PRBI Trumpet - Fall 2013

Trumpet F a l l

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Celebrating 80 Years: The Early Years

Holding Forth the Word of Life

About PRBI PRBI is a Canadian Degree Granting Bible College in Sexsmith, Alberta, founded in 1933. PRBI is known for quality academics and it’s highly relational culture that purposefully fosters an atmosphere of spiritual growth. PRBI has a distinct commitment to train students in a thorough knowledge of the Word of God and to train students to become disciple-makers whether at home or abroad. PRBI’s educational model purposefully integrates the academic learning experience with an experiential learning component making us a Bible College for life.

Vision Statement: To train believers to become disciple-makers who know God, model His character, and are able to build into others the life-changing principles of God’s Word.

Mission Statement: To conduct a Bible College, the training of students in a thorough knowledge of the Word of God, Holy Scriptures, and the training of students to become ministers, whether at home or abroad.

In This Issue

President’s Message

Faculty Message

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4

Faithful Obedience Waldie Neufeld

Why Bother with History?

Kim Cairns

Alumni Corner

Discipleship can Happen Anywhere Ralph Gardner

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The TRUMPET is the magazine of Peace River Bible Institute that is published three times per year and distributed to alumni and friends of the college. The Trumpet is comprised of contributions from faculty, alumni, and students who are passionate about making disciples in their churches and communities. If you would like to send us feedback on our articles please email us at development@prbi.edu. Printed in Canada.

Cover Photo: Mary McIntyre, Walter McNaughton, Archie Ruark and Anna Ruark in 1934

In 1993, Walter McNaughton re-enacted his original trek to the Peace Region

President’s Message “Holding Forth the Word of Life” (Phil. 2:16) Celebrating 80 Years: Faithful Obedience What’s in a call? Abraham received his mind is Walter McNaughton, the founder call later in life and only saw part of the of the College, who received a call to fulfillment of the call in the birth of his come North to the Peace River Country in son twenty-five years later. He did not the middle of the night.2 He had prayed see the fulfillment of the nation, nor how and fasted for an answer from God as to his name would become great. Though what he should do and on the appointed Abraham had his moments, the author of night received a letter from Mrs. Monge Hebrews highly commended Abraham to start a Bible school in the Peace River for his faithful obedience and pointed Country. His first thought was, “I can’t do out that Abraham it.”3 But his step of kept his eyes (faith) “From Abraham’s life, we faith coupled with focused on the city quickly realize that a call Mrs. Hattie Monge’s above (Heb 11:10). dream produced In writing about involves faithful obedience Peace River Bible this kind of faithful over a long period of time.” Institute.

Further, behavior, Peterson so Mr. McNaughton eloquently called it, “A long obedience stepped into the President role three in the same direction.”1 From Abraham’s different times as he was needed. life, we quickly realize that a call involves Definitely, a long obedience in the same faithful obedience over a long period of direction! time.

Mrs. Monge’s dream of solid Bible

When we reflect on 80 years, study to meet the need in young people’s PRBI is checkered with lives that have lives coupled with Mr. McNaughton’s walked in the same direction a long time. passion for evangelism, vacation Bible Most likely, the first one that comes to school, and holding Bible meetings4 was 1

of physical, spiritual, and personnel needs from the founding right through today, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Further, He has consistently taken care of students and staff as they either study here or minister here. He is faithful on our path of obedience.

The joy of the past 80 years is to see the number of lives that have been touched by God, through His School in the Peace Country, the number of lives that have responded to God’s call of obedience on their life. As Paul stated, “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass” (1 Thess 5:24). PRBI’s influence and training has literally gone around the world, not only yesterday but Walter McNaughton on left today as well! Who would have guessed the perfect storm required to spawn a that a small Bible School begun in the Bible school. Vision and passion meet far north would have such a far reaching effect! Only God is able to produce the vehicle to answer the need in “ . . . what rises to the to do this!!

The call to young people’s lives. surface is the God start a Bible school by

But we would behind the call of Mrs. Monge was based be amiss, if we didn’t on a need in young mention the litany obedience.” people to both know of others who were involved. One needs to only reflect on God, making their faith their own, and others like Ruarks, Warrens, Baliskys, equipping them to go out to be a light in Emersons, Mastersons, Goertzs, this dark world. Ironically, this same need, Johnsons, Penners, Throness, Peters, knowing God and making Him known, Wiebes, Kvills, and Browns to realize how has not changed. There continues many people are involved in this long to be a huge need to make disciples today, even as it was when Mrs. Monge obedience in the right direction.

