Columbia Contact Magazine 2020/21

2020-2021

C O L U M B I A C O N TA C T CONNECTING THE COLUMBIA BIBLE COLLEGE COMMUNITY | COLUMBIABC.EDU

M A K ING A N I M PAC T An interview with Intercultural Studies Associate Yehuda Mansell.

BUS T ING T HE 5 BIG M Y T HS A BOU T BIBL E C OL L E GE A bible college education is more accessible than most people think.

F UL L- C IRC L E GE NE ROSI T Y The unique impact of Columbia scholarships & bursaries.

COLUMBIA CONTACT

P R E S I D E NT ’S D ES K

2020-2021 Academic Year Columbia Bible College seeks to equip people for a life of discipleship, ministry, and leadership in service to the church and community.

COLUMBIA CONTACT PURPOSE STATEMENT The purpose of the Columbia Contact is to encourage and provide updates about news, events, and related college business to students, alumni, and friends of the college.

Columbia Bible College provides faith formation and professional ministry preparation for Christians of all ages and supports the churches of the region in the fulfillment of their mission.

Columbia is evangelical Anabaptist and is operated by two regional Mennonite conferences, British Columbia Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches and Mennonite Church British Columbia.

EDITOR IN CHIEF Bonner Wolf

LAYOUT & DESIGN Grant Bielefeld

COVER PHOTO

By Jessica Funk

ILLUSTRATIONS Grant Bielefeld @grantbdrawin

CONTRIBUTORS Abby Berg Yehuda Mansell

CONTACT Tel. (604) 853-3358 Toll Free. 1-800-283-0881 info@columbiabc.edu Fax. (604) 853-3063 Columbia Bible College 2940 Clearbrook Road Abbotsford, BC V2T 2Z8

WHY IT MATTERS By the time you read these words, I really hope the COVID-19 experience is beginning to recede in importance for all of us. That said, if you are anything like me, you may have found the pandemic useful since it forced you to re-evaluate various aspects of your life and work. Over the past year or so, I often found myself wrestling with "Why?" questions. At Columbia, we have taken the time to ask ourselves: "Why do we offer certain programs, and why do we do them in a certain manner?" "Why does it matter if we meet in-person or remotely?" "Why do students come to Columbia, and does it matter in the grand scheme?"

Asking these questions is not always comfortable because it forces us to put our assumptions and activities under a microscope.

But this kind of exercise is vitally important for helping us understand our motivations and purpose. With this in mind, we recently began revamping our website. As part of the process, a group of our staff and faculty identified the key problem that Columbia seeks to solve for students. We then endeavoured to communicate that problem and how we solve it in a statement. Here's what we came up with: "Everybody wants to know where they're going, in college and in life. Through our close-knit community approach that combines classroom learning and practical experience, you will discover how God has shaped you so you can shape the world."

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20 20 - 20 21

For those closer in age to me than the average CBC student, you can probably still recall the struggles of trying to figure life out back when you were a young adult. Remember these questions? "Who am I? What does God expect of me? What am I supposed to do with my life?

Should I date, and if so, who? Does my life matter?"

Those were big questions for us, but they may be even more pressing today. Our 21st century culture is marked by pluralism, relativism, individualism, and materialism. With the rise in confusion around personal identity, the increase in mental health disorders, anxiety, stress, and apathy, students desperately need a safe place to explore the big questions they're facing and establish their identity in Christ. Young adults need time to develop into who they are outside of the pressures of the media and the world's system.

We feel privileged to provide that space. We know that God loves each person and has a purpose for our lives. At Columbia, through teachers that care about them, a community that loves them, and courses that proclaim Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life, students discover how God has shaped them so that they can shape the world.

Bryan Born, President

CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS 01

█ PRESIDENT'S DESK Why It Matters.

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█ NEWS & UPDATES

Columbia news, updates, and staff transitions.

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05 █

LOCAL IMPACT

BEARCAT ATHLETICS

An interview with Yehuda Mansell, ICS Associate.

FEATURES Interview with Bearcat Abby Berg.

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█

SOUL FOOD

Full-Circle Generosity.

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█

ALUMNI

The Aroma of Christ in the Workplace.

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COLUMBIA IS MORE AFFORDABLE THAN YOU THINK!

BUSTING THE 5 BIG MYTHS ABOUT BIBLE COLLEGE

A guide/plan to get students through college debt free.

A bible college education is more accessible than most people think.

