PRBI Trumpet - Winter 2014

Trumpet W i n t e r

2 0 1 4

Celebrating 80 Years: The Building 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 its 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

Reflections

by Wilf

Waldie Neufeld

Brad Cowie

Wilf Johnson

Build Upon a Legacy

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The Stuff of Legend

4

For Such a Time As This

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The TRUMPET is the magazine of Peace River Bible Institute that is comprised of contributions from faculty, alumni, and students who are passionate about making disciples in their churches and communities.

If you would have any comments please email us at development@prbi.edu. Printed in Canada.

Cover Photo: PRBI Campus ca. 1982

Construction began on the current gym in 1969.

President’s Message Build Upon a Legacy

Leave a legacy! The cry of many as they flesh this faith journey out, let’s explore close out careers, whether political or some biblical points on leaving a legacy.

In 1 Cor. 3:11-12, Paul only not. Our world argues we need to leave something tangible behind, a building hinted at the requirement, when he or a large gift. But Paul wrote that we all pointed out, “I planted, Apollos watered, build upon the foundation of Jesus Christ but God was causing the growth” (1 Cor. and warned his readers to be careful 3:6). Depending on God for the increase in their choice of building products (1 means we walk by faith. The author of Cor. 3:11-12). In light of Paul’s words, it Hebrews made it quite plain, that this might be better to remind ourselves to work, the work of obedience, is faith and nothing else (Heb. 11). build on the legacy that “Paul’s legacy Paul’s legacy began with already exists. He built on the legacy of Jesus began with a simple a simple dependence and the apostles and dependence on God . . .” on God, stepping out in faith, believing that encouraged us to do the same. So the question becomes not as he planted, God would do the rest. what legacy are we leaving but what will A spiritual legacy, whether tangible or not, are projects beyond our scope of our legacy be built upon?

PRBI’s history is peppered with abilities or resources, and depend upon faith stories, with their initial step of their completion by the Lord Jesus Christ faith and a subsequent God moment. himself.

Paul’s faith stories compare to Since this Trumpet celebrates more the ‘50s to ‘70s of our 80 years, the main the Exodus, which clearly demonstrates faith moment that came to mind was the need to step out, believing God for the building of PRBI’s gym in 1969, the what they could not do. For at every step McNaughton Auditorium. But before we in the Exodus journey, from Egypt 1

The current gym in 1973

to Canaan, the Israelites had to step of the building of the first gym. When forward in faith to see God act, even after discussing PRBI’s God moments, this faith the Jordan. Moses put his rod into the story would always come to the fore.

Now the story actually Red Sea and God split the sea, the priests stepped “ In each case, God begins a bit earlier with hot topic among the into the Jordan and He acted as they stepped the staff of whether or not stopped the river, and the Israelites circled Jericho into their situation.” to close the school. By the mid-’60s, the student before God brought it down. In each case, God acted as they numbers where dipping below the staff numbers, which should prompt some stepped into their situation.

The New Testament echoes the concern and lots of discussion. same refrain. The call to service requires With student numbers falling in a step of faith, because it was always the ‘60s, the alumni actually stepped in beyond what they personally could do to fill the gap. They came on the Board (Mark 6:37). So why are we surprised and moved the discussion from closure by the similarity of our desire to leave of the college to what would be required a legacy and a need to step forward in to become viable again. What is amazing is that they chose to build a gymnasium faith?

PRBI’s gym in 1969 reflects a with only twelve students on campus! legacy moment. It was not long after my It truly is an amazing story of faith and arrival that I was introduced to the story courage.

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But the gym only begins the but also trusting God for buildings and legacy story, since it was but a means upkeep! to an end. The alumni saw an ongoing Where does this leave us? need to minister to the spiritual needs of Clearly then, we need to build on the the youth of their day. So ministry, God’s legacy of those who have gone before mandate, puts vision us, particularly our Lord into our souls, but it also “What faith journey Jesus Christ. For PRBI, lays out some tangible we will be constantly requirements.

Ministry or legacy drive is God challenged to trust our leading you on?” Lord like those who have does involve buildings and lights, but we can gone before us. The often get lost with the tangible and miss alumni of the ‘60s are not the only ones the students who have been impacted who stepped out there in faith. Our over the course of the forty-four year present challenge continues to be that history of the gym. The question in the of trusting the Holy Spirit for His work in ‘60s then became, “What do we need to students’ lives and to trust God for the move the ministry of impacting young nuts and bolts of the ministry itself. The lives forward in this new age?” eternal impact is as crucial today as it was

The gym became the hub of yesterday. mission and Bible conferences and How is your faith being then of course our Youth Alerts and the challenged today? What faith journey or educational process through sports. Many legacy drive is God leading you on? What students came to know the Lord Jesus person comes to mind that He would like Christ through our youth events; or were you to build into? What ministry would called into missions through the mission God have you walk with? Paul’s words conferences, or were challenged to grow come to mind, “Walk by the Spirit” (Gal spiritually through the Bible conferences. 5:16).

