Prairie Bible College`s - Prairie

20 years later –
a sixpence is still
not enough
6
Precious
Memories, how
they linger… 7
A Bear
Market?
8
PRAIRIE HARVESTER
N E W S
&
I N F O R M A T I O N
F O R
T H E
P R A I R I E
Farewell to a Familiar Landmark
T
he landscape of Prairie’s
campus has changed once
again. On January 14 the snapping
of tinder dry boards and clouds
of dust signaled the end of a long
life for the Institute’s second
oldest major structure. For over
three-quarters of a century Miller
Chapel had served a significant
role in Prairie’s history.
By the summer of 1927 the
Institute’s original building
had been completed, but it was
already too small. The rapid
increase in students and visitors
to the annual spring conference
had created an urgent need for
more classrooms and a larger
meeting area, so by the spring
of 1929 a new chapel was in the
building plans. Its finished 40’
by 70’ basement would serve
until there was time and money
to erect a sanctuary on the main
floor. During the mild winter
of 1930-31 the frame and roof
were erected, but by the time
the structure was framed in, the
building fund was empty and it
seemed the work would have to
stop.
In her book Legacy Bernice
Callaway describes
how the optimistic
Prairie
pioneers
looked to God in
spite of the fact that
the country was
in the grip of the
Great Depression:
“Lumber and nail
supplies dwindled
to zero. How they
prayed while they
worked and waited!
Those items cost
money. And that
commodity
was
exceedingly
hard
to come by. Then
one morning Principal Maxwell
came tearing wildly through the
building waving a cheque. ‘One
thousand dollars!’ he shouted
above the din. ‘Did you hear?
One thousand dollars!’ At a
time when a man’s wages were
less than one dollar a day, the
prayed-for miracle had come to
pass. What a praise meeting was
F A M I L Y
WINTER 2008
dollars for missions.”
A balcony built across the
south end provided seating
for 600 in what was originally
Miller Chapel 1929 — 2008
held…on the wind-swept prairies!
The grateful folk—poor as the
proverbial church mouse—who
met in their new chapel that year
for the annual spring conference
pledged over fifty-four thousand
known as the ‘Tabernacle’.
After the construction of a
larger tabernacle in 1935 and its
replacement in 1953, the original
see Farewell on page 3
Bible college appoints new Dean
After pursuing his BA (Trinity
Western University), MA
(Carleton University, Ottawa)
and PhD (Syracuse University) in
religious studies, Dr. Oz Lorentzen
(BC u’88) returned to Prairie
Bible College in the summer
of 2003. Serving as professor
to the Discover and Explore
programs he proceeded to make
a significant contribution to the
spiritual growth and development
of his students.
When it became apparent that
the position of Bible college dean
was about to become vacant
with Dr. Dennis Punter moving
into the role of Provost, a search
was initiated, resulting in the
appointment of Dr. Lorentzen to
take on the leadership of PBC. He
began his responsibilities in July
THE PRAIRIE HARVESTER
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of 2007 by taking a thoughtful
look into the future.
“As I reflect on the role of
Dean of Prairie Bible College,”
comments Oz, “I believe an
important question is the one
Kenneth Gangel raises in his book,
Biblical Leadership: ‘Why has
God raised up this…ministry…
and what does He want from
us?’ This question reflects the
ongoing need to affirm Christ’s
Lordship and be dependent on
God’s leading and direction while
responding to the real climate of
change in which we live.”
Moving forward in such a
climate means, to Dr. Lorentzen,
working with staff and faculty to
identify and affirm core Christian
values. It also means determining
specific program and curricular
goals that will successfully
communicate those values to
Prairie’s student body.
Current topics that require such
a response range, he believes,
from “theological concerns
like ‘justification’ and postmodernism and church practice-such as the ‘emergent church’ and
‘worship renewal’--to practical
matters like social and economic
justice. Prairie Bible College
has a great legacy of preparing
fit and ready workers for the
Kingdom of God. My hope is
that we can continue to “enable
the Body” through an awareness
of the issues that face the current
generation of evangelicals, and by
providing intentional, thoughtful,
and biblical responses to these
concerns.”
Dr. Oz Lorentzen: “Why has God
raised up this ministry and what
does He want from us?”
Committed to the Core
Dr. Jon
Ohlhauser
President
W
ith seven children in
our family I have many
opportunities to core apples for
snack time. The core is usually
the part we throw away, but I’ve
been reminded that really it’s the
most important component of the
apple, the centerpiece that gives
the fruit its life and character.
It isn’t difficult for me to see an
analogy there to the structure of
the three schools that make up
Prairie Bible Institute.
I’m sometimes asked, “Does
Prairie still have a Bible College?
Is the Bible still being taught
and is PBI still committed to
preparing students for service
in ministry?” My response
cannot be strong enough –
ABSOLUTELY! While we have
developed and launched both
the School of Mission Aviation
and the College of Applied Arts
and Technology, OUR CORE IS
STILL THE BIBLE COLLEGE!
As the longest standing of the
three Prairie schools, Prairie
Bible College serves the mission
of PBI in much the same way
that the core serves the growth
and development of the apple.
