Vol. 52, No. 2 - Fall 2011
learning together published by Taylor College and Seminary
Thanksgiving! The Shepherd family celebrates after facing a life-threatening illness. Full story, Pg. 3.
COVER: The Shepherds celebrate with family, friends and colleagues at Taylor.
Tsunami Relief Taylor Alumni in Japan Serve Victims, pg. 5-6
Alumni Association Reboots Interim Leadership calls Official Meeting, Surveys Members, pg. 7
A Note from the President As you will read in this edition of The Bridge, several members of the Taylor community have experienced significant health challenges this summer. Two of the spouses of our faculty (Cheryl Shepherd and Karen Effa) were hospitalized and have dealt with multiple surgeries; our daily prayer time as a staff and faculty have been marked by frequent updates and fervent prayers for these and other health concerns. We have also been saddened to hear of health challenges faced by people in the extended Taylor family. We have received numerous reports of alumni, local church leaders and others who have been ill. Among them are members of the Taylor Jubilee'rs leadership team; several of them have been forced to step aside, and in two cases this has been due to a sudden and unexpected health crisis. So you can imagine our joy when we gathered in late November to celebrate with the Shepherd family as they gave thanks for the gift of Cheryl's life. Her survival seemed so improbable at times this summer, yet she stood in our midst and gave God praise for His faithfulness, and for the love and support of friends and family. There have been so many reminders of God's goodness despite our circumstances, and in my role at Taylor I have the opportunity to hear many reports of answered prayer. It is striking how often God uses His people to link arms, to stand together and encourage one another through difficulties. What a blessing it is to be part of
such a community! I have also had the privilege recently of working alongside the Taylor Alumni Association as they seek to re-organize and re-launch. A group of dedicated volunteers has formed an interim leadership team that is initiating dialogue with association members. This group sees an important role for former students in providing guidance and support to Taylor, and is working to rebuild the association. I see this as such a blessing, and I am grateful for everyone who is part of this process. Our hearts go out to those who continue to face challenges and uncertainties. We pray regularly for the needs that we hear about, and it is heartening to know that you are doing the same. Supporting and praying for one another -- that's the church at it's best, and in that way, it's been a great summer at Taylor. As you celebrate Christmas, I hope and pray that the coming of the Savior will fill you again with joy. Shalom!
David Williams, Ph.D. President, Taylor College and Seminary Director, E P Wahl Centre
At the time of writing and designing this issue of The Bridge, a new Advent season has begun. This time of year can feel so rushed but the observance of Advent is helpful in orienting our hearts around the themes and great purpose of the season. I was invited by my church to write a Call to Worship for each of the four Sundays of Advent. I wrote about the gifts of hope, peace, joy and love – about the fact that these are gifts freely given to us, yes, and we must accept and embrace them. But it also struck me that these are gifts which we are called to share. Each of us is holding a gift to our neighbour from God, and we are called to give others the hope, peace, joy and love that has come to us through Jesus. These gifts are by far the most valuable gifts of the season, and I pray that they are yours in abundance, both to receive and to share. Have a wonder-filled Christmas. Tim Willson Communications and Marketing Director Editor, The Bridge P.S. Find us and “like us” at www.Facebook.com/TaylorUpdates; be part of the conversation, and help spread the Word!
Vol. 52, No. 2, Fall 2011 Published by Taylor College and Seminary to communicate with students, alumni, friends and supporters.
