Alumni Connect - Providence University College

Providence University College & Theological Seminary

Fall 2013

Greetings from the President Jesus stated his purpose quite succinctly in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church.” This saying is distinctive. It is one of two times when Jesus is recorded to have used the word “church.” Everything he did, gathering disciples, teaching, miracles, his sacrifice on the cross, and his resurrection were for the sole purpose of building his church. That the apostles understood this fact is apparent in their story in Acts and in their Epistles. According to Peter, Jesus builds his church with people who are “living stones” (1 Peter 2:5). That’s a reference to you and me. We are the spiritual bricks of a worshipping community. This is one of the things that binds us together. Another thing that binds us together is our past and present association with Providence University College and Seminary. But really it is not another thing at all, since the purpose of Providence is to strengthen the church. We are doing that very thing. Recently I asked Susan Meszaros to make a list of Providence alumni employed by churches in Manitoba. In Manitoba alone we counted 185 people. That’s just employees. There are hundreds of other people who have leadership positions in local churches around the country and around the world. You can learn how your fellow Providence alumni are contributing to the church in the pages of this Alumni Connect. The church is stronger because of Providence!

“ So pray for Providence as we train leaders and servants for the church. God answers prayer!” You attended Providence last year, or a few years ago, or many years ago. You partnered with us then through gaining an education. There are still many opportunities for you to partner with Providence today. I invite you to look on the websites to learn all that we are doing. We try to update news items every week. Once you have explored the website, determine to get involved with us as we seek to strengthen the church.

You can encourage prospective students to get a Christian postsecondary education at Providence University College. You can encourage future church leaders to pursue their ministry training at Providence Theological Seminary. You can invest in the lives of these and other students financially. Unless otherwise designated, all alumni donations go directly to student scholarships. Most importantly, you can pray for us. In another passage using a different metaphor, Jesus said to pray for harvesters (Matthew 9:37-38). Note that he did not say to pray for the harvest. He said pray for workers. He was talking about his church. So pray for Providence as we train leaders and servants for the church. God answers prayer! Toward the building of the church,

David H. Johnson Ph.D. Professor of New Testament President

Upcoming Events September 15 September 27 & 28 October 7-11 October 16 October 29 November 18-22 November 21 December 6 & 7 January 6-10 February 6 February 27- March 1 March 10-14 April 26 April 27

Formal Presidential Installation Harvest Festival Banquets Intrasession Classes Freedom Singers in Concert Lecture Series Intrasession Classes Faculty Forum Festival of Christmas Praise Intersession Classes Missio Dei Theatre Production Intrasession Classes Seminary Graduation University College Graduation

Alumni Connect - Fall 2013

Congratulations to Our Award Recipients

Welcome to the Class of 2013

Alumnus of the Year Award (Seminary)

Distinguished Christian Leadership Award

Alumna of the Year Award (University College)

MAJOR GREG COSTEN, M.A. 1990

TERRY LEBLANC

WILMA (GERBRANDT) ARNOLDHEBERT , B.R.E. 1971

Providence University College

Providence Theological Seminary

Providence TESOL (Certificate)

Major Greg Costen earned his Master of Divinity from Providence Theological Seminary (then Winnipeg Theological Seminary) in 1990. He served for thirteen years as a small town pastor in central Alberta with the Evangelical Free Church of Canada. During these years he served the Evangelical Free Church on the Ministerial Standing Committee and as chair of the Pastoral Couples Renewal Committee. Major Costen also served the missions department by briefly instructing internationally at the Free Church Seminary in Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine.

Terry LeBlanc is Mi’kmaq /Acadian, with family roots in Listuguj First Nation and Campbellton, NB, Canada. He and his wife Bev are in their 40th year of marriage.

Wilma (Gerbrandt) Arnold-Hebert graduated from Providence University College (then Winnipeg Bible College) with a Bachelor of Religious Education in 1971. Her ministry experience began in the early 1970’s, volunteering at the Union Gospel Mission and the Salvation Army in Winnipeg, as well as a drop-in centre known as “House of Peter.”

