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MARK YOUR CALENDARYouth Workers’ Conference — October 26-27Fall Fundraising Dinner — October 27Educators’ Conference — November 3

COLUMBIA CONTACT Fall 2012

Tel. 604.853.3358 | Fax. 604.853.3063 | Toll Free. 1.800.283.0881 | Email. info@columbiabc.edu | columbiabc.edu

Columbia Bible College 2940 Clearbrook Road | Abbotsford BC | V2T 2Z8

CLEAR FAITH

IN A CONFUSING

WORLD

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Clear Faith in a Confusing WorldRON PENNERPresident

You can only stand on one foot for so long. This was a physical way of describing how people function in times of uncertainty or crisis that I learned in Crisis Management Theory. We are wired to need a certain degree of clarity or certainty in our lives. In crisis situations that clarity is “Do I run or stay?” In key life decisions, we can only live with indecisiveness so long; then something or someone else decides for us. In values and faith areas, we also need to settle some key questions and issues for ourselves, like “Do I believe there is a God, or life beyond this one?”

The challenge for young adults to clarify their own faith alongside that of their parents or “tribe” has always been there. Whether one is Christian or Muslim, young adults all go through a stage of evaluating whether or not the faith makes sense to them and whether to commit their adult lives to it.

Today’s world heightens the challenge in that our communities’ diverse populations and instant global news capabilities bring faith diversity into our daily world. We now see and meet people who visibly demonstrate other faiths; we hear news of people representing various faiths or theologies on an hourly basis on CNN or Google News. Increasingly “multi” is the prefix to many things, including multi-faith and suggests that many things are essentially equal.

So, today’s population is faced with choosing a clear faith in a confusing world.

One of the key contributions that Columbia offers is to work through one’s faith options and test the validity of the Christian faith. It is very important to us that people have the opportunity to choose that clear faith in the context of a community which provides objective information yet also affirms the believability and trustworthiness of Christian faith.

We want to see people who have a clear faith and the confidence to live with conviction.

“You

can only

stand

on one

foot

for so

long...”

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Jesus said, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matt. 7:24).

As our world has shrunk due to travel and technology, all of us have been forced to navigate the often confusing road of incredibly fast-paced change. We at Columbia are faced with the same reality – students are often coming to us with a far different mindset than was experienced in the past. Raised in our postmodern world of religious pluralism (all faiths are equally valid) and moral relativism (ethics are determined on the basis of what works best for the individual), many arrive at college questioning any and all previous assumptions.

As I have considered our task as a Bible College, it has become increasingly clear that we need to empower our students to not only ask the critical questions of faith and life, but also to respond to those questions with clarity, conviction and commitment. We all need a place upon which to stand, and three of the most vital issues to be addressed deal with Jesus, the Bible and the church.

First, who is Jesus, and do we know him? In our culture, Jesus is still pretty popular. As long as Jesus helps us, and doesn’t challenge our lifestyle, we’re on good terms with him. But in a society which values tolerance and inclusivity, his claim to be the only way to God the Father (John 14:6) offends many. The challenge for us is to ensure that our students come

face to face with Jesus as he really is – the Lord of all creation, and redeemer of the world. Jesus saves, but he also calls each one of us to follow him in his mission of reconciliation and restoration.

A second critical question needing a response deals with Scripture. Is the Bible true, and can we trust it? Today we find many struggling with a loss of confidence in the authority of Scripture, embarrassed by the Bible’s political incorrectness. Interpreting, understanding and applying God’s Word is foundational in a world where nothing seems sure to last. God is revealed pre-eminently in Christ, but also secondarily through His Word. Those who set aside the stone of God’s Word quickly lose their connection to the story which gives our lives and our world meaning.

Finally, we must consider the role of the church, and its place in the mission of God. Here is another aspect of the Christian life that many would like to abandon. Too many Christians today claim to love Jesus and his Word, and yet feel the church is unnecessary. They’re asking, “Is the church really important?” We need to recover the conviction that God’s primary instrument for his mission in the world is the local church. The church exists for the purpose of joining with God in his determination to transform the world and redeem humanity.

David Bosch, a South African theologian, coined a motto apt for our time: “Mission in bold humility.” As followers of Jesus, we humbly serve as bold witnesses of Christ the Lord wherever in the world he places us. We have a Rock upon whom we can confidently stand.

For further reading refer to The Reason For God by Timothy Keller.

... we need to empower our students to not only ask the critical questions of faith and life, but also to respond to those questions with clarity, conviction and commitment.