But most of all, what rises to and Mr. McNaughton collaborated in the surface is the God behind the call establishing a new Bible school in the North. God continues of obedience. Just as to call disciple-makers “God continues to God faithfully provided forward to train the for Abraham, God has call disciple-makers next generation (Matt faithfully provided for forward to train the next 28:18-20; 2 Tim 2:2), the various needs of godliness and PRBI. He who birthed a generation, in godliness in righteousness (1 Tim vision and passion also and righteouness.”

4:7b; 2Tim 3:16). This sustained that vision through the many years. From providing falls in line with Jesus’ call to be salt and a home in Sexsmith, He has taken care light in the world (Matt 5:13-14).

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Staff and Students in 1952

As a College, we want to celebrate these 80 years throughout this year, with joy and gladness. We especially want to celebrate God’s faithfulness to His mandate through the lives of His people. God’s people came to serve and study, but they leave serving their Lord in whatever they do, whether farming, nursing, missionary work, etc. The stories of alumni, who disciple while in their everyday work jobs or paid ministry, are so encouraging. We have been greatly blessed by alumni who call and tell us of how they are discipling co-workers and others they come in contact with. These stories speak of the “long obedience in the same direction” under God’s hand, which PRBI’s disciplemaking vision, either spawned or fanned into flames.

For this reason, we want to celebrate 80 years of God’s goodness to PRBI. We will keep you updated of all the celebratory events, as we go through this year. Our first event will be our Global Ministries Conference, which falls on October 3-5 this year (please note the

date change). Our speaker is Rev. Sunder Krishnan, who comes to us from Toronto.

Please join us this year in celebrating God’s faithfulness.

Waldie Neufeld, PhD President Waldie is presently serving as President (in his 7th year) and did serve as Academic Dean for 18 years here at PRBI. He especially enjoys teaching the Gospel of Mark on disciple-making. He and his wife, Sharon, have been married 40 years and have four children and 12 grandchildren.

[1] Eugene Peterson, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, 2nd ed. (Downers Grove , IL: IVP, 2000), p. 170.

[2] Evangeline Thiessen, With Sails on His Bike (Belleville, ON: Guardian Books, 2008), pp 70-71.

[3] Ibid, p. 72.

[4] Ibid, pp. 67-72.

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PRBI Campus ca. 1955

Faculty Message Why Bother with History?

At the end of 2012 it was estimated and press on to that which is ahead. that there were 6.8 billion cell phone PRBI holds many memories for subscribers in the world. That is nearly many people but reminiscing about one cell phone for every person on the precious memories is not sufficient planet. In addition almost 40% of the reason to reflect on the past. I believe world’s population is online.1 We live in there are more compelling reasons to an instant world that has an insatiable reflect on history. The most compelling appetite for current and up-to-date news reason in my opinion is found in Scripture. and information. With this “progress” To take the time to reflect deeply on in technology has come an increasing history has been and must continue to demand for us to focus on the present be the practice of godly people. so that we will not be left behind in the The call to reflect on history future. With current demands and future is sprinkled throughout the Old expectations why bother with the past?

Testament. In Deuteronomy 6:20-25

PRBI is approaching its 80th year Moses challenges the people of Israel to and with the demands of the present and be ready to pass on their history to the the challenges of the future should we next generation, lest they forget God’s take time to reflect “To take the time to reflect intervention on their upon our history? behalf. Many Psalms Anyone who is a deeply on history has been (106, 136 to name a history buff will and must continue to be the couple) recount the certainly advocate of the people practice of godly people.” history that we should take of Israel and these time to reminisce and reflect. Others historical summaries serve both as a may not be as convinced and may be warning, i.e., what not to repeat, and as more inclined to leave the past behind a way of celebrating the power 4

and provision of God. Certainly one how His past act is impacting us in the could argue from the Old Testament why present (forgiveness) and leading us into studying history is not only important our future (victory). A side benefit of this but imperative. But, for me a more act of reflection is that it helps us develop compelling reason for reflecting on the critical thinking skills which are vital in past is found at the heart of the gospel order to meet the demands of the present message. as well as the challenges of the future.

