Mars Hill Newspaper Vol 20 Issue 6

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December 8, 2015

THE

TEAM

TREVOR MCMAHAN managing editor

LUCAS KOEHN visual editor

DAVID PUNNAMMANNIL

DARBY ARENS

LARISSA TENORIO

HEIDI RENNERT

photo editor

web editor

MATT RUBULIAK

advertising & finance manager

MARS’ HILL

Mars’ Hill is a student publication of Trinity Western University, floated with funds raised by the Student Association. Mars’ Hill seeks to be a professional and relevant student publication, reflecting and challenging the TWU community, while intentionally addressing local, national and international issues.

layout editor

chief copy editor

SIDSEL RICHMOND illustration editor

MISSION TO MARS

The mission of Mars’ Hill, as the official student newspaper of Trinity Western University, is to inform and entertain its readers, cultivate awareness of issues concerning the TWU community and provide a forum for purposeful, constructive discussion among its members in accordance with the Community Covenant, Statement of Faith, and Core Values of the University.

STUDENT MEDIA ADVISOR Loranne Brown

SPECIAL THANKS

Kat Grabowski for the team photos

No dogs were killed in the writing of this article

I

mackenzie

cameron

Peering through the fence, fingers on the trigger, eye to the target, and “fire!” With average accuracy and unclear motives, two boys, along with their borrowed pellet gun, took turns first shooting the kennel and then the dog that ran out of it. Somewhere in the ensuing mess, a pellet went awry and hit one of the windows on the back of the house, instantly shattering the glass.

Before the boys had time to clear the scene, the police had already arrived. Having been called by the homeowner before the window broke, the police wasted no time in loading the boys into the back of the police car. En route to the police station, the adrenaline began to subside as the two boys realized the gravity of the situation; their parents were about to be called in to meet them at the station.

At the tender age of sixteen, my father made his first court appearance and received a EDITORIAL POLICY

Mars’ Hill encourages submissions and letters to the Editor. Mars’ Hill reserves the right to edit submissions for style, brevity and compatibility with the Mission, Statement of Faith, the Community Community Covenant, and the Core Values of the University.

Anonymous authorship of any material may be granted at the discretion of the Editor-in-Chief.

Opinions expressed in Mars’ Hill belong to the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial board, Trinity Western University, its officials or its Student Association.

community service sentence for vandalism and disruption of the peace. His community service time was spent working with Youth for Christ with fellow juvenile delinquents. My father was paired up with a younger kid from a rough background and was assigned to play games with him in the spirit of mentorship.

Over the course of his sentence and the ensuing time spent with his younger buddy, my dad began to enjoy the work and eventually went on to become the first in his family to earn a university degree; well actually, five of them. His two Masters degrees in Counselling Psychology and Religious Education earned him a job at Trinity Western in 1987 (see above yearbook photo, circa.

1988). There he fell in love with counselling and my mother. I entered the scene in 1994 and began my own university career at TWU 17 years later.

When researching the root of the word “redemption” in Greek, I came across this definition: “the distance that results between the rescued person and what previously enslaved them.” There was a price to pay for what my CONTRIBUTORS Nadine Sikkema Sarah Grochowski Johnny Janzen Jesse Rintoul Rachel Van Vliet Beth Malena Audrey Herald Rachel Gingell Sam Rosenau Sarah L. Cheyanne Makelki Connor Thiessen Josh Dauer Rachel Hargrave Caleb Giesbrecht Jeevin Bains Leanne Witten Bailey Broadbent Dawson Sawatzky Matthew Blackaby Taylor Johnson

Is there rum in that eggnog? “Is that the question?” - Trevbot

dad did to that dog and its owner’s window, but through paying that price, he created a distance between the boy he was with the gun and the man he became afterwards. Through his payment of time and energy, he was released from the bondage of that act.

When putting together our Christmas issue, our team debated various themes before settling on redemption. There is a sombreness to redemption that draws attention to the reverence of this season. A baby was born amidst the turmoil of exile and political upheaval. This baby would then grow to become a man who would pay the price for acts he did not commit, for lives he did not live.

Redemption is not immediate; it often takes a span of years to create the distance necessary to experience that kind of freedom.

Despite their rough beginnings, the boy my dad mentored went on to become a pastor in Ontario, and my dad, though no longer working at TWU, is still counselling fulltime. And me, I am alive because of the redemption of my parent’s combined lives and the birth of one infant that redeemed the course of history.

7600 Glover Rd, Langley, BC, V2Y 1Y1 604-513-2109 marshill@gmail.com www.marshillonline.com This issue brought to you by tears.

December 8, 2015

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MADELINE GALLARD

Grassroots to glassworks

I

josh

dauer

The fear of rejection is a potent driving force in my life. This fear is often what guards my comfort zone, and I usually have to fight it diligently if I want to step outside. For whatever reason, my life has led me down a strange path that has put me on the frontlines of tear gas and violent struggle in order to find a different approach to the notorious Israeli-Palestinian “conflict.”

A few weeks ago I wrote a feature article for the Mars’ Hill that dealt a lot with the importance of stepping outside of one’s comfort zone for the sake of something greater than comfort. Contrary to what you might think if you have met me, writing both of these articles is pretty far outside of my comfort zone, but I firmly believe in seizing the opportunities life presents you when they arrive.

I will not use my limited word

count here to dive into why much of what you have likely been told about the nature of Israel and Palestinians is inaccurate.

Instead, I am going to talk about what I have been doing there for the last year and a half with a group of Palestinian Christians— an identity which is not a paradox. They suffer just as much as any other Palestinians, and it is sad that people in Christian circles often need to hear that before they will begin empathizing. We have started a grassroots initiative for widespread sustainability throughout the region, namely recycling.

We are crowd-funding this

idea, and it appears we are on track to reach our goal of 13,000 USD by 2016 in order to hire a local Palestinian machinist to build us machines for glass processing. Roughly half of the money we raise will go towards the machines, and the rest will go towards the tools, operating

costs, and supplies we will need in order to become self-sustaining within a year. We are also currently working closely with Dr. Mazin Qumsiyeh, a prominent figure of non-violent resistance in the West Bank who has authored several books on the topic and who has taught genetics at several

universities in America including both Yale and Duke. We are in the process of working out a contract with the Palestine Natural History Museum, which is directed by Dr. Qumsiyeh, as well as with Bethlehem University, which will be providing us with a facility for our project.

Now you might be saying, “But Josh, are there not a million other problems going on? Isn’t that the last thing they need?” and you would be right to ask such questions. The idea is not so much a green “let’s-save-the-Earth” idea as much as it is an attempt to instill the importance of taking care of ever-shrinking resources.

As we seek to apply this business model throughout the West Bank, this project will also provide the collateral benefits of cleaning up an area that lacks infrastructure, improving tourism, and helping the economy by creating jobs.

Hopefully, one day we will be able to extend this help to other areas of the world where there is limited resources and excess waste.

If you’d like to support us, check us out in further detail on our IndieGoGo page (indiegogo.com/projects/Palestinerecycling-initiative), where you can also see a full break down of our budget and our machine designs. Also, Like our Facebook page (facebook.com/palrecycling) to stay updated on our progress.

Of course, the best way you can help is by donating, but, I get it, we are (mostly) all students here.

Simply liking and sharing our page goes a long way. But maybe, just maybe, consider donating as little as five dollars to be a part of something big.

Much love, Palestine Recycling Initiative

Advokate and hope for women

I

rachel

hargrave

On November 19th, Advokate Life and Education Services held a fundraising banquet here at Trinity Western University.

You may have seen the posters, encountered one of the wonderful greeters from TWU Students for Life, or perhaps walked awkwardly past the gathering on your way to the cafeteria. If so, you were probably left wondering who Advokate is and why they were at Trinity Western.

Advokate is a non-profit organization working to promote the inherent worth of every human being, which they accomplish largely through running a crisis pregnancy center

in Abbotsford called Hope for Women.

While crisis pregnancy and abortion can be difficult topics and often trigger strong responses, Hope for Women believes that people make the best decisions when they understand all their options. Many women who have been through a crisis pregnancy say that they wish that they had been given a moment to pause, a shoulder to lean on, and a chance to consider all their choices logically. It’s not a good idea for a person to make a decision during a time when they are driven by fear. After all, if a woman feels that abortion is her only option, is it really a choice?

Maintaining that mothers

need compassionate support and a safe place, Hope for Women works to give mothers a moment to pause, non-judgemental support, information, and the opportunity make the best decision possible for themselves.

Donations provide support such as supplies, clothes, and connections within the community to additional help, like a doula. For women who may have made a decision that they regret, Hope for Women provides post-abortive counselling, walking alongside those affected on their journey to healing.

This year to date, Hope for Women in Abbotsford has seen approximately 200 clients. Crisis

pregnancy is a reality, and in many ways society lacks resources to properly support women in this difficult time. Hope for Women wants to provide women with the compassion and practical support that they need.

For over twenty years, Langley has not had a crisis pregnancy centre to help women in need. As a result of tireless work

by Langley Pro-Life, the fundraising banquet held at Trinity Western, and the overwhelmingly supportive community of Langley, Hope for Women Pregnancy Services will open a Langley centre within the next year. Finally, Langley women who find themselves in an unexpected pregnancy will be able to receive the compassion, information, and non-judgemental support that they desperately need.