Back Row: Robert Kaufman, Kevin Wiebe, Marc Moir, Jordan Siemens, Edwin Pankraz, Kevin Hildebrand, Steven Schapansky, Heidi Martens, David Ward Fifth Row: Matthew Dean, Mario Giesbrecht, Ingrid Fast, Danielle Fillion, Seth Martens, Kelly Wieler, Michael Galster, Chad Effa, Caleb Thiessen Fourth Row: Melanie Coutts, Malcolm Montgomery, Paul Warkentin, Ulrike Neufeld, Ismail Hussein, Esther Reimer Third Row: Irma McKenzie, Aylicia Spitzke, Allison Dueck, Nathan Dunning, Joel Jolly, Michael Byram, Andrew Friesen, Arjun Marwaha, Youngshin Kim Second Row: Andrew Campbell, Ryan Turnbull, Kristina Korten, Elissa Dykstra, Henry Newson, Kaleena McGillivray, Mouney Park, Karen Nacario, Tari-Lynn Goertzen, Sarah Jane Nesbitt, Caleb James, Jimmy de Caluwé, Jessica Hamm First Row: Avonlea Vriend, Rachel Guenther, Melanie Warkentine, Kristina Larson, Stephanie Fehr, Lindsey Post, Esther Searcy, Kyra Bergen, Miranda Rempel, Kayla Penner, Dorothee Chlupac, HyoJin Gil Not Pictured: Cuthbert Mwale Absentia: Amanda Dueck, Timothy Hildebrand, Philip Wiebe

Back Row: Jeff Banman, Russell Doerksen, Joel Banman, Stephen Bilski Fourth Row: Jonathan Scott Maksymyk, Werni Kehler Third Row: Lois Lapp, Justin Penner, Randy Janzen, Erik Anderson, Keith Friesen Second Row: La Wom Gumling, Adriano Caires, Uk Lian Hmung, Marc-Nicholas Martin-Paulichenko, Sung Sung Jang, Kevin Beauchamp First Row: Outi Vuorela, Grace Scott, Minjung Kim, Lydia Summerville, Angelle Arinobu Absentia: Elizabeth Broers, Jodi Chee, Darin Frandsen

Back Row: Kaleena McGillivray, Sarah Pries, Heidi Martens, Cathy RustAkinbolaji (Professor), Evan Maier, Andre Vanderstoep, Kristina Korten, Kaypee Nacario, Ulrike Neufeld, Crystal Kehler Second Row: Mavis Lee, Ronalei Neufeld, Reyna Hiebert, Jasmine Freier, Carolyne Toews, Brianna Plett, Gail Friesen, Elaine Kehler, Lisandra Llamos Lopez, Elfrieda Lepp-Kaethler (Professor), Yoo Nim Lee, Dorothee Chlupac First Row: Alexis Gillingham, Jessalyn Heppner, Mouney Park, Aylicia Spitzke, Miho Hachisuka, Levina Reimer Not Pictured: Yu Jeong (Gloria) Cho, Amanda Dueck, Minjung (Pearl) Kim, Youngshin (Kyle) Kim, Katherine King, Ian Martens, Andrew Meszaros, Nikki Strohschein, Avonlea Vriend

Major Costen enrolled as a chaplain in the Canadian Forces (CF) in 2003. He currently serves in the rank of Major as the senior chaplain at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton. Major Costen leads a team of 10 chaplains in Edmonton, Wainwright and Suffield as they do the on-the-ground work of meeting the spiritual needs of CF members. Prior to his promotion from Captain to Major in 2011, he served in Ottawa, at CFB Gagetown in New Brunswick, and in the United Kingdom. He also trained in Clinical Pastoral Education with the American Navy in Virginia. Greg and his wife Mary have three grown daughters: Amy, Ashley, and Ainsley.

2014 NOMINATIONS For 2014, the “Alumni of the Year” Award will go to one Providence University College and one Providence Theological Seminary graduate who have shown commitment to God through the years in the way they have lived their lives and have made a significant contribution to the church and society through their profession and/or as a volunteer.