Just prior to Jesus’ crucifixion We are reminded that the past is always He instituted the Lord’s Supper. At the tied to the present. To not tie the past very core of this event, according to the to the present leaves us with only “fond Scriptures, is the call to remember (Luke reminiscing” which is of little value.

22:19). The Lord’s Supper was established In the act of remembrance we are

by Christ in the context of the Passover humbled by the knowledge that without meal which in and of itself was a call to God acting in history we really can’t Jewish believers to stop and reflect upon experience fulfillment in the present and Yahweh’s intervention in their history. neither do we have any basis of hope for Building on this Old Testament tradition the future. How might this relate to PRBI’s Jesus initiated an ordinance for His 80th anniversary celebrations? disciples and the church: a continued In taking time to intentionally practice which calls all followers of Christ reflect on our history, the present to remember and reflect on history. community that identifies with PRBI, The principle of reflecting on the past including staff, board members, alumni is rooted in the gospel and it is this and supporters is reminded that we did principle that compels us to reflect on not arrive at our present circumstances other aspects of our history. merely by our own efforts. As we review

The act of remembering involves our past it will become clear that apart careful reflection and examination of our from God we really have nothing to present in the context of our past (I Cor. celebrate and without Him we have no 11:23-32). In terms of a sinner and the real basis for a future. It is essential that gospel this is critical. If we only live in we look critically at the past to identify the present, if we simply try to contend God’s fingerprints on the development of with our ongoing the college. It will lead sinfulness, we are “To not tie the past to the us to a greater trust people without in Him and it will hope. The act of present leaves us with only help us direct credit remembrance Jesus ‘fond reminiscing’ which is to the right place. introduced includes Intentionally focusing of little value.” on the past with a present, past and future aspect. We begin with an the purpose of influencing the present acknowledgement of where we are at in and the future will lead us into a fruitful the present but then move to reflection experience rather than simply having a on the past which is the only true “good old days” celebration.

In Jesus’ call to remember it is gateway to a hope filled future. As we reflect upon the past we are reminded important to note that it was given to a of what God has done in a past event community (His disciples) and it was to be (salvation), but even more than that, practiced when the community of 5

believers came together (I Cor. 11:33). from studying how they faced their Our communion is not only with Christ demands. Second, the challenges and but with His body the uncertainties of “ . . . if we take time to study our future are the Church; it is our history we might be sur- comparable with not only with the present fellowship prised and assured to see that the challenges of believers but faced in years also with those many things remain the same� past.

Our faith who have gone on before us. can be strengthened as we listen to the

The writer of Hebrews exhorts faith stories of those who came before that we can confidently move ahead into us. Finally, the God who carried PRBI in our future because we are surrounded the past is the same God who carries us by a great cloud of witnesses that have today and we can have assurance that He will carry us into the future!

All of this can be learned from reflecting upon our history. By intentionally reflecting on history, godly people through the ages have gleaned much to assist them in the present and guide them in the future. Will you join with them in this practice? It will be well worth the effort!

PRBI Campus in 2010

gone before us (Heb. 12:1-3). Focusing on our history provides an opportunity to commune with the faithful who came before us. What lessons, what inspiration, awaits us as we reflect on all those who have served and supported the college in the past 80 years?

Granted some things have changed in 80 years, the speed and access to communication is one of them. But I would propose that if we take time to study our history we might be surprised and assured to see that many things remain the same. First, if we look critically at the past we will learn that our present circumstances are no more demanding than those faced by our founders and those who followed.

We can take much encouragement 6

Kim Cairns Academic Dean

Kim has served at PRBI as a member of the faculty since 2009 and as Academic Dean since 2011. He is married to Kimberly and they have four adult children and their first grandchild.

[1] Statistics from: ICT Data and Statistics Division, Telecommunication Development Bureau, International Telecommunication Union.

Development News Last fall Sharon Neufeld stepped away as the Director of the Development Department after two years of strategically positioning PRBI for the future. Thankfully Sharon’s wisdom is not out of reach as she has agreed to stay on as a consultant for the Development Department. Sharon has been training me, Jeremy Johnston, in my new role as Assistant Director of Development. This has been such a blessing and an answer to prayer!

