 5,233 6,622 6,622 6,622 2,085,181 2,085,181 2,085,181 (217,821) (217,821) (217,821)
Annual Annual Budget Annual Budget Budget 414,652 414,652 414,652 442,542 442,542 442,542 292,425 292,425 292,425 400,112 400,112 400,112 173,507 173,507 173,507 587,200 587,200 587,200 145,447 145,447 145,447 6,000 6,000 6,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 2,476,885 2,476,885 2,476,885 -
% of Budget %To of Budget Date %To of Budget Date To Date 84% 84% 84% 74% 74% 74% 97% 97% 97% 81% 81% 81% 90% 90% 90% 85% 85% 85% 91% 91% 91% 87% 87% 87% 44% 44% 44% 84% 84% 84%
Financial Report
For the fiscal year that ends on June 30, we are currently projecting a $143,000 deficit. We do have a line of credit to float us through the low cash flow periods of summer, however using the line of credit does not resolve the need. Would you pray for PRBI, that God would bring in the needed funds before June 30? We are praying for some substantial donations to come in to help remedy the deficit projection. 6
Brad Cowie
A View from the 80s
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This year my son graduated from PRBI, thirtyish years after I did the same in 1988. When I returned as staff eleven years ago, walking across campus often created flashbacks. Some things hadn’t changed that much—the dorms looked the same, the music building smelled the same, the old gym had the same linoleum floor, and most classes the same names. Even the old trailers were still here, and they were old 30 years ago! Other things were very different: The alley between the dining hall and gym was now the main lobby of the McNaughton building, which had changed dramatically. The old chapel was now a classroom, PowerPoint had replaced overheads, staff housing had taken over the football field, and the Ruark building stood in the former wilderness behind
Brad Cowie
the ladies’ dorm. Most significantly, former classmates were dropping off their kids for me to teach; that’s just wrong! What about discipleship? How had discipleship changed at PRBI over those three decades? “Discipleship” was not a buzzword at PRBI in the 80s like it is today. Discipleship was not as conspicuously woven into the fabric of everything from classroom to kitchen to dorm life to work and sports. Intentional strategies like mentoring relationships between staff and students, integration of peer-to-peer discipleship with care groups, or the disciple-to-disciplemaker process were not as clearly articulated or developed (although they occasionally happened informally). However, it would be incorrect to say
that I was not discipled in my student years at PRBI, if by discipling we mean the process of being guided towards being a mature follower of Jesus. True, I did not have an assigned mentor with whom I met regularly, and I don’t remember the discipleship label begin attached to every activity and structure. But I was certainly encouraged to grow in my Christian walk in a holistic, Christ-centered way, and I was challenged to commit myself to the Great Commission of making more disciples. The terminology may not have been as explicit, but that doesn’t mean that the shaping of young adults to love and follow Jesus was not the conscious mission of PRBI in the 80s, or the 60s, or the 40s. The legacy of this school tangibly demonstrates otherwise. So, how was I discipled? I was discipled by theological and practical instruction. From one teacher I learned the importance of offering God your best. From another I gained a passion for Truth and tools for critical biblical thinking. Yet another seared into my heart a vision for disciple-making churches which deeply influenced my fifteen years of pastoral ministry. I was discipled by community. I was blessed to have two great roommates who loved me, encouraged me, challenged me, and on occasion forced me out of my comfort zone. I had friends who engaged me in spiritual conversation, listened to me, walked with me through struggles,
prayed with me, and even rebuked me when I needed it. I was discipled through exposure to a variety of perspectives. Before coming to PRBI, I didn’t even know what a Mennonite was! But during my time here, I actually became friends with Mennonites (and learned that anabaptist pacifism does not apply to hockey). I also had friends who were Baptist, Alliance, Reformed, Pentecostal, and Lutheran, and they all loved Jesus. This appreciation for the larger body of Christ, the variety of Christian perspectives, the need for unity grounded in Christ, and the importance of both conviction and humility, has never left me. I was discipled by conflict. The eighties were turbulent times for the church in Canada and, at times, PRBI. Christian values were being openly challenged, and we strained between so-called “traditionalists” and “progressives.” Music was the biggest lightning rod, but there was no shortage of other things to fight about: movies, hairstyles, clothing, alcohol, curfews, dating, tattoos, earrings for guys, and rules—lots of rules. Navigating those controversies taught me to form biblically-based convictions, relate graciously with fellow-Christians of different convictions, and even how to submit to authority when you disagreed. I was discipled through personal journey. I’ve been amazed at how often current students describe a formative journey remarkably like
