H o l d i n g F o r t h t h e W o r d o f L i f e

F a l l 2 0 1 3

TrumpetCelebrating 80 Years:

The Early Years

President’s MessageFaithful Obedience Waldie Neufeld1

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.

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.

FacultyMessageWhy Bother with History? Kim Cairns4

Alumni CornerDiscipleship can Happen AnywhereRalph Gardner16

About PRBI

In This Issue

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

What’s in a call? Abraham received his call later in life and only saw part of the fulfillment of the call in the birth of his son twenty-five years later. He did not see the fulfillment of the nation, nor how his name would become great. Though Abraham had his moments, the author of Hebrews highly commended Abraham for his faithful obedience and pointed out that Abraham kept his eyes (faith) focused on the city above (Heb 11:10). In writing about this kind of faithful behavior, Peterson so eloquently called it, “A long obedience in the same direction.”1 From Abraham’s life, we quickly realize that a call involves faithful obedience over a long period of time. When we reflect on 80 years, PRBI is checkered with lives that have walked in the same direction a long time. Most likely, the first one that comes to

mind is Walter McNaughton, the founder of the College, who received a call to come North to the Peace River Country in the middle of the night.2 He had prayed and fasted for an answer from God as to what he should do and on the appointed night received a letter from Mrs. Monge to start a Bible school in the Peace River Country. His first thought was, “I can’t do

it.”3 But his step of faith coupled with Mrs. Hattie Monge’s dream produced Peace River Bible Institute. Further, Mr. McNaughton

stepped into the President role three different times as he was needed. Definitely, a long obedience in the same direction! Mrs. Monge’s dream of solid Bible study to meet the need in young people’s lives coupled with Mr. McNaughton’s passion for evangelism, vacation Bible school, and holding Bible meetings4 was

“From Abraham’s life, we quickly realize that a call

involves faithful obedience over a long period of time.”

President’s Message“Holding Forth the Word of Life” (Phil. 2:16)

Celebrating 80 Years: Faithful Obedience

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

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the perfect storm required to spawn a Bible school. Vision and passion meet to produce the vehicle to answer the need in young people’s lives. But we would be amiss, if we didn’t mention the litany of others who were involved. One needs to only reflect on others like Ruarks, Warrens, Baliskys, Emersons, Mastersons, Goertzs, Johnsons, Penners, Throness, Peters, Wiebes, Kvills, and Browns to realize how many people are involved in this long obedience in the right direction. But most of all, what rises to the surface is the God behind the call of obedience. Just as God faithfully provided for Abraham, God has faithfully provided for the various needs of PRBI. He who birthed a vision and passion also sustained that vision through the many years. From providing a home in Sexsmith, He has taken care

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 today as well! Who would have guessed that a small Bible School begun in the far north would have such a far reaching

effect! Only God is able to do this!! The call to start a Bible school by Mrs. Monge was based on a need in young people to both know

God, making their faith their own, and equipping them to go out to be a light in this dark world. Ironically, this same need, knowing God and making Him known, has not changed. There continues to be a huge need to make disciples today, even as it was when Mrs. Monge and Mr. McNaughton collaborated in establishing a new Bible school in the

North. God continues to call disciple-makers forward to train the next generation (Matt 28:18-20; 2 Tim 2:2), in godliness and righteousness (1 Tim 4:7b; 2Tim 3:16). This

falls in line with Jesus’ call to be salt and light in the world (Matt 5:13-14).

“God continues to call disciple-makers

forward to train the next generation, in godliness

and righteouness.”

Walter McNaughton on left

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“ . . . what rises to the surface is the God behind the call of

obedience.”

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 disciple-making 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, PhDPresident

[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.

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.

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Staff and Students in 1952

At the end of 2012 it was estimated that there were 6.8 billion cell phone subscribers in the world. That is nearly one cell phone for every person on the planet. In addition almost 40% of the world’s population is online.1 We live in an instant world that has an insatiable appetite for current and up-to-date news and information. With this “progress” in technology has come an increasing demand for us to focus on the present so that we will not be left behind in the future. With current demands and future expectations why bother with the past? PRBI is approaching its 80th year and with the demands of the present and the challenges of the future should we take time to reflect upon our history? Anyone who is a history buff will certainly advocate that we should take time to reminisce and reflect. Others may not be as convinced and may be more inclined to leave the past behind

and press on to that which is ahead. PRBI holds many memories for many people but reminiscing about precious memories is not sufficient reason to reflect on the past. I believe there are more compelling reasons to reflect on history. The most compelling reason in my opinion is found in Scripture. To take the time to reflect deeply on history has been and must continue to be the practice of godly people. The call to reflect on history is sprinkled throughout the Old Testament. In Deuteronomy 6:20-25 Moses challenges the people of Israel to be ready to pass on their history to the next generation, lest they forget God’s

intervention on their behalf. Many Psalms (106, 136 to name a couple) recount the history of the people of Israel and these

historical summaries serve both as a warning, i.e., what not to repeat, and as a way of celebrating the power

“To take the time to reflect deeply on history has been

and must continue to be the practice of godly people.”