Regardless of varying views on crisis pregnancy, we are now

Is there rum in that eggnog? “Who told you?” - Tobin Voth

able in a new way to bring more mothers the compassionate care that they deserve.

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December 8, 2015

Even the least of us

I

caleb

giesbrecht

The King of Jordan, Abdullah II, spoke the following words at the Plenary Session of the 70th General Assembly of the United Nations in New York on September 28th, 2015: “Today, we are haunted by the images of thousands of refugees on the shores and borders of Europe seeking hope far away from their homeland. In Jordan, we have been faced with this challenge since the beginning of the Syrian crisis. Today, Syrian refugees alone constitute 20 per cent of my country’s population.

We have been taking on a significant part of the burden of this humanitarian disaster off the international community’s shoulders since the beginning.

However, support to our country has been a small fraction of the cost we have endured. It is high time that the international community acts collectively in facing this unprecedented humanitarian crisis and support countries like Jordan and Lebanon which have been carrying the brunt of this burden over the past four years.

My friends, in all these areas, we must act, collectively, for the future of our world. And con-

nectivity is key. The values we share – equality, compassion and hope – need to be connected to everything we do. And we must keep ourselves connected to each other, for the good of all.”

Before arriving in Jordan for my semester abroad, I had no idea how much of an impact the region would make on me. I knew it was different than what the media shows, but I did not expect it to be so different in such

a polarizing way. While the West portrays Arabs and Muslims as fundamentalist terrorists, the Arabs and Muslims I have met are some of the most warm-hearted welcoming people I have met in my entire life. While Westerners tend to see the faces of hatred and the weapons, I see the big smiles and the offerings of tea and Arabic coffee I receive from

those around me.

Now, do not get me wrong— there are fundamentalist Muslims in the Middle East that have a mission to destroy the West and establish the caliphate, but there are 1.5 billion Muslims in the world (almost 25% of the world population), and not all Muslims want to destroy the West. It has been heartbreaking to be in the Middle East during the recent horrific attacks on Paris because of the global spotlight put on Muslims. Many Muslims from Jordan to Morocco are having to cancel trips to the United States and elsewhere strictly because a few fundamentalist Muslims decided to attack a Western city.

Unfortunately, the Muslims living in these countries have it way better off than the Syrian refugees during this time. Because it was at first presumed a handful of Syrians had abused their refugee status, Syrians have become the pubic enemy number one. A two-hour drive north of my current location sits a country that has depleted almost all of its population due to conflict and has been forced to live in refugee camps in the surrounding area, which includes my country of temporary residence.

Jordan is far from being the wealthiest country in the world; over half of its population are refugees from three major areas: Syria, Pales-

tine, and Iraq. Recently, the main border between Jordan and Syria has been closed because, even though there are over 750,000 Syrians in Jordan, Jordan would not be able to sustain the millions more that could potentially pour into its borders.

If we are to emulate the heart of Christ where he commands us to love our neighbour, we should have the same attitude as King Abdullah II—the king of a country that is 92% Muslim—and take in Syrian refugees. I recently saw a heartwarming post on Facebook that showed sixteen Syrian refugees landing in Calgary, and while it was touching to see the photos of hundreds of people welcoming them, the comments on the photos were slathered with “Yuck!” and “Can you spot the terrorist?

Neither can I, go back home.”

This attitude hurts me, disgusts me, and breaks my heart. Because I have met and befriended Syrians, I would be very angry and upset if someone said that to my new friends. Something that I have learned from my Arab Muslim friends is to show the unconditional love of God to those around you. Muslim or nonMuslim, Syrian or Canadian, we are called to love and

care for one another and to display the true heart of Christ.

Syrians have become the modern-day Palestinians inasmuch as no country wants to deal with them; they are labeled in the West as the antagonist, and most importantly, they have no home to return to. The Syrians are the ones fleeing from the violence; they are not producing the violence.

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?

When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me,’” (Matthew 25:31-46).

Whatever we do for the least of these, the ones with no home, with no hope or a future, we do for the King.

For such a time as this

I

jeevin

bains

One Life One Chance Ministries started as a continuation of the work Rob and Brenda Wall began in the early 1990s. At that time, they were young, raising a family, and Rob was involved in construction to make ends meet.

“It was hard, but a great time in our lives,” says Rob. On their first trip down to Baja California in Mexico, Rob remembers visiting an orphanage where a sign read, “You will never be the same as you pass through this doorway.” After spending that week at the orphanage, Rob and everyone who accompanied him were changed.

Heartbroken after witnessing the desperate conditions of those who had so little, Rob said that God had changed the direction

and focus for his life. Others soon began to accompany Rob and Brenda on their trips to Baja California, eventually prompting Rob and Brenda to reconsider God’s calling for their lives. As their work and awareness of their ministry began to grow, they took on the name “Stoney Creek Expeditions.” “All of our journeys to Christ are born in the hard things of life,” Rob explains; “loneliness, desperation, and a rocky path.”

In 2007, after he and Brenda visited Mexico with a team from Chilliwack, Rob felt overwhelmed and unable to comprehend how to meet the huge need in Baja California. After spending a week working with orphans who were suffering from trauma,

Rob asked God why he brought him there. That night, before he

went to bed, Rob looked out at the lights across the Bay of San Quintin, unaware that God had other plans for him.

The next morning R o b awoke as a changed m a n , renewed with a new sense of life. He says, “One Life was then born, and we have never looked back.” He never thought that the lights across the Bay of San Quintin that he’d seen the previous night would one day be the current base camp for One Life One Chance Ministries.

Twenty-three years after Rob and Brenda visited Baja California for the first time, thousands have made trips to Mexico, Haiti, Uganda, and Thailand through the organization for the benefit of others.

So many who were in need received homes, food, and medical care.

“This is all of our story,’ Rob says, “and it takes all of us to bring hope to the broken, shelter to the homeless, and Christ to the

forgotten.” All we are required to do, Rob explains, is take the very first step of faith.

In the spring of 2013, God o n c e a g a i n began to open the eyes of Rob and Brenda, local indigenous pastors, and a series of others towards the prevalence of sexual abuse of young girls in the San Quintin Valley. The stories they heard were a rallying cry to take action.

The vision culminated in the construction of Casa de Refugio, which translates to House of Refuge. Tim Rivers, OLOCM board member who led the construction on the House of Refuge, says, “God has been in every detail of planning and building this home.

It is a place where his love can be demonstrated and experienced. This truly has been the work of His hands, and all the glory is His.”

Is there rum in that eggnog? “Um no. I wish though.” - Sarah Jane Way

The Wall family and One Life One Chance Ministries invite others to join them in building lives, communities, and the Kingdom. This past summer, Rob shared Esther 4:14 to every group that came to Mexico: “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

Visit www.onelifeonechance.ca to find out how you can be involved in demonstrating the mercy, justice and reconciliation of Jesus Christ in Mexico and around the world.

December 8, 2015

Meet your match

I

larissa

tenorio

Jay Lutz, Langley resident and future Trinity Western student, walked from group to group in the cafeteria, speaking with students and faculty, friends and family during the Stem Cell Drive held in his honour on November 26.

In September, Lutz had signed up for classes and was excited to begin his university experience in the Communications film program at TWU. Then, days before classes began, Lutz had to postpone his studies when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

When his doctor recommended a stem cell transplant, Lutz’s brother was tested, but was unfortunately not a match.

Word quickly spread across the TWU campus concerning Lutz’s need, eventually reaching TWU Biology Club President, Keenan

Klassen. For the past two years, the TWU Biology Club and Canadian Blood Services— which also manages the One Match program for stem cell d on a t i on s — h a ve been putting together annual blood drives on campus, with a table or two dedicated for stem cell donation. An event only for stem cell donations was unprecedented on campus.

“We immediately

thought, ‘Well, what can we do?

He needs a match. How can we bring awareness to this?’” said Klassen. “I was thinking about all the connections the club has with the Canadian Blood Services, and thought about an event we could put together to share Jay’s story.”

Originally, the event was expected to be much smaller and to involve only mail-in cheek swabs.

However, it soon grew into something much larger. “It’s amazing how much awareness can be created because of community,” said biology student and volunteer Kyria Slomp.

Participants were given four swabs, asked to swipe the corners of their mouth, and then place the swabs in appropriate envelopes.

The samples were then collected by volunteers.

“I’m impressed with how simple the process is,” said Slomp. “Which makes it easier, because they need such a diverse pool of donors.”

According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, there are an estimated 110,000 people living with or in remission from leukemia, lymphoma,

or myeloma. “So many people around the world are suffering from treatable diseases if only they had matches,” said Klassen. “The only reason that need isn’t met is because we don’t have enough people in the database—the database we’re growing today. That’s our role.”

The stem cell drive provided a practical way for students to rally together in honour of Lutz, and in a time of buzzing stress due to impending final exams, the event brought some much needed perspective. “If we were in his position, it would be so nice to see everyone come and help,” said third-year Corporate Com-

5

match for someone else. It could have been us, you know?”

While Lutz’s plans may have been put on hold for now, he is hopeful and looks forward to beginning his experience at TWU soon. “Communications was, and still is, the plan,” he said.

In the meantime, Lutz is still very much a part of the campus community. Over 240 individuals participated in the event to help out a friend. “Jay is part of our family,” said Klassen.