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my own—discovery to struggle to rebuilding to maturing—along with a deep awareness that a community like PRBI seems divinely shaped to facilitate just such a journey. Finally, I was discipled by opportunity. I had planned to attend a larger Bible school, but PRBI turned out to be the right size for me. Being an introvert, I probably would have faded into the background of a larger school, but the smaller size of PRBI meant that opportunities abounded. So, I played hockey and volleyball, took piano and voice, learned the guitar, led worship, toured with Chorale, did drama with Earthen Vessels, did summer missions in Chile, counselled at Bible camp, and served as both Resident Assistant (Care Leader) and Resident Leader. Each opportunity built skills, concepts, and character that I have tapped into through my entire adult life and ministry. PRBI life in the 80s was far from perfect. And students handled these tensions differently: some complied, some complained, some submitted, some rebelled, some leaned in, and 9
some disengaged. It’s not much different today (and, no, I’m not going to tell you which group your kid was in). But growth was there for the taking, and in those years God planted seeds for growth that He has been tending and pruning ever since. Discipleship strategies may change, but the core ingredients—Biblical truth, community, intentionality, the Spirit—remain the same. The intentionality that PRBI now brings to discipleship represents, I hope, progress in our learning as a school. But it’s far from the final word on the topic. We have not perfected discipleship, and we have lots of room to grow. Lord willing, we will look back a generation from now and see how much we have learned. How we disciple students may change, but by God’s grace, we will always keep making disciples. Brad Cowie Faculty Brad is an alumnus of PRBI (1984-88) and has served as PRBI faculty since 2008. Brad and his wife, Barb, have two children.
College News: Board Edition Report from the Presidential Search Committee – by Graham Plett Committee Chair and Board Member
As a board, we have witnessed God working at PRBI and we are excited to see how He will not only continue to sustain us but magnify His work at PRBI through this coming season of change. The board has called Kim Cairns from the PRBI Senior Leadership Team to take on the role as interim President of PRBI. Kim, along with his Senior Leadership Team has the experience and capability to lead PRBI according to God’s directing and plan during this time of transition. The board has appointed a committee that will be responsible for taking the requirements of the board and school, and following a God-directed process to find a candidate to recommend to the board to fulfill the role of President. The committee consists of: • • • •
Graham Plett (Committee Chair and Board Member) Dennis Landis (Board Chair) Ruth Enns (Board Member) Kim Cairns (PRBI Academic Dean on LT and interim President)
• •
Nelson Senft (PRBI Corporate Board Member and Pastor) Paul Balisky (PRBI Supporter and Constituency Rep)
Our committee is at the very front-end of the process and we are taking the following next steps: 1. Confirming the vision of PRBI with the Board at the end of June. 2. Confirming a role description and requirements for the role of President. 3. Then, start advertising the role and soliciting candidates for review by the committee. This process will take some time but our hope would be to have someone in place by summer of 2020. As our board Chairman, Dennis Landis, stated in an earlier communication: “We want to continue to fall in line with God’s heart and His calling on PRBI as we serve together to see the next generation educated in the truth of His Word, and transformed and anointed to step into their God-given purpose and calling.” We would covet your prayers and support as we wait with anticipation for God’s answer to providing this critical role for PRBI. 10
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College Update in Pictures
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Alumni of the Year Award
Gary & Joan accepting their award at our 2019 commencement program.
