Vol. 53, No. 2 - Fall 2012
learning together published by Taylor College and Seminary
Partnership Discussions Taylor Explores Joining ACTS, a Canadian Consortium, pg. 3
New Book from Dr. Randal Rauser Taylor’s Theology Professor Offers a New Approach to Apologetics, pg. 5
Alumni Profile Heather Hayashi: New Author, pg. 10 COVER: Dr. Randal Rauser stands outside a coffee shop on a fresh Edmonton afternoon in early December 2012.
A Note from the President For the past several years, Taylor has been in a process of "rightsizing" the institution, bringing our costs and programs into line with our capacity, while keeping a close eye on our mission and the educational needs of the church. We have made tremendous progress, and remain on track to ensure a sustainable future for Taylor. Part of this process has been exploring various options for educational partnerships, maximizing our effectiveness and efficiency by sharing resources and opportunities with other ministries and organizations. This has long been a part of Taylor's approach, as past partnerships have included Sioux Falls Seminary and the University of Alberta. More recently, we have worked closely with Vanguard College, Urban Sanctuary, Carey Theological College and others. Taylor continues to explore mutually beneficial partnerships with other institutions. We are currently in detailed talks with the Association of Canadian Theological Seminaries about joining that consortium of 5 schools. Those discussions have been very productive so far, and we hope to pursue this option to a point of decision over the coming months. We are also beginning conversations with Ambrose Seminary. You can read more about these possibilities in the following pages, but let me simply add that the discussions with ACTS as well as with other potential partners will be measured against our mission: we will continue to develop Christ-minded leaders who make a difference in the world as long as God grants us strength. We are also committed to making sure that
any changes at Taylor will be positive for our students. We value your input through this process, so please call or write with any questions or comments. Taylor is also in the midst of our ten-year accreditation process through the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). As part of this process, we are engaged in a comprehensive self-study that looks at all aspects of Taylor’s operations, from curriculum to facilities. In the coming months, Taylor will invite input from you and other members of the our community regarding our strengths and weaknesses, and regarding the effectiveness of our work. Finally, I congratulate Dr. Randal Rauser on the publication of his most recent book, as well as on the upcoming book What on Earth Do We Know About Heaven? (to be published by Baker next fall). Randal has a gift for engaging people in discussion about theological issues, and doing so in a collegial manner, and I am grateful for his contribution to these important discussions. May your Advent and Christmas season be filled with the presence of Christ, and may the new year abound with God’s goodness. Shalom!
David Williams, Ph.D. President, Taylor College and Seminary Director, E P Wahl Centre
As I reflect on all that has taken place at Taylor in 2012, it has been quite a year. Renovations to our main building, discussions with ACTS, our accreditation process, and the comings and goings of students, alumni and friends have all been part of a busy year. The event that stands out to me the most, though, was Taylor’s participation at the NAB Triennial conference in Orlando, Florida. We were able to connect with so many former students as well as prospective students. The highlight of the week for me was our Ice Cream Social – a room at the Orange County Convention Center filled with alumni who were eager to express their continued support of Taylor. The evening ended with a powerful and passionate prayer from Daunavon Buyer. Daunavon prayed for you that night – a prayer of blessing and of commitment for every member of the Taylor family. Wherever the road leads you, you do not travel alone. Tim Willson Communications and Marketing Director Editor, The Bridge P.S. Be sure to join us at www.Facebook.com/TaylorUpdates for updates from Taylor, and to interact with old friends.