Editor: Tim Willson TheBridge@Taylor-Edu.ca Taylor College and Seminary 11525 - 23 Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T6J 4T3
The Valley of the Shadow of Death Taylor prof Dr. Jerry Shepherd and family face a life-threatening crisis by Tim Willson
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s he does every November, Dr. Jerry Shepherd (originally from Greensboro, NC) celebrated American Thanksgiving this year, but this celebration was unlike any other. This year, Jerry and his wife Cheryl and their family threw a huge party in the Taylor Commons, inviting colleagues, students, friends, neighbours and numerous churches to join them. The reason for the party: the family wanted to celebrate the fact that Cheryl is alive, having lived through a lifethreatening illness over the summer. As Jerry wrote in his invitation, there were numerous reasons to celebrate: “This will be a celebration of Cheryl's 60th birthday, as well as a time to give thanks to God for his gracious providence in sparing her life. It is also a chance for the family to say thanks to all of you for your prayers and kind expressions of care and concern over the past six months.” UNEXPECTED CRISIS Cheryl’s dramatic story began in April with a lingering throat infection. Over a period of weeks, she grew increasingly sick, and after being admitted to hospital in late May she nearly died several times. At the celebration event in late November, Cheryl described her fight for life: “Unfortunately, I was getting worse and [I was transferred] to the U of A hospital where I entered
ICU. I did not known how critical I became. I quickly became the sickest patient there. For the next few weeks, I fought the battle of my life—I had a high temperature and the bacterial infection that had taken over my entire body was threatening to take my life. The doctors figured out that I had a type of staph infection; all the organs in my body became affected. All my body functions were off-the-charts low. I had liver dysfunction so became jaundiced, had a reaction to the heparin so I had some rings around the eyes and was a bit green, then my kidneys were failing, so the doctors hooked me up to dialysis. Then my heart and lungs got involved in this battle, and I was connected first to a respirator, then onto an oscillator that breathed for me at 300 times a minute! And, to top it all off, I had to have a tracheotomy. My family tells me that I was hooked up to about 15 different IV’s at one time...” Cheryl was in a coma for several weeks, and remembers almost nothing from May to July. At one point, she was almost completely paralyzed, communicating with her family by raising one eyebrow. She ended up facing several amputations (a finger and the tips of two fingers and a toe), and had three surgeries to remove dead tissue on one arm. Cheryl’s five weeks in the ICU was followed up with an extended stay in the Burn Unit. She finally returned home on August 26, just short of three
Left: Cheryl Shepherd gives thanks through tears as she recounts the loving care provided by her family during a life-threatening illness. Middle: Cheryl visits with guests at the celebration event; she has regained significant mobility, considering that just a few months ago she was almost completely paralyzed. Right: Dr. Jerry Shepherd presents Cheryl with a birthday cake for her 60th birthday. The couple chose to celebrate with friends, colleagues and students on the American Thanksgiving Day, acknowledging the many blessings they have been given.
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months after entering the ICU. This medical crisis involved a number of losses, and Cheryl found herself coming to terms with a new normal. As a singer (and a long-time member of the Taylor Community Choir), the tracheotomy threatened to take away that past-time. As a pianist, she also had to come to terms with the amputations of a finger and two fingertips. Her recovery plan will likely involve at least a year of therapy to regain strength and mobility. Yet, the celebration at Taylor did not dwell on the challenges and losses of the summer. Both Cheryl and Jerry focused instead on the many blessings that they have encountered. “God has performed miracle after miracle,” she told Left: Dr. Jerry Shepherd (left) stands with his wife Cheryl as they lead a gathering of friends and colleagues in singing Great is thy Faithfulness. “All I have needed Thy hand hath provided Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!” Approximately 100 people attended the celebration. (Standing in the background are Lori Muz, and Jesse and Diana Fuchs.)