As we continue to strategically position PRBI for the future we have been reminded this year that we also have quite a past to learn from! 80 years of our faithful God blessing the proverbial socks off PRBI! This year is a time to look back and reflect on what God has done and also a year to continue looking forward to what God will do. So to say the least, it is a very exciting year!

What we are working on. . .

PRBI’s Visual Identity – PRBI has a distinct vision and reputation in Canada. In order to continuously strengthen our unique identity and build our reputation, it is important for us as a college to present a differentiated and relevant brand that is compelling and visually consistent. When we reviewed our marketing materials we realized that there was not one look or one voice – a common element that ran through all of our materials. With that said, we have decided to revert back to our original school colors which are red, black and white. Our goal is to have a visual consistency that is unmistakably recognized as belonging to PRBI.

Also making its debut this fall is

our new updated PRBI logo. The updated logo increases legibility and is consistent with PRBI’s colors.

New Website that is Mobile Friendly – In a culture that has recently gone mobile we quickly realized that our prospective students are accessing our website on their phones as opposed to their laptops.

In an effort to be accessible to our future students, we are developing a brand new website that is mobile friendly and easy to navigate. This is also a great chance to update how we look online so that we are visually consistent with our other marketing materials. Stay tuned for our new website’s go-live date which Lord willing will happen later this fall as part of the 80th year celebrations!

New Promo Video – In Spring we developed a new promotional video for PRBI that clearly presents our vision of disciple-making. This has already been a valuable tool for us as a college and we are very thankful to Nathan Pawluck (ug ’07) for working with us on this project.

To view the video, visit www.prbi.edu and watch the video on our homepage. If you would like a DVD copy of this video, please email Sandra Ford (sford@prbi. edu) and she will be happy to send you a complimentary copy.

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More Travelling Teams – Lord willing, this fall we will have two Declare Teams.

This will enable us to have a far better reach and will give us a stronger voice to communicate the value of PRBI to young people and parents. We desire believers to become passionate followers of Jesus Christ who impact their world for God. We are excited to increase this ministry to two teams as they communicate the heartbeat of PRBI so well for us.

Summer Camp Team – After a successful trial year last year, we decided to hire a Summer Camp team that would travel on our behalf to 6 different camps over a period of fourteen weeks representing PRBI while at the same time serving camps in whatever capacity requested.

We are so grateful for how well they represented our Lord and thus PRBI

through their sacrificial service. Thank you to Andrew Giesbrecht, Jen Peters, Jesse Raugust and Janelle Strydhorst for serving well on our behalf. They had an “amazing summer filled with adventures and misadventures,” to quote Jen, as God definitely worked in and through them!

Jeremy Johnston Assistant Director of Development Jeremy has served on staff at PRBI since 2009 and is now training to become PRBI’s Director of Development. He and his wife Leah have been married for almost two years and have a three month old son.

Health Update on Darrell Gerber As I write this I mark four years since this journey with cancer officially began. It has certainly been a most interesting time, but the journey continues. Interestingly enough the coming week will be similar to the one four years ago.

Rather than hearing for the first time what treatment is to come and the procedures involved, I will hear of another new drug.

After having had all my treatments here in Grande Prairie, I will now start two days of testing in Edmonton to begin a new drug that is still in its trial stages the second generation of the drug I am currently on. It will mean regular trips to Edmonton for at least a year, possibly two. I had never thought I would travel to Edmonton for treatments, or take a 8

trial drug, but I guess it is time to give back for others, as those who tested my previous drugs have done for me. One can only ask what changes are ahead?

Who knows what the road ahead holds, but we will go willing into it to see what all the Lord has in store. Only in retrospect will we know, but the journey must be taken regardless. The Lord will guide as I move. The nuances of life may alter, but the general course will remain the same – coming to be conformed to His image, in His time and in His way. The journey awaits.

Thank you to all who have prayed and continue to do so for our family.