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NE W S & UPDAT ES

COLUMBIA NEWS & UPDATES PROVIDED COVID-SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY TRANSFER PROGRAM Through the collaborative efforts of every department at CBC, we

adapted our in-person learning experience to accommodate a covid-safe environment.

What a blessing it was to provide a space for our students to build community and friendship as they grew in their faith and studies.

"Having classes in-person this year has honestly been so amazing.

The sudden switch to remote learning last year was difficult to navigate, and being in-person has been so great! I am so thankful for all the work that CBC has done to make it possible for us to be in class." - Cody Stefick, 2020-21 Student Council President.

WE PARTNERED WITH NORTHVIEW COMMUNITY CHURCH We developed a Ministry Apprenticeship program with Northview Community Church that allows students to complete up to six courses (18 credits) toward a Church Ministry minor while engaged in a Northview internship. This partnership's strength is that it will allow students to gain exposure to a wide range of ministry programs while accessing Columbiaaccredited courses delivered on-site at Northview.

We are partnering with Indiana Wesleyan University to offer a dualdegree option beginning in the Fall of 2021. This partnership allows students to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Practical Theology (across a wide range of programs) from Columbia alongside a professional degree through Indiana Wesleyan's online College of Adult and Professional Studies. We are excited about this because it means students can remain at Columbia and take a combination of CBC and IWU courses over four years and leave with two degrees from two schools. We believe this partnership prepares students for bi-vocational possibilities while emphasizing the vital connection between theology and practice!

RESPECT, EDUCATE, EMPOWER, SURVIVORS (REES) We are proud to say that we are the first college in BC to have partnered with Manitoba-based REES (Respect, Educate, Empower Survivors) to make online reporting of sexual violence available to our campus community. REES has replaced our old protocol for reporting anything on campus. A student can go directly to REES to submit a report; they can choose to do this anonymously or send a report directly to our Dean of Students.

"REES provides a victim-centred, trauma-informed platform that empowers victims of sexual violence with numerous options for reporting and support. We look forward to integrating REES into our overall vision for a safe campus where all students are able to thrive." - Bryan Born.

To learn more about REES visit https://www.reescommunity.com

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2020-2021

TRANSITIONS WELCOME Chris Clements will be starting as the new Youth Work Program Director.

CULTIVATING A GREAT CAMPUS Some exciting developments are taking place on the Columbia campus this summer! Each of these projects will improve students’ experience at Columbia. Check out what’s happening:

Jessica Gaskin started as an Academic Support Advisor.

Karen Heidebrecht Thiessen is the new Dean of Students.

Columbia Hall Maintenance & Repairs: This residence requires significant maintenance and repairs that have been deferred over the past several years. New windows, flooring, and bathrooms, along with improved air flow and heating will all make Columbia Hall a great place for our resident students to call home during their studies.

Mahima Jacob will be starting as a new member of the Counselling Faculty.

Juliet Teeter will be starting as a new member of the Counselling Faculty.

CONGRATULATIONS Adrian Warkentin is the new Associate Dean of Students.

Columbia Place Gym Floor Update: As part of our 20th anniversary celebration of Columbia Place, the gym floor is being sanded, painted, and refinished.

It’s going to be so fun to cheer for our teams as they compete on the new floor – Go Bearcats!

Student Centre Basement Lounge Renovation: This space, which the students affectionately call the “Blounge”, is a place where they kick back, relax, play games, drink coffee, and deepen their friendships.

For some years now, it has needed an upgrade. We are moving ahead with plans to do a significant renovation in this space. Part of this will include putting in a coffee shop (which students will be excited about because they’ve been requesting it for a long time.)

If you are interested in contributing to this project, please contact Kurtis Kube at kurtis.kube@columbiabc.edu

FAREWELL Anne Andres is retiring from her role as Library Director.

Ron Friesen is retiring from his role as the Youth Work Program Director.

Elise Hartin resigned from her faculty role.

Mike Richardson is retiring from his role as Faculty (Founder and former director of Quest Program).

Stephanie Jantzen resigned from her role as Marketing & Communications Manager.

Shirley McCoy retired from her role as a Cook.

Yehuda Mansell resigned from his role as Intercultural Studies Associate, but is continuing as a sessional instructor.

Rachel Navarro resigned from her role as Hospitality Assistant.

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Gaining Courage THROUGH COMMUNITY AN INTERVIEW WITH ABBY BERG

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Tell me five fun facts about yourself.