There were times of beginning and times of equipping in God’s Word and ministry.

God was faithful through all these times to call His people and lead them forward in their faith journeys.

What are the lessons learned?

Waldie Neufeld, PhD People and faith are necessary President ingredients in any journey, including the ministry or educational journey of PRBI. Waldie is currently serving as President (in This “people and faith journey” combo his 7th year) and did serve as Academic is amply affirmed throughout Scripture, Dean for 18 years here at PRBI. He especially enjoys teaching the Gospel of particularly in Hebrews chapter 11. Many Mark on disciple-making. He and his wife, of these people were building on the Sharon, have been married 40 years and legacy of those who had gone before, yet have four children and 12 grandchildren. always focused on the eternal (Heb 11:10, 26). Second, faith is often tested through the nuts and bolts of ministry. For PRBI, there is as always an ongoing journey of trusting God for the spiritual growth 3

PRBI sent out many students, such as Jean Balisky, to the mission field from the Sexsmith Train Station.

Faculty Message The Stuff of Legend

Deep within the archives of my “sermons expect to take the torch from such I might preach someday” mental file spiritual, legendary, superhuman giants is the prospective title, “I Want to be a of history and stumble down the few Sermon Illustration”. It seems like there miles assigned to us without dropping are three kinds of Christians: Those who the torch or extinguishing its flame tell stories about heroes of faith, those before clumsily handing it off to the next who listen wide-eyed to the stories, and shaking runner? those about whom the stories are told.

The Bible reminds us that Of the three, which one are you? Which extraordinary legacies have been passed one do you wish you were? on by the most ordinary of people.

What does it take to be the kind Consider the woman who anointed of person who lives the rich adventure Jesus’ feet, whose story has been retold of faith—the stuff of legendary sermons countless times just as Jesus predicted and books—and passes on a legacy (Mt 26:15; Mk 14:9). Or, remember James’ of faith to the next that even “What does it take to be observation generation that spurs the great miracle them on in their own the kind of person who . . . worker Elijah was just faith adventure? passes on a legacy of faith a regular guy (James

Is it a person 5:17). How, then, do to the next generation ordinary people create of great skill and talent?

One of that spurs them on in their a legacy of faith? privileged position To help answer own faith adventure?” this, let’s or advantage? One consider of exceptional nobility, courage, or towering hero of faith, Abraham. Even love?

Flawless extraordinary faith? in Hebrews 11, that great “hall of fame” Dumb luck? What do they have that passage about faith heroes, Abraham’s the rest of us don’t have? How can we story dominates, taking up twelve of 4

the forty verses—over a quarter of the accomplishments may be impressive, chapter. (The next closest is Moses, with often the folks who leave a far more profound legacy seven verses; most are those with no stories take no more particular personal than a single verse aspirations of fame or to recap.) Abraham fortune. The greatest has always struck legacy builders are me as a paradoxical not those who seek character. In one their own kingdom, moment he’s leaving but those who are all behind, venturing caught up in a vision into the unknown, of a Kingdom far conquering invaders, greater than their rescuing captives, own. The writer of graciously accepting Hebrews is clear: If the bad cropland, Abraham’s nation or sacrificing his building dream had only son; the next been his own, he moment he’s lying would have done about his wife, it differently (Heb sleeping with a 11:10, 14-16). The servant girl, running off to Egypt, debating with God, or paradox of faith-legacies is that those making contingency plans just in case who leave the greatest legacies are not God doesn’t come through. This is heroic those who build legacies of their own, but those who pursue the Legacy that is not faith? This is Abraham’s great legacy?

Yet, as I reread Hebrews 11:8- of their own making. The encouraging 19, I find key qualities in Abraham’s faith thing for us is that since great faith that significantly shaped the legacy he legacies don’t depend on great human left. I also see them in stories of church ability, none of us are disqualified from and missionary “heroes” (most of whom legacy building.

Second, when the chips were would never consider themselves heroes), and in the movers, shakers, down, Abraham simply took God at His word. Rather than finding and builders of PRBI whose “. . . since great Abraham’s somewhat legacy we have inherited. faith legacies unstable faith disturbing, Furthermore, these same qualities are accessible to don’t depend I find it encouraging.