the crowd of 100 well-wishers. “One ICU nurse said that I was THE miracle of ICU for the entire year.” Jerry, too, has focused on God’s faithfulness through this ordeal. In an email to his Taylor colleagues in July, he wrote: “Despite these challenges, we are, of course, tremendously grateful for the sparing of Cheryl's life. This is due to the incredible skill and determination of the doctors, nurses, and the various medical technicians, Cheryl's own fighting spirit, the prayers of hundreds of God's people in a number of different churches, and of course, the great grace and mercy of our sovereign God. “I am especially grateful to the members of the Taylor community for your prayers, calls, emails, visits, and covering of some of my responsibilities... What a blessing it has been to have colleagues like you. Thank you so much.” Cheryl also expressed her appreciation to those who have provided love and encouragement over the past few months. She thanked her family, who put their lives and jobs on hold for the summer to sit with her around the clock. She was most grateful for Jerry’s constant care: “And, most of all, thank you to Jerry, who has added caring for an invalid wife and learning the many household tasks, as well as doing his jobs of teaching and interim pastor, then carting me to all my therapy appointments each week. And through it all, I haven’t yet heard any complaints from him. Thank you Jerry. I love you so much.” TB
Another Taylor Family Faces Crisis Traffic accident leaves Karen Effa with serious injuries An accident on August 23rd sent Karen Effa to hospital with serious ankle and knee injuries. Karen, who is married to Taylor professor Dr. Allan Effa, was struck by a car as she rode her bicycle to work in south Edmonton. Karen’s ankle was broken and she suffered serious injuries to her knee; she spent two weeks in hospital and has since had numerous surgeries. The ensuing challenges have included severe pain and some complications. Karen has been able to start walking without crutches, and says she is grateful for “an excellent physiotherapist” and she is hopeful for a good recovery. The medical crises of the summer, involving two spouses of our faculty, coincided with the sabbatical of another, so the fall semester started with a sense of being spread rather thin. Nonetheless, the Taylor community experienced significant care and compassion through these challenges, and students have been witness to the blessings that accompany trials. TB
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Disaster Relief in Japan O by Yuri Nakano (’03), in conversation from Japan
n March 11, 2011 a devastating earthquake struck off the coast of Japan. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 9.0, and the resulting tsunami also triggered a nuclear disaster.
ground. In July I spent one week in Miyagi prefecture doing mostly physical clean-up, and in October I spent a week in Iwate prefecture offering more emotional care among survivors.
The tsunami was over 10 metres (32 feet) in places. It is estimated that over 15,000 people lost their lives, and thousands remain missing. The massive wave devastated 600 km (370 mi) of coastline, wiping out whole cities.
The Bridge: Can you describe what you saw?
Taylor alumni are serving in Japan and although they were not in quake zone at the time, their lives and their ministry have been impacted by this crisis. One of these alum is Yuri Nakano (’03); she has made two trips to the northern, hard-hit prefectures of Miyagi and Iwate, leading teams of volunteers to help with cleanup and to offer hope. We caught up to Yuri via email to hear about the situation she and her colleagues have encountered. The Bridge: How much time have you been able to spend on the ground in the areas affected by the disaster earlier this year? I have been able to spend about 2 weeks on the
In July, Becky Lengefeld (’09), fellow NAB missionary Paul Ewing and I were able to help out with cleaning off sludge left from the tsunami at Mr. Ouchi's farm. As we drove out to his place we were able to see the extent of the devastation. Mr. Ouchi had described how tall the waves were....they were over 30 meters high and almost completely decimated a forest that lined the coast and many homes were completely washed away. It is hard to believe still that in just a few minutes so much destruction could happen. In Iwate prefecture, the cities of Ishinomaki and Otsuchi are like ghost towns now because parts of it are uninhabitable. It was sad to see. The Bridge: Was it difficult to see the loss firsthand, and what was it like working with survivors? It becomes more real when you go see it first-hand. I see the areas on television all the time, but it still doesn't seem real until you actually go. I was told that in the beginning, the smell of rotten flesh and dead fish were unbearable for the first volunteers. I didn't really smell that until we went to visit one area closer to the coast where we saw the location of where once the Seaside Chapel stood; it was hot and the smell was overpowering. On our second trip we had more opportunities to talk with the survivors. We visited the temporary housing units where many of them now live and set up mobile cafes and distributed blankets. We were able to talk with many of them and hear their stories of how they survived. I'm sure the first volunteers had much more trauma and emotional care to deal with than we did because we had gone up much later and the survivors had much more time to get over their initial shock.
Above: Ofunato in Iwate prefecture on March 14, 2011 Tsunami debris lies across a railway track in the town of Ofunato in Iwate prefecture on March 14, 2011 three days after an 8.9 magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami hit the region. Economists say it is still too early to assess the cost of the destruction from the record 8.9magnitude quake and the 10-metre wall of water that laid waste to swathes of the northeastern coast and triggered an atomic emergency. (Photo credit: TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Images. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.)