Vol. 53, No. 2, Fall 2012 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
Discussions with the ACTS Consortium Taylor Seminary continues working towards a sustainable future by Tim Willson
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ver the course of several years, Taylor has been exploring various institutional partnerships that will contribute to the long-term sustainability of the seminary. A number of cooperative arrangements to share faculty, as well as administrative resources, have been considered, including with Sioux Falls Seminary, Carey Theological College and others. Taylor is currently in detailed discussions with one promising opportunity, the possibility of joining the ACTS Consortium. Based on the Langley, BC campus of Trinity Western University, the ACTS Consortium is made up of five member seminaries in western Canada. The name ACTS is an acronym which stands for Associated Canadian Theological Schools. It is a unique organization that currently consists of five seminaries, which together represent the Graduate School of Theological Studies of Trinity Western University. The five members are: Canadian Baptist Seminary (BGC) Canadian Pentecostal Seminary (PAOC) Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (MB
Canada) Northwest Baptist Seminary (Fellowship Baptist) Trinity Western Seminary (Evangelical Free)
Member seminaries come from various evangelical traditions, and according to the ACTS' website (http://acts.twu.ca), the goal of the consortium is “to strengthen each denomination's distinctive and mission; to provide exceptional training to accelerate evangelism and the planting of New Testament churches at home and abroad; and to witness to our essential oneness of purpose in Jesus Christ our Lord.” At the Fall 2012 meetings of the Taylor Board of Trustees, considerable time was given to a discussion paper prepared by Dr. Larry Perkins (a former president of one of the member seminaries) as well as one prepared by Taylor administration. The documents identified the issues (such as curriculum, faculty, administration and governance) that would require alignment, and it painted an optimistic view of the benefits of such an
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arrangement. After much discussion, Taylor trustees endorsed the view put forward by administration: that outstanding issues can be resolved through negotiation, and that there is sufficient optimism that Taylor could find a sustainable long-term future as a member of the ACTS consortium. WHAT COULD THIS MEAN FOR TAYLOR? A common question being asked is whether Taylor Seminary would be absorbed into another institution, and the answer is simply no: Taylor Seminary would continue to own and control its own resources and govern itself, and could even leave the consortium in the future if that were ever necessary. Member seminaries of ACTS continue to enroll and graduate their own students, albeit as part of a larger and stronger whole. In practical terms, the student experience would benefit from additional courses and programs, and all faculty from all member seminaries would be involved in teaching. Degrees are offered “conjointly” by each member seminary and by Trinity Western University, and Trinity Western issues transcripts. There are obvious cost-savings involved in an arrangement in which a group of seminaries can share recruiting, admissions and registrarial functions, as well as offer a greater range of courses and programs to a larger combined student body. ACTS also touts the benefit of a larger spectrum of thought within the evangelical tradition, with all courses available to all students. (Member seminaries can offer a denominational distinctive in any required courses for their students.) Taylor alumni and current students have been urged to weigh in on these discussions, and some important issues have been raised which will guide Taylor in the coming negotiations with ACTS. Taylor faculty have also invested very significant amounts of time and effort into considering this opportunity, and have voiced their strong support for continued discussions. Are there challenges to be overcome? Clearly, there are differences in areas like governance and curriculum which would require significant time and
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attention if Taylor were to proceed with ACTS membership. There is also the matter of some financial investment up-front which must be weighed against the ongoing cost-savings.
the new E P Wahl Centre. Not all changes have been equally welcomed, but one thing we have learned is that it is most important to fully communicate any changes that are being considered.
It will also be important that the broader Taylor community understands and supports any such transition. There have been many changes over the years, including several name changes (from CTI to NABC to Taylor), a new campus (in 1968), the addition of a divinity school, the transition to an accredited seminary, the launch and subsequent closure of the university college, and the launch of
It is also critical that Taylor continues to focus on meeting the educational needs of the church, to continue to offer the best ministry preparation possible. As we move forward, Taylor will be guided by a commitment to use our resources to their best possible use in support of our mission: to develop Christ-minded leaders who make a difference in the world. TB
The Road to Partnership Working together with other institutions and ministries for the common good As the educational landscape in North America has shifted in recent years, many institutions have begun to find new ways to work cooperatively rather than competitively with other institutions. Sharing resources such as administration, facilities and even faculty members have proven to be mutually beneficial in many instances. Many institutions are adjusting to new educational and economic realities by exploring joint ventures, partnerships and even mergers. There are approximately 250 graduate schools offering theological training in North America, roughly 45 of them in Canada (including six in Alberta). There are also a number of other Christian educational institutions, from Bible schools to Christian universities. While sometimes viewed as competitors, these schools are also prospective partners, with resources and needs that would complement our own. One example of a partnership that is currently working well is Taylor’s relationship with Vanguard College, a local Bible college. Taylor and Vanguard share library resources, and offer an annual language training program called the Vanguard Taylor Language Institute (VTLI). Taylor has been taking a very deliberate and public path towards finding other educational partners over the past several years. Discussions have taken place with Carey Theological College, as reported previously in The Bridge, and there have also been discussions with numerous other institutions – some casual conversations and some more detailed. That list includes Sioux Falls Seminary (South Dakota), Tyndale Seminary (Toronto, ON), Prairie Bible College (Three Hills, AB), and more. We are also beginning conversations with Ambrose Seminary (a Christian & Missionary Alliance seminary based in Calgary, AB). There can be a risk in discussing things publicly, where possibilities may be misunderstood and assumptions can be made. Nonetheless, transparency builds trust, and Taylor simply invites your wise counsel, your prayers and your patience as we seek a sustainable, long-term future for this ministry. TB
An Important Continuing Education Opportunity for Church Leaders, featuring Dr. Reg Bibby
Taylor warmly welcomes you to join us for the upcoming E.P. Wahl Lectures, featuring renowned Canadian sociologist Reginald Wayne Bibby. Dr. Bibby holds the Board of Governors Research Chair in the Department of Sociology at the University of Lethbridge, and has been conducting pioneering research and analysis into religious trends in Canada for over four decades. In this full-day lectureship, Dr. Bibby will discuss his recent research. This is an opportunity to gain fresh insights and perspectives on the attitudes and trends shaping Canadian society, and the role of faith and the church among the teens and adults we seek to serve. Read more and register online at www.TaylorSeminary.ca.