Anyone who couldn’t make it to the event can still participate to be matched by visiting blood.ca and participating through a cheek swab kit received through the mail. Visit blood.ca/en/ stem-cells today.

munications student Madison Higginbotham. “Even if it isn’t him, maybe we could provide a

TWU alum wins prestigious award

I

leanne

witten

“A story helps folks face the world, even when it frightens ‘em. And a lie does the opposite. It helps you hide.” –Jonathan Auxier, The Night Gardener Jonathan Auxier was recently awarded the 2015 TD Canadian Children’s Literature Awards for the best English-language work by a Canadian author. Auxier is a Trinity Western alumnus who graduated in 2003 with a double major in English Honours and Theatre and a minor in Art and Design. A life-long lover of children’s literature, Auxier is now a professor of Children’s Literature at Chatham University, Pennsylvania.

His children’s book, The Night Gardener, is a mysterious and enchanting read for readers of all ages. Besides the TD Canadian’s Children Literature award, The Night Gardener has also received other notable acclaims, including the ABA New Voices pick and its selection by BookPage Magazine for “Best Book” of 2011.

The Night Gardener is a Victorian ghost story which centers around a brother and sister from Ireland. Finding themselves displaced by the Irish potato famine, they begin working as servants in an old, English manor house. They soon find themselves swept up in an ancient and mysterious curse that surrounds the house and the spectre that inhabits it. The story speaks to the power of storytelling and the need for courage in the face of fearful situations and the dangers of human greed.

The Night Gardener is the second book in a series that began with Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes, but can also be read as a stand-alone story. Auxier’s latest book, Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard, will be published on January 12, 2016.

Is there rum in that eggnog? [in a confident manner]“Generally.” - Jesse Rintoul

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December 8, 2015

CAM THIESSEN

Christian anti-intellectualism

I

nadine

sikkema

I believe that there is an underlying culture in the evangelical churches in North America that is opposed to and incapable of nuanced, intellectual thought, particularly in the way they treat complex issues like evolution, global warming, abortion, and human sexuality. Perhaps the North American church is too comfortable with its current paradigm, a comfort stemming from laziness. When this lazy church confronts the prospect of assessing complex challenges to the current paradigm, it is easy to see how it most often chooses the path requiring no thought at all.

Many of the discussions I have had with the people in my church, and what I see of Christianity in the media, have left me with a bad taste in my mouth.

I see this extreme American Republicanism (which does not represent the initial heart of republicanism, but is now simply militant capitalism passed off as Christian fundamentalism), accompanied by antiintellectualism. The Christianity in most of North America is

something I do not want to be associated with. These Christians have warped that title, and I believe some have forgotten their foundation in Christ.

I see so many Republicans (who pride themselves on being a Christian political party) who do not want to help the poor, but would rather pass legislation to make life more difficult for them. This tunnel vision only allows them to see the wellbeing of themselves, their family, and maybe other Christians. They reduce their experience of the world to something black and white. Many Republicans only want science to produce technology for the wealthy, such as phones or medicine, and otherwise have no care for the pursuit of knowledge.

Republicans, who want to deny things like climate change, seem to have no desire to care for creation.

When I talk about this with my church members they turn to abortion. Yes, abortion is a serious issue, and Republicans have taken a stance against abortion, but even the method they go about trying to prevent abortion is often flawed. There are others than unborn children who are also systemically oppressed, and often by the same entities which claim to be “pro-life.”

Worse than that is their very

shallow understanding of the Bible. When they are told to have a childlike faith, they understand that to mean to adopt a childish faith, suspending all critical thought about their faith, or not changing any of the views they have had since they were three.

I believe that God has given humanity a corporate ability to reason, and I praise him for that. We can use this gift to attempt to interpret his Word, to study the creation that God has made for his glory, and to attempt to understand and resolve complex cultural problems.

Republicanism has seeped into my church.

People either are too lazy to think critically, or they believe doing so will cause them to lose their faith; I honestly don’t know. When Christians refuse to think critically and present the false dichotomy of Christianity or intellectual thought to their children and fellow church members, they indirectly drive people

to lose their faith. This reinforces their original belief that intellectualism leads to the loss of faith. Those looking from the outside, also, would have a hard time joining this short-sighted culture.

I don’t know what people are trying to achieve from being a part this exclusivist group, as it certainly isn’t evangelism.

Mistakes

I

sarah

grochowski

You may have heard it said, “Write what you know.” For me, this year, what I have known is the weight of the mistakes I have made. They stop me from being able to write about much else. I have struggled with the overwhelming feeling that for the past year or so I have lived my life all wrong. That I failed myself and those close to me and that the damage is irreparable. With the bittersweet end of my first relationship (one I thought would be my last) and a season of serious mental and physical illness where I ended up in the ER many times, I am left feeling so wrong.

As students, embedded in our psyches is the foreboding sense of error in making a mistake. When we forget a paper is due and hand it in a day later, we get marks taken away from us. When professors pose questions to the class, many of us keep our hands tense at our sides even when we know the answer due to the slight chance we might be wrong. Tests scores tally up and calculate how many questions we answered correctly.

The very institution of University is set up in a way that encourages us to seek the right answers for the purpose of the highest grade, more than anything else. In my personal experience, trying for years to be perfect enough to obtain a high G.P.A. for grad school has left me feeling depleted.

What happens to the high percentage of remarkably talented students who struggle with a

mental illness like depression or anxiety in their time at university? The ones who cannot muster the energy to get out of bed because of the absolute sorrow that plagues their body and mind? Not only are they ashamed of their mental illness, but now they have the struggle of feeling academically inadequate. And what about those with anxiety, too filled with the feeling of absolute panic to be able to sit in class and focus on what is in front of them? I am one of them.

I do not write this to critique university itself, but to use this example to speak to a broader lesson about life: mistakes are not inherently bad. You are not bad for making them. I know you feel that you are, though. I know this because I do too.

You may be weighed down by feelings that you ruined a friend-

ship, or let your sadness make you act in cruel ways, or let your G.P.A. slide because you thought she was the one for you and got your heart broken instead. Whatever it is, what I want to make clear is that you are learning. You came here to learn.

As you complete your degree at Trinity Western, you will unavoidably grapple with the broken outcomes of what it means to be human. It is because you are human, complete with skin that bruises and eyes that cry.

And although university classes might make you feel like the margin for error is very small, in life it is more forgiving. For you and I, making mistakes and learning from the consequences—without being too hard on ourselves—is the only way we will be able to one day feel we are finally doing it right.

Is there rum in that eggnog? “Don’t look at me like that!” - Laura Paterson

December 8, 2015

The Old Man and the Sea -Ernest Hemmingway

“Most people were heartless about turtles because a turtle’s heart will beat for hours after it has been cut up and butchered. But the old man thought, I have such a heart too.”

The Count of Monte Cristo -Alexandre Dumas

“Moral wounds have this peculiarity - they may be hidden, but they never close; always painful, always ready to bleed when touched, they remain fresh and open in the heart.”

7

The Brothers Karamazov

-Fyodor Dostoyevsky

“Above all, don’t lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others.

And having no respect he ceases to love.”

Diary of a Madman -Nicolai Gogol

““No, Fidele, you shouldn’t think so,” I myself saw Medji say it, “I’ve been bow-wow! I’ve been bowwow-wow! Very sick.” Ah you, pup. I confess, I was very surprised to hear her speak in human language.

But later, when I’d thought it over properly, I at once ceased to be surprised.”

The Stories of Anton Chekhov

Falling Up

-Shel Silverstein

-Anton Chekhov

“How many slams in an old screen door? Depends how loud you shut it. How many slices in a bread? Depends how thin you cut it. How much good inside a day?

Depends how good you live ‘em. How much love inside a friend? Depends how much you give ‘em.”

“Perhaps man has a hundred senses, and when he dies only the five senses that we know perish with him, and the other ninety-five remain alive.”

A Confederacy of Dunces -John Kennedy Toole

“I am at the moment writing a lengthy indictment against our century. When my brain begins to reel from my literary labors, I make an occasional cheese dip.”

On Formally Undecidable Propositions of Principia Mathematica and Related Systems -Kurt GÖdel

In which Gödel unravels the life-work of Bertrand Russel in one fell swoop.

Brave New World -Aldous Huxley

“...[M]ost men and women will grow up to love their servitude and will never dream of revolution.”

The Arabian Nights Entertainments -Ernest Hemmingway

“Never did any man yet repent of having spoken too little; whereas many have been sorry that they spoke so much.”

Is there rum in that eggnog? “Are there rumifications for that?” - Robyn Duncan

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December 8, 2015

A very satanist christmas?

I

cameron

thiessen

About a week ago, I shared on Facebook an article from the Friendly Atheist which argued that the Seven Tenets of Satanism are more ethical than the Ten Commandments. Despite my ambiguous “Food for thought” caption, I received some harsh criticism for advocating such heresy. Through this interaction with concerned friends and relatives, I realized I actually knew very little about modern Satanism, so I did some research.

I found myself wondering about silly questions such as, “Do Satanists celebrate Christmas?”

As it turns out, they do. And I found the reason quite profound.

The following is taken from their FAQ on the Church of Satan official website:

“The Christians stole this holiday from the pagans— Santa Claus has come to signify indulgence, and he is a combination of Dionysus and Silenus from Roman and Greek myths (the Romans celebrated the orgiastic Saturnalia at this time).”