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We met one 4 year old boy who was riding his new bicycle and his mother told us how pleased she was to see that he was no longer quiet and shy and scared of meeting new people. After the earthquake, he apparently hardly talked at all but has gradually returned to his normal outgoing self.
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The survivors were so grateful that we were there and many received us warmly. One lady even hugged one of the other volunteers before we left! (Hugging is unusual here, especially with someone you just met.) In many ways we felt inadequate to really know how to encourage the survivors but we were told the best thing to do was to listen, and listen we did. In north-eastern Japan they have a distinct strong dialect that is hard to understand for even native Japanese who are not from that area. So, needless to say, it was sometimes hard to understand everything that they were saying but we got the gist of it. We served free coffee, tea and other drinks along with some snacks and also did some simple crafts with some of the ladies. We also set up a book table where people could pick up free books, bibles, and manga versions of the Bible and tracts. On one hand I was really encouraged to see that some were coping well with their ‘new normal’ but my heart went out to many others who were elderly and very lonely. Many of the people who were put in the temporary housing units did not know each other before. They were selected by lottery. One lady said she only knew one person in the whole community (around 40 units) and hardly ever went out. She cried as she told me her story of survival and she tearfully thanked me for bringing her a blanket. My heart went out to her and I asked if I could pray for her. She said that she believed in another god and has her own prayers that she prays. I didn't want to push it, so I told her that I would pray for her in my own heart. She appreciated that. CRASH (the relief agency with whom we are working) has encouraged the volunteers to show love and to develop trust foremost before trying to share the 4 Spiritual Laws with them in a forced way. I liked the purpose statement that the Tono base uses: To bring help (resources), healing (emotional care) and hope (of Christ) to the Tohoku region. This area of Japan in particular has been a difficult place
Right: An aerial view of Minato, Japan, a week after a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami devastated the area. http://www.flickr.com/photos/usnavy /5568261628/in/set72157626249933148 Author: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ethan Johnson. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.
Members of the Taylor Community, offering the love of Christ in Japan Pictured above (left to right) are former Taylor staffer Carol Potratz, Yuri Nakano (’91 and ’03) and Becky Lengefeld (’03 and ‘09). You may be surprised to know that Becky is the lone native of Japan; Canadian-born Yuri continues to learn Japanese. (Photo supplied)
to receive the gospel. It is one of the least churched areas of Japan. I am thankful that Christians are coming together regardless of denominations to come and help. Because of this disaster, an influx of Christ's presence through his people are pouring into this region of Japan. I praise God and have hope that God is going to bring more and more into His Kingdom. The Bridge: How has your work in Japan (especially this year) been shaped or informed by your training at Taylor? My training at seminary has helped me have a better theology regarding the goodness of God in light of terrible natural disasters. Understanding what the Bible says about suffering helps me to better cope with it. I also took some counseling courses which have helped me to be a better listener and have helped me understand how to deal with people who are in crisis. Most importantly, I appreciated the courses that delved into who I am as a person and challenged me to be a person of integrity. In the end, I believe my character as a child of God is most important and my years at the school helped me focus on this....though my learning is not done....I am still learning and it is a life-long journey! The Bridge: What advice would you share with current students, or those thinking of enrolling at Taylor? Though the writing of papers and all the reading is tough to get through, enjoy every moment of this special time to learn. It is truly a privilege. I am thankful that God allowed me the chance to use what I learned in class and use it right away in my part-time ministry position at my church. TB
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Alumni Association to Meet December 10th Leadership seeks input from membership as a new course is charted
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fter a period of limited activity, the Taylor Alumni Association is being re-launched. An interim executive (made up of Terry Fossen, Jeannie Buyer, Eric Peters, Matt Barker and Tom Berekoff) has been preparing for an official meeting, surveying members about the issues that should be discussed and preparing a slate of candidates to stand for election as the new official executive. In advance of the December 10th meeting, a letter was sent to the 2,700 former students who make up the membership of the Taylor Alumni Association. In the letter, past president Brad Kahler apologized for the time that has passed since members have heard from the association, and he urged all past members of the Taylor community to participate in the upcoming meeting. "As a core constituency, it is very important for Taylor Alumni to continue lending wisdom and voice to the future directions of Taylor," he wrote. "As alumni of our deep and far-reaching school heritage, I trust you share our hope and belief that Taylor continues to have an important role in advancing the Kingdom by developing people for ministry in the church and in the world." Mailed with the letter was a two-page survey that seeks input from members as to the issues to be dealt with at this meeting, but more broadly about the hopes and concerns for Taylor as the institution continues to move forward. That survey can also be filled out online (anonymously, if you wish); you can find the link on the Taylor website, or go directly to the survey at the following link: http://surveys.verticalresponse.com/a/show/41413 7/67b21c8d72/0. TB
Jubilee’rs: Help Wanted! The Jubilee'rs are experiencing a transition in leadership as a result of age and health issues.