Abraham’s faith legacy is each of us, which means that on great great because even though we too may leave a lasting legacy of faith. human ability, he struggled and faltered, maintained in the depths

First, Abraham left none of us are he of his soul a fundamental a legacy because he sought a country not of his own disqualified . . .” belief that somehow, in some way, God would do what was making. Too often we are duped into thinking that legacy makers needed in order to bring His plans to are those with bold audacious dreams to completion. No matter how imperfectly build empires, amass fortunes, and leave Abraham followed, in the end he still a distinctive mark on history. While such followed. No matter how creatively 5

he sometimes tried to do God’s work that this seemingly mundane task before for Him, in the end Abraham always you might actually matter to God. returned to a foundational conviction We have no way of knowing that God would keep His promises and which acts of faith and obedience will finish what He started. become the legendary stuff of sermons

Legacy builders don`t have and devotionals. Actually, it doesn`t perfect faith. They have doubts, they even matter, because that`s not the ask questions, they secondpoint anyway. The point is guess decisions, they make that, like those who have creative errors by trying to gone before us, we have force things into place, and an opportunity to leave they look over their shoulders behind something that and wonder if they took a does matter: not a legacy wrong turn or if they should to our own greatness, but a go back. But, when all is said testament to the greatness and done, what sets legacy of the God we dared to trust builders apart is that they and follow. This is the legacy believe beyond their dying that changes lives. This is breath that God is at work. the legacy of Abraham, and Harold Peters Therefore, they dare to step Walter McNaughton, and with trembling boldness into what they Wilf Johnson, Harold Peters, and Waldie see God doing—especially the Divine Neufeld. This is my legacy … and yours. projects they hear God calling them into. This brings us to the third quality of legacy builders.

Third, Abraham dared to act on his convictions and hope. When God told Abraham to leave his family, he Brad Cowie actually left. Without being crass, when God told Abraham that Sarah would Ministry Studies Chair have a son, they actually had to … well, Brad is an alumnus of PRBI (1984-88) you get the point (I hope). When God and has served as PRBI faculty since 2008. told Abraham to sacrifice Isaac he lifted He currently chairs the Ministry Studies the knife. How many opportunities do department. Brad and his wife Barb have we miss for no other reason than our two teenage children. failure to get off the couch or pick up the phone? Yet God is so graciously patient with us, and He keeps offering new opportunities to step up and make a difference. You have no idea how one obedient task might lay the foundation for something far beyond your expectations or imaginations. It may be a huge, sacrificial, seemingly impossible task that stretches your faith to the limits.

It may be a simple task that requires little more than abandoning your apathy or accepting mild inconvenience, believing 6

Walter McNaughton Auditorium

Reflections by Wilf For Such a Time as This

January 1966. Who could have visualized the enthusiasm and energetic activity soon to take place on the campus of PRBI; GOD COULD! He had been putting it together for some time already.

The future of PRBI’s ministry was being questioned frequently on the campus and in the public arena, in the mid-1960s. Registration day for the new school year of 1965/66 had come and gone disappointingly. Mr. McNaughton (president) and Mr. Goertz (Faculty) traveled widely and were able to recruit a dozen students for that school year.

In 1 Corinthians 4:1, Paul speaks about “faithful men” and that God will reward them generously. God had brought together a group of men with faith and integrity to serve on the Board of PRBI. Each one was actively involved in the ministry of their church. Their lives demonstrated a consistent faith and confident trust in God and His Word.

They refused to accept any doubts about the future of Peace River Bible Institute.

They chose to act on the promise “Wait

(Watch) and see the Salvation (Victory) of the Lord” (Exodus 14:13), which does not mean standing by, hands in your pockets, yawning. It means, Watch expectantly for God to move, Obey and follow His Leading. He is Commander in Charge and the battle is His! He has a place for you; discover it. Stand firm, do your job and love God and His Word.

They also “understood the times.” The Peace River area was on the verge of a boom. Churches were growing, people were optimistic, and they believed wholeheartedly that the ministry of PRBI could, and would, prosper too.

Local alumni, some of whom were on the board, enthusiastically joined forces. It was important for the association as a unified body to be involved and they did so wholeheartedly.

They had the opportunity as well to be a catalyst group to encourage other alumni, friends and family in their home communities across the country to be involved in this vision. Active faith is energizing and contagious. We watched 7

it happen! There were many lifelong and taught, discipled and became followers faithful supporters of prayer and with of Christ. “For such a time as this”, God finances who were encouraged by this brought His choice of servants to be venture and who in turn encouraged us. stewards of the various needs of PRBI.

It was important to launch the Student enrolment increased project in a proper and well planned way. steadily and the pressure to quicken The board, alumni and staff gathered construction was apparent.

Major to determine which project should decisions and pressures were on the be initiated first. The gym won hands board, as they had the governance down. It would benefit the conference responsibility for the new campus. ministries, numerous We met frequently special events could to deal with the take place, and multiple needs that enhance musical were a part of the performances.