Finding a Rock to Stand OnBRYAN BORNDirector of Intercultural Studies and President Nominee

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DAVE WIEBE Dave attended CBC from 1991-1993. My wife Sharon and our three children live in Mission, BC. Macey (8 years) recently chose

to earn $20 through pulling dandelions and other chores so she could give it to a family we know that is in need. Rahul (10 years) has taken a real liking to protecting the net as goalie in road hockey. Riley (12 years) has fallen in love with rock climbing like her dad. Sharon and I have worked with Youth for Christ (Youth Unlimited) in the Abbotsford/Mission area since finishing Bible College almost 2 decades ago! Through YFC, Sharon directs the Jester’s Theatre and together we run Youth and Parent Adventure Retreats. I also director Abbotsford YFC. (www.youthunlimited.com/davewiebe)

JARED WHITE

Jared is a BA Graduate in Biblical Studies from 1999-2003. Jared continues his work Abbotsford Right to Life and he and Shannon had their third child in December 2011 — children are Joshua (6), Adalia (4) and Caris (7 months).

HEATHER (ARNEY) REED Since graduating from CBC in 2006 with a BA in Youth Work, I spent several years living in Fresno, California. The first year, I was an Intern with Fresno Institute for Urban Leadership’s “Pink House” program, working in an after school program, and learning about God’s heart for the poor, racial

reconciliation, and community development. For several years following that, I was a caseworker for children with special needs. While in Fresno, I met and married my amazing husband, Tim Reed (on October 16, 2011). My husband is from Maine, and most of his extended family live there, so in June 2012, we left our California life, took a precarious and adventurous road trip across country driving a big U-Haul van, and moved to Maine, to be near family, and enjoy New England Life. I am currently working as a Home Visitor in a Behavioral Health program, and my husband Tim is in marketing.

GARTH & PEGGY (LEE) KLASSEN Garth graduated from what was then Columbia Bible Institute in 1977 (2 year diploma) and in 1978 (3rd year studies) and went on to complete a B.Ed. at the U of Winnipeg. He married Debbie (Hildebrand) in 1981 and taught public high school for 6 years before completing a M.A. (New Testament) at M.B. Biblical Seminary in Fresno, CA. Garth then pastored for several years in Winnipeg, before moving with his family to Abbotsford, where he served as Dean of Students at Columbia from 1992-98. Debbie taught piano at CBC for many years. Since 1998, Garth has taught Bible and Math at Mennonite Educational Institute in Abbotsford. He and Debbie had 3 sons, Brendon, Jared and Lucas (Brendon married Janelle and they have a son, Jonah). Jared is a CBC grad of 2011. From 2007-09 Debbie fought cancer before passing on to be with the Lord. In 2011 Garth

remarried, to Peggy, who is a clinical resource nurse in Abbotsford. They enjoy their adult kids, and being grandparents. “My years at Columbia were some of the most formative years of my life, spiritually and otherwise, and I treasure them to this day,” says Garth.

CINDY FUNK Cindy graduated from CBC in 1986 with a BRE in Christian Education. I live near Winkler, MB with my husband Rey Funk whom I married March 12, 2011 and I’m now working as a Psychosocial Clinician, with cancer patients in the Southern Regional Health Authority region. I’m now 4 years cancer free! With this new job for me, we are planning to start building our new home in March 2013.

SHIRLEY ESAU New Appointment Admin. Assistant to Development

It has been my privilege to be a part of the Columbia team since 1996. I’ve served in a variety of capacities most recently as Director of Parent and Alumni

Relations. I have decided to step aside somewhat from the Alumni role to assist in the Development Department, however I will continue to have some involvement in parent relations. You can still reach me by e-mail and phone … or just drop in to say “hi”!

Feel free to contact me anytime!

Columbia Alumni

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?How many of the chorale can you name? Be the first to email Shirley with their names (in the standing order) to win a $50 gift card from Starbuck’s. The winner will be announced on Alumni FB page.Send your list of names by email to Shirley.Esau@columbiabc.edu.

from our experienced guides will be missed even if you step away from the group to take that perfect picture. This will be no ordinary tour as you experience the land with your eyes and ears as well as your legs!

This trip-of-a-lifetime will provide you with the opportunity to experience the land, the people, and the history that was the setting for the revelation of God to His creation -- the land of our Bible. This adventure will certainly bring the Bible to life as you never imagined. Join us May 13 - 25, 2013. For details and complete itinerary go to the Columbia website at www.columbiabc.edu/globequest.