“The Nazarene has little place in the general public’s celebrations of this season, which were meant by pagans to be celebrations of abundance during a season of cold and emptiness.”

I hate to say it, but they are right. The general themes of the holiday season have become devoid of anything that we can meaningfully attribute to the Christian story of Jesus’ birth.

Santa is relatable, but we have made the characters of the Christmas story to be so distant and unrelatable to the point that most people could not care less about the holiday’s origin. The snowflakes, trees, reindeer, festive hats, and red

Christmas cups are a far cry from the theme and value of the birth of Christ.

I have no issue with tradition.

Christmas trees and a westernized myth about a jolly fellow who lives in the North Pole are enjoyable, and we have made them valuable. We should not be ashamed of this, because it is part of our culture—it is who we are. But where we have truly distorted Christmas and made it void of Christian meaning is in our obsession with the commercial elements of the season.

Perhaps we can celebrate Christmas in a way that is uniquely Christian, by observing traditional Christmas liturgy, giving generously and practically to people other than our friends and family, and observing the ways in which we might apply the incredible account of Jesus’ birth to values of hospitality, bravery, trust, and contentedness. If Christians spent the same amount of money

Value and usefulness in academic research

I

jesse

rintoul

The point to be disputed is a simple one: distributing grant money based on projected usefulness cripples research. This exists both in the humanities and sciences, but it is especially true in the humanities. In the spirit of research, I will begin by describing the way in which scientific research develops radical insights, then show how this can be undermined in certain academic frameworks, and finally reveal how these academic frameworks are especially detrimental for research in the humanities.

The common view of science is that it is a collection of observable facts, the proper arrangement of which provides an ever-clearer vision of the world as it is. But in truth, it often needs to seek to see itself in new ways that may not cohere with the former picture. Often, scientists undertake investigation when they do not know explicitly in advance what question they are answering. Researchers first seek to understand the traditional view of the phenomenon, but expect that there are aspects that will not fit within that picture. They then seek to project a new, and sometimes contradictory, image that accounts for more of these aspects.

In history’s most profound scientific insights, it is rare that the researchers could have shown

in advance what it was they were going to uncover and how it would be used. They see beforehand that there are parts that do not fit together, and in tweaking the old visions (or drawing radical new ones), they propose new ways of viewing the world.These models are often mutually exclusive of the old models, but we must keep in mind that the old models were effective ones; they solved problems, and may continue to be used to solve others. The way in which the newer, more nuanced picture shapes our understanding, however, often makes clear both of the old problems as well as

problems that the prior one otherwise blurred.

An easy example can be seen in Einstein’s relativistic break from the Newtonian view that preceded it. Newtonian physics is highly applicable; engineers make much use of it, and it continues to be taught in most high school physics classes. It does not, however, clarify the whole picture, and cannot describe many cases for which only relativistic answers are the only clear answers

on philanthropy as they spend on their friends and family during the holidays, I h a v e no doubt that we could regain an original

Christian meaning of the holidays.

But we are too content being like everyone else, aside from an extra church service on Christmas Eve.

at all. This model of innovative science would not exist if Einstein had to justify his research in advance to a board of governors with little understanding of physics and the ends to which relativity could be applied. Einstein himself could not have predicted the technology that makes use of his theories every day.

The situation is even more dire in the humanities. Even the layman has some degree of reverence for science because the fruits of its toil are easily seen and seem to affect our lives in ways much more apparent to us.

The humanities, however, whose results are far more subtle and call less attention to themselves, are in far greater risk of being unable to justify their existence.

Modern utilitarian culture tends to regulate aesthetic experience to only a small portion of our lives: to the realm of

entertaining luxury, mostly good for morale. It is increasingly difficult to justify the study of these dusty old tomes to a culture that views the arts and humanities this way. The role of the humanities is far greater than this. Through its study, we can see how we have come to view our social roles, critique the old pictures that begin to overstep themselves, and use error to exert their exploitive will; the arts propose new ways to envision society that are more appropriate to the circumstances.

Research in the humanities is even more difficult to justify to the ever increasing number of pure bureaucrats and technocrats creeping into university administrations. These people are ignorant of the goods internal to a university, which affect the bigger picture of humanity’s struggle in ways that are not obvious prior to the research being conducted, even to the people who undertake the research. Many of the people who distribute grant money are brought up in a tradition of checks and balances where the outcome needs to be clear before embarking. Such a rubric is useless for promoting truly radical innovation.

The only way I can see to solve this issue is to increase standards for the people we put in charge of our universities. These people need experience in the rigors of academia and must be able to demonstrate an understanding for why research may be conducted even when the researcher cannot necessarily justify its value. The idea of an administrator who knows only how to balance a cheque-book or attract students of any sort at all is ludicrous. In the meantime, I will scrape and save and go into debt in order to pursue what I love and what I know will transform humanity from the inside.

Is there rum in that eggnog? [puzzled]“I don’t have eggnog” - Nathalie Robert

December 8, 2015

Illustration by Darby Arens

Is there rum in that eggnog? “If there was I’d be like “nooooooo alcohol.”” - Mackenzie Johnson

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December 8, 2015

Is there rum in that eggnog? “I know.� - Garrett Fraser

December 8, 2015

I

anonymous

It was Friday, December 9th, 2011, 2 months before my 18th birthday. I was practicing piano when I felt pressure building in my head, like a balloon being inflated. I went from feeling completely normal to a 10/10 pain in about two minutes, palms pressed against my temples desperately trying to relieve the pain and pressure.

An ambulance ride, a CT scan, and two MRIs later, I was told that I’d had a cerebral hemorrhage that was caused by a “mass” in my brain. I had emergency brain surgery Monday afternoon to remove what was a golf-ball sized brain tumour.

A week later, we got the pathology report back. The doctor informed us the bad news that it was cancerous, but the good news was it was treatable. My tumour was rare but had a history of positive outcomes with the proposed treatment plan.

“We are going for a cure,” my oncologist said. They were able to remove all of the tumour, but because I had the bleed, which could have potentially spread microscopic parts of the tumour into the spinal fluid, they decided that 6 weeks of radiation (5 days a week) to the tumour area as well as 6 rounds of chemotherapy was necessary. This took place over the course of 7 months. I have been cancer free ever since.

My feelings and internal

processes at that time were, honestly, so far from what a seventeen-year-old girl would normally feel. I was very calm and completely convinced that whatever I was going through, or was about to go through, was for a reason. My doctors didn’t know what to think of me! I can hardly describe the way that I approached the situation and the joyful attitude that I had throughout that experience. I am completely convinced it was the Holy Spirit.

I have always been a naturally happy person, but I believe a person’s happiness can only go so far before it either breaks or the joy of the Holy Spirit takes over. This manifested in multiple ways. I almost always had a smile on my face, despite being bald at seventeen, vomiting from chemo drugs, being isolated in the house due to low immunity levels, and heading to radiation treatment while almost all my friends left for California for two months. At every point, I tried my best to find the redeeming value that could come of my situation.

One particular example was during my first two days at the radiation clinic.

Compared to the children’s hospital where I was getting most of my treatment, the radiation clinic was very dark, gloomy, monotone— almost everyone there was about 65 and certainly not in the best of spirits. I thought it was exceedingly depressing and decided to brighten the atmosphere.

The next day, instead of wearing my usual scarf and baseball cap or regular wig, I showed up in a curly-haired rainbow wig.

I was expecting to get a significant reaction from people, but, at that time, I got none. I was surprised by this but rolled with it.

The next day, however, when I showed back up in a normal wig, an older man walked past me and very bluntly and seriously stated, “I like the other one better.” I felt that if I had at least brightened that one person’s day—I had succeeded.

I would honestly say there was only a handful of times I truly felt sorry for myself or angry at my situation.

I felt defeated when I realized that I really was going to lose all my hair (it wasn’t just thinning), or when my friends’ lives continued on while mine seemed stuck. Perhaps worst of all, it was difficult to see my family worry.

Those times were trying, no doubt. However, I can also say that the strengthening of my family relationships, the friends that I didn’t know I had who stepped up to the plate, and the outcomes of that whole experience lead me to appreciate the experience as a whole. I would not give it back, even if I could.

I have often been asked what kind of encouragement I can give because of my experience, especially from a spiritual perspective. I would say this: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:2-3). Happiness is an emotion, but joy is an actual state of being. If you truly believe

that God has a plan for your life, is faithful, and really does do everything for a reason, then you have no reason to worry about the future or the circumstances. You honestly have to “let go and let God” and trust He will work it out for the good. Whenever I come into difficult, distressing, or frustrating circumstances, I try to think that if I can have a smile on my face while bald and undergoing cancer treatment at seventeen, there is hardly a reason to not have one now!

I should clarify, however, that having joy in all circumstances does not mean that you pretend that everything is all fine and wonderful; it means that you have as good an attitude as you can about those circumstances. It means that you own in your heart that the pain has a purpose, whether you see that purpose at the time, in the future, or never. Do not assume that it’s all about you, for the reason you are going through that trial may very well be for another’s benefit or spiritual journey.