A: My name is Abby Berg, I love sports, but the main sport I love is soccer. I grew up playing soccer with all my friends in Zambia and my dream is to play for the Canadian Women’s Soccer team if that is God’s will. I have a passion for serving kids, and through my story, I would love to inspire other children around the world. I love to dance. I'm an outgoing person and love being around people.

“I HAVE FOUND A SAFE COMMUNITY AND DEVELOPED GOOD RELATIONSHIPS WITH TRUSTWORTHY FRIENDS." You spent your first 12 years in Zambia. What was it like to be adopted and move to Canada?

A: Being adopted wasn’t easy. It took me a while to adjust to being around my family.

Moving to Canada was scary because I didn’t know what to expect. Everything was new, and I was surprised by how much bigger the trees were compared to those in Zambia. It was also a surprise to see snow, for Zambia is a desert.

Tell us about your life before you came to Columbia.

A: My life hasn’t been the best, but my family and friends have supported me for who I am right now. God has been with me through my life since I was a baby.

I’m very thankful for God's grace and his salvation in my life. When I was younger, I had health complications, and I am thankful for the many people who God put

in my life to bless me and love me through those times.

Being adopted is such a blessing from God because having a family is important.

I was blessed to have the opportunity to attend Langley Christian High School, where I used my athletic gifts on the basketball and soccer team. I have also been given the opportunity to play club soccer with Langley United, Fraser Valley Metro U18, and I am currently playing with Surrey United Premier Women's Soccer Team.

How has CBC impacted your life now?

A: CBC impacted my life by allowing me to grow in my relationship with God through the loving and supportive community. I have also gotten to know new people and develop great friendships.

Through this community, I have gained courage in being more open to struggles in my life, and I have found a safe community and developed good relationships with trustworthy friends.

What has been a highlight from your time on the basketball team?

A: Getting to know the girls and Coach Jess! I had a really good time practicing with the team. As a team, we got to know each other, and we got along quite quickly, which shocked me.

How has your confidence grown in your year at Columbia?

A: My confidence has grown in being able to be myself. When I was in Zambia, I was very bad at school. I didn't try school because I felt I was not smart, and I didn't

feel like people cared about how I did at school. But when I came to Canada, I was encouraged by my teachers and parents that although I didn't understand all about school when I arrived, that I can do it even though it is hard!

I now feel more confident in my learning.

When I don't understand, I ask for help. I see the importance of working hard to get the things I want.

What have you discovered about God in your time here?

A: I have discovered God’s help through various challenges in my life. After taking the Old Testament Survey, I gained more knowledge and understanding of who God is. As was taught in class, I learned that God is always present in our lives and seeks to help us through every challenge that we may face. My relationship with God has grown because when I’m struggling with life I go to talk to him about my struggles and I pray or read the bible. I know that God is always going to be by my side.

What are you taking with you from your time here?

A: That it is important to focus on my studies in college and to give it my all. During my time at Columbia, I unfortunately tore my ACL, and I had surgery. I am trying to be positive about this injury because it has been a hard year. I haven’t been able to give my full potential in sports. But, I’m working hard to get better, and I know that it is not the end; there is still hope for the future. ■

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BUSTING THE 5 BIG MYTHS ABOUT BIBLE COLLEGE Illustration by Grant Bielefeld @grantbdrawin.

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"BIBLE COLLEGE IS ONLY FOR PASTORS."

When most people think of Bible college, they think of pastors and preachers. While it’s true that we equip people for a life of pastoral ministry, it’s far from the only thing we do. A quick tour of our programs page on our website will let you know just how diverse our options are. We train

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people to become Emergency Rescue Technicians, Health Care Assistants, Business Owners, Educational Assistants, and Counsellors. Our transfer agreements with other colleges and universities enable students to develop a firm foundation in their identity and faith for a couple of

"I CAN'T DO ANYTHING WITH A BIBLE-BASED STUDENT EDUCATION."

In the words of the iconic character from The Office, Dwight Schrute, “False.” From serving in the church, working in schools, working in care homes, running businesses, and launching their own non-profits…

Columbia grads have taken what they’ve learned here into many different fields.

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years at CBC and then finish or extend their degree elsewhere. Across all of our programs, we place a high value on developing the character of students.

This character will travel with them into whatever career they choose.