- Darrell Gerber

Admissions A Bible College for Life Previously, I challenged parents, pastors, youth leaders, and adults to be aware of our influence in the lives of young people that we interact with. The direction of life youth choose can be impacted by listening to our advice, mulling over a passing comment, and observing our lifestyle. I challenged you to consider your direction and what that was communicating to those within the realm of your influence. Is your heart set on things above (Col. 3:1-4)?

With that in mind, what is most valuable in life? What is eternally worth putting our time and resources towards?

Our motto, “A Bible College for Life”, works seamlessly with our vision of “Training believers to become disciplemakers who impact their world for Christ”.

Our desire is that through discipling and mentoring in all aspects of College life, PRBI graduates would have begun to mature spiritually, emotionally, theologically, and socially so as to send them into their future with the tools needed to face the demands life inevitably brings.

With only a few decades behind me, it is already obvious that with life come conflict, confusion, unexpected tragedy and looming disappointment.

These are, at some level, unavoidable and unforeseen all at the same time.

Since disappointments in life are a reality, how are we helping our youth to prepare for it? Countless resources are put towards preparing for a career (that is not always a guarantee), but often little consideration is given to preparation in regards to facing the demands of life: relationships, loss, gain, tragedy, success, and conflict. These realities are often major factors in the devastation of families, faith, relationships and organizations.

As “A Bible College for Life”, our desire is that students would leave PRBI rooted in the truth of God’s word, increasingly reliant on the Holy Spirit, growing in a real relationship with God, developing Christ-like character, and intentionally seeking to walk the unpredictable life journey with others. As a result, they can live a life that impacts their world (wherever that may be) for Jesus.

Sandra Ford Admissions Manager After graduating from PRBI in 2007 Sandra worked at the college for two years and then returned in January of 2012. Sandra loves being an auntie to her four nieces and three nephews!

Coming to a Town Near You!

While in your area our Admissions Team would appreciate an opportunity to share about PRBI with your group or individual(s). If you are interested contact: admissions@prbi.edu or 1-800-959-PRBI (7724)

September 20 - October 5

Central AB & Central and Northern SK

October 16–20

Barrhead, AB & Westlock, AB and area

November 1-10

Edmonton, AB & North Eastern AB

November 8-15

British Columbia’s lower mainland 9

Summer Projects We have had an exceptionally busy summer on campus this year, with repairs and renovations on several buildings.

Here are some of the highlights: Watt Memorial Building Due to a sewer backup in April, we had to restore the lower floor of this building.

Most of the damage was covered by insurance, but we had to pay for the deductible and some related repair costs.

Music Building Interior modifications for this building were needed, as well as the completion of the roof (soffits and fascia). The work should be completed this fall. We have also been required to install emergency lighting and new fire alarm systems in both the Music and Watt Memorial buildings.

Staff House With a change of residents this year, major repairs were required, including some windows, flooring, kitchen cabinets and a renovated bathroom.

Ladies’ Dorm The Women’s Residence required some work to fix leaks in the water pipes.

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Men’s Dorm This year the entire plumbing system of the dorm had to be replaced due to aging and leaking pipes. This was a huge job that impacted all three floors and was done at considerable expense.

This past fiscal year we have spent over $100,000 on necessary repairs and renovations of our facilities. Needless to say this puts a strain on our operating budget. Please consider a special gift to PRBI at this time, and designate it to “Summer Projects.” Thank you!

Ron Reynolds Director of Administrative Services Ron provides supervision for the Business Office, Food Services, and Facilities.

He and his wife Beth also prepare PRBI students for short-term mission trips.

They have been married for 41 years and have five children and 10 grandchildren.

Financial Report Peace River Bible Institute Statement of Operations and Budget - Unaudited [1] July 2012 - June 2013

Revenue

Income To Date

Annual Budget

Student Fees & Other Programs

1,039,527

1,031,850

101%

28,979

27,300

106%

602,752 163,662

524,000 48,000

9,770

7,000

Sales & Non-Program Fees & Services Donations - Undesignated Donations - Designated Interest Income Rental Income

% of Budget To Date

115% 341%

[2]