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Jubilee’rs faithfulness in ser vice
The Jubilee'rs emerged out of the Taylor Alumni Association, and is made up of seniors aged 55+ from various churches; they meet monthly at Taylor (except in the summer) for worship, fellowship and service opportunities. The group often takes on fund-raising tasks, contributing towards such things as missions efforts and student financial aid (especially towards the annual Global Study Tour). Age and/or serious health issues have forced some volunteers to give up roles they loved. Long-time executive members who have recently had to step aside include: Margaret Benke, the only treasurer the Jubilee’rs have ever had; Ed Link, a long-time faculty member (and biographer of founder E.P. Wahl) who had been serving as song-leader; and Lorraine Rierson, who had been a key kitchen coordinator. The Jubilee'rs are now going public with their invitation for a new, younger generation to embrace this ministry, to offer leadership to a group of seniors that continues to value learning and serving together. Anyone aged 55 or over is welcome, and those with a heart for golden-agers will find a very rewarding place to serve. If you are in the Edmonton area, plan to attend an upcoming meeting; the next events will take place January 20, February 17, and March 16.
White Cross Shipment Nearly Ready Boxes have been arriving at Taylor for months, and volunteers have been properly packing and preparing a shipment for export. Very soon, a shipping container loaded with over 15,000 pounds of bandages and other medical and relief supplies will leave for Cameroon, where these items will be distributed to 65 health centres and five hospitals, plus a hospital in Nigeria. White Cross has been helping meet the basic needs of African hospitals for decades, organizing and coordinating relief shipments from North American churches. Taylor became the Canadian home for White Cross this spring; the North American Baptist Conference had been operating the White Cross ministry but gave it up as part of a re-organization and re-location. Come and learn with us! 1.780.431.5200 | www.Taylor-Edu.ca | www.TaylorSeminary.ca
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in pictures | Summer and Fall 2011
1. ABOVE: 1. Legendary singer-songwriter Randy Stonehill (left) took his class outside during an unseasonably warm September weekend in Edmonton. Stonehill was among 9 presenters at the 2nd annual onWORD Bible Conference, sharing here on the role scripture has played in his life and ministry. In the background, a Concordia High School student lies in the shade. (Concordia High School moved to campus in the summer of 2011, using Schindler Hall as a student residence and renting classrooms, office space, the cafeteria and the chapel from Eminata.) BELOW: 2. Taylor President Dr. David Williams and Controller John Rhebergen spread out on the floor of the Taylor admin building as they review plans for long overdue improvements. New flooring (ceramic and carpet tiles) and paint are scheduled to be added soon, the first such upgrades since the building was constructed in 1996. | 3. Taylor Associate Professor Dr. Randal Rauser led a workshop on “apologetics in the age of the flying spaghetti monster” as part of the 2011 onWORD Conference. | 4. Randy Stonehill performs a Metallica song as part of Pastor’s John van Sloten’s keynote address at the 2011 onWORD Conference. Pastor John is standing in the background. | 5. During unseasonably hot weather in September, Taylor threw an impromptu ice cream party on the patio. Taylor President Dr. David Williams is seen here serving a happy crowd between classes. | 6. Workers install new signage on the Taylor campus as cars drive past along 23rd Avenue. | 7. Shawn Birss of "Look to the Cross for Victory Church” (a monastic community for punks/anarchists) was one of the presenters at Taylor’s Church Planting Seminar, offered annually as part of a course on evangelism. Numerous church planters from the Edmonton area shared their experience with students. | 8, 9. Lisa Dawood (#8) and Haley Radke (#9) were among the speakers at CAPS Calgary and CAPS Winnipeg (shown here at the Calgary event hosted by Brentwood Baptist).
