�ALBERTA BIBLE COLLEGE

75th “a take”!

75th Anniversary…�-3 Editorial…4 Staff Moves…6 Memorials…6 Keeping PACE…7 Finances…7 Faculty Profile…8 Fall Statistics…8 Video Conferencing…8 Alumni Profiles…9 Students in Ministry…�0

ALBERTA BIBLE COLLEGE

EVANGELEVANGELFALL 2007

If the notes and ‘thanks’ are any indication, the 75th Anniversary Celebrations of ABC were a resounding success! What an incredible time! In planning for over a

year, Brent Williams (chair) and his task force did a superb job of creating just the right touches, some light, some challenging, to make a weekend that was truly about both ‘memories’ and ‘dreaming.’ It was a “marker” weekend, with a number asking, “When is the next one?” It was also a time of validation of Christian ministry, both that of ABC itself, as well as the hundreds of ministries that are on going because of it. Linn Rehn and Janice Berard did an artful job of developing a “picture parade” of students and faculty past and present. Linn also developed a ‘stunning’ picture of the global reach of ABC, of countries where her grads have served. “Just Cuz” coffee shop, did a heart throbbing business as the ‘connecting place’ for new and renewed friendships, and was hosted by Board Chair, Debi White and Monelle Fraser. Workshops by current faculty and others, provided insight into issues and impact. Youth Alive in Christ provided programming for children. Sunday afternoon ‘decade groups’ had memories ‘livened’ by rolling slide shows of each era. The current Board served up a fantastic Stampede Brunch that made it easy to ‘hang around.’ Lots of fun! And will we ever forget the challenges of Allan Dunbar and Alan Jones (speakers) to be “Yahwists of character,” to serve Christ with courage and compassion, in the face of fear and risk? “It made me want to just ‘get at it’!” Under sunny skies, a little over 300 people enjoyed one or more events. “Thank you Lord! And thank you Brent!”

“Stand up if…you ever got a note from Mr. L (Boyd Lammiman, President �967-84) that started with ‘see me re.’ ”

John Nicholson put the “fun” into “remembering can be fun!

ALBERTA BIBLE COLLEGE2

Enjoying brunch in the new Prayer Garden.

Missionary, nurse, instructor and trustee Edna Hunt ‘hangs out’ in the “Global Impact” café that featured displays of artifacts from countries graduates have worked in. Several of her former students, including Colette Ladan (Poland), Shelley Scruggs (China), and Lynnel Bryson (East Africa), continue to share Edna’s passion for missions.

(l to r) Gary and Frankie Wetherel instructed music at ABC in the late �960s and early �970s. Frankie’s parents, Elsie and Curly Zimmerman, served as ‘dorm parents’ in the �940s and ‘50s. Bea Still, widow of Owen, who served as instructor along with administrative duties in the �950s and early ‘60s; Lib Breakenridge, widow of Melvin, who served as ABC Principal (�94�-43; �950-62).

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If you would like to see more pictures please visit the ABC website at www.abc-ca.org

ABC without volleyball? never!

Howard Rash (former trustee), Jim Chapman (former Development Officer, and ambassador of ABC) and Mindy Benoit, daughter-in-law of Ed and Mary (former “ABC Evangelist”) reminisce. Mindy’s husband Randy (now deceased) played a key role in bringing a “learning focus” to ABC programming in the early �970s.

“Four Generations” of the Jones ‘clan’. (l to r, front) Sheila and Roy (former trustee), and Sarah holding Lilah, (Sheila and Roy’s great granddaughter, Alan and Sheena’s granddaughter); (back) Andrew, Sheena and Alan. Alan is ABC’s volunteer Development Officer.

ALBERTA BIBLE COLLEGE4

E D I T O R I A L

Continued on p. 5

“Restoration” — of the “standing beside” kind!

By Ron Fraser, President

I am David is the delightful

story of a 12-year-old’s journey from the brutality of one of Stalin’s gulags in Bulgaria of the 1950’s, to the joyful embrace of a Danish relative he did not know he had, until they embraced! It is the story of “running from” a terrifying past without family, and a concentration camp friend whose best advise for living

was to “trust no one.” It is also a story about “running to” the possibility of belonging. Along the way, award winning author Anne Holm, constructs the struggle for identity which is largely unique to us who are immersed in ‘heroic’ Western/Greek culture.