It increasing pressure. would also provide The harmony in the an indoor activity board, and our two center for students, Board Chaplains kept plus sports events us focused on God’s Wilf and May Johnson at the train station as a community Word and prayer; outreach; it proved many times over that times were very special. I remember the right decision had been made. well the comments “I feel more like we

As construction of the gym have been in a revival meeting, than in a progressed, we were shown the will to Board meeting” (Psalms 133). work, the spirit with which they worked Students and teachers willingly together, and their multiple skills. This put up with many inconveniences, but was the tone set for years to come. were an integral part of many projects Individual and group projects were to help alleviate financial pressures. professionally accomplished. May (my Students were great recruiters of future wife) hosted numerous harvest-size students in their own immediate families, work crews around our table and they cousins, friends and church connections. were always appreciative and expressed They came from BC to Ontario as well it. They were also very entertaining with as south of the border. There were new their jokes and banter between them. dorms, a music building, staff houses, Only God can repay all those many duplexes, a trailer park for the married sacrificial hours of work that was given students, and a large service quonset.

Earlier than expected, we had exceeded by all the volunteers.

The next building project 150 students. The Lord’s blessings have was the administration and dining been evident in the ministry of PRBI from area followed by the classroom and its inception almost 80 years ago.

It was my privilege and blessing chapel complex. Both proved to be an advantage for staff, teachers and to be a part of this forward move for the students as teaching and discipling glory of God on the campus of PRBI. could be accommodated. The goal of - Wilf Johnson PRBI was not an assortment of buildings, (President from 1967-1980) but an assortment of people, who were 8

Admissions “By faith…” are the words that echo through the lines of Hebrews 11 and leave undeniable traces of the goodness of God through the timeline of history. By faith Noah, Moses & Abraham ventured into unknown territory, following through on the Lord’s leading despite popular opinion and what seemed like a lack of common sense. We know the end of the story, but they did not.

If PRBI had a faith chapter it might include, “By faith the Board of PRBI built new facilities even though the dorms were nearly empty at the time…”

Those who have gone before have walked by faith, leaving us undeniable traces of the goodness of God through the timeline of PRBI’s history.

In Joshua 4 the Israelites cross the Jordan and Joshua instructs one man from each tribe to go back into the river and retrieve a large stone. There they built a memorial as a reminder for generations to come of the provision and faithfulness of the Lord in the midst of the humanly impossible.

Uncovering the reality of PRBI’s history, a number of “memory stones” are revealed. Our current gym, with its creaks and quirks is an undeniable reminder of the provision of God and the lives of those who walked by faith.

Sharing about the value of Bible College, we are faced with our own personal choice to walk by faith, while realizing that we are in opposition to popular opinion. Amidst the questioning of friends and family, students considering Bible College face a myriad of doubts. “Is Bible College valuable?” “Why not spend your money on a guaranteed career?”

We need you to partner with us as we seek to encourage young people towards lives as disciple-makers. Our desire is that they would be faithful to this calling on their lives. This isn’t about a campus brimming with students, promoting the name of PRBI, or a budget that allows for additions or activities. It is about partnering together in the call that each of us has as a follower of Jesus. In light of that, may all who come behind us find us faithful.

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)

January 20-28

Lethbridge, AB and area

Februay 2-9

Winnipeg, MB and area

March 21-31

Northern and Central BC

April 14-19

Central Alberta 9

New Gym Project A new gym? “About time,” is the most frequent response!

Remember the concrete floor, the low ceiling, or the small court? The McNaughton Auditorium (gymnasium) was built for a different time and has definitely fulfilled its purpose. Through PRBI’s current gym: 1. Young people came to know Jesus Christ at youth events; 2. Students were called into ministry and missions; 3. Many were trained and equipped to serve God effectively in their communities.

Though we have never allowed our limitations to keep us from serving, the challenge confronting PRBI revolves around training students to minister to others in adequate facilities. Youth events and sports remain as some of PRBI’s best areas to train students on how to minister to others and to put their faith into practice. Many who come for events like Water Balloon Mania or to play sports against our students do not know Jesus at all. What an opportunity!

Can you imagine what a college size gym would provide in regard to ministry training! Imagine how students could reach out to our community if we had a suitable fitness centre! Think of how many more young people we could impact at Water Balloon Mania!

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At this point, we are contemplating a full-size college gym with a fitness centre for three reasons: 1. A full court gym (95’ x 50’) would mean students could play home games which would provide opportunities to play and interact with guests who come on campus.

2. A fitness centre would welcome community people on campus and allow students to serve them.

3. A new gym better facilitates events like Water Balloon Mania which is currently restricted by the number of participants.

The new Gym will help facilitate a natural learning and training environment, to develop Christ-like character in our students and to help them capture a vision of how they are able to minister to each other and to reach others for Christ through the avenue of youth events, fitness activities, and sports.