2020-2021

The foundation of character, faith, and leadership that is developed in students’ time at Columbia makes such a difference in their future careers. We go beyond mere classroom learning and develop each person as a whole.

Check out pages 15-16 for more info on what our grads are doing!

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"BIBLE COLLEGE IS TOO EXPENSIVE."

Private education often has the reputation of being unaffordable. At Columbia, we make a concerted effort to make education as accessible as possible. Our financial aid personell are experts in generosity. We offer

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tons of scholarships, bursaries, and grants: over $250,000 per year! If you or someone you know wants to come to Columbia, don’t let finances be the thing that stops you!

"I'M TOO OLD FOR BIBLE COLLEGE."

You’re never too old! It’s true, many of our students are in their early adult years, but we welcome students of any age. Whether you want to start a new career as an EA, ERT, HCA, Counsellor, or Youth Pastor, or you want to deepen your understanding of the bible, leadership, business, or

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intercultural studies, we’d love to have you join us on campus!

Our friendly admissions team is here to help with any questions you have about our programs. Email them at admissions@columbiabc.edu

"EVERYONE KNOWS ABOUT CBC."

Lots of people assume that everyone knows about CBC….but that just isn’t true.

Sometimes we feel we’re the best kept secret in Abbotsford!

So, please help us get the word out there!

If you have a friend, nephew, niece, child, or family member who is thinking about college, be sure to recommend CBC to them!

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SUMMER REFERRAL BONUS Alumni & Friends Referral Bonus Did you know that we have a refer-afriend bonus for friends & alumni of Columbia? Yeah! That's right! It's usually $100 for each student you refer…but this year, we want to help students as much as possible! We decided to boost that bonus to $250 for you and the student you refer to Columbia from June 1stAugust 15th.

“CBC taught me so much about who I am and to whom I belong that I knew I wanted to share what I found with my friends at home! When my friend became

a CBC student, I was excited because I knew that he was about to discover the same life-changing experience that I found during my time at CBC. I fully believe that the joy I found is not meant to be hidden. The more people I can bring to CBC to be immersed in creation, teaching, and community, the more people will have the opportunity to experience the love I found here.”

- Taylor McDonnel, CBC Alum

DO YOU WANT TO HELP PEOPLE EXPERIENCE TRANSFORMATION? Do you have a sibling, child, relative, friend, or neighbour who could use a year or more of Christcentered growth, practical education, and authentic community? Invite them to experience Columbia!

Send them to columbiabc.edu/future-students or hand them the "Picture yourself here" postcard found in this magazine.

It’s pretty simple. Tell a friend about Columbia.

When they start class, you each get $250.

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2020-2021

EVENT DETAILS: June 1 - August 15th, 2021 $250 REFERRAL BONUS to you and the student you refer.

(Student receives it in tuition credit.) Rewards will be given once the student attends class in the Fall/Winter.

Any questions?

Reach out to our friendly Admissions team at admissions@columbiabc.edu

2021-2022

PRAYER CALENDAR Join us in praying for the CBC community over the next year.

JUNE 2021

SEPTEMBER 2021

• Pray for students working and making final decisions

• September 7th Classes Begin! May students and

about attending Columbia.

• Pray for staff and faculty as they take some time to rest and re-engage with the academic year ahead.

teachers alike experience growth and have their minds opened to wonderful things about God and the field in which they’re studying.

• Pray that each student would experience deepened connections & relationships within the CBC community.

JULY 2021 • Pray for summer camps as they engage with kids in outreach, discipleship, and leadership development.

OCTOBER 2021 • Pray for the Chapel worship teams. May they experience joy as they lead others in worship. Pray that this ministry will have a powerful transformational impact on our students, staff, and faculty this year.

• Pray for our Admissions team as they continue to connect and support potential students in their preparations and decision-making.

• October 19th-25th: Mid-term Exams. Pray for students as they prepare for exams.

AUGUST 2021 • Pray for all our staff and faculty as they prepare for the arrival of students.

• Pray for our student leaders who will arrive early for training this month. Pray they experience peace in their decision to serve their community and desire to know Jesus more fully as they do.

• Pray for protection for students as they leave home and arrive on campus. Pray that those who are leaving home for the first time experience peace.

NOVEMBER 2021 • Pray for motivation and perseverance as enthusiasm and daylight wane at this stage of the semester.

• Pray for students who are receiving counselling through our counselling services. May they experience healing, breakthrough, and growth.