My mom read a book during that time called A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows through Loss. There was a quote from that book which I will never forget: “My story is part of a much larger story that I did not choose. I was assigned a role for which I did not audition. Yet I have the power to choose how I will live out that story and play that role. I want to live my story well and play my role with as much integrity and joy as I can.” I encourage others, in whatever trials the Lord sends their way, to do the same.

Is there rum in that eggnog? “This is Trinity, of course.” - Michael Dell

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December 8, 2015 inspired by

[spaces] WELCOME TO [SPACES] LITERARY JOURNAL

The Kitties I was four years old: Sunshine and curls clad in overalls, Gap-toothed smile and bare feet warm, On the concrete blushing under The gaze of our incandescent sun.

He was all grown up: Drifting on that stationary bench Way beyond the boundary of my lawn, Sitting aimless in the deep sea Where I would often play.

My eyes saw him lonely, Like a sole sailor on the bench so bare; My little legs waded forth Across foamy edges of front yard grass To sit beside him on the bench.

His was a grown-up smile, A taut white net in the middle, Thrown wide across corners Creased by years of aging into the man Who sat on the bench that day.

“Would you like to see my kitties?”

Then, daddy’s fingers squeezing mine, small, Resisting the pull of his angry wake As he dragged me home, Away from the bench, blue, And the man with the kitties.

We washed up on the driveway, On familiar blushing concrete; I felt the candy-colored sun Up high against a salt and pepper sky Warming me gently.

The sun whispered softly, secretly, Wispy words on the safety of home, Eskimo kisses and peeled apples, Lazy Sundays wrapped in naptime gauze, The sound of a worn-in lullaby.

Leave Your Mark - Darby Arens (Vol. 9)

Daddy sat me down, My toes touching the shore Of the frothy grass sea As he whispered to me sternly, “Love, you are just four years old.”

MacKenzie Cameron (Vol. 7)

TWU’s official literary journal, [spaces], is entering its tenth anniversary volume! As part of our celebration, the Mars’ Hill has kindly agreed to dedicate one page from each issue to feature some of the finest pieces that [spaces] has published over the years.

Is there rum in that eggnog? “No, but there’s Bailey’s.” - Tyson Ediger

December 8, 2015

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matthew wigmore

On review:

I

audrey

herold

When I first saw the ads for this show, I was not a fan. I thought, “Great. Another show making fun of the fact that I’m still rocking the v-card.” I do not remember exactly what prompted me to start watching the show, but I do know that from the pilot on, I was hooked.

CW’s Jane the Virgin is about

a twenty-something named Jane (played by Gina Rodriguez) who is accidentally artificially inseminated with the sperm of her high school first kiss. Based off of a Spanish telenovela of the same name, Juana la Virgen, the show is a clever spoof of the soap-opera genre, complete with long-lost fathers, multiple pregnancies, love-triangles and crime-lords, all of which are handled with selfaware hilarity. Here are three reasons why I think this show deserves to be part of your holiday TV binge.

3. She’s a great role model (both Gina and Jane).

1. Goodbye stereotypical Hollywood beauty standards!

2. Touchy issues handled refreshingly well.

Rodriguez is not a stick skinny model like so many stars are. She is round all over, and she knows and loves it. In a January 2015 winterview, she said, “an artist doesn’t do brain surgery, but if I can liberate one girl . . . from looking in the mirror and saying, ‘I don’t belong because I’m not this, this, and this,’ then . . . I’ve done what I came on this earth to do.”

And for me, watching her gives me the confidence that I don’t need to have T-Swift genes to be considered beautiful. My doublechin enunciates my radiance.

The character of Jane is (at least so far this season!) still a virgin, but not because anyone told her to be.

Throughout the show, she evaluates and makes her own choices regarding her sexual boundaries, which is way cool. And, while she is both Hispanic and Catholic, these are not her defining characteristics. She is a fully-realized, three-dimensional character. The writers and actors do a great job of getting at the heart of what would otherwise be considered stereotypical and instead showcase a real, lived human experience.

Rodriguez has turned down parts in the past—including a “Mexican” cleaning-lady and other roles where it was made clear that her acting ability was irrelevant so long as she showed up in a tiny black dress—because she wanted to wait “for a role that I could represent proudly and I didn’t feel like I was compromising myself.”

I am glad she waited. She won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a TV Comedy Series this past year for her portrayal of Jane, and it is easy to see why. In Gina’s hands, Jane is smart, strong, and compassionate, and her story, while full of stereotypical situations, proves that an individual life can be anything but.

Photo credit: Frank Ockenfels/CW http://tvafterdark.com/

Check out:

I

matthew

wigmore

Christmas Markets, also known as Chriskindlmarkt, have been around since thirteenth century Vienna, where Decembermarkets first began. Since then, Christmas Markets have spread across orthodox Christian, Germanspeaking regions. Chriskind, a literal translation of baby Jesus, is nostalgic of the welcoming of the “Christ-Child” at the beginning of advent. The event traditionally

Wintry vibes

by Julianna Towle

1) Angels We have Heard on High - Sufjan Stevens 2) Winter Song - The Head and the Heart 3) O Come O Come Emmanuel - Branches 4) White Winter Hymnal - Fleet Foxes 5) Away in a Manger - Mark Kozelek

6) Tracks in the Snow - The Civil Wars 7) Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Cat Power 8) Little Drummer Boy (Black Forest version) - Ian Archer 9) Joy to the World - Sufjan Stevens 10) All That I Want - The Weepies

for more christmas playlists go to marshillonline.com Is there rum in that eggnog? [no comment was made] - Steff Cornett

spans the four weeks of advent and feature gifts, candy, mulled wine (Glühwein) and pastries.

The Vancouver Christmas Market, although arguably campy, is a great way to hearken back to advent traditions this Christmas season. Running right until December 24th, this market features a variety of vendors selling goods ranging from specialty soaps to handmade knitwear. Open from 11:00am-9:00pm daily, this market is located in Vancouver central and would make a great start or end to a day on the town. For a student-friendly deal, check out Groupon.

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December 8, 2015

An unconventional christmas carol: guest exclusive

I

picture from newdirection.ca

beth

malena

It’s not Christmas until you’ve watched your favourite Christmas movie. As a kid, mine was The Muppet Christmas Carol.

My wife’s was Die Hard. Love Actually is up there, but my current favourite is the 2005 film The Family Stone. It’s about a large, rowdy family celebrating Christmas together with their son’s posh girlfriend. She initially doesn’t fit in well, and lots of awkward hilarity ensues, as well as all the poignant moments you’ve come to expect from holiday movies.

My own family has experienced quite the journey when it comes to welcoming unconventional significant others. We grew up in Saskatoon: four kids, a stay-

at-home mom, and my father the Baptist pastor. We were quite the picture-perfect Christian family… until we started falling in love with the wrong people.

My sister kicked things off by dating a man who was six years older than her and marrying him before she turned twenty, although that wasn’t too out of the ordinary for prairie girls. My younger sister, on the other hand, married a man nine years older than her who wasn’t (and isn’t) a Christian. That drew some concerned whispers at church. My brother, the youngest child, inspired more than just whispers when he announced that he was gay and was dating a man. As for me, as the eldest and most responsible—I also came out as gay, while completing my MDiv at Regent College. Two years ago, I married a fellow female Baptist pastor.

I must give credit to my family mem-

bers. They have all expanded their minds and hearts and have unconditionally loved every additional person at our Christmas dinner table. Sadly, this welcoming family experience is the exception to the rule for LGBTQ+ Christians.

Most of them approach December with dread, praying to endure Christmas without another family argument over their identity or ethics. Some of their families have refused to let their samesex significant others join them for Christmas celebrations. And there are also those have been completely disowned because of their sexuality or gender identity.

This season, I especially remember the 40% of homeless Canadian youth who identify as LGBTQ+, the majority of whom were kicked out of religious homes.

Last Christmas, I realized that coming out as an LGBTQ+ Christian is kind of like Mary’s

experience in the Christmas story.

Your sexuality or gender identity is a gift you didn’t ask for, a great honour, but one that brings rumours and whispers and scandal in the religious community.

You have no authority or proof to convince everyone that this is a gift God has given you. By telling others, you risk rejection; there may be no room for you at the inn. Yet there are those like Elizabeth who offer unexpected welcome and a sense of family.

This Christmas season, I am praying for more Elizabeths. I am praying for more homes that my LGBTQ+ friends can run to—for people who will joyfully include them, celebrate them, give them courage to continue on, tell them “I see God in you, and I am blessed to know you. Consider yourself part of my family.

Let’s watch a Christmas movie together.”

If you want to get to know some incredible LGBTQ+ Christians, or if you yourself are LGBTQ+, please feel free to contact me at beth@newdirection.ca. My current work with New Direction Ministries is to create a supportive network of LGBTQ+ Christians and allies across Canada, including a group of LGBTQ+ Christians that now meets regularly in Langley.

The true meaning of christmas

I

sam

rosenau

Merry Christmas, one and all! It’s that time of the season again, just like how it was last year. Considering the amount of Christmas lights that I have seen in dorms, I assume that the Christmas spirits of TWU students are shining.

While this can be a good thing, is it actually what God intends for Christmas?

For some, Christmas is a time for family—a time for sharing, for giving, and even for receiving.

(Turkey is also probably somewhere in that list.) Don’t get me

wrong; this is absolutely wonderful. Yet, to shamelessly apply a cliché to an already clichéd topic, one must not forget what Christmas is all about. As most at TWU know, Christmas is essentially about the birth of Jesus Christ.