Faculty MessageWhy Bother with History?

PRBI Campus ca. 1955

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and provision of God. Certainly one could argue from the Old Testament why studying history is not only important but imperative. But, for me a more compelling reason for reflecting on the past is found at the heart of the gospel message. Just prior to Jesus’ crucifixion He instituted the Lord’s Supper. At the very core of this event, according to the Scriptures, is the call to remember (Luke 22:19). The Lord’s Supper was established by Christ in the context of the Passover meal which in and of itself was a call to Jewish believers to stop and reflect upon Yahweh’s intervention in their history. Building on this Old Testament tradition Jesus initiated an ordinance for His disciples and the church: a continued practice which calls all followers of Christ to remember and reflect on history. The principle of reflecting on the past is rooted in the gospel and it is this principle that compels us to reflect on other aspects of our history. The act of remembering involves careful reflection and examination of our present in the context of our past (I Cor. 11:23-32). In terms of a sinner and the gospel this is critical. If we only live in the present, if we simply try to contend with our ongoing sinfulness, we are people without hope. The act of remembrance Jesus introduced includes a present, past and future aspect. We begin with an acknowledgement of where we are at in the present but then move to reflection on the past which is the only true gateway to a hope filled future. As we reflect upon the past we are reminded of what God has done in a past event (salvation), but even more than that,

how His past act is impacting us in the present (forgiveness) and leading us into our future (victory). A side benefit of this act of reflection is that it helps us develop critical thinking skills which are vital in order to meet the demands of the present as well as the challenges of the future. We are reminded that the past is always tied to the present. To not tie the past to the present leaves us with only “fond reminiscing” which is of little value. In the act of remembrance we are humbled by the knowledge that without God acting in history we really can’t experience fulfillment in the present and neither do we have any basis of hope for the future. How might this relate to PRBI’s 80th anniversary celebrations? In taking time to intentionally reflect on our history, the present community that identifies with PRBI, including staff, board members, alumni and supporters is reminded that we did not arrive at our present circumstances merely by our own efforts. As we review our past it will become clear that apart from God we really have nothing to celebrate and without Him we have no real basis for a future. It is essential that we look critically at the past to identify God’s fingerprints on the development of

the college. It will lead us to a greater trust in Him and it will help us direct credit to the right place. Intentionally focusing on the past with

the purpose of influencing the present and the future will lead us into a fruitful experience rather than simply having a “good old days” celebration. In Jesus’ call to remember it is important to note that it was given to a community (His disciples) and it was to be practiced when the community of

“To not tie the past to the present leaves us with only ‘fond reminiscing’ which is

of little value.”

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believers came together (I Cor. 11:33). Our communion is not only with Christ but with His body the Church; it is not only with the present fellowship of believers but also with those who have gone on before us. The writer of Hebrews exhorts that we can confidently move ahead into our future because we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses that have

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

from studying how they faced their demands. Second, the challenges and

the uncertainties of our future are comparable with the challenges faced in years past. Our faith

can be strengthened as we listen to the faith stories of those who came before us. Finally, the God who carried PRBI in the past is the same God who carries us 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!

Kim CairnsAcademic Dean

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

“ . . . if we take time to study our history we might be sur-

prised and assured to see that many things remain the same”

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.

PRBI Campus in 2010

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Development NewsLast 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 JohnstonAssistant 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.

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

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

Health Update on Darrell Gerber

AdmissionsPreviously, 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 disciple-makers 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 FordAdmissions 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!

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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 or1-800-959-PRBI (7724)

September 20 - October 5Central AB & Central and Northern SK

October 16–20Barrhead, AB & Westlock, AB and area

November 1-10Edmonton, AB & North Eastern AB

November 8-15British Columbia’s lower mainland

A Bible College for Life

Men’s DormThis 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 ReynoldsDirector 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.