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News and Notes In Sympathy Flora Dorothy Karas (nee Kramer) ('51, CTI) passed away on May 29 in Newmarket, ON at the age of 83. Flora graduated from CTI in 1951 and was married to Lester Karas the next year; they were married for 57 years. Lester sent a memorial gift to Taylor for the Wahl Centre "for the benefit of those people yet to come" saying that his wife had always expressed admiration for Rev. E.P. Wahl. He described Flora as "a most loving and caring wife", adding that she had always maintained her testimony throughout the years, both with friends and family as well as everyone she met. Also fondly remembered are: Walter Brown (Edmonton, AB) – deceased Nov. 2, 2011. Richard Grabke (Regina, SK) – deceased October 14, 2010; Richard served NAB churches in Canada & USA from 1951-2007 (56 years). Orville H. Kuehl (Killaloe, ON) – deceased February 2011. Wedding Congratulations Congratulations to Chantelle Behrens (nee Olson), married on November 26, 2011 to Jeff Behrens. Chantelle began her undergraduate studies at Taylor University College (2007-09), then transferred to and graduated from Augustana University College in Camrose. The couple lives in Edmonton. Kristin Harris (nee Streuber) ('01, NABC) got married on August 28, 2011 to David Harris. Kristin writes: “We're both living in Calgary now where he works as a helicopter pilot and I'm a family doctor (just finished my family medicine residency in Chilliwack, BC).” Alexander Scheuerman (attended 2000-2001) married Cathy Lu on June 5, 2010. Kelsey Dahl (nee Findlay) (’04, BA) & Jeff Dahl (’06, BA) are now married and living in Swan River, MB.
Alumni News Congratulations to a former Valedictorian of Taylor, Carmyn Effa (’09), who has just earned her M.A. from the University of Alberta.
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Dr. Patrick Schoenberger ('99, MDiv) has just accepted a call to be the senior pastor at Heights Baptist Church in Medicine Hat. Dr. Tawa Anderson (’00, MDiv) has taken up a new post as Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Dr. Anderson pastored at Edmonton Chinese Baptist Church for a number of years before moving to the USA to begin PhD studies in Philosophy and Apologetics; he completed the program and earned his doctorate this spring. Pastor Ryan Schnee (’11, MDiv) has begun serving a pastorate in Middle Lake, Saskatchewan. Ryan has been able to put his farming background to good use as he has helped numerous new friends with projects like welding and combining, and has been busy fixing the parsonage. He says he is loving preaching every Sunday, and is also leading a service at a nursing home every Saturday. Pastor Ken Walker (’73, BTh; ‘82, MDiv) is enjoying his sixteenth year of ministry at New Hope Community Church in St. Albert. Ken is in his 39th year of ministry. He and his wife Fay (nee Shatz), who is teaching Junior High French, have three grandchildren. Their daughter Jaylene is preparing to begin serving as a public school teacher, while son Kent teaches music recording at Belmont University (Nashville). Pastor Harry Kelm (’81, BAR) writes to say: "Hi to all of our NABC friends. We are now living in Calgary Alberta. I am the Lead Pastor of Grace Baptist. We have been in Calgary for five years now. We are thankful for God leading us to the ministry at Grace. God keeps teaching us so much about trusting him and we are so thankful for the people that are a part of our church family. Our kids are 18-20-23; our youngest, Lauren is off to Seattle Pacific University; Lucas is at the University of Alberta in Engineering; our oldest, Sara, lives in the Portland area and works in the Registrar’s office of George Fox University (she graduated from George Fox)." (Alumni News continues on pg. 10)
Alumni Updates We invite you to share your news with us -marriages, moves, careers... we want to note these important events! Please stay in touch by email: alumni@Taylor-Edu.ca. Telephone: 780-431-5200
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News and Notes, cont. Faculty and Staff News Dr. Keir Hammer Earns PhD Dr. Keir Hammer successfully defended his doctoral dissertation at the University of Toronto over the summer. Dr. Hammer was a faculty member at Taylor University College and is now a Visiting Scholar at Taylor Seminary. Dr. Willy Muller Returns When a medical crisis led to a vacancy in Taylor’s Field Education program, Academic Dean Joost Pikkert drew on several long-time members of the Taylor community to help. Headed up by Dr. Willy Muller, a group of retired pastors and academics is coordinating field education for our students. Dr. Muller, who is in his 80’s, was one of the first graduates of the school and later taught here from 1964-90. Other members of the Field Ed team are Dr. Richard Paetzel and Rev. Bruno Vos.