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Another Book from Dr. Randal Rauser A fresh approach to apologetics from Taylor’s resident theologian by Tim Willson
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r. Randal Rauser doesn’t write a book before breakfast every morning – it just seems that way sometimes. A prolific blogger and writer, he is in the midst of a particularly productive year with 3 books being released. Dr. Rauser’s most recent book is titled The Swedish Atheist, the Scuba Diver and Other Apologetic Rabbit Trails (Intervarsity Press), which was released in October 2012. As he does every day with skeptics on his blog, Randal tackles challenging questions about faith and doubt in the book, but it is unlike most apologetics texts you’ve seen before: it is a story, a series of fictional coffee shop conversations between Randal and an atheist named Sheridan. The book is the story of a long afternoon of conversation in which honest questions and objections to God and the Bible are raised. These are questions such as: Do people hold to a particular religion just because of an accident of geography? Is believing in Jesus as arbitrary as believing in Zeus? Why would God order the slaughter of infants or send people to hell? How do you know you're really real, and not just a character in someone's book? As noted on the back cover of the book, most conversations about such philosophical questions don’t take place in lecture halls; generally people express their doubts, questions and frustrations in informal settings, and Randal says the coffee shop setting reflects that reality. There have been numerous favorable reviews and comments already, including one from Dean Zimmerman, a philosophy professor at Rutgers University. He called it “enjoyable” and “a model of candid, winsome, thought-provoking apologetics.” "Rauser's dialogue brings the best tools of philosophical thinking within the reach of thoughtful believers and skeptics alike,” Zimmerman writes. Come and learn with us! 1.780.431.5200 | www.Taylor-Edu.ca | www.TaylorSeminary.ca
“His representative in the conversation knows when to stick to his guns, and when to admit to uncertainty and fallibility. His atheist counterpart is no straw man--he knows his Dawkins, Dennett and Hitchens. Rauser has the philosophical chops to cut through a lot of rhetorical nonsense, but he also has the intellectual honesty to face up to the genuine difficulties confronting his faith.” Randal grew up with what he calls “warfare apologetics” in which ammunition took the form of evidence for belief. “This approach was heavy on the evidence and it tended to consider non-Christians as irrational,” Randal says. “Consequently, I learned to think that people who didn't agree with me and my arguments were being intellectually dishonest somehow.” A recent trend, says Randal, is a post-modern approach that favors sharing stories (”testimonies”), rejecting hard evidence in favor of conversation. “I've come to believe that both warfare and conversational apologetics have something to tell us,” he says. “The warfare approach reminds us of the importance of evidence and argument. But the conversational approach reminds us of the importance of dialogue and relationship. So the best of both worlds is to have relationships that welcome dialogue about big questions which is based on evidence and argument.” ARGUING PEOPLE INTO THE KINGDOM Does arguing work as a form of evangelism? No, says Randal, though logic and reason can be a means of grace used by the Holy Spirit to draw people into faith. He notes that the New Testament deals extensively with evidence and argument.