Following almost nine years as Aboriginal Programs Manager with World Vision Canada, Terry took up a position first as National Programs then Executive Director with My People International – a holistic, training-focused ministry program with and for Native North Americans. This is his current position. Terry has served in full-time Native ministry since 1979 and has been ordained since 1983. He completed his Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies at Asbury Seminary in 2012. Terry has served the Native community in a variety of training and facilitative capacities. As a panellist for Sacred Assembly ’95, Terry co-authored the event’s Reconciliation and Principles documents. In 1998 he served as co-chair of the second World Christian Gathering of Indigenous People held in North America and is currently serving as one of the movement’s international “Keepers of the Vision.” In his regular work with indigenous communities, Terry facilitates asset-based planning and development workshops for indigenous peoples. The focus is on positive community growth and change. He, of course, is also actively engaged in those same communities, helping Native men and women embrace the person, work, teaching, life, death and resurrection of Jesus – as indigenous people.

In 1995, Wilma was approached by several individuals asking her to serve on the board of a youth centre which was starting up in St-Pierre. As Wilma enthusiastically exclaims, “I didn’t have to even think or pray about it! To work with youth, many of whom might need a little extra love and attention, this sounded like ‘heaven’ to me!” Wilma joined the St. Pierre YFC board and became the director in 1997. Her first term as director lasted until 2000. Her second stint has been from 2003 to present. Wilma explains “our drop-in is open well over forty hours a week, with staff and volunteers always there to welcome you. A youth can come in and out ten times a day and be welcomed each time! I LOVE the concept.“ Wilma lives with her husband Ray in StPierre-Jolys, Manitoba. She is a proud mother and grandmother, and is actively involved in her local church, St. Pierre Bible Fellowship, as well as the community of StPierre-Jolys.

PERKS, BENEFITS AND SERVICES Explore our website for the perks and benefits of being an alum of Providence! ProvidencUC.ca/college/alumni or ProvidenceSeminary.ca/seminary/alumni

Terry is one of the founders and the current Chair of NAIITS (North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies). He currently teaches as an adjunct faculty member for Tyndale Seminary in Toronto and Asbury Seminary in Kentucky.

Providence Theological Seminary (Calgary Extension Site) Back Row: Fern Buszowski, Joel Derdall, Michelle Eves, Courtney Gardiner, Lauralea Hartell, Marie Hasegawa, Jan Regehr, Meredith Mpinga, Hazel Mayhew, Rhonda May, Sheena Jones, Andrea Howarth Front Row: (Providence Faculty) Rob MacDonald, Sharon Habermann, Rod Buxton, Rodolfo Nolasco, David Johnson (President), Stan Hamm (Dean), Arch Wong (Dean of Ambrose Seminary)

Providence Theological Seminary Doctor of Ministry: Jeffrey Anderson

Please submit your recommendation to Susan today. [email protected]

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Alumni Connect

Alumni Connect

Fall 2013  3

From the Office of the Alumni Association

MEET OUR ALUMNI COUNCIL This year we will be expanding our Alumni Council to have Alumni representatives throughout Canada and the United States. These members are chosen for their support of Providence as well as their willingness and ability to be the voice of the alumni in their area, as well as represent Providence to them. We look forward to their involvement! Representa-

RICK WADHOLM JR. (M.DIV. 2012) Represents the U.S.A.

I am the newly appointed Assistant Professor of Biblical & Theological Studies at Trinity Bible College in Ellendale, ND and am transitioning to this new role with my wife, Jenn, and four children. I am currently a Ph.D. candidate (Biblical and Pentecostal Studies) at Bangor University, Wales, UK. I am an ordained minister in the Assemblies of God (USA) since 1999 and have pastored several congregations between ND and MN. I have preached and taught in numerous contexts across the upper Midwest of the USA and I serve on numerous ministry boards throughout the region. I have a tremendous love for Biblical studies, theology, discipleship and missions. I give back to Providence because of the tremendous impact Providence faculty and students have made in my life and ministry. I have been molded for God’s work in ways that would never have happened apart from my time spent as a member of the Providence community.