Through the Board’s generosity and three outside donors, PRBI already has 1.2 million towards a new gym, either on hand or committed. An executor recently informed us that we are one of the beneficiaries of a large estate from an alumnus of the 1970s. The funds from the estate will be dispersed this coming summer, and when this happens, some

of the funds will be allocated to the new gymnasium. Depending on the amount allocated and including the funds already in place, these commitments and monies have the potential to take us two-thirds of the way towards completing the Gym project. We are still in the final design and engineering stage, so final costs are not determined. We are trying to keep the final cost to $3 million dollars.

Please pray with us as we walk through this process that we would achieve God’s best for PRBI.

We particularly want to acknowledge and thank two men who have taken time out of their busy schedules to assist PRBI in this, another venture of faith. Monte Heyn, with i4HomeDesign, who put together a conceptualized picture of what the

future gym could look like, and Jonathon Fulcher, who designed a blueprint from which planning can proceed. We appreciate their efforts and commitment to this project.

Les Derksen PRBI Board Chairman Les has served on the PRBI Board since 1987 and has been Board Chairman since 2006. He and his wife, Tina, have 4 children and 9 grandchildren with another one on the way.

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The Berwyn campus in 1934

A Look Back A Dangling Carrot

As I have spent some time reflecting this fall about PRBI’s 80 years of Holding Forth the Word of Life, something dawned on me about the year 1933, the year PRBI started. 1933 was arguably one of the most challenging years of the Great Depression. In 1933, Alberta workers were making 61% less than they were making 4 years prior,1 probably largely due to wheat prices dropping dramatically2 and the cost of cattle declining by 63%.3 Thirty percent of the labour force was laid off and Canada was in trouble.4 Which begs the question, who would choose to be a part of starting a Bible College in the Peace River region in 1933, during a tremendously meagre economic time?

I suppose it would take a person who was not fazed by the struggling economy, possibly with a burden from the Lord, and maybe, just maybe, someone a wee bit mischievous to scheme up a Bible college during the Great Depression. Someone perhaps like Mrs. Monge.

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Mrs. Monge did have a burden from the Lord. Her burden was for the young people in her community to receive the same kind of Bible training that she had received. She realized though that the young people just simply could not afford to go south to receive Bible training, so with great faith in one of the most challenging financial times that Canada has ever faced, she wrote a letter inviting the recipient to come north to start a Bible College.

Her letter was clearly from the Lord. It did not take long for God to send a young man by the name of Walter McNaughton who had just graduated from Prairie Bible Institute a few months prior. With little money in his pocket, Walter travelled north on his bicycle for 10 days in mid-October 1933 to start a Bible college, just a few days after he received the letter from Mrs. Monge.

Walter arrived in the Peace Region with 35 cents to his name – not even enough to pay for the hotel his first night in Berwyn. In Mrs. Monge’s

letter she informed Walter that there was a man who promised a 20-30 acre property, and a partially finished house to anyone who was willing to come start a Bible College. She knew full well that if anyone was going to come north during the Great Depression to start a Bible College there would need to be a dangling carrot so to speak. This acreage was of course the carrot.

Upon arriving in the Peace Region, Walter, not being a man to let the grass grow under his feet, went straight to the acreage, which was to his surprise, occupied. The owner said that he did not think that anyone was going to come and start a Bible College this late in the year so he rented it out for the winter. The carrot was gone.

Years later the mischievous Mrs. Monge told Walter that she was pretty sure the acreage would never work out but she dangled the carrot anyway. She knew that if Walter came, the Lord would look after him.5 Walter quick-wittedly replied to Mrs. Monge by saying, “Mrs. Monge, you should be spanked!” 6 But Walter did agree with her that the Lord had led, and he recognized that he would have never travelled north without that kind of promise.7

Of course, the Lord was not fazed by the availability of the acreage falling through. Incredibly, He provided something else. “A large, 13-room house was miraculously made available at almost no cost, and became the first place that classes were held.”8 PRBI was born. Born even during the Great Depression – 1933. What a miracle.

Throughout our 80 years as a college God has faithfully provided every step of the way – mostly through His people. PRBI has been able to keep its doors open because of faithful men and women of all ages giving generously

and sacrificially to the vision of making disciples. Friends of PRBI have literally given 10’s of millions of dollars these past 80 years and have invested into thousands of young people which was Mrs. Monge’s burden from the start and continues to be our burden today. We would like to invite you to partner with us as we invest in the next generation.

Each year we trust the Lord to provide upwards of $600,000 for our operating expenses. Please consider partnering with us financially as we continue to train students, Lord willing, thousands more in the next 80 years!

Jeremy Johnston Assistant Director of Development Jeremy (g ‘09) 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 two years and have a six month old son.

[1] Rowell-Sirois Report, Book 1, Canada: 1868-1939, 150.