It is a story of fears surrendered. Also great courage….probably why it strikes such a universal chord in a world of terror. We too need the assurance that there is hope beyond, and sometimes within, “the electric fence and barbed wire,” of both the real kind, as well as that of our apocalyptic imaginings. We know, I think without ever learning it, that there is true “belonging” in life, not of the Polyannish, “everybody rides off into the sunset with their dream”-type, but of the earthy, sacrificial variety, where trusting “the God of the other David who leads beside still waters,” in spite of its risky, experimental nature, brings Presence and peace. Holm helps us understand that if ever we try to define ourselves outside of the relationships that are part of the story we’re already in, we are in a dangerous business. Those who so define themselves in

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A QUARTERLY NEWS AND VIEWS PUBLICATION OF

635 Northmount Drive NW Calgary, Alberta T2K 3J6 CANADA

Phone (403) 282-2994 Fax (403) 282-3084E–mail: inquiries@abc–ca.org

Web Site: http://www.abc–ca.org

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OFFICESDebi White ..........................................ChairPam Lammiman ........................... Vice–ChairWendy Rehn .....................................SecretaryRon Fraser .......... President / Executive Director

Alberta Bible College is a member of the Cana-dian Council of Christian Charities. We uphold their standards of financial accountability. Audited financial statements are available upon request. All donations are used for the purpose stated by the donor in Board recognized and approved programs and projects. In the event that the need for such programs or projects has been met, the remaining funds will be used ‘where needed most’ in the Col-lege’s ministry. We honour donor confidentiality and do not buy or sell mailing list information. If you have any questions on this, or any other matter, please contact the President at 403-282-2994 or e–mail: rfraser@abc-ca.org.

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young David’s life, are always wanting a piece of him. The only non-violent identity, its seems, turns on the notion that “who we are, we are to God, and six billion ‘others’.” The early 19th C. proponents of a movement to restore the church, were very nervous about looking at themselves outside of the relationships they were in. That’s why, at least initially, they preferred to call their project, a “movement.” Their desire was to restore the New Testament church, “its doctrine, practices, spirit, and fruit,” for the sake of the unity of the church, for the purpose of reaching the world for Christ. They wanted to do this, moreover, from within the framework of present relationships, or as Alexander Campbell, put it, “within the church of Christ at large.” They had little stomach for standing over the church, to define (and divide!) what they knew did not belong to them in the first place. So “who are we,” the heirs of a movement, that believes that the New Testament is the mean, the standard, for trusting and walking in the way of Jesus? To some, we are another denomination, despite pleas that we don’t have “headquarters” or “bishops.” To others we are perhaps a strange cross between “Baptists” and “Presbyterians.”

Historically that’s fairly accurate. Our early forebears belonged to such groups. However, they grew disenchanted with the sectarianism, division, and bureaucratic control which undermined the mission God had given His people, the church. Essentially, they “shook hands” when they decided to be “Christians only,” and to get “on task missionally,” under the Lordship of Jesus Christ….plus nothing. There are also “Methodists” in this family tree, which further situates the whole enterprise within

the broader currents of revivalism of the late 18th C Scotland and England, and the 19th C. American frontier. At one time we were known as “a people of the Book.” I’ve not seen many folk following along in their Bibles in church.