140%

195,678

190,000

103%

Total Revenue

2,040,368

1,828,150

112%

Expenses

Expenses To Date

Annual Budget

Administration Bad Debt Expense Food Services Insurance Interest

228,229

% of Budget To Date

245,145

2,660

93%

-

210,817

219,512

96%

86,066

84,825

101%

1,582

1,250

127%

13,662

13,159

104%

Program Costs

635,906

648,832

98%

Promotion & Development

262,967

269,159

98%

28,800

28,800

100%

Professional Fees

Property Leases

24,090

15,683

154%

Admissions

Municipal Tax

120,346

136,956

88%

Repairs & Maintenance

139,460

111,837

Scholarships & Bursaries

147,984

33,000

Special Projects Utilities Total Expenses Net Income (Loss) Mortgage Payments

24,190

125% [2]

448%

-

122,579

116,893

105%

2,049,337

1,925,049

106%

(8,969)

(96,899)

(48,000)

(48,000)

Adjusted Balance

(56,969)

Amortization (booked at year end) Donations - Campus Development Expenditures - Campus Development

102,439 426,470 92,513

(144,899) [3] [3] [3]

[1] At the time of printing, our annual audit was in process, but not yet completed, so we are presenting our annual budget report in its complete, but unaudited form. Audited financial statements (when completed) are available upon request.

[2] Kroeker Scholarship Funds of 92,000 included [3] Campus Development donations and expenses and Amortization expenses are not General Budget items

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PRBI Team Members

Back Row: Emma Hanet, Kate Potter, Sharon Neufeld, Jill Gayoway, Adeline Willems Third Row: Warren Charlton, Hanna Bussemeier, Meadow Teele, Sandra Ford, Wanda Penner, Beth Reynolds, Kathryn Bienert Second Row: Kim Cairns, Jason Gayoway, Ron Reynolds, Darrel Schmidt, John Bell, Jeremy Johnston, Hunter Wood Front Row: Dustin Burlet, David Stauffer, Brad Cowie, Waldie Neufeld, Nolan Dyck, Shane Dell Missing from Photo: Rebekah Brisbin, Darrell Gerber, Ise Grohmueller, Michelle Plante, Stan Porritt, Justin Worthington Moving On Thank you Kendra Ford, Sharron Gerber, Alyssa Sterzer, and Hunter Wood for your excellent service on the PRBI Team. God bless you as you continue to serve Him.

Moving In Welcome Rebekah Brisbin (Kitchen), Emma Hanet (Graphics), Beth Reynolds (Interim Registrar), Meadow Teele (Resident Director), and Justin Worthington (Resident Director) to the PRBI Team.

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Board Update Our Corporate Board, which is composed manuals and now we have one coherent of twenty some members, annually whole, for which we are thankful.

Our new member joining us this selects eight people to sit on our Board of Directors. This smaller Board grants year is Travis Toews from Beaverlodge.

Travis and Kim come with oversight through policies, some wide experience in planning and praying for running a ranch and an the College. This Board oil field business. He also meets quarterly to hear has sat on and chaired what is occurring on the National Cattlemen’s campus and to set policies Association. Thank you for for moving forward and coming on board. giving ongoing wisdom to The other members of the College. the Board of Directors, all

This year we have from Alberta, are as follows: one member stepping off Travis and Kim Toews Terry Balisky, Sexsmith; and one member coming Abe Braun, Grande Prairie; onto the Board of Directors.

Tom Warner is moving off the Board of Les Derksen, Sexsmith; Dennis Landis, Directors but will stay on the Corporate Wembley; Graham Plett, Grande Board. We definitely appreciate how Tom Prairie; Richard Smith, Hythe; and Don guided us through our necessary bylaws Warkentin, Debolt.

May the Lord bless their merger and update, with the assistance of two others. We had two bylaw leadership through another year.

The PRBI Board in 1982 Back: Ozzy Asleson, Dave Schmidt, Ralph Balisky, David Loberg, Wilf Johnson, Larry Dueck, Terry Balisky Front: Dan Wiebe, Henry Penner, Harold Peters, Richard Semenyna, Oswald Throness, Brad Olson

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Mission Teams Thank you so much for your prayer and support for our Mission Teams this past summer. It is through the sacrifice of God’s people that the gospel continue to spread. God’s faithfulness was evident again this year as both the Asia and Rwanda teams experienced His work around the globe.

In Asia, Beth assisted local missionaries in their on-going work with residents and university students.