[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Depression_ in_Canada [3] http://www.therecord.com/opinion-story/ 2628477-the-great-depression-hit-canada-thehardest/ [4] http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/ article/great-depression/ [5] Source material - With Sails on His Bike – page 9 [6] Ibid.

[7] Ibid.

[8] How it all began brochure - PRBI

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College News Global Ministries Conference

Past - PRBI Conferences have blessed the Peace Region since the beginning years of the college. This picture shows what a Conference would have looked like in the early years (1940-60’s). We are thankful for all who have attended over the years.

Conference at PRBI in the 1950’s

Present - This year’s Global Ministries Conference kicked off the start of our 80th year Celebrations (which will culminate at the Conference this fall). It was a blessing to hear about what God is doing around the world through the 28 agencies that visited our campus.

Our speaker was Sunder Krishnan. His incredibly practical messages inspired us to action. His messages on Intercessory prayer & Financing the Great Commission were particularly encouraging. If you were not able to attend the Conference, but would still like to listen to the keynote sessions, go to http://sermon.net/prbi and select one of Sunder’s messages from the side panel.

Global Ministries Conference at PRBI in 2013

We again invited a number of ethnic people to represent their home countries at our Global Village. It was a wonderful reminder of how God has created us all with such variety. We trust that those who attended the Global Village were reminded that the Lord’s heart is for all nations!

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Tour Teams

Past - PRBI Tour Teams have been used to train students for ministry ever since the ‘30s. Do you recognize any current Faculty in these two photos of Chorale? How about a Board Member? Answers on bottom of page 16

Chorale, 1987-1988

Chorale, 1995-1996

Present - We are very grateful this year that we are able to have two Declare Tour Teams on the road. Having two teams will enable us to visit far more churches and will give us a stronger voice to communicate the value of a PRBI education to young people and their parents.

Declare: Music Team

Declare: Drama Team

The Declare Teams primarily minister to youth groups but are open to other venues as well. If you are interested in hosting one of our teams, please email jjohnston@prbi.edu or call the college (780-568-3962) and ask for Jeremy.

Mission Teams

Past - PRBI Mission Teams have been going out for decades. This picture shows the 1974 PRBI “Task Force” team going out with SIM to Ethiopia. Two of our current Board members, Les Derksen and Ed Hildebrand, served on this team.

Mary Benvie, Donald Congo, Les Derksen, Ralph Dawson, Ed Hildebrand

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Present - This August, we are looking forward to sending a team of our students to the Ntcheu district of Malawi for a three-week mission trip. Partnering with ACTION International, the students will be preparing by taking a one credit practicum course throughout the second semester. Serving the village churches, their ministry will involve youth programs, children’s programs, church presentations, and village visitation to distribute blankets and food gifts to the poor. This will be a significant opportunity for the team to see God working in and through them, in one of the neediest countries of Africa! Please pray for the team as 2014 Malawi Missions Team they prepare and raise their support.

Extension Ministries

Past - The tradition of extension ministries have been a large part of our history. Of course the extension ministry PRBI is most well-known for is the radio program which ran for over 50 years – at the time it was the longest running radio program in Alberta.

The Prison Ministry Team has also been a longstanding team sent out by the college.

Here you see a team from the ‘80s and our current team today.

Prison Ministry team in 1989

Aaron Goertz working at the radio station

Prison Ministry team in 2013

Present - Today, we continue to look for opportunities to do extension ministries in area churches. We are available to come share about PRBI, present a sermon, and/or conduct a workshop or seminar. If you are interested in having a Team Member come to your church, please email jjohnston@prbi.edu or call the college (780-568-3962) and ask for Jeremy.

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Answers: 1988 - Brad Cowie (front row, second from right) 1996 - John Bell (back row, fourth from right) and Alex Worries (back row, fourth from left)

80th Year Weekend 80 years calls for celebration! Mark it on your calendars to come and celebrate with us (October 16-18, 2014) in conjunction with Global Ministries Conference.

This weekend will be a time of remembering God’s goodness and work in our lives, encouraging one another in our spiritual walks, and reconnecting with old friends.

We are having Decade Reunions for this event. Help make your reunion meaningful by contacting other alumni and encouraging them to come.

On Facebook, we have created events for each decade. Go to the PRBI Facebook page and click on “Events” to find your decade reunion. Please indicate if you are coming by clicking “Join” on the events page. After you have joined, please click “Invite Friends” and ask other alumni to attend. You can track who is all coming by watching the Events page!

If you have any questions or would like more information, please email jjohnston@ prbi.edu or call the college (780-568-3962) and ask for Jeremy. If you have ideas or would like to be part of the Planning Committee, please contact us!

Let’s make this event a truly glorifying event that uplifts the Name of Jesus Christ!