DUSTIN BURLET (M.DIV. 2011) Represents: Alberta

I graduated from Providence Theological Seminary in 2011 with an M.Div. in Biblical Languages. I am currently in my third year of teaching at Peace River Bible Institute in Sexsmith, AB where I teach a variety of courses including Greek, Hermeneutics, and Biblical Studies. My son, Malachi Joel, is turning two years old this October and my wife, Rebecca, is expecting our second child sometime in November. I give back to Providence because Providence has given so much to me. Providence has given me the tools and ability to be able to teach God’s word effectively with passion and accuracy. Were it not for Providence I would not have the confidence that I have now to be able to minister in the capacity that I do. I am thankful for the education that I received at Providence and for the difference that it has made in my life. I give back to Providence because I want to

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HAPPENINGS AT THE CALGARY EXTENSION SITE

tives from Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes are still needed. If interested, please reference the Alumni Council page on at www. ProvidenceUC.ca/college/alumni/ or www.ProvidenceSeminary.ca/seminary/alumni/ for details. Susan Meszaros Coordinator for Alumni Relations

enable others to have the same life-changing experience that I have had and to be blessed as I have been blessed.

AL PETERSON (B.A. 1989, M.DIV. 1993)

MELISSA BERT-VIDAL (B.A. 2007)

I began my Providence experience by first attending Winnipeg Bible College. I got to know WBC students while I was getting my pilot’s license at Harv’s Air Service in Steinbach in the early 1980’s. Later, Al Hiebert came to our church in Calgary with a music group. I remember Al talking and that he had an amazing ability to convey philosophy and truth. If that was the kind of teaching WBC had, I wanted in on it.

Represents: British Columbia

I graduated from Providence University College in the spring of 2007 with my B.A., majoring in Business Administration (Buller Center for Business). After graduation I proceeded to work for the bookstore, and for the Buller Center for Business. I have since moved back to Victoria, BC and am working in the Finance Department of a software company. Giving back to Providence is important to me because for four and a half years I called it ‘home’. During that time I cultivated strong friendships, met my husband Ryan, reinforced my love of academia and the study of Business, and learned more about myself and my faith.

JAN REGEHR (M.A. 2013)

Represents: Calgary Extension Site I just graduated from the Calgary Extension program with my M.A. in Counselling. I am originally from Edmonton, and currently live in Cochrane, AB. I am married and have three children. My future plans are to set up a part time private practice this year and complete my M.A. Counseling Psychology degree, and then become a registered psychologist. One of my passions has been to work in DR Congo for the past six years with our charity called ReGen (www.regencommunity.org) to provide train-the-trainer counselling for Central to Western Congo, and to establish a Counselling Center there. I give back to Providence because I believe it has a unique experiential approach to counselling that far supersedes other institutes, as well as excellent professors of both academic and personal integrity.

Represents: Manitoba

In 1993, Judi and I taught at Lithuania Christian College in Klaipeda, Lithuania on the Baltic Sea. When we completed our time there we came back to Kleefeld where we bought a house and have lived since. Even though I no longer work directly in my field of study, the time at Providence has been a huge asset. Critical thinking and formation of a world view are extremely valuable in any profession. Providence (more specifically the people) built into my life so that’s why I want to give something back.

JASON FALK (B.A. 1998) Represents: Manitoba

My family includes my wife Chantelle (B.A. 1999) and our five children, Payton (10), Adlai (8), Rheanna (7), Aliyah (5) and Arileigh (4). We farm in the Niverville area of Manitoba, a few miles from Providence. These have been extremely busy days for our family with the farm (mainly hog farming) and the building of our new home. Besides living near Providence, I grew up hearing about the institution as my parents are Corporation Members. After graduation, my wife was approached to sit on the Alumni Council and a number of years later I took her place and have served for approximately seven years. The current members of the Alumni Council look forward to serving with our new members from across Canada and the U.S.A. Please pray for us as we represent the Alumni of your province.

Alumni Connect

SHARON HABERMANN PH.D.