Gary & Joan Allyn attended Peace River Bible Institute from 19701973. While Gary took full-time classes, Joan’s primary role at PRBI was cooking in the kitchen and taking care of their young family, although she did find time to audit a few courses. They arrived with a seven-month-old daughter, Robynn, and were joined two years later by son, Neil. After Gary’s graduation in April 1973, they stayed on for an additional year where Joan continued to cook and Gary was in charge of maintenance.
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In 1978 they joined Christar, formerly known as International Missions, and left for Pakistan in January 1979 where they served until February 2004. Their early years in Pakistan involved language study and village ministry among
17 villages surrounding their home town of Layyah: preaching, teaching, visiting, praying, organizing impromptu “Sunday schools” for children, transporting people (and animals), drinking countless cups of chai, and attending weddings and funerals. It was during these years that the burden to begin a vocational Bible school (later called the Layyah Technical Training and Bible School, or LTTBS) was solidified. There was a clear need for young men to be taught the Bible and to learn marketable trades. Since churches in rural Pakistan could not afford to pay salaries, they needed to be shepherded by lay pastors. LTTBS opened its doors to its first students in September 1991. Over
the next ten years, the Allyns and their team saw dozens of students graduate from the three year course, many of whom are still working as auto mechanics and actively participating in their local churches. Additionally, the school, concerned about the lack of available education for girls in the villages, invited young girls to stay in their dormitories while attending local schools in town. This arrangement enabled dozens of young women to be formally educated while also providing tutoring, care and discipleship, primarily under Joan’s supervision. Unfortunately, the ministry at LTTBS was suspended when missionaries and expats were evacuated from Pakistan following September 11, 2001.
In October 2004, Gary and Joan were invited to join the staff team at Christar Canada. They served together in the New Personnel and the Finance departments until Gary retired in 2014. Gary continues to help out at Christar Canada in the finance department, and to serve in his handyman ministry for missionaries and pastors and friends who live in the area. Joan continues in her role as head of the finance department, and anticipates retiring from her formal office job at the end of this year after 40 years of service with Christar. Both are still active in serving missionaries that pass through the office through hospitality, kindness, and pastoral care. They also co-lead their missions team at their local church.
In March 2002, after returning to Pakistan, Gary and a Pakistani colleague made a trip to Islamabad to welcome new teammates at the airport. They were attending a Sunday morning service at the Protestant International Church when terrorists entered the building and lobbed eight hand grenades into the sanctuary. Five people were killed and nearly 50 were injured—including Gary. His eardrums were shattered, and the loss of hearing plus the trauma of the event resulted in Gary and Joan leaving Pakistan in May 2002. They returned in 2003-2004 for six months to pack up their belongings and to say goodbye.
God has been faithful! Standing on that graduation platform in 1973, neither Gary nor Joan could have imagined the twists and turns their story would take. Through it all, they’ve experienced God’s provision, His unending grace, His companionship, and His care. Together with their adult children, they invite you to join them in their declaration and praise: to God be the Glory—Great things HE has done! Gary & Joan Allyn Gary is an alumnus of PRBI (1970-73) and served as PRBI staff for one year. Joan worked at PRBI from 1970-74. They have two adult children.