Campus News Library Move Complete The Schalm Memorial Library Collection was successfully moved over the summer to Vanguard College (12140 - 103 St.). Students now pickup their books at the Taylor office after ordering them online. The cooperative arrangement saves costs and serves the needs of both institutions. Historical Items to Provincial Archives Many of Taylor’s historical documents and records have been added to the permanent collection of the Provincial Archives of Alberta. As part of Taylor’s reorganization, a home was needed for the large collection of material stretching back over 70 years. The government-operated archives was delighted to receive documents related to Baptist history, an important and under-represented part of their collection. Material in the Provincial Archives will continue to be available to Taylor (and to the public), but will now have the additional benefit of being more organized and searchable.
Taylor Board Update Trustees at Fall Meetings Strengthen Existing Ministries by Tim Willson
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he Taylor Board of Trustees has decided to give Taylor Seminary and the Wahl Centre more time to grow and strengthen before taking action towards re-building a college. The board felt strongly that a more focused approach would serve us well, allowing Taylor to move forward on a solid and stable foundation when the time is right. Taylor presently serves a number of college students, offering undergraduate credit for cross-listed courses. Students enrolled at other institutions can take a course from Taylor (New Testament or church history, for example) and can transfer those credits into their existing program; it's an option that serves students well and has been a good way for Taylor to contribute spiritually and academically to their studies. A proposal presented to the Board offered a way to begin building on that. Dr. David Williams, Taylor's president, says the re-emergence of Taylor College remains a goal but says there is great wisdom in doing less rather than being weakened by attempting too much, too soon. "It has taken a lot of work to see Taylor move through a time of transition and work towards a sustainable future," he says. "All of us recognize the value of a Christian college experience, and we will be in a stronger position to properly plan and carry out this vision down the road.” In the meantime, Taylor continues to develop plans for a “Gap Year” experience for students coming out of high school. Offered through the Wahl Centre in conjunction with Fusion’s “Foundations” course, this proposal is expected to include international service and study. Details will be announced when they are finalized. Dr. Williams says the “gap year” program has piqued the interest of a number of parents and students who see the value in taking a little time to explore and live out their faith before beginning university studies or entering the work force. Alumni often remind us that their college experience at Taylor was instrumental in the development of their faith; Taylor continues to hear that a program for students coming out of high school would fill an important need. At their Fall 2011 meetings, the board also spent time considering Taylor's strategic plan and discussed the need for reinvestment in Taylor, recognizing the strain caused by deferred maintenance, staff and faculty shortages and some needed technology and facility upgrades. A three-year budget plan is being prepared for the board to discuss at the Spring 2012 meetings, which will take place March 8-9 at Taylor. TB
Winter Courses at Taylor Semester Classes Taylor’s Winter Semester begins January 17th, and most semester classes will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays to accommodate the needs of the typical, working student. Classes will range from NT 546 Hebrews (taught by Dr. Syd Page) to PW 639 Narrative Preaching (taught by Dr. Lyle Buyer) and MI 547 Language and Culture Learning (taught by Dr. Joost Pikkert) – check online for course details (www.TaylorSeminary.ca, then follow the links to the Registrar’s home page). Online Courses A number of courses will be offered online, allowing students anywhere in the world to easily take courses such as OT 417 Old Testament Intro (taught by Dr. Jerry Shepherd) and MI 534 Intercultural Communications (taught by Dr. Allan Effa) . Modular/Hybrid Courses Week-long modular courses will be offered the weeks of January 2-6 and 9-13, April 30May 4 and May 6-10. Courses include such topics as pastoral care, worship, ethics, and spiritual formation. Weekend Courses Invest a Friday evening and a Saturday on three different weekends this fall, and you’ll have a full seminary course under your belt! It’s a great option for the busy student. BI 510 A Biblical Theology of the Love of God Jan 20-21; Feb 24-25; Mar 16-17; Edmonton, AB TH 534 Christian Worldview Jan. 20-21; March 2-3; April 6-7; Grande Prairie, AB Visit us online, call us at 780-431-5200 (800-567-4988) or email Rick@TaylorSeminary.ca for more information on these educational opportunities. Come and learn with us!