Without the core, there would be
no fruit.
While
numerous
other
schools that started out as Bible
colleges have since taken on new
roles as alternate educational
institutions, PBC is the oldest
school in Canada still retaining
its identity as a Bible college.
Since its beginning in a small
country farmhouse in 1922, more
than 15,000 men and women
have completed a personal
journey of study and growth in
the understanding of Scripture
and the application of its truth to
their lives. They have fulfilled
the challenge of II Corinthians 5
by serving as ambassadors of the
gospel in communities all across
North America and in almost
every country of the world!
Prairie still holds firmly to
its original vision to prepare
men and women to take the
message of salvation to a lost
and dying world. Our mission
statement clearly states that as
a post-secondary educational
organization, it is our goal to
“enable the Body of Christ to
reach the world with the Gospel
of Christ.”
The Institute’s organizational
model includes three unique yet
inter-related schools. But at the
core is Prairie Bible College.
As it has throughout its 85year history, PBC provides
courses and programs that teach
students the truth of God’s Word
and prepares them to present
that truth to a world in need
of a Savior. Some who enroll
simply want to deepen their
understanding of the Bible before
they move on to university or the
work force. Others are following
a call to serve God in the formal
ministries of the local church
Support Prairie using:
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THE PRAIRIE HARVESTER WINTER 2008
or in intercultural missions.
Regardless of their reason for
attending PBC, all students
benefit from an educational
program that is designed to help
them mature in their knowledge
of the Word, prepare to share
it with others, and grow as
followers of Jesus Christ.
While PBC meets the
requirements of Bible college
students it also provides the core
Bible instruction for Prairie’s
other two schools – the School of
Mission Aviation and the College
of Applied Arts and Technology.
Every student enrolled in PSMA
and PCAAT must complete a
program of study from the Bible
College in order to graduate
from Prairie.
As our vision for the next 10
years of ministry takes shape we
are giving serious thought to the
numbers and types of graduates
we hope to see prepared for
service to the Body of Christ. At
the top of the list are categories
like pastor, worship leader,
youth worker and missionary
– all ministry callings that are
typically defined and shaped by
a Bible College education. We
are excited to see how God will
continue to use the students from
all of the schools of Prairie Bible
Institute to take the message of
the gospel to a world in search of
eternal truth.
We are grateful to all of the
Harvester readers who have
faithfully followed, prayed for
and supported the ministry of
PBI. It is my hope that you will
continue in your confidence
with what God is doing here at
Prairie as we all commit to lives
of service to our Savior.
“I came to Prairie Bible
College in search of a
biblical and pastoral
education. What I found
here has far exceeded my
expectations. The classes are
challenging and relevant.
The professors are godly
and genuine. Whether God
leads me on to seminary or
into the pastorate, I know
I’ll be using the Biblebased training I received at
Prairie to help strengthen
the Body of Christ.”
—John Park
Senior, Prairie Bible College
At the core of Prairie’s schools is the solid foundation of
God’s Word focused on creating and equipping passion for
ministry. Join us as we pursue God’s vision for Prairie to enable
the church to reach a new generation for Jesus Christ.
www.prairie.edu
admissions@prairie.edu
1-800-661-2425
Graduation events
Friday, April 25
5:45 pm President’s reception
7:00 pm Evening of Celebration
• Distinguished Alumni Award
• Class of 1958 Re-graduation
Grads of ’58: if you have not already registered for this event and
plan to attend, please send in your completed registration form.
Contact the alumni department at (403) 443-3031 for further
information.
Saturday, April 26
10:00 am Baccalaureate
2:15 pm Commencement — speaker Miriam Charter
7:00 pm Practical Nurses’ Pinning Ceremony
www.prairie.edu
email: alumni@prairie.edu
Farewell from page 1
was renamed Miller Chapel in
honor of pioneer staff member
Dorothy Ruth Miller.
In the fall of 1928 Mr. Maxwell
had invited his former teacher to
join the fledgling Bible school.
Gracious, frugal, missionary
teacher, and supervisor of the
women’s residence over the next
15 years. She was diagnosed with
cancer while visiting in the US
and passed away in February of
1944, leaving a profound impact
on the Institute and its students.
Over the decades Miller
Chapel was ‘filled with the
sound of music.’ Vivian Bruck
(Strickert) recalls the grueling
task of scheduling some 500
piano students in the little
building where she celebrated
both her marriage and her
golden anniversary. Its intimate
atmosphere made it a favorite
for weddings, recitals, funerals
and special performances of all
kinds. Many a Bible College
Remembering the past — Embracing the future
Miller Chapel with the new Maxwell Centre to the right
student presented a trembling
senior sermon from its platform
and countless heart-felt prayers,
quiet spiritual commitments
and victorious testimonies were
The life of Dorothy Ruth Miller
had a profound impact on the
Institute and its students.
minded and a seasoned instructor
and preacher, this capable lady
became the strong right arm of
Prairie’s administration, serving
as a Board member, Bible
Prairie Bible Institute in 1931:
Bible school, boiler house and Miller Chapel
offered up within its walls.