In the famous words of Linus from Peanuts, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord.” This is the same Jesus that took our sins to give us everlasting life. The baby Jesus, in all of his adorableness, would grow up to be the almighty saviour of the nations. If celebrating Will and Kate’s baby boy’s birthday is a big deal for you, then we may need to reconsider what we actually value about Christmas.

I am not saying you should not

enjoy that red-cupped peppermint eggnog latte you have been drinking for the past week. But I think we can also use this time to get into the habit of loving those around us. Although it may sound surprising, God actually loves it when we love others. If loving another means you actually have to share that little bit of eggnog, then go for it. You would have gained that extra weight during exams anyways.

Students of TWU, deck those halls and brine that turkey! May you have jolly trips to Value Village, and may your sweaters always be plentiful. Let the smell of peppermint and pine needles flow through you with gladness and joy, and may you all have a very merry Christmas.

Is there rum in that eggnog? [deer in headlights] - Monica Marwood

December 8, 2015

Learning to “let it go” in seasons of fear

I

rachel

van vliet

When I get busy I shut God out.

I lean on my own strength even though I know as soon as I do, my fears and anxieties will kick in. And then my weakness slaps me in the face. Even when I am scared I know that Jesus has offered to aid my anxieties (1 Peter 5:7), but in times like these I do not always have enough drive to pursue Him. I let my fears take me over as I continue to block out the voice of my Help and refugee.

In Frozen, during the “For the First Time in Forever” reprise in Elsa’s Castle. Anna is trying to

convince her to come home. Here, snow is the visual representation of Elsa’s fear. When Elsa’s told she caused the eternal winter, her fear creeps in and it slowly begins to snow. And as her fear builds up during the song so does the thickness of the flurries around her until Elsa gets caught in a literal blizzard of her own doubts.

The blizzard progresses to where she can hardly see or hear Anna through the storm. Elsa turns her back and walks away from Anna revealing that the snowstorm is only surrounding her while Anna remains standing on the outside, unmoving and unchanging.

During this scene we hear familiar words like, ‘I’m a fool” or “I can’t be free.” “There’s so much fear,” as Elsa’s booming voice drowns out Anna, who is calling

to her, counteracting the negatives. “Don’t panic,” Anna says, “We can face this thing together.”

“You don’t have to live in fear,” is reminiscent of Isaiah 41:10. This is the exact portrayal of where I stand with God when I bask in my fears. I am so caught up in my despair that I cannot hear the spirit calling to me, offering rescue and peace.

We need to remember God’s comforting power in seasons of fear, especially concurrent with final exam preparations. I forget all too often that we have a refuge in Christ. And because of Him we don’t have to live in fear. So let’s talk to Him more with a willingness to let go of fears. I believe it is impossible for us to be as interested in our wellness as God is.

Graduate art show: retracing social practice

I

rachael

gingell

Students visiting TWUSA may have noticed a small table by the entrance with a list of questions and a pile of paper hats on which to answer them. This offers a unique opportunity for students to participate in the artwork of Darby Arens, a project that is only one part of an upcoming art show in the New Year. The senior art show is the culmination

of an art student’s degree and an opportunity not only for them to celebrate with friends and family, but to share their work with the public, especially their fellow students. The show, entitled Retracing Social Practice, will feature the work of honors students Darby Arens and Gabrielle Shallahamer, art majors Natasha De Vries and Rachael Gingell, as well as minors Mary Hiatt and Jessie Van Rooyen. A reception will be held at the Centennial Museum in Fort Langley on March 8th from 6:00 to 9:30 pm.

Come find your paper hat at the senior art show!

Centennial Museum, Fort Langley March 6 - April 29, 2016

Is there rum in that eggnog? “I hope so.” - Johnny the Janzen

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December 8, 2015

KATIE MARYSCHUK

Josh Hamilton and the road to redemption

I

bailey

broadbent

When he graduated from high school in 1999, Josh Hamilton displayed unusual promise on the baseball diamond. Regarded as a rare “five-tool” player, Hamilton could run, throw, field, and hit with tremendous athletic ability.

Baseball scouts throughout North America could not wait for their next superstar, and for good reason. Players like Josh Hamilton only come around every so often.

Just over a year after being selected 1st overall in the 1999 amateur draft by the Tampa Bay Rays, Hamilton’s life was changed forever. In February of 2001, Hamilton, accompanied by his two parents, was involved in a severe car accident. He and his mother were both injured during the ordeal, and he was forced to take time off

from baseball to recover from injuries. This break quickly became problematic for Hamilton, and within a short amount of time he was led down an unexpected path.

The multi-million dollar contract he had signed prior to his first pro-season gave him unforeseen amounts of cash at his disposal. That, along with the pressures of being a 1st overall pick and the temptations during his recovery time, became too much to handle for the baseball prodigy.

He fell into the wrong crowd and soon began experimenting with drugs and alcohol.

The void in his life that had once been filled with baseball was now occupied by a severe cocaine addiction and alcohol abuse. The adrenaline rushes from cocaine quickly became a substitute for the roaring crowds at a baseball game. Dozens of tattoos followed, and, within a blink of an eye, Josh Hamilton became unrecognizable compared to his former self. The following seasons did not get any easier for Josh as recurring failed

drug tests, accompanied by rehabilitation programs, continued.

That dangerous cycle of abuse was eventually broken after Hamilton found faith in 2005, the first time he placed his faith in God since his teenage years. After constant prayer by his wife, Katie, Hamilton was finally able to take steps toward recovery. After attending church for the first time in years, God continually began to “show up” and began to speak to Josh: “God just kept saying, ‘Just wait, just wait, just trust me’, and you know when you’re going through turmoil, ‘Wait’ is not really the answer you want to hear, but He just gave me the strength to continue to wait on Him.” After five years out of the league, Hamilton was finally determined and ready for a return to baseball. After a short stint with the Cincinnati Reds, Hamilton had his breakout season in 2008 with the Texas Rangers and was named an all-star in his second full season in the league.

Amazing Grace

I

taylor

johnson

Growing up, I knew who God was. I come from a small town outside of Calgary, AB called Strathmore. I grew up in a Christian home. I knew the Bible verses most of us know from our childhood. David and the Goliath was a classic. I had entire verses of the Bible memorized and I can vividly remember reciting them to my Sunday school teacher. However, this was as far as I would allow my faith to take me. Faith was a job, a chore, something I had to do because I was a pastor’s kid in a small town where many youth struggle with things like drugs, alcohol, and sex from an early age. Did I really know God? Not a chance.

My journey through school was interesting. I was often popular, and I enjoyed it. I was considered an outsider as soon as I didn’t attend parties, drink with everyone, or smoke weed. I hated this. I started joining in on what the crowd was doing, unaware of where this decision would lead me. I thought I could rebound from a little, harmless partying. “I

can figure out God later on, I’m going to have fun now,” I used to think to myself. This mentality began to take over my life and I completely lost sight of any sort of faith by the time I was in grade 11.

By grade 11, I was a vastly different person from the Christian pastor’s kid many people knew just two years earlier. Smoking weed became something that occurred daily. My friends and I would look for any chance to drink, smoke, or do drugs. It became a ritual and I was the ringleader. I would be at every party. I would often be the one drinking the most, and the worst part was that I enjoyed it. I began dealing drugs in grade 12. I was not only smoking weed constantly, but also experimenting with ecstasy. Deep down, I knew I was a mess, but I did not know how to fix the emptiness.

One year later, I found myself at TWU. Through all the drinking, smoking and drugs, I had managed to be a decently good soccer player and was scouted to attend the university on a scholarship. I began to realize who God really was and how much he loved me despite my flaws. Men like Sam Delfs, Sam Park, Josh Bustard, Caleb Ropp, and Adriel Carey began teaching me and showing me what it really means

to follow God as a man and what it means to have a true relationship with Him. I was broken in half my first semester at Trinity. I remember smoking cigarettes on the train tracks and getting pissed because of how nice people were to me. I couldn’t understand why people who believed in this God would care about me at all, but as I continued to learn more about who God is, I began to understand.

God forgives us for our flaws, just as these men forgave me for mistakes I had made in my past.

God’s grace is remarkable. I now know that I am forgiven, and I can live in complete freedom knowing that our God died on the cross for our sins. I am forever grateful for this school, the people who have come alongside me during my journey, the amazing friendships I have made, and, most importantly, my new relationship and love with Jesus.

My God His grace is remarkable Mercies are innumerable, Strength is impenetrable, He is honorable, accountable, favorable, He is unsearchable yet knowable, Indefinable yet approachable, Indescribable, yet personal, He is beyond comprehension.

Is there rum in that eggnog? “Um...where...at home?” - Austin Novakowski

Since his breakout season, Hamilton has had his fair share of ups and downs. After two strong seasons that followed in baseball and four years of sobriety, Hamilton had his first relapse in 2009. He admitted his mistakes soon after reports surfaced and quickly apologized for his actions.

Despite his struggles, Hamilton has continually provided inspiration for many people, Christians and non-Christians alike. Appearances in places such as the “I am Second” video series have given Hamilton a means of proclaiming his faith in the Lord and sharing the constant temptations that have haunted him for so many years. Despite everything, Hamilton’s life has been the epitome of redemption through God. “The Lord won’t bring up things in the past you’ve asked forgiveness for because He has forgiven those and moved forward.” – Josh Hamilton

December 8, 2015

17

Humility of sport

I

matthew

blackaby

The Toronto Blue Jays received much praise for their selfless attitudes during the recent playoffs.