COLUMBIABC.EDU

DECEMBER 2021 • Pray for those who are excited to go home for Christmas, and pray for those who have apprehension.

May they experience times of connection with family and friends.

• Pray for our International students, who will be away from family this Christmas, to experience hospitality, celebration, and safety (if they travel) over the Winter break.

PRAY FOR STUDENTS LIKE ABBY As the College prepares for Fall 2021, prayers for wisdom, courage, resources, and creativity are much appreciated!

Please also pray for God’s guidance and peace to be clear to our students and graduates as they navigate possible summer jobs and internships.

JANUARY 2022 • Pray that the good news of Jesus’ coming would reinvigorate our students, staff, and faculty as they commit themselves to another semester together.

• Pray for our Athletics teams as they continue to balance academics, games, practices, and travel in the Winter semester.

FEBRUARY 2022 • Pray for our students, staff, and faculty who wrestle with loneliness and desire greater connection in their lives. May they experience the family we have through Jesus and bravely pursue opportunities for connection.

• Pray for a life-giving and restful Reading Break for students and faculty.

APRIL 2022 • Pray for an excellent finish to the school year! We’re almost there, yet the essential steps of final exams, celebrations with friends, and saying goodbye still remain.

• Pray for everyone as they transition. Some students will return home, some are moving somewhere new.

Regardless, it’s a season of change that we would value your prayers for wisdom, peace, guidance, and hope.

MAY 2022 • Pray for our students as they look for and settle into employment. May they seize opportunities to be a blessing in their work and practice what they have learned through their time at CBC.

MARCH 2022 • Pray for the Columbia Lead Team. May God give them wisdom and insight as they plan and make decisions.

• Pray for our food services team and custodial team to be encouraged as they continue to diligently serve our students, staff, and faculty.

• Pray for our staff and faculty as they grieve/celebrate the students who have left our campus. Pray that they can connect with their families, friends, and community outside CBC in significant ways this summer.

COLUMBIABC.EDU

SOU L FOOD

FULL-CIRCLE GENEROSITY The unique thing about scholarships & bursaries at Columbia is that those who provide a scholarship get to meet the student that receives the award. They have the opportunity to know and pray for the student while observing first-hand the impact of their generosity. We call this Full-Circle Generosity.

SCHOLARSHIP & BURSARY PROVIDERS We reached out to scholarship & bursary providers and asked them why they give. Here’s what they had to say: “We are happy to provide a scholarship knowing that we are partnering together as a team with a student, the staff of CBC, and with the body of Christ. We love the unity of working together and praying deeply for the development of the student and their participation in the kingdom of God. It gives us great joy and hope for the future to participate in developing godly leaders.”

- A & B Kube, Philippians Four19 Bursary

“(Our) Scholarship was created many years ago to honour the legacy of my parents for whom biblical education was a huge privilege and blessing. Attending Bible school was life changing and transformative, setting a foundation for them to minister in many roles in their local church and also to speak into the lives of their children.

and/or seminary. The Esau Scholarship is an opportunity to continue this part of their legacy. Each year, we hope that this scholarship blesses a student who will continue this legacy of learning at Columbia...”

- K & K Esau, John & Anne Esau Memorial Scholarship

Because of their values, every one of their seven children went to Bible school

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP & BURSARY RECIPIENTS We asked students to tell us how the generosity of donors has impacted them.

Their responses are deeply encouraging. Here are a few of them: “I am an international student from India and belong to a middleclass family. I want to become a pastor and want to serve in ministry. This bursary is a great help for me to make my dream come true of completing my degree in Biblical education.”

“I’m so thankful for the scholarship provided because I don’t have to worry about finances!

(Donors) have given me an incredible gift! Through Quest I have had a major perspective shift. God has really used the Quest team to speak into my life, and dramatically change it!”

- Ashish

- Benita

Because of your generosity, we are able to support students with over $275,000 in financial aid annually. Your generosity lives on in students like Ashish and Benita.

Contact Kurtis Kube at kurtis.kube@columbiabc.edu to learn more about providing scholarships and how you can be a part of full-circle generosity.

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LOCAL IMPACT AN INTERVIEW WITH YEHUDA MANSELL, INTERCULTURAL STUDIES ASSOCIATE

Tell us about the Urban Connections program (UC) Y: The Urban Connections (UC) program (formerly Urban Mission Dynamics) is the experiential component of the Church in Mission course taught by David Warkentin.