On one cold winter night in
1932, the adjacent boiler house
caught fire. As flames leaped
toward the chapel and sleepy
students tumbled out of bed to
grab pails and slosh water on the
roof, Miss Miller and her young
women gathered in the dorm to
pray. Suddenly the wind changed
and the building was spared. As
the institute grew all around it,
the simple sanctuary continued
to hold its place at the heart
of Prairie’s campus, bearing
witness to the miracle of small
beginnings blended with trust in
a mighty God.
Stewards without Borders
Dr. Oz Lorentzen, PhD
“It is required of stewards that
a man be found faithful” (I Cor.
4:2). Being faithful in stewardship
and service are the key marks of
Prairie Bible College. While this
has taken different tracks and
had different foci over the years,
the desire to be found faithful to
the lordship of Christ has always
directed these changes.
The memories and testimonies
of how Prairie was faithful to
this mandate in the past provide
us with a rich heritage and a
legacy to draw on. Our current
challenge, however, is to be to our
present age what L.E. Maxwell
and Prairie Bible Institute were
to their day. To be effective and
relevant, Prairie Bible College
must combine biblical training
with opportunities and strategies
for providing a new generation
with the leadership, skills and
vision for discipling the nations
and edifying the body of Christ
globally. Our mandate is to serve
the church world-wide.
The theological and vocational
training that goes on at PBC must
be done in a context that is aware
of and responsive to the major
shifts in our world. That requires
more than just curriculum and
methodology changes. Along
with our on-campus programs,
we need to develop educational
options that respond to the needs
email: alumni@prairie.edu
and interests of specialized
groups and agencies and target the
learning expectations of today’s
student. Some of these efforts
presently include:
A commitment to serve and
partner with the Body of Christ
in the Latin world. Our desire
is to provide spoken Spanish
language learning (online, using
VOIP) to better prepare church
and student mission teams for
sort term ministries to Spanish
speaking cultures. This coincides
with our Discover program which
introduces students to missions
through a semester in Guatemala
that is highlighted by cultural
immersion, intercultural studies,
Spanish lessons, partnering
with nationals in ministry and
community development efforts.
Other similar applied learning
opportunities include our Explore
(Outdoor Education & Leadership)
and
SPORT
(recreational
leadership) certificate programs.
Cross Training (Calgary,
Toronto). Develop e d i n
pa r t ne r sh ip
w it h
ot he r
colleges, mission agencies and
local churches, this one-year
experience combines intense
course work--taught by active
missionaries--with intentional
discipleship, placement in an
ethnic Christian congregation,
and a 3-month internship.
www.prairie.edu
An emphasis on applied
learning. That emphasis is most
clearly seen in our Bachelor
of Ministry degrees (pastoral,
youth, lay leaders) and the
Bachelor of Intercultural Studies,
which include both practicum
and internship requirements,
making us intentional partners
with the wider world of Christian
ministry.
TREAD, Vancouver Island,
BC: a partnership with Youth
for Christ. This YFC chapter
uses PBC courses in a variety
of formats (online, on-site
instruction, on-campus modules)
as the formal component of
a two-year discipleship and
training program targeted at
working with youth. YFC’s
outreaches provide the applied
learning component.
Exciting doors are opening all
around us. Acknowledging that
“we have this treasure in earthen
vessels, so that the surpassing
greatness of the power will be of
God and not from ourselves…”
(II Cor. 4:7), we see the
changing culture in which we
live and minister as presenting
significant opportunities to
serve the church world-wide.
A college without borders? The
possibilities are endless!
THE PRAIRIE HARVESTER WINTER 2008 1950s
Parsons, Eric (HS’52, BC’55)
and Marileen moved from
California in August 2006 to
the Go Ye retirement village
in Tahlequah, OK. Marileen is
presently residing in the medical
center of the facility.
1960s
Bolster, Phil (BC u’64) and
Leila (Cooke, BC’68) have been
married for 5 years and live in
Brookings, OR where they work
at the Outreach Gospel Mission.
Leila is a secretary and Phil works
with the men. They have recently
opened a women’s shelter as well.
leilawc@hotmail.com
Charter, Vernon (HS’65,
BC’69, staff) and June (Frickel,
BC’69) live in Three Hills, AB
where Vernon teaches music at
Prairie Bible College. Vernon
suffered a bacterial infection of
the heart and underwent open
heart surgery in December to
replace two major valves.
Corey, John (BC’62) and
Jeanette (Hawkinson, BC’62)
live in Troutdale, OR. John is
recuperating from a stem cell
transplant in October.
jwcorey@juno.com
Klippenstein, Henry (BC’69)
and Anne are retiring from
Child Evangelism after 16 years
in Manitoba. They traveled to
Austria where they served until
1990 to say farewell to friends
and co-workers and are now
living in New Bothwell, MB.
hak@mts.net
Sirag, Mark (HS’56, BC’60)
and Joanne are now in Bradenton,
FL where they are able to connect
with Indonesian Christians.
Joanne is dealing with health
issues and recently underwent
cataract surgery.