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Encountering God It may sound strange, but in the early 1940s I found myself on a train going North, instead of heading East to Winnipeg to work the harvest as I had earlier planned. I changed my mind after I lost some money in a little gambling spree in a “get rich quick” game. Now Manitoba was out. There had been a lot of advertising on the radio about “Grande Prairie.” I thought to myself, “Why not?” I checked and learned that the train for Grande Prairie was leaving in about an hour. I got myself a ticket and went aboard. The coach was filling up fast, so it was not too long before a gentleman approached and asked if he could share my seat with me. “I’m Mike Utz,” he said. I responded, “I’m Arnold Newman.” After these 15
Arnold Newman
preliminaries, I found out that he was going to Bear Lake Bible Camp to be a counsellor at a Youth Camp. My first question was, “What is a Youth Camp?” I was curious. As we chatted, I also quickly learned that I was a week too early to take in the harvest, so he asked, “Why not come to camp for a week?” I thought that was a great idea. I was curious enough to want to go and see what this was all about and I didn’t feel it would do me any harm. I would learn about Youth Camp and have a week’s room and board for six bucks. Mike told me we would stop overnight at the Peace River Bible Institute in Sexsmith. When we arrived, all that was there were a few white buildings, nothing else, and I wondered if I would find out more
about this so-called Bible School while we were in the general area. After breakfast the next morning, we headed for Bear Lake Bible Camp. I was in for a wonderful surprise. Youth Camp was an experience that I will never forget. By the end of the week, many questions that had been lingering in my mind about Christianity were answered. For one, I had always believed that preachers did not work, and there I saw two preachers filling straw ticks that served as mattresses at that time. I also found that they were easy to get to know and were very approachable. They were human beings, like the rest of us, and could play ball and volleyball! I also saw that the young people were enjoying themselves. Another excuse of mine vanished when I saw two men who seemed to have a certain something that I knew I lacked. They had an inner joy which I knew nothing about. One of the men actually gave up the option of running his father’s 700-acre farm, and served instead as a missionary in Japan. As the Camp started filling up, the people looked happy and they were smiling. There were about 35-40 young people at the Camp. They were enjoying the games and learning about the Bible. Up to now, I had believed that to be a Christian you had to wear a long face, but I did not see a single long face. The theme song was, “I Know
Whom I Have Believed,” and when they sang it, I thought the roof was going to come off! Because of the testimony of these young people, I was convinced that Christianity was real. My difficult questions disappeared, except for one last nagging one, “Is the Bible true?” The Lord is often not in a hurry. After a year or two, I was housesitting at Peace River Bible Institute. During that winter I read a book on Archaeology and I was fascinated by all of the “digging” these archaeologists were doing and the discoveries they were making. The author claimed that a huge circle of bricks that had been found was the fallen Wall of Jericho and that they were lying in too perfect of an arrangement to be an accident. It was as if they were there by design. As I read this book over the winter, I was convinced the Bible was true. Where did this leave me? For some time I had felt that as a Christian I should be able to defend my faith by using the Scriptures, but I was completely ignorant. I was not able to say, “Thus saith the Lord.” Although it never entered my thoughts that I should be a preacher, I applied and was accepted at Peace River Bible Institute. Bible School was nothing fancy. Just the same few frame buildings I had seen on my previous visit. The studying was difficult for me. I 16
PRBI All-School Photo 1947-48 barely scraped through grade eight, and that had been a long time ago. I was the only “old man.” Most of the students were just out of high school and had come from Christian backgrounds. I worked hard and graduated in April of 1951 with a four-year diploma.
•
Graduating from PRBI is one of the most significant events in my life. I praise God for the 4 years that I spent at PRBI. It not only gave me the background in biblical studies that I needed, but gave me many life skills as well.
•
These are just a few of the people I remember: • Don Masterson was the Camp Director (and Bible School Principal). 17
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Ralph Balisky and Chester Throness were Camp Counsellors. Lea Little became a missionary to Japan – I housesat for him while he attended PRBI. Alice Stephenson was in charge of registration. I believe the main camp speaker was Mr. Mapstone. Oswald Throness was a good friend during my school days. He’s the only one still living from my time in the Peace River area – that I know! Sincerely, Arnold Newman Grad of 1951
PO Box 390 Sexsmith, AB T0H3C0 (780) 567-2293 office@bearlakebiblecamp.org 18
Discipleship at Camp As I reflect on my summers growing up, I remember with fondness my time at Bible camp at Camp Mishewah on Round Lake in Ontario. As a kid, I lived for the summer. I always wanted to spend as much time as possible at camp. When I turned 14, and I was finally old enough to be able to work in the kitchen at camp, I was so excited because it meant being at camp for most of the summer. The following year I was hired as a Jr. Camp Counsellor, I felt like I had arrived! Though our students are a little bit older than I was as a 15-year-old Jr. Camp Counselor, as I listen to their experiences of working at camp, I am reminded of my own from years gone by. I hear time and time again from our students that they love Bible camp, and they want to go back every summer for as long as they can. Considering PRBI’s discipleship vision and the culture of making disciples, it is not surprising that many of our students are passionate about Bible camp ministry and continue to want to be a part of that year after year (even once they have left PRBI). After 19
Shelley Martindale
all, working at camp is really all about discipleship. There is one slight problem though. Money. Even though many of our students have a passion for working at camp, the lingering thought of making enough money to return to PRBI is always there. Despite this financial reality, in faith, many of our students keep going back! They believe in camp ministry so much that they will do anything they can to be able to work at camp for the summer, even if that means they may not have enough money for school. They are exercising their faith muscle, trusting that God will provide if He really wants them ministering there. This summer, will you pray for our students as they serve the Lord faithfully at camp or wherever God has placed them? Please also pray that God will supply all of their needs. Shelley Martindale Women’s Campus Pastor Shelley has been part of the PRBI Team since 2013. She enjoys being a disciplemaker and overseeing the girls on campus.