R. A. Dickey, one of the Blue Jays’ pitchers, quoted Harry S. Truman in a press conference, saying, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish when no one cares who gets the credit.”

This quote rings true with anyone who has spent a significant amount of time participating in a team setting. However, reaching a point where all players or

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maryschuk

Tell us a bit about your early experiences with soccer.

I played soccer for about ten years before leaving this year. As a kid, I loved all sports; I was involved competitively with baseball, soccer, kickboxing, swimming, and cross-country. I attribute a lot of my characteristics and who I am today to growing up playing sports. During my first two years at Trinity, I played for the Titans Soccer team and loved every minute of it. Playing for the Titans is a great way to play a sport you love at a competitive level while still being able to balance life and school at the same time.

What is your favourite part of the game?

BC: It is hard to narrow in on what my favourite part of the game is, but one of them is how universal the game is. There is a reason soccer, globally recog-

group members care more about the collective success of the group rather than their own is a difficult task because such a task requires humility. Athletes in the professional realm are often quoted saying that they are “just trying to stay humble and give the glory to God.” These two things are noble pursuits, but what does it mean to be truly humble as an athlete, particularly a Christian athlete?

Because of athletes’ place in the spotlight, be it a stadium, a field, or a court, they can easily be elevated in social status. Instant fame can be thrust upon any high-level athlete for completing a fantastic play or for winning a title. As a result, Western society tends to glorify and support high-

achieving athletes.

For Christian athletes, it can be hard to find an identity in anything other than the sport for which they are glorified. The challenge of “balancing faith and sport” seems almost impossible.

The issue, however, is that faith in God never simply “fits” into one’s life: it transforms and consumes one’s life (2 Cor. 5:17). It is not a matter of balancing but rather being “in Christ” and living daily in a relationship with him. Humility develops as a result of this relationship.

Author Andrew Murray, in his book Humility, believes that the root of true humility lies in the knowledge that “God is who works all in all, that our place is

nized as football, is known as the world’s game. You can go to any continent in the world without knowing the language and still connect with people through the love for the game.

ing and molding my character, but for now, I think that season has ended. I think God called me into student ministries this year so that He could continue refining me and so that I would learn more about who He is.

How do you see your faith life integrated with soccer?

BC: Sport and faith are often regarded as parts of life that do not coincide, and subsequently, faith and morals are sometimes sidelined in sport. I do not believe this has to be the case; in fact, I see the opposite. I have personally seen how sports can be used to share the Gospel through organizations like Athletes in Action. I am even in the process of travelling to South Africa this summer to lead a surfing ministry. Sports have a unique way of connecting people unlike anything else, and God can use us through those connections to share His love and glory if we are willing to listen.

Why did you choose to pursue student ministries over athletics this year?

BC: I chose to pursue student ministries this year because it is where God called me to be. There was a season in my life where sports acted as a means of shap-

Tell us a bit about what you do with student ministries?

BC: I am currently part of the Streetlight team here at Trinity, which is unlike any experience I have been a part of before. The ministry partners with Union Gospel Mission (UGM), an organization located on the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. UGM’s mission statement is: “Demonstrating the love of Christ, Union Gospel Mission is determined to transform communities by overcoming poverty, homelessness, and addiction— one life at a time.” Every Friday night, I have the privilege of going downtown and handing out hot chocolate to the residents in the area. My only agenda for the evening is to be an ear for people to talk to: to hear their stories; and when I feel led, to share the Gospel and the name of Jesus with them.

to yield to him in perfect resignation and dependence, in full consent to be and to do nothing of ourselves.” Essentially, true humility is following Jesus’ example of denying oneself and exalting God. Some might contend that it is possible to be a humble person and not a Christian. This is true in the case of Steve Nash, who elevated others above himself throughout his entire career and rarely took sole credit for his success. However, without Christ, humility becomes an end in itself.

For the Christian, the goal of humility is not an end in itself but a means to glorify God and deny the self (Mat. 16:24). Once our relationship with Christ begins, we may begin to realize and expe-

rience the true and originally intended definitions of things such as love, grace, and humility.

Of all the characteristics of Christ, humility may be the most contrary to the nature of sport.

How is it possible to perform well in a sporting event while also directing attention only to Christ and elevating others above one’s self ? A relationship with Christ enables us to elevate Christ and others before ourselves in every area of life. In this way, the athlete that takes the floor is already humble before the whistle blows.

As Andrew Murray writes, it is not a matter of actively doing or saying humble things, but of “being and doing nothing of ourselves so that God may be all.”

name: brad chu major: human age: nineteen kinetics with a sport: soccer human services certificate

for more from Brad and exciting online exclusives go to:

marshillonline.com Is there rum in that eggnog? “Not right now.” - Tyler Dumoulin

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December 8, 2015

Retaining our SALT

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sawatzky

My name is Dawson Sawatzky and I am part of the Spartan Athlete Leadership Team (SALT).

Membership on this team does not require a tryout, although it does demand training. It does not incorporate scheduled games but it does call for scheduled practices. SALT requires a commitment from all members to meet with their teammates as they encourage each other in their faith,

and to seek out opportunities within the context of their respected sport to share their faith with others. SALT facilitates the growth of faith as we share our “God at Work” stories, and learn from each other’s experiences we have living our faith on our teams.

On November 19th, I was able to partake in the biannual My Story event that SALT organizes. This public event, which allows athletes to share their faith with those in the audience, included Spartan soccer player Ally Williamson and coach Rachel Bedek, Spartan hockey player and my own teammate, Lucas Hildebrand, as well as my-

self. As both pairs of athletes were interviewed, we had the opportunity to share how our athletic j o u r n e y, both before

and during our time here at Trinity, was undeniably influenced by God. As a

new believer, Lucas described to the audience his recent conversion to Christianity and how his challenging life circumstances eventually prompted his spiritual questioning and influenced his placement at Trinity. I was also able to share some of my life story and I highlighted where I saw God working in my life. More importantly however, I was able to sit beside Lucas as a testimony to his new faith, as a witness of his dramatic change of heart and to affirm the fellowship that we engaged in together at the beginning of the semester.

There are so many details I wish I could have include, but my prayer is that those present

were able to see God at work.

This night was a representation of what SALT’s purpose is: making time as athletes to invest in our relationship with Jesus. In the book of Matthew, Jesus said that as believers we are to be “salt of the earth.” SALT is a team that allows us to retain that saltiness and to develop skills for spiritual multiplication. My hope is that students of Trinity will make time to attend next semester’s My Story to experience the spiritual growth within Spartan Athletics. As a team of student athletes, SALT commits itself to expressing the amazing ways that God saturates every aspect of our lives.

merous other accolades along the way based upon his impressive shooting and ball work. Bryant was a star.

Recent events have caused him to slow down physically, which is the ultimate sacrifice for a professional basketball career. After multiple knee surgeries, and a torn Achilles in the 2012-2013 season, he has come up short in terms of scoring like he used to.

It appears that Bryant’s season of basketball is winding down, and it comes as no surprise to those who follow and support him. With the likes of Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle coming up through the Lakers system, it is time that Bryant took a step back and

looked after his health. If he did choose to continue playing, there is no doubt that both his stats and enjoyment of the game would decrease.

At the end of the season, Bryant will have played 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, a feat achieved by few. In a final effort to see his last season as a success, we shall have to wait to see what Kobe pulls out of his bag of tricks—a self-centered season or a humble farewell that shares the limelight? Go and check the poem out for yourself. It is your turn now to call the shots.

A laker dream

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maryschuk

“Dear Basketball” he begins.

“From the moment I started rolling my dad’s tube socks and shooting imaginary game-winning shots in the Great Western Forum, I knew one thing was real: I fell in love with you.” To detail every word of this powerful poem would do it a horrible injustice.

You simply have to read it for yourself. The poem came as a soft farewell from a man who has built

a defining career around a sport that has shaped his entire life.

On November 29th, 2015, Kobe Bryant announced his retirement from basketball on The Players Tribune, an online media outlet founded by retired baseball shortstop, Derek Jeter. Besides the fact that the Lakers shooting guard managed to find a great outlet to post his retirement, his announcement comes as a noble suggestion that perhaps there is more to the Black Mamba than what we see on the court: a player who sees the game for what it is and who knows he has deteriorated over the years.

For those unfamiliar with the Bryant story, he grew up in Penn-

sylvania, played a fairly successful high school career, and surprisingly declared eligibility for the NBA draft right after graduation.

The Charlotte Hornets immediately picked him up in 1996 at the tender age of 17. Shortly after, the Hornets saw no need for his service, so the Lakers gained his talent and skill and kept him since. Having played with the likes of some of the top players in NBA history, Bryant quickly made a name for himself as a top rookie and one of the best scorers the league has ever seen. The rest has been history, having played on two Olympic teams (both winning gold), winning five NBA championships, and gaining nu-

Is there rum in that eggnog? “Often.” - Lexi Putman

December 8, 2015

The hipster: it’s a living As we all know, or at least, as we’ve all been told by some article on Buzzfeed, 2015 was the year of the hipster. True, the appearances of button-up-all-the-way shirts and infinity scarves can be traced back to the start of the decade, but it was this past year that the mindset, values, and fashion of the hipster really took a hold on society. And because of this uprising, people have made an effort to make the lifestyle of the “lumbersexual” (and its Albertan cousin, the “hickster”) sustainable.