RHONDA MAY (M.A. 2013)

LANDON HILDEBRAND

Assistant Professor of Counselling Psychology Practicing Psychologist

My time at Providence (2008 – 2013) has been instrumental in teaching me how to cultivate an environment where clients can experience the presence of God even though they may not have any faith or understanding of who God is. Providence is unique in that part of our program of studies is to enter personal counselling. This journey of self-discovery towards emotional well-being can be full of surprises and challenges. However, it has been through these sessions that I have not only faced my own inner pain and seen healing take place but it has caused me to more fully understand what it is like for my clients. I have a greater appreciation for how difficult it is to be honest with a therapist; to disclose the true, authentic person who is afraid they won’t be accepted, validated or even loved. At the Calgary Extension Site we have been privileged and blessed to have professors that demonstrate endless patience, radical acceptance and undeserved kindness as we fumble our way through our studies and inner healing. Since my graduation in spring 2013 I have been employed at Calgary Family Services as a Child, Youth & Family Counselor.

Moving into my third year at Providence, I can’t help but spend time looking at what has occurred since I began this journey two years ago. I can look at myself now and accept that the person I have become is in many ways the same person, nothing has replaced who I was, but I have grown in ways I did not expect. Like a tree that grows to be nearly unrecognizable from the sapling it once was, I still remain the same tree, but reaching out to places I had only hoped were possible. The journey at Providence being both concerned with academic competence as well as personal and interpersonal growth has facilitated this journey. I can stand with my peers in my ability to understand the psychological work I seek to do; yet, I also must acknowledge the spiritual growth that has developed alongside the academic growth. My personal journey has been that much the greater because I have been encouraged to grow not just in class but in who I am as I leave class.

The Providence counselling program in Calgary has been pleased to learn that a recent round of Providence graduates have had their academic credentials approved by the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP). This enables them to begin the registration process to become psychologists in the province of Alberta, using their Providence education as the gateway to do so. This is great news for these graduates and for Providence! It helps pave the way for future Providence graduates who may want to pursue a similar career path. It is exciting that a secular body such as CAP has recognized the Providence counselling degree and program by approving these graduates, who will ultimately work as registered psychologists, bringing salt and light to this very secular discipline, while using their gifts and training as counselors in service to others. Congratulations to them, and to the Providence counselling program - what a great achievement!

What’s Happening: Calgary Alumni Reception An Alumni reception was held in Calgary on May 10th, 2013. Approximately 50 Alumni of both the University College and Seminary gathered for an evening of renewing friendships with classmates and Faculty, as well as several current Counselling graduates that graduated the following day. Dr. Stan Hamm gave a warm welcome, followed by Dr. David Johnson sharing

Alumni Connect

some updates and current news about Providence. Dr. Rod Buxton closed the formal part of the evening with prayer. Thank you to everyone that attended! We appreciate our Alumni and it was so good to see everyone again! Gayle Penner Seminary Administrative Assistant

Fall 2013  5

The Henry Schellenberg Memorial Fund for Music Education

CALLED TO SERVE

The Canadian Forces Chaplain Branch Motto by Major Greg Costen

“ Their individual abilities varied but under Henry’s tutelage the whole inevitably proved much greater than the sum of its parts.”

Dr. Henry Schellenberg, B.Mus., M.M., M.S.M., D.M.A., Professor of Choral and Church Music, joined the faculty of Providence University College in 1983, teaching choral and church music, liturgy, conducting, voice, and music history. For almost thirty years, he served students and shared his music with the wider community, performing and conducting not only on campus but also in churches and music halls around the world. His own music studies took him from Winkler Bible Institute to Brandon University, Southern Methodist University, and on to the University of Iowa where he completed his Doctorate in 1996. Prior to joining the Providence Faculty Henry held various educational and conducting posts including: Lord Selkirk School Division, Music Director of Selkirk United Church, Founder and Music Director of Selkirk Community Choir, and Music Director of Broadway First Baptist Church in Winnipeg. Henry’s contribution to the broader musical community was evident in his participation in a wide variety of professional organizations, such as: the Association of Canadian Choral Conductors, the Manitoba Choral Association, and the American Choral Directors Association.

inevitably proved much greater than the sum of its parts. Henry was well known by his colleagues for his contribution to the life of Choral Music here in Manitoba and in Canada. His choirs had both art and heart. More than that, they were a ministry of spiritual reflection to ponder, to be uplifted and to draw us closer to the Lord. Those fortunate enough to have heard any of his choirs—whether on campus, in area churches, at music festivals, or at one of the many host venues during tours throughout North America and the United Kingdom— will no doubt agree.