She was also able to get a better understanding of day-to-day life as a missionary and the joys and struggles of ministry cross-culturally. As a person who loves country life, she felt blessed to participate in rural life overseas in

addition to experiencing urban settings.

The Rwanda Team had opportunity to see God’s hand in many different ministries. They worked with HIV/AIDS sufferers, did home visitation and street ministry, assisted on the YWAM base where they were staying, and learned so much about the culture.

Because this team was made up of members who had significantly diverse background & mission experience, they realized the importance of trusting the Lord to supply for all their needs and help them work together for His glory.

To see a video summary of their trip, visit: https://vimeo.com/67607358.

Please continue to pray for all our mission team members as they try to live with a global perspective now that they are back in Canada. Pray also as we put together the teams for next year. We trust that God will continue to use and grow our students as we seek to make an impact on our world for Him.

Kate Potter Registrar PRBI has been blessed to be connected with Kate both as a student and as a Team Member for 14 years. She has been married to Luke for 10 years and they are expecting their first child this fall.

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Alumni Corner My journey in discipleship began at PRBI in the fall of 2005 when I came as a freshman. Many of my classmates were familiar with some type of mentoring or disciple-making, but for me this type of relationship was new and something I desperately needed because I was broken. There were many things in my life that I needed help with and I needed the gift of someone else’s presence building into my life. Discipleship at PRBI provided that for me. I needed someone to walk with me through the hurts, struggles and undeveloped aspects of my Christian character. I soon learned that the term “walk with someone” meant that the more mature disciple-maker leads the less mature follower to Jesus Christ to seek His power, leading, and infinite wisdom.

Through the obedience of others to Christ, God has used discipleship to produce growth, change, healing, and newness of life in me. I left PRBI with the understanding that I will never arrive at a place where I do not need discipleship and with a goal to continually grow as a disciple-maker who builds into others’ lives.

Since leaving PRBI, God has been gracious in continuing 16

to disciple me through other more mature believers. Part of this journey led me to the conclusion that I wanted discipleship to be the focal point of my working life. So I started right where I was at, at Northgate Honda.

I began to witness and disciple my co-workers and sometimes even an open customer. It was an amazing time where God opened my eyes to how discipleship can happen in the workplace.

God opened a door for me to work as an apprentice pastor under Pastor Dean Yurkewich. I left my job and began a position as a pastor alongside Pastor Dean. One of my pastoral responsibilities was to use my martial arts training to disciple and witness to others in a local martial arts gym where I was running a kids’ program. What my co-worker and I began to realize was that students were not coming to martial arts classes because their lives were perfect and composed; rather quite the opposite was true. Often our martial arts students believe that the rigors of training and skill development will give them the tools to control their lives, but the reality is that the training often exposes brokenness

and dysfunctional belief systems and gym. PRBI gave me useful tools in patterns. It is amazing what a few understanding how people function, and taught me how punches will It is amazing how God can use to meet people do! As aspects of our student’s anyone, in any job, to make a where they are at lives became difference for His Kingdom. with compassion, love, and truth. It transparent to us, we began to pray for them and also taught me that I can disciple waited for God to open doors for us to anyone wherever I go. I am thankful speak into their lives His truth and the for how PRBI prepared me for life and message of the Gospel. As we began ministry. to disciple at the gym, some students Ralph Gardner (ug ‘08) accepted Jesus as their Lord and even Associate Pastor joined the church that I am pastoring.

Pathway Christian Communities It is amazing how God can use anyone, in any job, to make a difference for His Kingdom.

I am thankful that God has chosen to use me and my gifts for His Kingdom – even in a martial arts

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eView: March 6-8, 2014

Alumni News BIRTHS

JOHNSTON, Jeremy (g ‘09, Staff ‘09-present) & Leah joyfully announce the birth of their new little blessing from God, Jasper Everett. “Our beautiful baby boy was three weeks early, born on June 10, 2013, weighing 6 lbs 14 oz and 20½ inches long. His sweet smile brightens our day! We are so blessed to have him in our lives!

I feel so privileged to serve at PRBI and am looking forward to another school year of building into the lives of students both here on campus and on the road as I travel. Leah also feels privileged to be a part of the PRBI community and is very thankful to be at home this next year mothering and instilling godly values into little Jasper. Pray for us both as we take the opportunity to invest in others this next year.