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

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

Summer Projects

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Financial Report

Income Annual % of Budget

Revenue To Date Budget To Date

Student Fees & Other Programs 1,039,527 1,031,850 101%

Sales & Non-Program Fees & Services 28,979 27,300 106%

Donations - Undesignated 602,752 524,000 115%

Donations - Designated 163,662 48,000 [2] 341%

Interest Income 9,770 7,000 140%

Rental Income 195,678 190,000 103%

Total Revenue 2,040,368 1,828,150 112%

Expenses Annual % of Budget

Expenses To Date Budget To Date

Administration 228,229 245,145 93%

Bad Debt Expense 2,660 -

Food Services 210,817 219,512 96%

Insurance 86,066 84,825 101%

Interest 1,582 1,250 127%

Professional Fees 13,662 13,159 104%

Program Costs 635,906 648,832 98%

Promotion & Development 262,967 269,159 98%

Property Leases 28,800 28,800 100%

Municipal Tax 24,090 15,683 154%

Admissions 120,346 136,956 88%

Repairs & Maintenance 139,460 111,837 125%

Scholarships & Bursaries 147,984 33,000 [2] 448%

Special Projects 24,190 -

Utilities 122,579 116,893 105%

Total Expenses 2,049,337 1,925,049 106%

Net Income (Loss) (8,969) (96,899)

Mortgage Payments (48,000) (48,000)

Adjusted Balance (56,969) (144,899)

Amortization (booked at year end) 102,439 [3]

Donations - Campus Development 426,470 [3]

Expenditures - Campus Development 92,513 [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

Peace River Bible Institute

Statement of Operations and Budget - Unaudited [1]

July 2012 - June 2013

PRBI Team Members

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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 OnThank 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 InWelcome Rebekah Brisbin (Kitchen),

Emma Hanet (Graphics), Beth Reynolds (Interim Registrar),

Meadow Teele (Resident Director), and Justin Worthington (Resident

Director) to the PRBI Team.

Board UpdateOur Corporate Board, which is composed of twenty some members, annually selects eight people to sit on our Board of Directors. This smaller Board grants oversight through policies, planning and praying for the College. This Board meets quarterly to hear what is occurring on campus and to set policies for moving forward and giving ongoing wisdom to the College. This year we have one member stepping off and one member coming onto the Board of Directors. Tom Warner is moving off the Board of Directors but will stay on the Corporate Board. We definitely appreciate how Tom guided us through our necessary bylaws merger and update, with the assistance of two others. We had two bylaw

manuals and now we have one coherent whole, for which we are thankful. Our new member joining us this year is Travis Toews from Beaverlodge.

Travis and Kim come with some wide experience in running a ranch and an oil field business. He also has sat on and chaired the National Cattlemen’s Association. Thank you for coming on board. The other members of the Board of Directors, all from Alberta, are as follows: Terry Balisky, Sexsmith;

Abe Braun, Grande Prairie; Les Derksen, Sexsmith; Dennis Landis, Wembley; Graham Plett, Grande Prairie; Richard Smith, Hythe; and Don Warkentin, Debolt. May the Lord bless their leadership through another year.

The PRBI Board in 1982Back: 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

Travis and Kim Toews

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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 PotterRegistrar

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.

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.

Mission Teams

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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 d i s c i p l e s h i p 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

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

Alumni Corner

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and dysfunctional belief systems and patterns. It is amazing what a few punches will do! As aspects of our student’s lives became transparent to us, we began to pray for them and waited for God to open doors for us to speak into their lives His truth and the message of the Gospel. As we began to disciple at the gym, some students accepted Jesus as their Lord and even joined the church that I am pastoring. 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

gym. PRBI gave me useful tools in understanding how people function,

and taught me how to meet people where they are at with compassion, love, and truth. It

also taught me that I can disciple anyone wherever I go. I am thankful for how PRBI prepared me for life and ministry.

Ralph Gardner (ug ‘08) Associate Pastor

Pathway Christian Communities

eView: March 6-8, 2014

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It is amazing how God can use anyone, in any job, to make a

difference for His Kingdom.

BIRTHSJOHNSTON, 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.

Alumni News

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WEDDINGSGARCIA, 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!!”

NEWSSCHMIDT, 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 LORDBOSCHMAN, 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.

Friday, January 31, 2014

Circle of Friends

October 3-5, 2013Global Ministries Conference

January 13-15, 2014Camp Days

January 31, 2014Circle of Friends

March 6-8, 2014eView

April 12, 2014Graduation Ceremony

October 16-18, 2014Celebrating 80 Years

Coming Events

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Peace River Bible InstituteBox 99, Sexsmith, AB T0H 3C0