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PRBI students playing volleyball ca. 1955

Athletic Department Discipleship Through Sports

Earlier this semester our president, Waldie Neufeld, led our student body in a chapel where we walked down memory lane and learned about the origin and history of Peace River Bible Institute. In his PowerPoint presentation a sports picture from the mid-’50s appeared on the screen. We saw a group of PRBI students, outside in the frigid northern Alberta winter, playing a game of volleyball on a court of frozen ice and mud. Despite the absence of an indoor facility for these students to play in, they were playing outside in less than ideal circumstances, because for them, engaging with each other through sports was more important than the weather conditions. I am sure it was an exciting day when our students moved from the icy outdoor volleyball court and into a new gym facility in the early 1970’s.

Fast forward to today, and I would say with great certainty that the importance of playing sports for our students remains incredibly high. This 18

year, 53% of our students play on one of our school teams. This alone speaks volumes to the value that our students place on playing sports. The high value in sports is not solely reflective of what each sport is, but more on what the sport represents. For our students, sports represents camaraderie, dedication, and persistence. It is a means in which encouragement and spurring each other on happens. Sports builds in our students a strong work ethic rooted in accountability and genuine team work.

It brings about opportunities to deal with successes and failures. It allows our students the opportunity to represent Christ to our competitors and reveals our true character, as together we walk, run, or skate towards Christ-likeness. Sports at PRBI isn’t just about “draining a three pointer” or spiking a volleyball. It is about the challenge of learning and growing in Christ, together. For our students, sports has been and will continue to be, an integral part of building disciples of Christ.

Much like the students we see in the mid-’50s picture, we find our current students playing sports in a less than ideal facility. With the condition of our current gym and fitness facility, we find ourselves limited to which sports related activities can be offered to our students.

So the news of a proposal for a new gym and fitness centre breathes new life into a guy like me. I want nothing more than to see our students grow in their relationship with Jesus and others, and I believe that a new gym and fitness centre will fuel this. The new gym would allow for our school teams to host practices, games, and tournaments which due to our current non-regulation size gym we cannot currently do. It would also revitalize the way we do intramurals, and would allow us to invite community people to use our fitness centre, which will give our students new opportunities to reach out to our community.

As a school we are dedicated to building disciples. Please continue to pray for and support us as we seek to use sports as a tool to disciple each other, as well as serve and impact our community for Christ.

Shane Dell Dean of Men, Sports Director Shane (g ‘08) has served at PRBI as Dean of Men since 2012. He is married to Danni (ug ‘08) and they are excited for the birth of their first child in February.

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eView: March 6-8, 2014

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Financial Update

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Student Spotlight Few things can be as intimidating as the able to look back and see how God has unknowns of the future. Where will I worked in the lives of other people. live? What will I do? Am I prepared for Years before I was born both my dad the challenges ahead? Since I am in the (Gary Semenyna) and my uncle (Richard Semenyna) came to midst of my final year PRBI. Both of them at PRBI, the future is spent time here, as something that has students and on staff. been on my mind a Hearing about how lot. I am the kind of God used their time person who likes to at PRBI to direct their know exactly what lives and ministries is going to happen. encourages me that I was “that kid” who Gary and Richard Semenyna He will do the same asked, “where are we going” every time I stepped foot in a for me. I may not know the details of the vehicle. This mentality has stuck with me future, but I know the God that does, and and I have been challenged to change in Him I will put my trust and live by faith. both by God and others. My discipler directed me to Gal. 2:20 and challenged me with what it means to “live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and died for me.” The fact that Jesus Christ loves me and has died for me enables me to Caleb Semenyna trust Him and the plans He has for me.

4th Year BRE Pastoral Studies

Something else that has encouraged me to live by faith is being

Circle of Friends Friday, January 31, 2014

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Alumni & Staff News BIRTHS

BURLET, Dustin (g ‘07, Staff, ‘11-present) and Rebecca are pleased to announce the birth of Ezra Elias Allan Burlet, a brother for Malachi, born November 14, 2013, at 8:27 A.M. Ezra stretches to 20” and weighs in at 7lbs 5 oz. “We are thankful to have this new addition to our family and are looking forward to the challenges and joys that will come with corralling the energy of two young boys. Many thanks to all who have supported us at this time. It is much appreciated!”

GAO, Alex & Carissa (nee: Clendining, g ‘08) are excited to welcome their little Canasian (Canadian and Asian) baby girl, Brooke Nichole Ruke Gao, born on August 16, 2013. After graduating from PRBI, Carissa spent two years doing mission work in Ireland where she met Alex. They were married in 2010 and then spent a year in China where Carissa got to know Alex’s family and culture. They now live in Surrey, British Columbia, where Alex works as a finance manager, and Carissa as a busy wife and mom. They are also involved in their church working with the junior youth, helping on the music team, and opening their home for hospitality.