Vinje, Gail (BC’69) is serving
with TEAM in Papua Barat, not
in Papua New Guinea as reported
in our last issue.
Wilkins, Neville (BC’61/’83)
and Merle (BC u’61) have
joined the home staff of Action
International Ministries. They
will serve Action-supporting
churches and individuals with
retirement preparation seminars,
church profiles, pulpit supply,
Bible teaching and other
ministries.
president George Washington.
Dan continues to commute from
their home in SC during the
transition.
dan@georgewashingtoninn.com
Craft, Bob (BC’77) and
Ramona live in Crete, IL where
they have recently joined
New Generations Int’l, the
international division of City
Team Ministries. Bob is director
of Ministry for Southeast Asia.
bob@craftfamily.net
Hurst, Chris and Elaine
(Tieszen, HS’75, BC u’76)
relocated to Abbotsford, BC
in November after 15 years
in Oaxaxa, Mexico. They
will continue their translation
work with Wycliffe from their
Canadian location.
Steele, Clayton (BC’77) and
Pamela (Ainey, BC’77), Medical
Lake, WA. Clayton is retired
from the USAF and works as a
curriculum developer for the USAF
Survival School at Fairchild AFB.
Pamela is a transportation aid for
special needs students and runs
a small home business. They are
involved in small group ministries
and marriage mentoring and have
four grown sons.
cny90142@centurytel.net
Veness,
Stephen
(HS’71,
BC’77, GS’94) and Lourdinha are
working in Brazil with ABWE.
They are involved with an English
church service, prison and soccer
ministries and reaching out to
street children. veness@abwe.cc
1980s
Barkman, Margaret (Dueck,
BC u’87, former staff) is presently
living in Abbotsford, BC. Her
husband Peter recently passed
away. They were married at
Prairie in 1996.
Brunner, Kenton (BC’82)
and Sheldina (Veres, HS’76, BC
1970s
Abbott, Dan (HS’73) and Janet
have opened a Bed & Breakfast
near Port Angeles, WA (www.
georgewashingtoninn.com).
It
is built as a replica of Mount
Vernon, home of the first US
THE PRAIRIE HARVESTER WINTER 2008
u’81) were appointed to SIM in
December 2007. They are based
in Montreal, Quebec where they
will work with churches and
Christian leaders to plan strategic
outreaches to new immigrants to
Canada. ks@ksbrunner.ca
Chung, Ben (HS’85) and his
wife Lillian live in East Orleans,
MA where Ben is a practicing
dentist. They have four children
with another on the way.
Friesen, Anthony and Tracy
(Johnson, BC u’89) welcomed
daughter Nora on February 14,
2007. They live in Mission, BC
where Anthony works as a lab
technician at an agricultural
research centre.
Tracy.friesen@shaw.ca
Hoffmann, Randy (BC’83)
and Margo led a team to
Turkey in the summer of 2007
with Frontiers Canada. Their
purpose was to minister to the
Iranian people there and to
provide in-depth training for
those interested in ministry to
Muslims.
RandyandMargo@shaw.ca
1990s
Allan, Bill (BC’91) and
Michelle (BC’91) have returned
to Canada from Peru and are
living in Bradford, ON with
daughters Ashley and Andrea.
Bill is serving as the Interim
Executive Director for World
Team Canada. Their oldest
daughter Amanda is attending
Queen’s University.
bill.allan@worldteam.org
Blackmon, Wes and Maureen
(Pogue, BC’93) arrived in Riga,
Latvia in August, 2007. Wes
is in language study as they
consider where to be involved
in future ministry.
wesandmo@latnet.lv
www.prairie.edu
Bourgeois, Chad (BC’95)
and Jill (MacDonald, BC’95) of
Edmonton, AB welcomed daughter
Brenna on March 8, 2007. Jill is an
RN and Chad manages a fireplace
store. Chadb99@hotmail.com
De Jager, Ron (BC’91) married
Elena Froese on October 20,
2007. Ron is Professor of Music
and Voice at Briercrest College in
Caronport, SK. He still enjoys an
active performing schedule and
his wife is an accompanist and
teaches piano at the college.
rdejager@briercrest.ca
Fehr, Calvin and Andrea
(Porritt, HS’96), with Alaythea,
Benjamin and Michael, make their
home in Sexsmith, AB. Andrea is
a homemaker and consultant for
Discovery Toys. After completing
carpentry school Calvin has
opened his own business.
Photo on file
Keith, David (BC’95) and
Wendy are now living in Port
Colborne, ON with their children
Glenna (6) and Josiah (4). David
is the Member Care Coordinator
in the Canadian head office of
Operation Mobilization.
Dave.keith@cdn.om.org
Kwok, Christine (GS’97) is
now on home assignment in
Hong Kong. She has served
with SIM in Thailand for the
past 7 years and will be working
in partnership with the church
planting department of OMF.
email: alumni@prairie.edu
With the Lord
Berg, David (BC u’49, former staff) passed away
in Abbotsford, BC on November 21, 2007 at the age
of 95. He served on Prairie staff as a carpenter from
1949-51 and as a homiletics and Bible instructor
in the ‘60s and also pastored several churches in
western Canada.