Traditionally, this has included four-day trips to the Downtown East Side (DTES) of Vancouver, in which our students have worked with and learned from 16 different frontline organizations and workers.

What changed in light of Covid-19?

Y: We were no longer able to go to the DTES; we also discovered that most

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organizations were unable to accept volunteers due to the Pandemic. We really didn’t want to lose the face-to-face connections with our at-risk friends and neighbours, so this brought Abbotsford back into focus, which I believe was a blessing.

to host volunteers, and large groups are intimidating, and painfully conspicuous.

Plus, we had an ever-pressing concern about COVID, not for our sake, but for the extremely vulnerable folks who are living on the street.

What challenges did you face?

How did you pivot and address these challenges?

Y: My most pressing concern has been creating learning opportunities that were authentic (and safe), not only meeting the course objectives, but providing life-impacting moments. We had 60+ students who needed to get through and most organizations were unwilling

Y: Instead of two four-day trips to the DTES, we had outings every Friday for most of the Semester. I informed myself about the particulars of homelessness in Abby, and made connections with frontline ministries, and with their guidance, began to venture out on our own and sought

out folks living outdoors in the area. So, by utilizing small groups of 4 we would ferry them to 2-3 locations in Abbotsford to serve and connect. We also brought in experts on addiction, homelessness, and poverty to share their insights from different vantage points, helping create a nuanced view of the issues at hand.

How did you see God show up?

Y: I see God’s work most vividly in the loving actions of his kids. And so, when I saw our Student Leaders Michaela S. and Terrell Z. passionately and creatively leading by example into unknown scenarios, I witnessed unexpected connections and relationships forged with at-risk neighbours who are still talking about their encounters with our teams. When I saw our at-risk neighbours share kindness, insight, and even a few unexpected gifts with our students, I saw a glimpse of God’s upsidedown Kingdom: one in which teachers become students, and the poor are rich and those who intend to love and serve are surprised by love they receive: mutuality is the term that comes to mind.

understanding, which I believe is infinitely more valuable.

have a snapshot into the life-impacting experiences that many had.

What impact did you see your students making in Abbotsford?

What have you learned about the impact you can make locally?

Y: Our students deepened their connection to Abbotsford, and in this way entered a reciprocal relationship with their neighbours. While our students brought tangible comfort and addressed specific needs related to sleeping outdoors, they were met with kindness, insight, and aspects of the city were demystified. The lasting impact I hope, is that we were

Y: In order to hold a valuable place in a community, we must know our community, and be known – it’s about a reciprocal relationship. Alienation and isolation have been serious societal problems for a long time, and COVID has only intensified this for our most vulnerable friends. So, whenever a group of people shift their thinking from ideas about “homelessness”

able to humanize homelessness and

or “addiction” and instead can tell the stories of Peggy, Duchane, or Tracey, then we are no longer dealing in abstracts, and can “IN ORDER TO HOLD A VALUABLE PLACE actually respond in tangible human ways.

IN A COMMUNITY, WE MUST KNOW OUR There are some high-level things COMMUNITY, AND BE KNOWN – IT’S that desperately need to change (and are starting to change): ABOUT A RECIPROCAL RELATIONSHIP.” affordable housing, safe-drug supply, stigmatization of drugaddiction, so in the future, our students use, mental health resources, effective will be inclined to engage with their recovery programs, police accountability neighbours rather than avoid or fear them. etc. but by putting a human face and story They will also influence their communities to these issues means that our students, and churches to take notice of at-risk who are the future of the church, will individuals and then better reflect Jesus in continue to be engaged and change policy What experience(s) did your students have? their actions, policies, and advocacy. and come up with creative, compassionY: In most scenarios they were able to soaked solutions. Unofficially, I am aware spend quality time with at-risk individuals of students continuing to check-in on What was your experience? in the park, under the bridge, in the our neighbours, bringing them needed bush, or in a shelter, before the new Y: I alternated between being freakeditems, and then reporting back, “Yeah, restrictions. At times they served coffee out about things working-out and being Randal says to say “Hi.” This seems to in portable carafes, or distributed tarps, deeply touched by our students as I me that we are truly inhabiting our own socks, blankets, toques, lighters, and watched them overcome discomfort neighbourhood. ■ propane, or coloured with residents in and fear and took risks to acknowledge the shelter (it’s a thing). These items people that so many were taught to do bring tangible comfort on cold ignore and avoid. My sweetest moments nights, but more importantly, they are a came later as I was able to read and segue to connection, conversation, and interact with their reflection papers and

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AL UMNI

The Aroma of Christ in the Workplace WHAT IS AN EMPLOYER LOOKING FOR IN AN EMPLOYEE THESE DAYS? "For me, it's about a strong basic skill set, a desire to learn/ apply (curiosity) and a serious work ethic," says Gerry Wiebe, Founder & President of Wiebe Industrial Services.