Music Education has been established in his honour. Henry loved students. Through music he nurtured the gifts and potential that often he alone could see. We invite you to join us in advancing Henry’s legacy by supporting music education at Providence University College and donating online at Prov.ca/Donate.

Following graduation from Providence Seminary’s M.Div. program, and 13 years of small church pastoral ministry alongside my wife Mary, I enrolled as a chaplain in the Canadian Forces in 2003. After completing basic training, I was posted in Ottawa, at CFB Gagetown in New Brunswick, in England, in Virginia and I currently serve as the senior Base Chaplain at CFB Edmonton.

“ The year 2013 would have been Dr. Henry Schellenberg’s 30th year conducting the choir at Providence University College.” The year 2013 would have been Dr. Henry Schellenberg’s 30th year conducting the choir at Providence University College. His passing on February 20th, 2013 was deeply felt by the Providence community. The Henry Schellenberg Memorial Fund for

“Through music he nurtured the gifts and potential that often he alone could see.”

“ During the past ten years the adventure has included sleeping in tanks and trenches, flying with tactical helicopter squadrons and spending time with our troops in winter training at -45°.” During the past ten years the adventure has included sleeping in tanks and trenches, flying with tactical helicopter squadrons and spending time with our troops in winter training at - 45°. I have pastorally visited Canadian Forces personnel throughout Canada and the USA, in England, Istanbul, Norway, Germany, and Belgium. Needless to say, the adven-

With each new school year Henry set out to cajole, encourage, and yes, even pester a new group of students to participate, to make their way into audition rooms and then into the music department’s ensembles and choirs. Their individual abilities varied but under Henry’s tutelage the whole

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“ I consider myself a pastor but with a congregation that wears a uniform, carries weapons and who have voluntarily agreed to lay down their lives in the service of the values we cherish.”

Alumni Connect

Alumni Connect

ture value has been quite high. No matter where a chaplain serves, the heart of their ministry is pastoral. I consider myself a pastor but with a congregation that wears a uniform, carries weapons and who have voluntarily agreed to lay down their lives in the service of the values we cherish. A chaplain’s pastoral work is carried out primarily by what we call Ministry of Presence. In short, wherever the troops are, chaplains are. If the troops are flying, we fly. If they are on-board ship, we sail. If they are freezing in the Arctic, so are we. If they are in a theater of operations such as Afghanistan, we are there with them. Our goal in all this face-time is the development of relationships of trust so that our soldiers, sailors and air personnel feel they have a trusted confidant to whom they can bring their personal, family and pastoral needs.

As do my civilian counterparts, I preach and teach, baptize, marry and bury. The CF Chaplain Branch prides itself in its ecumenical and inter-faith spirit and has a number of Muslim and Jewish chaplains. This brings a rich diversity to the spiritual life of ministers who choose chaplaincy as a career path. In order to enter this career path, the hopeful candidate must possess an M.Div. degree, have two years of pastoral experience in a local church and be ordained by a nationally recognized faith group. Having met these basic qualifications allows a person to enter both the military and chaplain branch selection process. The successful person will enjoy 13 weeks of basic training, be posted to a military unit anywhere in Canada and commence their military career. The beauty of military chaplaincy is the opportunity to do genuine and significant spiritual work in an almost completely secular environment. It is clearly nontraditional pastoral work. You can imagine that the pastoral needs of military personnel are unique, given their role and the sometimes unpleasant activities they are asked to engage in. Since the military is a largely closed world it is the military chaplain who is uniquely positioned to meet a soldier’s spiritual needs. Please feel free to be in touch at [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to discuss any aspect of military chaplaincy. As you watch the news and hear stories about the Canadian Forces, please use those opportunities to pray for our troops and the chaplains who serve them.