Bienert, Allan (BC’52,
former staff) went to be with
the Lord on August 6, 2007
in Three Hills, AB. He spent
much of his 30-year teaching
career in Three Hills where
he influenced the lives of
many students at Prairie High
School. He is survived by his
wife Violet (Faszer, BC’53)
and family.
Cosbern, Patience Anne (aka. Anne Kostick,
BC’47) was called home at the age of 82 on
September 29, 2007. She impacted many lives for
the Lord through her active involvment in street
ministry and tract distribution for over 50 years.
Dyck, Jacob (BC’41) passed
away on July 16, 2007 at the
age of 94. Jac spent 22 years
as a missionary to India and
Nepal with WEC International.
After returning to Canada in
1966 he pastored in Langley,
BC, managed the Seniors’
Home in Herbert, SK and
served as Chaplain at Tabor
Manor in Abbotsford, BC. He was predeceased by
his wife Helen (Toews, BC’42) in 2005.
Eggers, Christine (BC’50) passed away in
New Holland, PA on August 23, 2007. She was a
missionary nurse in India and Nepal with World
Team from 1950 to 1972 and served in the mission’s
home office for more than 20 years.
Forster, Ormond, former staff, passed away on
December 3, 2007. He worked for many years as
a steam engineer in Prairie’s power plant. Orm was
predeceased in 2006 by his wife Roberta and is
survived by his sons Dan and
David and their families.
Hromek, Kathy (former
staff) went home to be with
the Lord on December 5,
2007 at the age of 57 after
a lengthy battle with Lupus.
Her husband Ron taught at
Prairie High School.
Maxwell, Rick (HS’86, BC’90)
married Jeaneth Lanchimba in
Quito, Ecuador on September 1,
2007. Jeaneth has worked among
the Quichua in Ecuador and
Rick as a missionary in Mexico.
They are currently on Home
Assignment and hope to return
to Mexico with Avant Ministries
in the summer.
rmaxwell@avmi.org
Vande Kuyt, Geoff and
Miranda (DeJong, BC’99) and
big brother Landon welcomed
Makayla on October 14, 2007.
They live in Surrey, BC where
Geoff is the BC representative
for a Christian book distributor.
email: alumni@prairie.edu
Isaacs, Anne (BC’43) went to the Sudan in
1945 to work in the finance department of SIM.
In 1951 she transferred to Ethiopia and 20 years
later to England. For a number of years she was
private secretary to the founder of Tropicana
Juices. In recent years Anne returned to Canada
and lived in Abbotsford, BC until her passing on
January 6, 2008.
Janz, Hildor (former staff) died on March 31,
2007. Following his time at Prairie he and his
brothers formed the Janz Team and established
an evangelistic ministry in Germany. Hildor’s
music touched many around the world through
his personal travels, recordings and radio. He is
survived by his wife Olga and family.
Lewis, Hertha (Janz, former staff) went to
be with the Lord on
September 13, 2007
in Three Hills, AB.
Hertha was known
for her hospitality to
students during the
35 years that she and
her husband Golden
(predeceased in 2002)
served as support
staff at Prairie. She is
lovingly remembered
by four children, nine grandchildren and twelve
great-grandchildren.
Matheson, Margaret (Shellrude, BC u’47)
was called home on July 30, 2007 at the age
of 83. She had trained as a nurse and worked
in the campus infirmary while a student at
Prairie. Margaret and her husband Martin lived
in Edmonton and were lifetime members of the
Gideons. The family has created a missions
archive centre in the TS Rendall library in
memory of Margaret.
Melnychuk, Harry (BC’53) died at the age of
77 in Three Hills, AB on October 28, 2007. Born
in Poland, Harry farmed throughout Alberta and
worked in construction. He is survived by his
wife Alice and four daughters.
Miller, Bruce (BC’85) passed away on June
26, 2007 following emergency surgery while
on vacation in North Carolina. His wife JoAnne
(Schmidt, BC’86) and three children reside in
Hartford, WI.
Parlane, Alistair (BC’76), husband of Martha
(Johns, HS’69, BC’72), passed into Christ’s
presence on November 30, 2007 in Columbus,
2000s
Berman, Daniel (BC’07) and
Stephanie (Fox, BC’07) were
NE after a difficult battle
with cancer. He and
Martha had served in
Peru and Chile as church
planters with RBMU and
later taught at Christian
schools in Mexico and the
US. He was also an artist.
They have four children,
Jonathan, Daniel, Amy and
Matthew.
Stagg, Suzy (Lake/Radford, BC’89, former
staff) died suddenly on
December
30,
2007
of complications from
medications. She leaves
her husband Russell and
children
Foster,
Erin,
and Brittany and six
grandchildren.
Funeral
services were held in
Wisconsin with a memorial
following in Airdrie, AB.
Stinson, Muriel (Bouck, BC u’55) passed
away on October 2, 2007 in Three Hills, AB. She
was predeceased by her husband Lloyd (HS’46,
BC’50) in July of 2000. Together they served in
Ethiopia with SIM until 1975 when they returned
to Canada and became involved in helping new
immigrants. They are survived by their children
Dave, Sherry and Doug.