HESLOP, Dan & Rebecca (nee: Swaan, ug ’01) Born March 20, 2013, 8lbs and 20 inches long, in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, Clara Ann Danielle was welcomed with joy by her parents, and adored by her big sister Janica. Clara is already involved in the daily duties of the farm by tagging along with mommy while riding in the Snuggly.

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WEDDINGS

GARCIA, Fernando Martinez & Amy (nee: Hochachka, g ’02) were married on August 18, 2012 in Fargo, North Dakota.

We are currently living in Dell Rapids, South Dakota, where Fernando is the herds manager of a large dairy. Amy works part-time with SEND International as a rep and is studying for her Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling through Briercrest Seminary. Amy say, “While we both love experiencing a new culture, we look forward to coming back to Canada in the next couple of years - by then I should be finished my degree and Fernando plans to add to his education by taking his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine”.

KUBWINANA, Prince & Lea (nee: Patterson, ug ‘97) Lea writes: “We were married on June 9, 2013, in Kigali, Rwanda after having met when I was in Rwanda on Destination Life Change trip with World Vision. Currently we are living a long distance marriage while I begin the paperwork for the immigration process for Prince to come to Canada. Prince is in Kigali, running a ministry called Healing Touch Family International. This is a group of young adults who minister to sick children in local hospitals. Prince is also a local evangelist, preaching in churches and schools all over Eastern Africa. We look forward to when God will bring us back together again and would covet your prayers while we work through the immigration process. I continue to work at ATB Financial in Grande Prairie where I have been employed as Customer Service Manager since leaving PRBI. I also attend Bethel Pentecostal Church where I am involved as a Sunday School teacher and help with the worship team. Praise the Lord that I was confident that one day I FINALLY would end up in the marriage section of the trumpet. Now Waldie doesn’t always have to pick up my left hand to check for that wedding band when he sees me anymore!!”

NEWS

SCHMIDT, Myra (g ’05) After graduating I worked at PRBI for two years and from there I moved to Lethbridge, Alberta, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Music with a Piano performance focus in June, 2011. I moved back to Saskatchewan after graduating and settled in Tisdale for a year where I worked at the library for the Community Access Program, teaching community members how to use computers and the internet. In August of 2012, I started at Nipawin Bible College as the Music Director and Librarian which has been such a blessing to me! During the summers I have continued to work at Stoney Lake Bible Camp, primarily as the secretary and leadership staff.

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WITH THE LORD

BOSCHMAN, Reverand Peter (a former Adjunct for PRBI) Peter was born on March 23, 1929 in Delia, Alberta. Peter was a man of faith, serving as a church minister for over 40 years. He was a man of compassion and wisdom, living out his faith daily, showing the way of the gospel to those in need. Peter served as Adjunct at PRBI from 1989-1992. During this time he was serving as the pastor at LaGlace Bible Fellowship. Peter passed away on Monday, May 13, 2013, at the Coaldale Health Care Centre at the age of 84.

PENNER, HENRY (a former PRBI Board member) Henry was born in rural Saskatchewan on January 23, 1924. In 1948 Henry married Olinda Doell. Henry graduated from Prairie Bible Institute in 1952 with a heart for ministry and a commitment to serve the Lord. Five years later they moved to the Peace River Country. Henry was always mindful of his higher calling, that of investing in the lives of the students and faculty and so he got involved with Peace River Bible Institute.

Henry was on the PRBI Board for about 30 years. The PRBI board believed Henry to be an outstanding advisor that saw them through the years of building a new campus in the 1970’s. It was his expertise in the field of construction, and his sharp eye for knowing how the build efficiently, that brought others to regard him as a valuable asset to the building committee and later the upgrading of the school buildings. In 2001 Henry and Olinda moved to Sherwood Park, Alberta, to be close to family and friends. Henry passed away July 10, 2013, joining his beloved wife Olinda who predeceased Henry in October 2009.

Circle of Friends Friday, January 31, 2014

Coming Events October 3-5, 2013 Global Ministries Conference January 13-15, 2014 Camp Days January 31, 2014 Circle of Friends March 6-8, 2014 eView April 12, 2014 Graduation Ceremony October 16-18, 2014 Celebrating 80 Years

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