CLASS NOTES... Global Study Tour to Japan The annual Global Study Tour will head to Japan in 2012, spending several weeks working with local church and missions groups to provide earthquake and tsunami relief. Dr. Joost Pikkert will lead the team. Students interested in taking part will be given an opportunity to raise funds as a group to help cover their costs. The trip is part of a three-credit course, MI 546 Global Mission Study Tour, a course is an immersion study/service experience that exposes students to other cultures and other expressions of Christianity, as well as other religions. Interested in taking part in this trip to Japan? Contact Enrolment Services for more information: 78-431-5215.
2012 Wahl Lectures Taylor is pleased to announce that Dr. Glen Stassen of Fuller Theological Seminary will present the 2012 E.P. Wahl Lectures on March 13; details are online at www.TaylorSeminary.ca.
History Comes Alive For God and Truth, by former President (and Professor Emeritus) J. Walter Goltz; 278 pages, softcover; published by Trafford Publishing The story of Taylor’s history, from it’s founding in 1940 as the Christian Training Institute to the year 2007, is told in For God and Truth. Former president and professor emeritus Dr. J. Walter Goltz (who was a key figure at Taylor for many of those years), was commissioned to lead a committee of researchers and to write this history. Released in 2009, the first printing of 500 copies is nearly sold out. Now with an addendum that covers the recent history of Taylor, the book is available for sale to anyone interested; call or write for purchase and shipping information. Dr. Gerald Borchert called the book “a sensitive, forthright account which captures For God and Truth (above) was the spirit of the early Canadian dreamers and their successors as they struggled under written by former president Dr. J. Walter Goltz, with financial God to provide a respectable Bible School for immigrants which has since evolved into support from the Jubilee’rs. a very reputable college and seminary.” He called it “a delightful adventure.” Retired professor Dr. David Priestly says that the book offers a chance to see developments, challenges and changes against the backdrop of many decades. He adds that CTI, NABC, TUC, NABDS, EBS and TS have been God’s instrument for His children to grow in knowledge and obedience. “That is our real legacy,” he says, “that He has used us and blessed us, as students, faculty and staff, in various ways for His glory and our joy.”
Cut from the Cloth of Kindness Cloth bandages by anonymous volunteers; Photo by Tim Willson
ABOUT THIS IMAGE Taylor is now home to White Cross (Canada), a long-standing ministry that grew out of the Baptist women’s movement of the early 20th Century. It has become a vitally important supplier to African hospitals, sending bandages, infant care items (such as blankets and diapers) and other basic medical supplies. Taylor recently became the home for the Canadian operations of White Cross, taking over from the North American Baptist Conference. Thousands of pounds of supplies have been packed up over the fall and are being prepared for export to Cameroon. As volunteers were busy packing, photographer Tim Willson took this picture of an open box, seeing this random assortment of neatly-rolled, colorful cloth bandages as a beautiful picture of kindness.
Taylor alumni are invited to submit photographs, paintings and other visual art projects for publication or display on campus. Learn more at www.Taylor-Edu.ca/creative
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