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Theological issues are discussed on a daily basis on his blog (www.randalrauser.com), and he often faces a barrage of arguments against Christian faith. Randal’s experience has taught him to be open and honest about his own questions, and to be a good listener. “Share the reasons you have for your faith. And also share your doubts. Sharing your doubts with a bit of self-deprecation is a great way to be approachable and winsome to others.” He adds, “Perhaps the most important thing to remember is don't be in a hurry to get anywhere. Get to know people. Hear their questions and their reasons for believing what they do.” Common objections to Christian faith are some of the challenging issues in the Bible, such as the atrocities of the Old Testament. While there are no easy answers, he says it’s important to allow people to express their doubts and questions, to create open Christian communities; otherwise, he says, if people don’t have space to discuss their questions, they may drift away altogether.
Dr. Rauser is Associate Professor of Historical Theology at Taylor Seminary. His most recent book is titled The Swedish Atheist, the Scuba Diver and Other Apologetic Rabbit Trails (pictured on the previous page). His next book, co-written with atheist John Loftus, is God or Godless? (due in April 2013). Randal has also written, What on Earth Do We Know About Heaven, which is due out from Baker in the fall of 2013.
“One of my readers (an atheist) just emailed me yesterday to say this: ‘I appreciate your blog as the only place I know of where people of all beliefs can have an intelligent and respectful discussion.’ I think that's pretty cool! ” TB
Taylor Self-Study Underway, Community Input Sought & Welcomed Self-study is an important part of the ATS accreditation process
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aylor Seminary is seeking reaffirmation of accreditation from the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), which is necessary for all ATS-accredited schools every ten years. Three subcommittees have been busy in 2012 working on various parts of our self-study in advance of an expected site visit by ATS in late 2013. As part of the self-study process, administrators, faculty, staff, board members, students, alumni, donors and volunteers are evaluating our effectiveness, our faithfulness to our mission, areas where improvement is needed, our use of resources, our relationships with each other and with our constituents (you). Our search for answers to these questions, our willingness to dig for hard evidence, and our honest effort to make Taylor the best it can be, are foundational in our effort to seek new accreditation. The process requires input from the broader community, and we invite your participation by sharing your comments on the strengths and weaknesses of Taylor. Help us to think critically about the changes in ministry, the changing needs of theological education, and about how Taylor can adjust our efforts to meet those needs most effectively. Comments and questions can be directed to Academic Dean Dr. Eric Ohlmann, who is heading up the self-study. Dr. Ohlmann can be reached by email: eric.ohlmann@taylor-edu.ca TB
Quite a year for White Cross Canada 50 tons of medical relief sent; almost one-million African patients helped by Keir Hammer
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s many of you already know, White Cross Canada has been housed at Taylor since early 2011. In December 2011, the first shipment (a 40’ hi-cube container) was sent to Cameroon with much-needed relief goods and medical supplies. Since then, 4 more containers (March, May, September and October 2012) have been shipped. These shipments represent Christian compassionate care and provide for the work of Christian medical missions, and are being supported as part of the initiatives of the E P Wahl Centre. Without this initiative, the hospitals, integrated health centres and primary health centres in Cameroon (numbering in the dozens) would have difficulty caring for those who cannot afford standard services. Last year, almost a million patients received medical care. Without the assistance of White Cross, much of this care would be too expensive and many would suffer unnecessarily as a result. Every bandage that is cut or rolled, every baby layette, every hospital bed, every set of sheets, every box of medical supplies, every pair of eyeglasses and every pair of crutches is vital. These items serve to supply the critical needs of medical care in Cameroon.