And with the advent of the ‘pew Bible’, few even carry one… living proof that identity can be a very fluid thing. What we were, is not what we are. And what we are, is not what we will be. To a few, we are still seen as “those baptismal regenerationists”, living proof that some identity stereotypes die hard. It’s kind of sad! Most folk, including some ABC students who are immersed, enter it with a sense of privileged submission, trying to begin a lifestyle of identifying with Jesus, in dying to old selves, laying down addictions, egos, idols, etc. They want the life He came to bring, and they long….on how they long!...for resurrection community,

for true belonging! I suppose though, there are those who still treat baptism as a ‘tribal marker’, a new kind of circumcision, a magical rite of passage. To be sure it’s wrapped in mystery and grace! But it’s not magical! There are other practices that “identify” our community of faith, beyond believer’s baptism. Weekly observance of the Lord’s supper. Paying attention to the preached Word. The way we practice local autonomy. They are good markers. Not perfect but good. They empower us. Other faith communities even adopt some of them. We will, however, provide a much more significant service to future generations, as we see past current practice and teaching, to the “project of restoration,” that was there in the first place. For instance, I wish we were better identified like the first church in Jerusalem, with the practice of prayer (Acts 2:42). And I hope we will continue to become better known, like those first Christians, as a grassroots movement of compassion: “Behold, how they love one another!” When love happens folk can’t stay away. They belong!! When it doesn’t,…well, you know what happens! Of course, this is the real danger of “defining identity.” There’s a grand canyon between advocacy and actuality. Not just because talk is cheap. But because to define is to divide, simply because definitions advocate not only what (or who!) is “in”, but what (or who!) is “out.” As David in Anne Holm’s story discovered, such dividing up the world (or church) into our categories is to stand over it. In that very posture, we do great violence. To love, and to be known for trying to love without expectation of return…that’s a different Story, a Story of belonging “in spite of,” a Story found only in Truth lived. Perhaps it would be best if instead of asking “Who are we?”, we started asking “In Whose Story do we find ourselves?” And “how then shall we live and love?” Now that’s “restoration!” n

“We know that there is true

‘belonging’ in life… where trusting ‘the

God of the other David who leads

beside still waters’…brings Presence

and peace.”

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CAMPUS NEWS

The first “law” of teaching, is that “you can’t teach an absentee.” Students are central to any educational endeavor. The first “love” of teaching, is “the love of the learner.” ABC has been royally blessed over decades of ministry formation, to employ people who “love learners.” We also recognize that staff have other lives, concerns, and relationships than the one’s that they develop in their ministry at ABC. That’s why ‘parting’ is always a kind of ‘sweet sorrow’. On the one hand we treasure their relationship and contribution, on the other we are happy that they are fulfilling other dreams and dimensions of life that has made them who they are, and, more importantly, who God made them to become.

This Spring and Summer we said “good-bye” to three people who have served ABC very well over their time with us:

Linda Best joined the PACE program eight years ago, and has been an important part of that program for all those years. With an ailing husband, and a minimum two-hour commute, she’s been looking for something more compatible to her life circumstances, so has taken employ closer to her home.

Duncan Pringle joined us two years ago with a deep commitment to develop young people, and provided great help in the Student Services area. That same commitment caused Duncan to move closer to children and grandchildren in the Winnipeg area.

Stacey Sparshu joined us four years ago to work in the areas of admissions and marketing, through which she has contributed much. She has just felt like “it’s time” to chart a new course in life, and will be leaving the end of September.

Thinking about these people, each with considerable and unique gifts and callings, leads us to the passion and purpose that marked each of their ministries. I also think about the perpetual impact that they will have for hundreds of years, through the lives they have touched for a short time, in their various roles. We are grateful for them. And we wish them the very best in their new endeavors.

In MEMORy OF… GIFTS RECEIVED FROM…Eileen Chapman George ChapmanLeola Daily Jock & Eileen nelson; Ralph & Leeta Whitrow;

Shirley Valentine; Al & Sally Dorin; Edna HuntEverette Downs Tommy & Marie DownsBob Gonyea Rick & Linn RehnBoyd Lammiman Rick & Linn RehnNat Whitrow Vern & Gayleen Gronvold; Ron & Burnell Lutz

“Their Works Shall Follow Them…”RECENT MEMORIALS

Memorials Received June 7 – September 5, 2007

Staff “Moves”It’s humbling to realize that God has seen fit to continue to bless ABC with people who can help to define a new generation of Christian leaders. ABC seems to fit into the broader horizons of ministry that God continues to call people to. It’s an even greater privilege then to welcome two new faces this Fall:

Marinus (Rinus) Janson began his new role as instructor and a Coordinator of Student Services in August. Rinus has an undergraduate degree from ABC, where he was the first recipient of the Association of Canadian Bible Colleges Pi Alpha Mu Award, in recognition of outstanding academic and service work. He also has a graduate diploma from San Francisco Theological Seminary, and a graduate degree from Regent College. He also has a wealth of ministry experience in youth ministry and spiritual direction with the Grande Prairie Church of Christ, and for the last couple of years developing a “peace curriculum” for the Duta Wacana Christian University (Indonesia), under contract with the Mennonite Central Committee. In addition to formal qualifications and experience, Rinus brings a quiet confidence in the Lord, and remarkable passion for what living by “faith” in the light of God’s grace means in the contemporary world, including necessary obedience. Rinus and his wife Sheralyn have two children, Luke (6) and Daniel (4).

Lane Scruggs is a current ABC student, whose leadership and vision for ABC, and for the needs of God’s Kingdom for equipped leadership is as amazing as it is unique. Lane will complete his program at ABC over the next two years, even as he works to recruit others to join him, in his new role as Marketing Assistant and Admissions Coordinator. He is already bringing the same energy and enthusiasm to this work, as characterized the hockey he played at highly competitive levels. Lane is married to Chantelle.

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After many years of being with the PACE program, Linda Best left us this summer to move closer to

her family. With her enthusiasm, resources, knowledge and experience with PACE, she has been a great encouragement and support for many of us in the program. We have much enjoyed working with her over the years and we will miss her, especially the spark of her smiles. Dr. Char Bates has been working in the PACE office since Linda’s departure.

This made it possible for me to take a ministry leave to lead an OMF team to China in the summer. We had a wonderful time running a summer camp for the children of the Yi people in the Big Cold Mountains. One of our TESOL students,

PACE is ABC’s “Professional Adult Career Education” Degree Completion Program.

Spark of Love

Keeping PACE

globeandmail.comCharity + tax-free

dividends = a corporate win-win equation

Tim CesTniCk

sepTember 30, 2006

I recently heard a story about a charitable woman. A poorly dressed

man was standing on a street corner below the window of her apartment. She noticed that several passersby had stopped to give him money. She was touched by their generosity. So, she wrote “Take Courage” on a piece of paper, put it in an envelope with a 10-dollar bill, then tossed it to the man below. A few days later, when she was returning to her apartment, the man stopped her and said: “Here’s your $200 lady. ‘Take Courage’ won at 20 to one.” Whether the story is true or not, the woman’s charitable intentions were “on the money”. As the days pass since the last federal budget, tax professionals are devising creative new ways to give to charity, given the proposed changes to Canadian tax law around the donation of securities. Let me share an idea that comes courtesy of accountant Sandy Stedman of the firm Schibli Stedman King in Victoria. This strategy works wonders for

Carrie Ends, was on the team. For her 65th birthday, Carrie thoroughly enjoyed being panda-hugged by eighty Yi children! The lesson is a simple one: When we choose to love on behalf of God, He will bless us through the love of those we serve. We went to China to bless a people group who have suffered tremendous neglect and poverty. Yet it was we who were richly blessed in the end by these people. They hardly have anything according to our standard, but they have the seed of love deep inside them. And when that seed is kindled by the spark of God’s love, they burn with such flame that it brightens the darkest corners of the valley. Today, are you going to be a spark of God’s love?

MaMin, PACEManager

those who have corporations and are looking at ways to help charity, but also for creative ways to take money out of the corporation on a tax-free basis.

The Background

On July 8, I wrote about the tax benefits of donating flow-through shares to charity. To recap, flow-through shares offer a tax deduction for the amount invested. Because of this tax break, our tax law generally sets the adjusted cost base of the shares to zero. So, when you sell the shares, you’ll have a capital gain. Thanks to the changes in the last federal budget, a donation of flow-through shares to a registered charity will result in the taxable capital gain on those shares being eliminated. So, you won’t face tax on the capital gain, and you’ll be entitled to a donation tax credit for the value of the shares when you donate them. In the end, it’s possible that your donation will cost you just 8 cents for each $1 donated (if the value of your flow-through shares remains unchanged, and you’re in the top marginal tax bracket. Savings will vary by province).