Vert, Daniel (HS’78, BC u’89) passed away
on December 17, 2007 after a long and painful
illness. He enjoyed his career as a correctional
officer in Grande Cache and Edmonton and
made his home in Gibbons, AB with his wife
Karen (Hamm, BC’89).
Warnock, Marion (Sayers, former staff) died
on September 5, 2007. After
coming to Canada as a war
bride, she and her husband
Ernest served together
in churches throughout
Alberta and Saskatchewan
and on the Stewardship
staff at Prairie. Marion had
a lifelong ministry in music.
Woodrow, Fred (former staff, BC u’44) passed
away in Three Hills, AB on September 13, 2007
at the age of 94. Before coming on staff at
Prairie in 1963 he worked as a missionary and
pastor in the interior of BC.
Andrea (Enns, BC’98), with sons
Elijah and Korban, were excited
to welcome little brother Simeon
on December 9, 2006. They
are living in Three Hills, AB.
yaseandandi@yahoo.com
Ranne, Paul (BC’04) and
Andrea (Klassen, BC’04) live in
Abbotsford, BC where Paul is a car
married on July 28, 2007 in
Kennewick, WA where they are
currently living. Daniel is working
in retail and Stephanie in the
restaurant industry.
stephanie.k.berman@gmail.com
Miller, Jason (BC’00) and
Photo by PeekaBoo
www.prairie.edu
salesman and Andrea is enjoying
caring for daughter Megan, born
August 20, 2007.
andrearanne@yahoo.ca
Sisson, Erik (BC’04) and
Karine
(Barthol,
BC’05)
celebrated the birth of their
daughter Nora on May 10,
2007. They reside in Sandpoint,
ID where Erik works as an
inspector in quality control
and tool calibrations at Quest
Aircraft Company LLC. Karine
enjoys being a full-time mother
to Nora. kumi_ori@juno.com
Toews, Gary and Doreen (both
former staff) work with MAF
in Angola. Gary was diagnosed
unexpectedly with serious heart
problems and underwent triple
bypass surgery in Ontario in
November. They will be in the
St. Catharines/Toronto area
until March while Gary recovers
and hope to resume service with
MAF after a one-year furlough.
THE PRAIRIE HARVESTER WINTER 2008 AN INVESTMENT WITH
INFINITE RETURNS
Are you
considering a significant donation to PRAIRIE?
Are you
interested in our annuity policies offering regular
payments for life?
Are you
aware of the substantial tax savings available
through donating to PRAIRIE?
Are you
willing to invest in preparing lives to share God’s
love with the world?
“The earth is the LORD’s and everything in
it.” Psalm 24:1
If you would like to discuss releasing a portion of
the resources God has entrusted to you to help
further the ministry of PRAIRIE we would love to
speak with you.
PRAIRIE Development
Phone: 1.403.443.5511 / 1.800.661.2425
Email: giftplanning@prairie.edu
A Sixpence Is Not Enough
“I looked for a man among them
who would… stand before me in
the gap…” Ezekiel 22:30
••
George Muller
was a man of that
stature. It is said that he prayed daily
as long as fifty years for individual
conversions. In 1835, he proposed
the establishment of an orphan
house in Bristol, England. By 1870
five homes opened housing more
than 2,000 children. George claimed
the promise, “Open wide your
mouth and I will fill it”. Trusting
God alone for his every need,
George went on to travel the world
encouraging Christians to embrace
the Word and its promises.
A Sixpence Is Not Enough tells
the story of this man’s courage and
obedience to “Stand”.
Prairie Bible College’s
PERFORMING ARTS & WORSHIP DEPARTMENT PRESENTS
S
ixpence
A
Is Not
Enoug
h
A
Dramatic Story
by Norma Bennett
Book Supports Relief Effort
Former PBI staff member Vance
Neudorf has been leading teams
of Prairie students to Nicaragua
for the past decade. Last March he
had just completed the rough draft
of his first novel, The Hammer,
when he travelled to a needy
area called Bluefield on a relief
and construction project. There,
he was stunned to see young
children scavenging for food
along with the pigs in the open
pits of a smoking garbage dump
and returned home determined to
help break the cycle of poverty in
that community.
After the novel was published
Vance developed a plan to donate
a portion of the sales from each
book to the local church-run
Verbo school that provides food
and hope-filled education to
over 450 area children. If you
are interested in supporting the
work of the Verbo school while
enjoying a unique adventure
novel, check out
www.novelconceptbooks.com
God’s Word — Our Foundation
One of Prairie’s four core values is the recognition of the truth and
central importance of God’s Word. The institute’s doctrinal statement
is based upon this value and every faculty member is requested to sign
an annual affirmation.