Israel is more than a place to visit — it’s a land that must be experienced! GlobeQuest offers travellers an unforgettable experience at a competitive price that provides some unique opportunities. With hotel accommodations located inside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, it is possible to be immersed in the cultures of Israel -- old and new. The sights and smells of the colourful markets, the cobblestone streets, the ancient churches and mosque can be seen from your hotel window and experienced the moment you step outside.

A four-day trip into northern Israel provides the experience of staying on the east side of the Sea of Galilee with its sandy beaches and warm waters welcoming you for early morning swims and late afternoon relaxation. Each participant is provided with a listening headset so nothing

Kathy and Mike RichardsonFounder and Director of GlobeQuest

ISRAEL — a land to be experienced! May 13- 25, 2013

Redesigned Itinerary

Reduced Price

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Matt Kaminski was recently named the Interim Athletics Director of the Columbia Athletics Department, following the

departure of Rocky Olfert who accepted the position of Athletics Director at UFV. Matt graduated from Columbia in 2011 with a BA in Intercultral Studies and then worked as an Assitant Athlet-ics Director. To check out the Bearcats sched-ules, rosters, scores, coaching staff and all things Bearcats, go to the Columbia website at www.columbiabc.edu/athletics.

Neil ZandbergenOutdoor Leadership at Columbia has given my dreams a firm foundation. A passion for outdoor ministry resonated in my heart throughout high school. Having researched schools that offer outdoor programs, I found that most agencies that train outdoor leaders match industry standards but lack the ministry

component. Likewise, I found that Christian agencies that train leaders lack the skills neces-sary to meet outdoor industry standards. The Outdoor Leadership program at Columbia effec-tively does both. Ministry skills are taught along

with the tools necessary to safely lead groups in a wilderness setting.

By completing my degree in Outdoor Leadership, I learned valu-able skills that cross over into every aspects of life. The program taught mental toughness, organization, communication, prob-lem solving, and so much more. I now have the skills necessary to follow my dreams; to lead and teach people about God and

I came to Columbia four years ago, and I am now a very different person than I was back then. My life has been affected by the community around me, my thinking has matured, and my understanding of what it means to truly follow God has become more accurate.

In my seeking of truth, I have been led to a much better understanding of what it means to truly follow God. Coming into Columbia I had no desire to pursue a secular profession because I wanted to follow him fully with my whole life. I did not want to seek my own gain during the day and only seek him on Sundays and evenings. But, in

my time here, I’ve seen how I do not need to be in a traditional ministry position to live a life of ministering. I have been shown how important faith is to every aspect of the world, not just the parts traditionally labelled “spiritual.”

And so, I see my faith leading me into the ministry of the legal profession. To help protect the rights of the oppressed and be part of a movement for justice. In these four years I have learned more of the character and will of God. Now I hope to clothe this knowledge with fitting action and go to law school to learn another skill which I can use to take part in the inbreaking of his kingdom into this world.

Nicholas graduated in April 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Bibli-cal Studies. He is pictured here at Petra last summer on a trip to the Holy Land as a part of his Biblical Studies degree. Go to www.columbiabibleco.blogspot.ca for more of Nicholas’s story.

Nicholas Pope

Columbia Impact

the wonderful world He has placed us in. I give credit to this program for shaping me into who I am today.

Neil graduated with a BA in Outdoor Leadership in 2005. In addition to working in the outdoor industry Neil works for his family roofing business. To learn more about Outdoor Leadership at Columbia visit www.columbiabc.edu/outdoor-leadership.

Photo courtesy of the Abbotsford News

Bearcat Athletics

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Praxis is a one year urban mission discipleship program at Columbia coming in Fall 2013, which will emphasize personal spiritual formation, experiential learning in the urban environments of Vancouver and New York, as well as on campus biblical learning.

Students in the program will be in a service learning cohort as well as intermingled with the student body at Columbia and may reside on or off campus. Students seeking a year of biblical foundation in social justice and integration of faith in the urban world will want to enroll. www.columbiabc.edu/praxis

Anabaptist TourJuly 2-15, 2013, Gareth Brandt and Wilmer Martin are leading an Anabaptist Heritage Tour in conjunction with TourMagination. Friends and alumni of Columbia Bible College are invited to trace the steps of the early leaders in the Anabaptist church. You will visit Menno Simons sites, enjoy a Rhine River cruise, see the Reformers’ Monument, hike to the Cave of the Anabaptists to have a worship service, and so much more.