The STraTegy

Your corporation can also make an investment in flow-throughs and donate those securities to charity. This will open the door to tax-free dividends from your company. You see, your company has something called a “capital dividend

account” (CDA). It’s a notional account that increases in amount every time your company realizes a capital gain (or receives certain other tax-free amounts, such as life insurance proceeds). The tax-free portion of post-1971 net capital gains is added to the CDA. You’re able to pay yourself tax-free “capital dividends” to the extent your company has a balance in its CDA. So, a $10,000 donation of flow-through shares to charity will trigger a $10,000 capital gain in your company (because flow-through shares generally have a zero adjusted cost base). Since 100 per cent of this gain is tax-free (thanks to the new rules around donating securities), the CDA of the company is boosted by the full capital gain of $10,000, in our example. In the end, the charity receives $10,000, your company faces no tax on the gain on the flow-through shares, the company is entitled to a tax deduction for the $10,000 donation to charity, and your company’s CDA is increased by $10,000, allowing you to take $10,000 tax free from your company as capital dividends. It’s all good. It’s critical to know the true balance in your company’s CDA, and the calculation is complex, so be sure to visit your accountant before implementing this idea. (Usedbypermission.)

ALBERTA BIBLE COLLEGE8

Thanks to the vision of the ABC Board, and a major gift to support it, Video Conferencing, the new road bed for Distance Learning at ABC, is a reality.

Video conferencing (VC) allows people who are geographically removed, to be “present” with each other, to see each other and to converse, through the internet. The most obvious use of VC is to make the classes we offer, either to groups through the use of a remote video suite, or to individuals with a camera and minimal software equipment on their computer. The great advantage of this from an implementation perspective, is that it does not require new curriculum. Instructors keep doing what they are doing, with a Distance Learner (or several), possibly from different places, “on the screen,” participating with the rest of the class. Any class we currently deliver at ABC can be delivered via VC. Video conferencing can also be used in a wide variety of other aspects of ABC ministry.

• In April, the College Board “experimented” with the equipment, conducting a portion of the College’s Semi Annual Meeting.

• In training sessions, faculty and staff were exposed to how the technology works, and how it can be used to enhance the learning experience of current students, including “beeming in” expert guests for input or conversation.

• It can be used to support administrative things we do, including marketing, or practicum supervision, where something closer to personal presence, may be required, but time and finances make it impossible to travel.

• Several very interesting ideas have also emerged regarding the use of VC in international work, to provide programming to augment the work of equipping the saints for ministry that is going on in other countries.

Like the printing press in the 15th century, the internet is a powerful shaper of culture. Like email, I’m sure that the day will come when we’ll say, “How did we ever manage without that!” Video conferencing is highly compatible with ABC’s transformational learning model that requires people to interact, and to integrate “where they are at” with what they are learning. One of ABC’s core values is “accessibility.” VC addresses this in a major way, making programs available to people without their physical presence at ABC. In a word, it reduces the impact of geography in education, and contributes to a “borderless classroom.”

FACULTY PROFILERobert Long, TESOL Coordinator

My ministry for many years had been working with the Japanese people, church-planting and doing church work in the Tokyo area. Since I returned to Canada, this ministry has continued to a degree and God has also led and trained me to be a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages) trainer. I have been working with ABC in this regard for three