“Orphans”
by Thomas Benjamin Kennington 1885 Public
With faith and fifty shillings George Müller
provided the hope of home for orphans of England
Parable Place, 603 3rd St N, Three Hills
Feb. 29, March 1, 7, 8 @ 7:30pm
March 1 & 8 @ 1:30pm
March 2 & 9 @ 3:00pm
1.800.456.0961
www.prairie.edu/encounters
Tickets @ Prairie Bookstore
This premier PBI production, written by Norma Bennett (Neilson, BC’88), was
originally performed in 1988 in the Prairie Tabernacle. Please join us as we
celebrate twenty years of drama ministry at Prairie with A Sixpence Is Not Enough.
DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
In April of 2007 the PBI Board of
Directors affirmed the following:
The Scriptures
We believe the Old and New
Testament
Scriptures
as
originally given by God are
divinely inspired, inerrant,
trustworthy, and constitute
the only supreme authority
in all matters of doctrine and
conduct.
The Godhead
We believe there is one living
and true God, eternally existing
in three persons, Father, Son
and Holy Spirit, who are the
same in essence and co-equal
in power and glory.
Jesus Christ
We believe in the full deity
and full humanity of our Lord
Jesus Christ; we affirm His
virgin birth, sinless life, divine
miracles, vicarious and atoning
death, bodily resurrection,
ascension, ongoing mediatorial
work, and personal return in
power and glory.
The Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit by
whose regenerating power and
ongoing ministry the believer
is enabled to live a holy life, to
witness and work for the Lord
Jesus Christ.
Creation
We believe in the direct creative
acts of God as recorded in
Genesis.
Satan
We believe in the personality of
Satan, a fallen angel, who, with
other angelic beings rebelled
THE PRAIRIE HARVESTER WINTER 2008
against God and was cast out
of Heaven. Although he was
defeated at the cross and his
final destiny shall be the lake
of fire, he continues to be the
archenemy of God, angels and
humanity.
Humanity and Sin
We believe humanity was
created in the image of God. In
Adam all humankind fell and
incurred eternal separation
from God. As a consequence, all
human beings are declared by
God to be inherently depraved
and in need of salvation.
Salvation
We believe the grace of God
provides salvation from sin for all
humanity only through personal
repentance and faith in Jesus
Christ and His atoning work.
www.prairie.edu
The Church
We believe the Church, the
Body of Christ, constitutes
of all true believers and with
Christ as head, the church
exists in local expression
to glorify Him, edifying
believers, and evangelizing
lost humanity everywhere.
Christ’s Return
We believe in the literal,
physical, imminent return of
the Lord Jesus Christ.
Future State of the Dead
We believe in the bodily
resurrection of both the
saved and the lost, those
who are saved unto the
resurrection of eternal life
and those who are lost unto
the resurrection of eternal
conscious punishment.
email: alumni@prairie.edu
HOMECOMING 2007 – Memories
“How shall they preach except
they be sent?” Rom. 10:15
Teams of Prairie students are in the process of raising
support for international ministries this spring. They include:
Ambassador Choir travelling throughout the Ukraine
from April 28 to May 23, partnering with SEND International and the
Ukrainian Evangelical Baptist Church.
PCAAT: Prairie’s nursing and Early Childhood students gaining
international experience through mission trips and practicums in
Africa and Central America in May and June.
Barnabas Players drama group involved in ministry with
Prairie alumni Ernie and Nancy Tromsness in Ireland from April 27 to
May 12.
Open Air Campaigners in Brazil from April 29 to May 10,
sharing the gospel through drama and visual arts presentations.
If you would like to contribute toward the expenses of these teams,
you can donate online at www.prairie.edu or send checks payable
to Prairie Bible Institute, Box 4000, Three Hills AB T0M 2N0, clearly
indicating which group you wish to support.
Quest
July
1
200 0–13
8
We are pleased to announce that Prairie will once again be hosting
Quest this summer. If you are 55-plus, come and join us for a weekend
of fun (pack your clubs), fellowship and spiritual nourishment. Our
speaker will be Tim Strickland, senior pastor of the Prairie Tabernacle
here in Three Hills.
Visit www.prairie.edu or call 1.800.661.2425 for more information.
email: alumni@prairie.edu
www.prairie.edu
Back
to
the
Music
Prairie Quartet celebrates 50 anniversary
th
A
long with country music
and rock and roll, the closeknit harmonies of the male gospel
quartet were a signature sound
of the 1950’s. On the campus
of Prairie Bible Institute music
teacher Faith Imbach discovered
four young students whose voices
were a natural fit and soon Art
Wiebe, Joel Bardwell, Phil Doud
and Bob Jones were on the road
making music for Prairie with
talented Alan Bromley at the
piano. In the spring of 1958 they
toured throughout the central and
eastern United States and Ontario,
logging over 10,000 miles in a
1956 Ford Niagara.
In one home along the way
the group witnessed a new
phenomenon —television!
Fascinated, they watched a TV
story about a little black boy who
wandered off into the woods.
While a search went on, his
sister kept repeating, “Poor little
Mokey, he’s gone up to be with
the angels.” The line became an
instant favorite and was repeated
over the years whenever the boys
called each other on the phone. In
the fall of 2003 Art received a call
from his old friend Bob Jones and
greeted him with the usual.