Alumni & Staff News BIRTHS GAO, Alex (staff ‘15–present) & Carissa (g ‘15), are pleased to share the arrival of their fourth child, Micah Kane, born on April 25, 2019 weighing 9 lbs 2 oz. They are living in Sexsmith, AB, where Alex is the Director of Business Affairs at PRBI and Carissa is homemaking. Older siblings Brooke, Rylan, and Ciaran are loving their new baby brother! RITCHIE, Mason (g ‘14) & Janelle (ug ‘14), are delighted to announce the birth of their first child Brooklyn Pearl, who was born on December 19, 2018 weighing 7 lbs 9 oz. They are living in Grande Prairie, AB. Mason is working as a schoolteacher and graduates this spring from the University of Alberta with an Education degree, and Janelle is enjoying being a stay-at-home mom!
WEDDINGS CARRIERE, Reuben (ug ‘17) & Janelle (Aspin, ug ’17) were married on February 16, 2019, and are living in Valleyview, AB. Reuben is working for the Town of Valleyview in the recreation department, and Janelle is working for the Municipal District of Greenview. They are enjoying married life and learning how to be husband and wife while continuing their friendship. God has been providing opportunities for them to pursue adventures together, which has been so fun! WILBUR, Alex (Student) & Margaret (Neufeld, ug ’18) were married on April 21, 2019, and are living in Sexsmith, AB. Margaret is working at Hythe Pioneer Homes, and Alex is currently seeking a place of employment before returning to PRBI in the fall to finish his degree. Their new life together has been great and they are enjoying getting to share household responsibilities!
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WITH THE LORD CONGO, Norman (staff ‘71-73) passed into the arms of his Jesus on March 19, 2019, just short of his 94th birthday. Norman walked with the Lord in vocations such as a horseman, farmer, equipment operator and caretaker. He had his farm at Fallis for over 40 years then lived in Stony Plain for another 25 years. He was pre-deceased by his wife Lillian (staff 1971-73) in 2007, and leaves behind 4 children (all PRBI alumni), 8 grandchildren (6 alumni) and 22 great-grandchildren. UNGER, Norman Cornelius (PRBI board member ‘86-’19), long time resident of Sexsmith, AB, went to be with his Lord and Saviour on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at the age of 74 years. First and foremost, Norm would want to be remembered as a man of God. His faith in Jesus Christ was an integral part of his life. Despite being softspoken, Norm’s faith was rock-solid. He had a real heart for missions and was a faithful supporter of many in the mission field. His faith provided a firm foundation for his family. He lived what he believed at home and at work, in health and through sickness. Norm’s word was his bond—there was no question that if he committed himself to a task, it would be completed well and on time. A dedication to family, both those related by blood and those in the church family, was also a defining trait of Norm’s life. Norm leaves to mourn his passing and carry on his legacy, Twyla, his wife of 47 years, his three children and ten grandchildren.
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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. Our vision is 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 His Word. Like Us On Facebook!
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PRBI - Peace River Bible Institute
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COMING EVENTS
September 6 Water Balloon Mania
February 7 Circle of Friends Banquet
November 4-8 Impact Week
February 28 - March 1 eView
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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