years. In the summer of 2006, I was also blessed with the opportunity to go to China and see God’s work there. I now feel that I have a broader ministry to Asia, especially with the Chinese. Many years ago when I was in Quezon City in the Philippines, I took some missions training. At that time I learned about the unreached people in the 10/40 Window on earth. Something like ninety percent of the world’s people live there and about ninety percent of them are unreached. At this same time I thought of Jesus’ statement that the gospel would be preached to all nations before the end of this world and His return (Matthew 24:14). I realized that we, as Christians, can actually take part in hastening the return of Jesus Christ by involving ourselves in mission, tent-making, and related activities in the 10/40 Window. Last year I was introduced to the writings of K.P. Yohannan (Gospel For Asia). K.P. also came to my church (Brentview Baptist) to speak. After his sermon, I couldn’t catch K.P., but I caught one of his assistants to ask a question. I asked if K.P. would also agree that we, as Christians, can actually take part in hastening the return of Jesus Christ by involving ourselves in God’s work in the 10/40 Window. The assistant said that, yes, K.P. would agree with that. This notion is behind significant work in the 10/40 Window. Christ has won the victory in terms of our salvation, but we also now have the power to hasten the return of Jesus Christ and solve all the world’s problems. Therefore, it is not surprising that the spiritual warfare has become fierce. Talking with mature Christians this past year has confirmed to me that they also have seen the spiritual warfare stepped up several notches. From my own personal experience, I feel that we need to “move forward on our knees” in prayer in order to gain victory in the spiritual warfare which has come upon us. In the end is good to remember that this an important part of “putting on the full armour of God.” Forourstruggleisnotagainstfleshandblood,butagainsttherulers,againsttheauthorities,againstthepowersofthisdarkworldandagainstthespiritualforcesofevilintheheavenlyrealms.ThereforeputonthefullarmorofGod,sothatwhenthedayofevilcomes,youmaybeabletostandyourground,andafteryouhavedoneeverything,tostand.

Ephesians 6:12-13 (New International Version)

ABC’s Borderless Classroom

Fall Enrollment

Total Number of Students ...................................................... �53Total Full Time Equivalent (FTE) ........................................ ��8.05

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YESTERDAY as I watched a flock of geese above our house I was reminded of how learning and coaching affect so much of our future direction. These geese were not yet ready for their southern flight, thank goodness! They were instead about the business of training the youth.

A “short” while ago in 1979, Alan and I were part of the young, boisterous “gaggle” at ABC. We lived with roommates, read many books, memorized scripture, observed and then began stepping out in leadership through the community of ABC. Following Alan’s 1983 graduation we left Calgary for our new home with the Grande Prairie Church of Christ, in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Twenty-four years later, we’re still here. Alan’s role through the years has changed in many ways but his primary responsibilities remain preaching and leadership. He is also a regular drama character in our Studio Y? Family Theatre Ministry under the direction of our son, Andrew! I currently serve on the Studio Y? Creative Team, our Building Committee and various other short-term projects. We are blessed to have Andrew, his wife Sarah (nee Tunke) and our granddaughter Lilah also living and ministering in Grande Prairie. God has blessed us so much through our family and friends through these years in the north. ABC helped to form Alan and me while we were still finding our direction. There’s always an open sky of opportunities but we needed to know our role in helping advancing the whole Church. The classes and the knowledge gained were part of our education but the relationships with the staff and the opportunities to serve strengthened our commitment and love for Christ’s bride. We are grateful to the people who have and, are now, faithfully supporting the college and those who serve on a daily basis in the lives of youth and adults. It may become a turbulent flight as we head into the future but together the churches and the College will be flying in the formation that God has ordained. n

CONGRATULATIONS to Alberta Bible College for 75 powerful, purpose-driven years, preparing dedicated workers for Christ’s Kingdom. I am thankful to God for the VISION, and hard work, of all those great men and women of God who made ABC successful. I am also, personally, very thankful for the VISION and hard work that brought my own family, the Midgett family, alongside the College, blessing all of us, together, through the years. The Midgett family moved up from Texas, USA early in the 1900s. They were seeking a place to begin a new life in a new country. They found this good life in northern Saskatchewan at Meadow Lake, just, perhaps, the greatest and most beautiful country God ever created! Through years of perseverance in farming, fishing, lumbering and all sorts of dedicated, hard work, our family enjoyed a happy life. Like many of the pioneers of the day, the Midgetts brought along with them a most precious possession, their faith. In building

their homes and community, they also built the church, which was always a strong influence in our personal lives and in the life of our community in the northern woods of Saskatchewan. My Grandmother, Eula Midgett, was a great influence in our lives as we were growing up. She had a vision for our spiritual lives and she worked hard to see that vision fulfilled. She dreamed of her grandchildren being able to attend Bible college. The year I enrolled at Alberta Bible College, 1964, there were four Midgetts enrolled — my grandmother’s prayers were answered. (We really appreciated the honour given to her

ALUMnI PROFILESheena Jones

Grande Prairie Church of Christ

On the Way Home“I’m pressing on the upward way…new heights I’m gaining, every day!”