pack, ship, transport, sort, repack, label, load, give, and so much more. At this Christmas season I want to say “Thank You” to all of you who have contributed in so many ways to the successful filling and shipping of these containers. Like the quintessential cup of cold water in Matthew (see chapters 10 and 25), these tiny rolled bandages represent the many items and caring actions that make up the White Cross ministry. Actions and items that seem small and insignificant, so that you might find yourself saying (if you allow me to freely paraphrase): “Lord, when were you injured and we provided a bandage?” If you are looking for a way to significantly meet real needs overseas, let me encourage you to find out how you can contribute to your local White Cross group (or start one). Please contact me directly if you have any questions. TB Dr. Keir Hammer Director - White Cross Canada A Ministry of the E P Wahl Centre @ Taylor College and Seminary Ph: 780-431-5211 Email: WhiteCross@Taylor-edu.ca
This past October, I met with Cal Hohn—Field Director for the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services—to evaluate whether White Cross is correctly meeting the needs on the ground. I also had the opportunity to meet with one of our missionary doctors—Dennis Palmer. Dr. Palmer and I toured the White Cross facilities as well as those of Emmanuel Foundation—an organization that has been a key partner is securing and shipping medical equipment. We talked extensively about the potential ways that White Cross Canada can meet the expanding needs of medical missions in Cameroon, and he became very excited at the future potential… So much potential, all of which begins with the passion, dedication and faithfulness of the women, men and even children who contribute in so many ways. Women’s fellowship teams, kids groups, mission boards, and many other individuals and groups shop, gather, cut, sew, knit, tear, roll, donate, Come and learn with us! 1.780.431.5200 | www.Taylor-Edu.ca | www.TaylorSeminary.ca
October 2012: Cal Hohn (right)—Field Director for the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services—and Dr. Keir Hammer of White Cross Canada paused for this picture at the recent Northern Alberta Missions Conference. Pray for Cal as he continues to recover from major heart surgery. (Oh—and if you’re wondering, the name “Keir” rhymes with “tire”.)
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in pictures | Summer & Fall 2012 1.
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ABOVE: 1. Taylor alumni and supporters fill a meeting room at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL in July 2012 as Taylor President Dr. David Williams shares the latest news from the school. The event was part of the NAB Triennial Conference. | 2. Daunavan Buyer closes the meeting with a passionate prayer for God’s blessing on the school and on each alumnus/ae. BELOW: 3. The new president of the Taylor Seminary Students’ Association, Amy Israelson (left) strikes a pose with fellow TSSA executive member Megan Jackins during a break from planning student activities for the Fall Term.. | 4. Pastor Nick Thiessen (’12) and a number of other local pastors waited tables at the Church Administrative Professionals’ Symposium (CAPS) in October. Over 130 church office staff attended the day of training. | 5. Nick and Iris Hung (both ’08) address delegates at the NAB Triennial; the couple served in Africa following graduation. | 6. Taylor Seminary students enjoy a day in a voyager canoe, paddling down the scenic North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton during a warm fall afternoon. (The canoe trip was one of the events planned either just before or just after the light-hearted pose struck in photo #3.) | 7. Author Connie Cavanaugh delivers the opening plenary session at the Church Administrative Professionals’ Symposium in Edmonton (October 17, 2012). Her message, titled “Hang on to Hope” featured the lessons she learned after a lengthy period of spiritual dryness. | 8. Jennifer Neufeld (’03) smiles as she is thanked for her service as a trustee at the Fall 2012 Board Meetings. Jenn was in her second term on the board, but has stepped down to tend to her growing family (stay tuned for baby news!). Jenn served as Athletics Director while studying at Taylor. She lives near Sacremento, California.
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News and Notes In Sympathy The Taylor family pays tribute to these dear friends: Dottie Paetzel passed away on August 3 in Edmonton at the age of 73. Dottie was married for 53 years to Dr. Richard "Dick" Paetzel. (Dr. Paetzel served at Taylor from 1974-2000 and holds the rank of Professor Emeritus.) The family requested that memorial gifts in Dottie's honour be given to Taylor Seminary. Frank and Ruth Friesen of Medicine Hat, AB were killed in a traffic accident on a snowy Saskatchewan highway on November 10, 2012. Ruth, a wellknown artist, served as a trustee of Taylor (then NABC) from 1985-88. Read more about Ruth and see her art on the back cover of this month’s The Bridge. Wedding Congratulations Congratulations to Leighton Hickman, ‘08 (MDiv) & Jennifer Larson, who were married on October 6, 2012. Leighton, who was seen on the cover of The Bridge in Spring 2008 (Vol. 1, No. 49), serves in pastoral ministry at Hillview Baptist in Edmonton. Sheri Loose, '90 (Biblical Studies) married USAF member Major Brian Hardeman in Oahu on April 10, 2012. Sheri and Brian Hardeman moved to Virginia in August, to Langley AFB.