JANSEN, Aaron (ug ‘05) & Tanya are pleased to announce the birth of their second son, Connor Matthew Jansen, born October 27, 2012. He weighed 8 lbs and was 20 1/4” long. “His big blue eyes sparkle every time he sees his dad and big brother. We love him, and his older brother Logan, so very much and are so blessed to have them in our lives.” Aaron is currently an inventory manager at Home Hardware and Tanya is an LPN at the local hospital. They are currently living in Watrous, Saskatchewan, and say that they love watching the sunset from their living room.

“Having spent a year at PRBI has always been great to look back on for the fond memories, and (the) firm foundation in faith that Aaron was able to learn.”

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POTTER, Luke (g ‘05) and Kate (nee: Jahnke, g ‘02, Staff, ‘03-present) are excited to announce the arrival of their little man, Jude William Potter. He was born on October 1, 2013 in Grande Prairie, AB. He weighed in at 8lbs 8oz and was 21” long. In addition to now being parents, Luke continues to work as the Associate Pastor at Webster Community Church, leading the areas of youth and music. Kate will be back in her role as Registrar at PRBI once she is finished her maternity leave in January.

UPDATES

BARKMAN, Caleb (g ‘08) & Bobbi (nee: Dzuba, g ‘07) We have been enjoying the incredible journey God has taken us on in these last 6 1/2 years since being married.

He has blessed us with our two beautiful sons, Ryler (born July 20, 2009) and Kenan (born March 30, 2012). Caleb is into his 6th year as the Youth and Young Adults Pastor at the Grande Prairie Alliance Church in Grande Prairie, Alberta, and Bobbi is loving her role as a stay at home Mom and helper in Caleb’s ministry.

We are so thankful for the Biblical teaching, friendships, and mentoring we received while attending PRBI. It has undoubtedly helped us build a solid marriage, family life, and ministry; all on the firm foundation of Christ. We praise God for the role PRBI has played in our lives, for how He is still growing and stretching us, and we pray for the current students at PRBI that their experience will be impactful on their lives as well.

GERBER, Darrell (Staff, ‘95-present, Medical Leave) In August I was informed that the drug I had been taking for 13 months was probably not going to work much longer and was already showing signs of slowing down. The only recommendation was to try a new drug, which was in its second phase of trials. I had to make a quick decision and with a fair degree of uncertainty joined the trial.

The change had a very negative effect on my body as I was without any medication for a week - a short time it seems, yet it showed how much impact the tumors in my liver were having on my body. It took quite a while for the new medication to overcome the issues, and brought with it its own set of side effects. However, last week (early November) the CT scan showed that not only were the tumors shrinking, but they were less dense as well. As well, there has been no spread of the cancer anywhere else.

We praise the Lord for this result. It has been busy with trips to Edmonton for treatments, dealing with nausea, and fatigue. However, we continue to trust the Lord for His many blessings, and marvel, as I celebrate another birthday, that he has carried me through the last four years so well. Thank you all for your prayers and gifts. You have truly been His instrument of encouragement in our lives.

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WEDDINGS

POWELL, Shane (g ‘12) & Alana (nee: Purdey, g ‘10) were married on May 27, 2013, in Kamloops, British Columbia.

After getting married we spent the majority of the summer in Ontario volunteering at two different Bible camps. Since then we have put more than 10, 000 km on our car, travelling back and forth between British Columbia and Ontario. We have since settled into an apartment in Sexsmith, Alberta, and are volunteering with a church plant in Grande Prairie, Alberta. We look forward to seeing where God will use us in the future.

WITH THE LORD

FRIEBEL, Helen (Pre-deceased by husband Reinhard Friebel) Helen Luella was born on February 27, 1922, in the small town of Bazine, Kansas. Helen began her personal relationship with the Lord at age 12. During High School Helen knew she wanted to be a missionary to India. She went on to attend Prairie Bible Institute and graduated in 1944. January 31, 1948, she arrived in India under the India Mission agency. It was while she was there that she met and married Reinhard Friebel.

Reinhard was a former PRBI staff, teaching from 1939-41 and 1945-46. They had three children, Dorothy, Gordon, and Steven. (Two of their grandchildren, Daniel Friebel, and Jonathan Friebel attended PRBI.) After many faithful years of service in India, they returned to Canada for their retirement years. After Reinhard’s passing in November 2010, Helen moved to Three Hills, Alberta, to be closer to family. Helen went to be with her Lord on September 10, 2013.

Youth Rally March 7

PRBI at 7 p.m.

Worship ~ Message ~ Friday Night Live ~ Ice Cream ~ Skating Open to youth grade 7 and up Contact: sford@prbi.edu

Coming Events January 13-15 Camp Days January 31 Circle of Friends March 6-8 eView April 12 Graduation Ceremony October 16-18 80 Year Celebration Weekend and Global Ministries Conference th

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