ALUMnI PROFILELes Midgett

Nanton Church of Christ

Continued on p. 10

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STUDENTS IN MINISTRY

At a camp in Montana, Jeff Proudfoot was visiting with the leader of a team from another Bible college. This other team’s primary purpose in being there was to recruit for their college. When Jeff told them that ABC’s team was not there primarily for recruitment, he was asked, “Then, what’s the point?” It is true that Youth Alive in Christ teams are prepared to share information about ABC and to recruit. However, the primary purpose of YAIC is to train young people to serve. We want to give our students an opportunity to put into practice things they have learned during the school year. This past summer, we sent out three teams. Jeff Proudfoot led the “Montario team” serving at Little Rockies Camp, Ontario Christian Assembly camp as well as local churches in those areas. Charlotte Nyrose led a team serving at Pine Ridge Christian Camp near Grande Prairie and then at Vacation Bible Schools in Calgary, Edmonton, Clyde, Yellow Grass and Lethbridge. Brandon Flater led a team which helped with one of our newest Christian churches in the Vancouver area, then served at 2VM Bible Camp, helped lead a street ministry experience at the Mustard Seed and finished by helping with Vacation Bible Schools in Calgary, Taber and Vulcan. Both leaders and team members grew in their ministry skills and abilities, passions and gifts were confirmed, good relationships were formed and many kids were drawn closer to God. These teams aren’t perfect “superstar” teams but they are there to serve and learn how to serve. Whenever you have the opportunity to work with one of our YAIC teams, we encourage you to help them in that growth by walking beside them, prompting them gently where necessary and affirming the good things you see.

–Eric Nyrose

What’s the point…of Youth Alive in Christ?

when the students of ABC dedicated 1971 Hi-Coll to: “the wonderful Christian Lady, Gramma Midgett,” recognizing her life of steadfast faith.) My years of attending college were years packed with wonderful days of great blessings. The relationships I developed through those years were absolutely awesome. Great teachers! Great friends! When I graduated in 1968 with a B.Th., I was well-equipped for the challenges of life — these challenges and blessings the Lord planned for me. Again, praise God. Upon graduation, my life’s journey took me to the interior of British Columbia, another beautiful part of God’s creation. Through that time

in B.C., without a doubt, the most important thing that happened was my wife Joyce and I met. Since that time we have been ‘journeying home’ together. God has blessed our being His traveling companions. After leaving B.C. our journey had a few side trips, detours, bumpy sections, but mostly good smooth traveling. Finally, our ‘way home’ brought us to Nanton. We arrived in July 1979. It will soon be 30 years. They have been good years. We still live in the century-old house which we bought when we first came. We have raised our four children here. The church is right across the street from our house. The church has been, and is, the

focal point of our lives. I have preached, prayed, praised, taught Sunday School, been president of the Executive Board and a member of the Leadership Team. To the best of my ability, I have tried to be a ‘servant’ of God in His Church, however and whenever He needs me. I praise Him for that opportunity! Nanton isn’t far. Come on down and see us. You’re welcome! Just ask anybody in Nanton, they’ll know me, after all, I do work for the town. We’ll take the time for a good long visit. We’ll talk about all the joys and blessings of our — yours and my — journeying home together. Remember, “…new heights we’re gaining every day!” God bless you. n

(l to r) Twila Shields, Jeffrey Proudfoot, Desiree Rebagliati, David Berard

(l to r) Jacob Dreyer, Charlotte nyrose, Mandy Duplessie, Ryan McCulloch

~Third Team (not shown): Brandon Flater, Jean Dume,

Bobbi-Marie VanderPutten and Miranda Littel