Alumni News Michael Wiens, ’00 has successfully defended his thesis and has graduated with an MFA from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. (Michael is the son of Taylor Community Choir director Diana Wiens and her husband, Harold.) Harvey Hiller, '70 writes: “Sheila and I moved to Edmonton in October 2011 to be closer to an airport and the services of a city. We are enjoying our new home and serve through First Baptist Church. Mark is still in Toronto where he renovates homes (2 grandsons) and Kim is in Kansas where she teaches at Kansas State (one granddaughter).” Janise Flinkman, ‘94 (nee Bachler) writes: “Hi fellow Alumni! Since 2006, I have had my own business doing personal image consulting and professional speaking (www.theclosetdiva.ca). I have two
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daughters and re-married in 2009 to Kevin Flinkman. We attend First Alliance Church and live in SE Calgary.” Jay Stradinger, '76 writes: “I ended up in lay ministry and an engineer professionally. We have lived all over (currently in Connecticut). My wife Marjorie and I have four kids & eight grandkids in California.” Signe Casebeer, ‘79 (nee Stewart) writes from Waterville, WA: “I went to NABC I really loved it and the friends I made. It took me a while to figure out that the school had changed its name. Anyway I would love to connect with some of my school friends (checked the alumni webpage for people like Darlene Sonnenberg, Ella Kessler, and Brenda Arndt). If you know them please let them know I would love to connect again (jskc2@nwi.net). We formed great friendships while we were there, I think of those days and smile; it was a great time in life.” Congratulations to Jon Bauer, ‘98, who won two Covenant Awards from the Gospel Music Association in Toronto. One award was for "Praise & Worship Album of the Year" for his most recent CD, Forevermore, and the other award was for "Children's Song of the Year" for Chasing After Me. Jon tweeted to his fans: "So blessed and humbled by this. All glory to God!” Milestones & Accomplishments Jennifer Neufeld, ‘03 has completed her service as a Taylor trustees (see photo, pg. 8). Dr. Stef Piva, ’96 & ‘00, will join the board in January 2013. Taylor MDiv student Aaron Au (an accomplished violinist) joined the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra on stage at Carnegie Hall in May; the ESO was an invited participant in the Spring for Music Festival in NYC. Another current student, Kathy Brown, works part-time for the ESO and was also in New York in support of the tour.
Campus News Huge Facelift to Campus Completed New flooring and repairs/upgrades to walls, ceilings and roofs were completed to Taylor’s main building over the summer. These were the first such repairs to the building, now more than 15 years old.
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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eather Hayashi has a long history with Taylor / NABC. She first came to the school in 1989, returned in 1994-95 to resume her studies. She had been diagnosed with Endometriosis and told that she and her husband Randy couldn't have children, so she went back to school. “We had our first son that same year! I came into class and Carol Potratz noticed the 'pregnant glow' on my face before I even told her!” Heather didn’t finish her studies until 2007 (when her kids were older) and then moved directly into seminary studies in 2008 (Master of Theological Studies, Certificate in Spiritual Formation), and expects to graduate from Taylor Seminary in 2014. Who were some of your profs over the years? Any interesting memories or stories about those days? Carol Potratz: I missed classes and an exam due to a surgery. She arranged for another student to take notes for me, delivered the notes to me, along with pages of encouragement written from my class members. I also remember that she took photos of each of us for her prayer wall. Dr. Richard Paetzel: I remember how he made the gospels come alive! I still remember his stories. Dr. Walter Goltz: His integrity in teaching challenging topics in sociology and psychology. Dr. Willy Muller: What stands out in my mind is his love for Jesus. When you think back on your student days, what stands out to you? As a 19 year old student, I loved the campus life, the late night cheesecake and coffee and having so many friends close by. I remember the morning that we got up and realized we'd been pranked and all the toilets were missing from our dorm. Another day, my car was "flying', resting on cement blocks on the sidewalk in front of the chapel with wings attached to the trees. I was called to the office and asked to remove my car - but had no idea how to do so. What were some of the blessings from that time that have borne fruit for you? Our volleyball coach, Grace, challenged me to be a leader. She told me that although my skills were average, she chose me for the team because of my spiritual maturity and ability to encourage. As a 19 year old, that investment in my internal life was profound. The profs also cared for my spiritual maturity process –not just in my academics.