Cost per person: Double $4,995; Single supp $680 and includes all transportation from Vancouver/return, hotel accomodations, breakfast and dinners, all entrance fees.

For more information contact Gareth Brandt at gareth.brandt@columbiabc.edu.

We often find ourselves needing items that will help us in serving our students better but are often constrained by budgets in being able to purchase them. A gift in kind is charitable giving in which goods and services themselves are given. We are allowed to issue tax receipts for new and used goods which fall within Revenue Canada guidelines.

Following are some of the items on our wish list. For a complete listing please visit our website www.columbiabc.edu/gifts-in-kind.

Contact Blaine Maryniuk with questions or with items to donate. Blaine.Maryniuk@columbiabc.edu

Columbia offers new program 2013columbiabc.edu/praxis

Things We Need

Men’s dormitory •New(er) stove/oven units (3) •New microwaves (3) •New exhaust fans for the oven units (3)

Commuter Lounge •New microwaves (2) •10-12 cup coffee maker (can withstand multiple use throughout the day, 5 days a week) •Toaster oven •Popcorn maker •Waffle irons (2) •Lightweight collapsible 8 foot tables (3) •Flat screen TV – 55 inch •IPod •Dark wood side tables/end tables (4)

Worship Arts •88 weighted key keyboards with stands (2) •Condenser mics for vocal ensembles (4) •Specialized mics and cables for recording purposes (3) •Computer and software for recording/arranging lab (1) •Mixing board for recording (1) •Digital mixing board for chapel (1)

Operations Department •Multi-purpose scissor lift

Office Equipment •Matching boardroom chairs (2 sets of 8)

Admissions •IPads (3)

Development •IPads (2)

Athletics •Large flat screen TV (50”+)

Student Media Club •Camera - Canon t3i •Computer – MacBook Pro •Software - Final Cut Pro X

Columbia President Nominee

Bryan and Teresa Born

relationships and life plans. Through prayer, Scripture and the Christian community, I gained a sense of God’s direction for my life, and began to explore a cross-cultural mission vocation. But God’s calling is unique for each Christian – we need doctors, farmers, engineers, teachers and truck drivers who are fully engaged in the world around them as faithful servants and witnesses of Christ.”

Born and raised in the Abbotsford area, Born attended Ross Road Community Church (MB) as a child, and now serves as an elder. Bryan and Teresa have three adult children, two of whom are married.

You will learn more about Bryan and his vision for the College in future College publications and media forums.

In early June, Columbia Bible College’s (CBC) Board of Directors recommended Dr. Bryan Born, the current director of Intercultural Studies, to succeed Dr. Ron Penner as president. Born, who has taught at CBC for the past eight years, will continue in his current role until assuming his new responsibilities December 22, 2012.

“Equipping people with a solid biblical foundation that will empower them to become passionate followers of Jesus has long been the driving mission of my life,” says Born, who prior to coming to CBC, spent 12 years ministering with his wife, Teresa, in Botswana, and an additional 6 years as a youth pastor in North America. “I look forward with anticipation to working together with our board, faculty, staff and partner churches to ensure that we continue to provide excellent educational and discipleship opportunities that are Christ-centered, biblically-based, Spirit-empowered, church-connected and mission-focused.”

Bryan’s previous ministry experience and education (postgraduate degrees in biblical studies and missiology) shapes his missional view of a Bible College education. “My Bible College experience transformed my faith,

Tickets are complimentary Please register by phone or email by Friday, October 12 Call Tonia at 604-853-3567 ext 528Email Development.Events@columbiabc.eduCheck our website www.columbiabc.edu/fundraisingdinner

You are invited! Columbia’s Annual Fundraising Dinner 2012 — October 27, 2012

You are invited to attend Columbia’s Annual Fundraising Dinner, October 27, to hear how QUEST (our adventure discipleship program) is helping young adults encounter God, themselves, and others for a lifelong journey of Christian discipleship. Come see and hear from Columbia students what God is doing in their lives, catch the vision of Columbia’s mission and enjoy a delicious meal prepared by our own Executive Chef, Gerald Thiessen.

We need your help by financially supporting our mission of equipping people for a life of discipleship, ministry and service to the church and community. About 30% of our annual revenues need to be raised from donations, with tuition fees covering the balance. Our annual fundraising dinner is a major contributor to that goal and this year our target is just under $160,000. We need the generous contribution of our supporters to carry out our mission and hope you can play a part in that.

Punch Reception at 6:00 p.m. with dinner to follow