“Well, Arthur,” said Bob,
“I’ll be going up to join poor
little Mokey soon and the doctor
doesn’t give me much time. My
family would like to have some
tapes of our quartet. Could you
send me some?”
Art decided to take them in
person, and rounded up Phil, Joel,
and Alan to go along. They met
at Bob’s home in Salt Lake City,
Utah where they talked and sang
long into the night. Two weeks
later Bob had indeed gone to be
with the angels.
A CD of their early recordings
was produced in Bob’s memory and
this past September the remaining
members of the group came
together to commemorate their
50th anniversary. Old harmonies
rang out once more at Prairie’s
Homecoming 2007 on the campus
where the music first began.
To order your own copy of
the Prairie Gospel Quartet’s
anniversary CD, please see the
enclosed envelope.
THE PRAIRIE HARVESTER WINTER 2008 Laughstyle Evangelism
Harvester editor Pat Massey
re c e n tly ta lk e d with Phil
Callaway about one of his most
unusual projects to date:
You’ve written a new
children’s book: Be Kind, Be
Friendly, Be Thankful. What is
it about?
It’s about two best friends who
must say goodbye for a time and
the important lessons they learn.
The best friends are a bear
and a dog, Phil. Didn’t you
learn zoology as a child?
It’s a very big dog.
I’m told the U.S. army is
ordering it by the thousands.
Why do you think this is?
I don’t think we’ve ever had more
children saying goodbye than we
do these days. With the break
up of families and job changes
and the distances we travel, it’s
a harsh reality. I wanted to write
something that would teach
children how to look at this hard
experience in a positive way.
God is not mentioned. Why?
I’d love to write “Jesus loves you!
To know more, call this number”
on every page. But the California
company that commissioned
the book wouldn’t have touched
it if I did. And the
military wouldn’t be
buying them. Instead,
I wrote about three
things children need
to do when tough
times come. All are
biblical
principles
and the final one is
“be thankful.” A
prerequisite to being
thankful is having
someone to thank. I
pray this book will
spark a longing in
kids to find Him. One
lady told me she had
sent 20 copies to her
grandchildren, and
that it would never
have gotten past their
parents if it were
overtly Christian.
The book comes with a CD
of the story and original songs.
Do you do the singing?
No. My brother used to tell me
to sing “Far, Far Away.” He said
Be Kind, Be Friendly, Be Thankful
Phil Callaway
When Brisky Bear goes upriver, his
best friend is sad, mad, and lonely—
until he finds three clues that just
might put a smile back on his face.
Your child or grandchild will laugh
and learn along with these cute,
cuddly, captivating creatures how
to find joy even when you have to
say goodbye.
Beautifully illustrated, this book
includes a drama CD with songs
from the story. Order the book and
CD through the enclosed envelope.
NOTE: Stuffed animals are available
only at www.laughagain.org
that was my best song.
The main characters are also
available now as hand-made
animals and hand-puppets.
Has the success of this whole
project surprised you?
Only all the time. I’m amazed at
the doors it’s opening to speak
to corporations and “secular”
events. That’s been fun.
You’re known as a comedian
with a message. How have you
seen God use humor?
I don’t view humor as an end
in itself. It’s a vehicle to get us
somewhere. People who laugh
will listen to what you have to
say when you get serious. I was
speaking to 500 ladies in Niagara
Falls—
In the falls?
Near the falls. A man came in
and sat at the back taking notes.
He told me later he was playing
in the bar band at the hotel, heard
laughter and wanted to see what
these ladies were laughing at. He
had written down every Scripture
reference I’d used and said,
“I’ve been far from God but I’m
coming home today.” Imagine
him explaining that he was saved
at a ladies’ conference! People
need to see that the joy of the Lord
is our strength. Last weekend a
couple told me, “We heard you
speak four years ago and came
to Christ. We’ve been attending
church ever since.” These things
make it all worthwhile.
Prairie’s 2008 Golf Tournament will be held once
again at the beautiful Innisfail Golf Club on June
19, 2008. Mark your calendar and join us for
a fun-filled day
in support of
the ministries
of Prairie. To
register go to:
www.prairie.edu/events/golf_tournament.htm
AN EVENING OF
HUMOR & HOPE
With Servant Editor, Author, and Humorist Phil Callaway
and Prairie’s President Dr. Jon Ohlhauser
Friday, February 22 -- 7:00 pm Thursday, March 27-- 7:00 pm
Four Corners Baptist Church
Trinity Baptist Church
125 Cottonwood Dr.
1905 Springfield Rd.
Davenport, FL
Kelowna, BC
Friday, March 28 -- 7:00 pm
Fraserview MB Church
11295 Mellis Dr.
Richmond, BC
Saturday, March 29 – 7:00 pm
Garden Park Towers
2825 Clearbrook Rd.
Abbotsford, BC
There is no charge for this event but you do need to pre-register. Call 1-800-661-2425 or visit
www.prairie.edu/events/eveningofhumor.htm
If you would be interested in hosting a Humor & Hope event, please contact us at: humorandhope@prairie.edu
THE PRAIRIE HARVESTER WINTER 2008
www.prairie.edu
email: alumni@prairie.edu