According to Gerry, "CBC students consistently have shown themselves aligned to this…"

Students who graduate from Columbia walk out of here with more than book learning. More than a deeper understanding of scripture. More than community.

They leave with an enriched character. This is the intangible that they carry into the rest of their lives, and it's what sets them apart.

"Every CBC student we've hired has benefited our team.

We've found them to be honest, hardworking, and respectful.

Columbia Grads have gone on to work in all sorts of fields

Medicine

Graphic Design

Athletics

Development

Law

Human Resources

Camp Ministry

Building

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2020-2021

But more importantly, they bring the aroma of Christ to our business. Their maturity and servant attitudes enrich the lives of both their co-workers and our community. Thank you, CBC, for training a new generation of people dedicated to following Jesus." - Charlotte Lepp, CoFounder of Lepp Farm Market.

"THEY BRING THE AROMA OF CHRIST TO OUR BUSINESS"

be, they are people of character.

Their humility, intelligence, problem-solving, reliability, honesty, loving attitude, kindness, and willingness to serve will be with them for the rest of their lives.

We celebrate that Columbia students are "bringing the aroma of Christ…" in all sorts of fields all over the world. ■

As we think of our grads, we are grateful that wherever they may

Adventure Guiding

Emergency Rescue

Business

Pastoral Ministry

Financial Management

NPO Management/ Leadership

Realty

Counselling

Education

and so many more...

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Columbia is more affordable than you think!

NOBODY WANTS TO LEAVE COLLEGE WITH A MOUNTAIN OF DEBT. At Columbia, we believe that a Bible College education should be as accessible as possible, and we make every effort to follow through on that conviction.

Therefore, we asked our Chief Financial Officer, Scott, and Social Entrepreneurship Program Director, Kurtis, to put together a guide/plan for students.

What we found was deeply encouraging: with a little planning, hard work, support, and resourcefulness, students can get through college debt free!

Check it out →

17 COLUMB I A B I B LE COL LEGE |

2020-2021

INCOME / REVENUE / SUPPORT: Columbia Scholarships & Bursaries 1

$1,123

Columbia Entrance Scholarships 2 $1,500 Columbia Church Match Bursary

$2,000

Year-Round Part-Time Job 3 $4,560 Full Time Summer Job 4 $9,728

Total Income: $18,911 Cost of 1 Year at Columbia: $15,000 Net Positive:

$3,911 That’s a LOT left over for pizza!

KEYS TO SUCCESS: 1. You really want to be debt free (not just talk about it).

2. You’re willing to work hard…and God really loves to provide!

3. You’ve got a few people and a church that knows you and will support you (we also realize this isn’t always the case…so talk with us, we’re here to help).

4. The government will refund almost all of the taxes you pay (you get to expense tuition).

If you have any questions about Financial Aid at Columbia, please visit https://columbiabc.edu/financial-aid

Average amount that applicants receive. 2 Entrance scholarships are dependent on incoming Grade Point Average (GPA) and range from $1,000-$2,000. 3 Part Time job calculation based on 10 hours per week, $15.20/hour for 30 weeks. 4 Full Time job calculation based on $15.20/hour for 16 weeks.

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DO YOU WANT TO HELP PEOPLE EXPERIENCE TRANSFORMATION? $250 Referral Bonus to you and the student you refer!

Do you have a sibling, child, relative, friend, or neighbour who could use a year or more of Christ-centered growth, practical education, and authentic community? Invite them to experience Columbia!

Send them to columbiabc.edu/future-students or hand them the "Picture yourself here" postcard found in this magazine.

It’s pretty simple. Tell a friend about Columbia.

When they start class, you each get $250.

Event running from June 1st - August 15th, 2021.

C O L U M B I A C O N TA C T Columbia Bible College 2940 Clearbrook Road Abbotsford, BC Canada V2T 2Z8 Send change of address and alumni updates to alumni@columbiabc.edu