Alumni Profile Heather Hayashi
Student: NABC/Taylor ‘89-90, 94-95, ‘07 Current Hometown: Edmonton Tell us more about where your ministry journey has taken you and about the lessons you have been learning. As I mentioned, in my early twenties I was diagnosed with Endometriosis. Instantly, I faced a future of chronic disease and on-going pain. This meant a dramatic change in my capabilities. Much of my identity was wrapped up in being outgoing, athletic and energetic. I wanted God to take the illness away so I could get on with life and do great things for Him. What I didn't realize yet, was that there was life within this illness and that my heart was about to open up to truth about God and myself and the world in a profound way. It has now been 20 years, 7 surgeries and multiple procedures to deal with the pain and internal scar tissue that the disease produces. I still live with daily pain and now have to drink my food as I can't handle solid food anymore. But, I love Jesus, I know who I am aside from what I can 'do'. He has shown me what love is, what really matters in life, and what it means to live in obedience. It is usually less about 'doing great things' and more about knowing Him daily, and responding to the small and simple ways that He asks me to live.
(Alumni Profile, continued from pg. 10)
What do you hope the book accomplishes?
You’ve just written and published a new book called “31 Days of Christmas” - tell us a little more about it.
I would love to see Jesus followers profoundly restful in their souls. What would it be like if we began to answer the question, "How are you? with "Rested in my soul, thanks."
This book is the result of an experiment I did last year. I heard people around me discussing how December is a busy, stressful and exhausting month. That bothered me. Why, as Jesus followers, should we just give in to this reality? Is there not another way? So I approached the month in a new way. That is what the book is about.
Tell us about your life right now, about your family, where you live and how you are serving? I am married to Randy, a talented artist, and we have two sons, Zac (17) and Nathan (15). We live in Edmonton, AB and attend West Meadows Baptist Church. Our involvement in the church is informally through loving the young adults and investing in their lives. My life is pretty simple, as I still need to take care of my health. I work part-time as a spiritual director at Urban Sanctuary Retreat Center (located on Taylor campus) and love every minute of it. I'm chipping away at finishing my Master of Theological Studies. This is my first book and already looking forward to the completion of the next one.
Why did you write it?
How can people be in touch with you?
I wanted to offer people a chance to rest, to allow God's words to deeply change them, especially during busy months like December. It takes intention and discipline and a decision to live differently.
For more contact information, feel free to visit my blog at http://learningrhythmsofgrace.wordpress.com. Thanks for telling us about your book and your story! My pleasure - thank you.
TB
Consolidated Statement of Activities for the Year Ended June 30, 2012 INCOME Annual Fund Donations
$
757,500
Tuition and Fees
390,300
Other Sales & Services
335,400
Investment Income $
1,645,900
EXPENSES Seminary & Library
$
445,000
Administration
338,000
Bursaries and Awards
129,000
E P Wahl Centre
102,900 56,000
TOTAL EXPENSES
$
$
1,612,200
33,700
Come and learn with us! 1.780.431.5200 | www.Taylor-Edu.ca | www.TaylorSeminary.ca
3%
8%
34%
46% 21%
540,500
Institutional Expenses
Operations and other
20%
2011-12 Expenses 6%
10%
162,700
TOTAL INCOME
SURPLUS
2011-12 Income
24%
28%
Audited Financial Statements Available Audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 have been approved by the Board of Trustees and are available from the Finance Office upon request.
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Adeste Fideles, (1998), Ruth Friesen 9” x 11”, Watercolor
ABOUT THIS IMAGE Although not an alumna of Taylor herself, Ruth Friesen served as a trustee of Taylor (then NABC) from 1985-88, and several from her family are alumni (including daughter Carol Ohlmann, son Perry Friesen, '82, and grandson James Ohlmann). Ruth and her husband Frank were killed in a traffic accident in Saskatchewan on November 10, 2012. Ruth was a well-known, award-winning artist from Medicine Hat, a member of the Hat Art Club and the current chair of the Strathcona Art Studio at the time of her death. There were hundreds of paintings in her basement studio when she passed away. The family put them on display for the funeral then, in an act of inspired generosity, invited guests attending the funeral to take one home with them. James and Chelsea Ohlmann write: “As a family, we also wanted to see/keep record of where her paintings went and whose homes they blessed. So, we set up an email address where we asked people to send in a photograph of the painting displayed in their home and why that particular painting speaks to them or is meaningful to them. The email address is: friesenartlegacy@gmail.com.”
Taylor alumni are invited to submit photographs, paintings and other visual art projects to be featured on this page – don’t be shy! Learn more at www.Taylor-Edu.ca/creative
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