As a result, a new brand of pretentiously living against society’s rules has emerged, along with

by Cheyanne Makelki

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KREG LONNEBERG

by Connor Thiessen

its own set of subdivisions: Economic Hipsterism. This is the phenomenon where people decide that they should be able to get paid for whatever random hobby they might have picked up during their “enlightened” college days. And the success of that ambition is what separates this rather curious species into two groups: 1.

The Hipster Business person These are the people who, by some grace of God, have actually made a living doing what they love to do. They are doing what they love and are able to do so without much extra education. These are your friends who have started a business that sell crochet sweaters made from ethically-acquired orangutan fur, or have opened a thriving café that only serves black licorice and lemon water. You have absolutely no idea how they scored that gig, but hey, you do you, and I’ll do me.

2.

The Hobo with a Career This category is composed of everyone that thinks to themselves “someday I will become a

5 ways to redeem your finals lifestyle ERRATIC PERSONALITY:

Tired of your friends always asking how you are doing and having to repeat the same spiel over and over again? Find outfits that represent every mood and wear them accordingly! Let your buddies participate in the fun game of guessing how you’re feeling based solely on your appearance!

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Hipster Businessperson, but it just hasn’t happened yet.” They are offended by your concern for their financial well-being and insist that, if you just give them a little more time, their YouTube gaming channel/new-grass band/ acting career will finally take off. Until then, they’ll probably need to stay another night or two in your basement.

Neither one of these hipsters should be dealt with offhandedly. Whether their efforts have produced fruit or not, never criticize a hipster’s business, even if their business is selling fruit jewelry.

Things not to say around the christmas dinner table

POOR DIET:

Is the same old cafeteria food getting you down? Have you eaten more ramen noodles and mac and cheese than you would like to admit? Cleanse your system by using the free resources available to you from TWU’s very own Back Forty! Munch on the foliage to get your essential greens, graze on the mushrooms for some flavour in your meals, and bite into the bark for that much needed fibre. A natural, rustic diet will get you back on your way to a healthy lifestyle!

ANTISOCIAL DISPOSITION:

Feeling a bit cooped up studying? Haven’t talked to a human being in weeks? Going out is scary now that you’ve spent so much time isolated in your man-made cave. Do not brave the outdoors yet—the sunlight could blind you. Instead, bring people to you by opening your window and screaming at the top of your lungs! Hopefully, someone will come running expecting to find your dead body, but instead they will find you mentally and emotionally drained (but still alive)!

Or, perhaps try pulling a fire alarm in a residence building some night. Then, follow the groaning resident zombies to the atrium and relish in the presence of other humans.

SLEEP DEPRIVATION:

All-nighters getting to you? In much need of a nap? Play a fun game of sleep-and-seek with others on campus! During the day, try taking a snooze in random public places (e.g. staircases, on the treadmill, on the roof of Neufeld, etc.) and have your friends try to find you!

The better the hiding place, the longer the nap! Huzzah!

So I’ve been having some thoughts about Universalism lately.

I church-hopped this semester and wound up at an Eastern Orthodox Church.

Did I tell you about that paper I wrote on Nietzsche?

In RELS 101 I learned that the Genesis creation account is allegorical.

Do you have any idea how Platonic your theology is?

PROCRASTINATION (will write later)

Did you know that some of my professors say “fuck” in class?

Is there rum in that eggnog? “More than just rum.” - Davinder Punnamannil

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December 8, 2015

Submit your declassifIeds at:

www.marshillonline.com/de-classifIed Mars’ Hill editors reserve the right to edit or reject submissions based on content and/or length. A printed submission does not necessarily reflect an endorsement of any kind, nor does it necessarily reflect the opinions of Mars’ Hill staff , the student association, or that of the University. In fact probably not.

If Internet Explorer is brave enough to ask to be your default browser, you’re brave enough to ask that girl out

I recently found out there is a bathroom next to TWUSA, I went in and it was clogged.... I went pee anyways #thuglife

Zachary Friesen? More like Zachary FIRE-sen

how do profs read so many papers? I can’t even read my own once to edit it.

For those people living in apartments and feeling the struggle.

Use a tortilla as a plate when you are eating tacos, so when you are finished your first taco...

BAM! Another taco.

I just tried to figure out if my tea was too hot by smelling it.... #sleepdeprived To the girl who is sitting across from me in Norma and making moaning noises while typing: I wish I enjoyed papers as much as you do.

I laugh at the fact that my legs grow more hair than half of the guys participating in Movember.

Prof: What inspired you to write this paper?

Me: The Due Date *learns that flamingo’s get their pink colour from eating shrimp “WAIT...if we eat lots of shrimp, will we turn pink???” #Truestory #Biologyisnotmymajor Because we all know the real reason we have so many sources is so that our footnotes take up half of our essay.

Why did Adele cross the road?

To say hello from the other side. #sickofthesong If you rearrange the letters from “Snooze Alarms” you get “Alas no more more Z’s” Sadly, this is true

To all the newly engaged couples. If you’re looking for a designer cake but don’t want to pay the designer price, talk to Braden Rosenfeld.

Someone’s car alarm sounds like a really frantic pac-man. #2amthoughts

This winter break ill be cuddling ‘Han style’.....Solo

Douglas North: ever thought about adding some 24/7 Christmas music to your light display? #prettyplease

I have more money on my Sodexo meal card than in my bank account.

You know Courtney Holloway?

NO? Well you should. all i want for Christmas is you, and a passing grade, and more than 3 hours sleep, and some sanity, andPIVOT, PIVOOOOOTTTT Study tip: Laminate your notes so your tears roll off

raise your hand if you’re at denny’s

Everyday: “Do you guys wanna go to the library?” #Socialmediafast #Ihavenolife Texting + Facebook = Textbook You know your a fourth year when...

You go to on campus events for the free cookies, avoid socializing because you realize you don’t know anyone, then return to the library to eat said cookie

i LOVE JESUS AND GOD IM EIGHT YEARS. OLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-a real YouTube comment I found

Connor Green is always on fleek

Wear your red plaid on December 14th if Brandon Bustard has ever flirted with you.

Friend: Don’t be a scrooge Me: fine ill just steal christmas instead #thegrinch

The trees I work with out-date Nietzsche and are just as profound, so you can kiss my butt.

rachel THE shuttleworth SheVANGELIST

“I’m done with life” “No you can’t be, because life isn’t done with you” #peptalkfromroomie When the bombers compare themselves to Star Wars. It only makes sense J.B. you have no clue if I’m referencing Jared Barkman or Justin Beiber. #inception I’m moving to Denmark... they get paid to study.

That awkward moment when you’re belting the Arrogant Worms and notice your crush standing in a doorway but know it would be against your Canadian culture to stop so you keep singing.

Thank you thundering trains for rocking me to sleep every night. #positiveoutlook

I should be paper writing but instead I have Instagram stalked my cousin’s-girlfriend’s-best friend’s-older brother’s-girlfriend’s-younger brother’s-cat #damnhespuuurfect Its Dec.1. Where’s my Michael Buble at?

TWUSA i need a puppy/kitten room asap. sincerely, a student slowly losing her mind Literally always hold my breath as I walk through the alarms at the entrance of the library... #suspense Is it okay that I’m a guy and have a crush on Nathan Hayashi?

THE ESKS WON THE GREY CUP!!! WOOOOOOO. yeah nobody cares.

gingerbread lattes taste like the pillsbury dough-boys poop

This paper is due in 12 hours, I need to focus. *Watches three hours of Dancing With the Stars* That was part of my plan.

When you burn food in your dorm, and try to hide all evidence #itwasntme

so are we not going to discuss all the christmas tress on campus?

www.thecanadaily.tumblr.com

Thank you Titans volleyball for bring me back to the game.

-Devyn Plett

When your roommate is falling asleep, and mumbles: “I really hope it’s butter chicken for the special tomorrow.” I guess Sodexo’s butter chicken is quite dreamy.

I don’t know if there’s more geese or people in Thuglas 2015 sweaters around campus these days

sciences & year: 3rd age: 20 major: social human services height: 5’10 ”

Views on courtship?

Best place for a first kiss?

Favorite way to worshp God?

Favourite Bible Verse?

Through prayer before I compete in a race.

It’s a tie between Hebrews 12:1-2 and Philippians 4:13

Favourite action movie?

“May the odds be ever in your favour”

Domestic talent?

Baking cookies the monster himself would die for...

Idea of a perfect date?

A hike and a picnic on a mountain top with a scenic view.

Love language?

Simple acts of kindness, service and generosity.

Biggest deal-breaker?

He can’t be shorter than me … we need to see eye-to-eye Best pick up line?

Hometown: Surrey Denomination: Catholic Top quality in a future mate?

Faithful and centred in his relationship with God

Friends, relationship, engagement, and then marriage.

Countryside as the sun sets.

“Is your father a thief? He stole the stars from the sky and put them in your eyes.”

Is there rum in that eggnog? “What eggnog?” - Lacy Pena