Canadian Forces chaplains are also involved in more traditional pastoral ministry. Each base in Canada has both a Protestant and Roman Catholic chapel.

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From Where We Stand

What’s Your Passion? then she completed a B.A. in Biblical Studies, an M.A. in Theology from Providence Theological Seminary, and taught a variety of courses in both the University College and the Seminary. She is currently writing a dissertation for her Ph.D. at Asbury Theological Seminary.

ED NEUFELD PH.D.

VALERIE HIEBERT PH.D. CANDIDATE

ROB MACDONALD M.A.

Professor of Biblical Studies Providence Theological Seminary

Assistant Professor of Sociology and Theatre Providence University College

I started teaching in 1984, but let’s go back farther. In student days here, I learned something from Bible teachers that I liked, and something from Bible commentaries that I did not like. From teachers I learned that sometimes the preachers and churches said one thing, but the Bible said another. That possibility had not occurred to me before, but I loved it - the Bible could actually correct us!

I first entered the hallways (and convoluted stairways!) of Providence University College as a student. Though I now spend most of my time at the front of the classroom I have come to understand that the best part about being a professor is that it requires me to continue to be a student. Sharing a classroom with my students is one of the great privileges of my life - they bring their life experiences to their learning experiences, mixing this with the theories, ideas, and research that I bring to the classroom in a way that creates a unique result in each individual learner. And in the process they teach me to look at things in a new light, from a slightly different perspective. But the greatest lesson my students teach me often happens after they graduate, as they seek out creative and effective ways of bringing justice and grace to a broken and hurting world. They have much to teach us all.

Assistant Professor of Counselling and Psychology Providence Theological Seminary - Calgary Extension Site

From commentaries I learned that I was a poor Bible reader, which offended me. The commentator would note something a familiar text said, clearly said, no doubt about it. I had read the text but never noticed. Why not? Now I teach the Bible, and I love this as much as in 1984. Students want to study Scripture for their own lives, and to guide those they will serve. We cover the same skills: read it carefully. Don’t assume you know what it means when you have not read patiently. What does it actually say? What does it not say? What is this Scripture saying that you don’t believe? What would you believe if this was the only Scripture you had? It’s a startling Book.

Providence has been part of my life since I started my M.A. degree in the early 2000’s. I graduated in 2010 with the M.A. Counselling Psychology and later that year started serving part-time as an assistant professor in the counselling program. I also work full-time doing counselling for an EFAP company here in Calgary. I come from a pastoral background, and keep involved with the local church through district board activity. My wife and I lived in Meadow Lake, SK for about 12 years, and after a short stint in Fort McMurray we have found ourselves in Okotoks, just south of Calgary now for almost 2 years. We have a 3 year old son, whom we can hardly keep up with, and a daughter on the way by the end of July so we are excited about that! Personally, I have been busy preparing for the psychology licensure exam and completing other requirements for registration as a psychologist here in Alberta. I am also starting work on a D.Min. in Marriage and Family Counselling from Denver Seminary in the Fall and am very much looking forward to that. We will be too busy this summer to enjoy the things we normally like to do such as camping and canoeing, but hopefully will be able to squeeze in some outdoor fun regardless.

Wendy in Thunderbird House

WENDY (BEAUCHEMIN) PETERSON (M.A. 1994) Wendy Beauchemin Peterson lives in Steinbach with her husband, Ed, who is a business man. They have three adult children and ten grandchildren. Wendy spent the first 14 years of her life on her great grandfather’s land in Charleswood, Manitoba. He, Jean Baptiste Beauchemin, had been a councilor on Louis Riel’s Council. Seven families related to the Beauchemins—including four generations— shared Baptiste’s land with other Métis families. All the Red River Métis she knew were Roman Catholic. Newer immigrants were primarily English Anglicans, but an increasing number of Mennonites also arrived. They were a curiosity to her as she had no idea what “Mennonite” meant and no one explained. She finds it ironic that she ended up living in Steinbach.

How she came to be writing a dissertation instead of planning for retirement is directly related to Providence. In 1994 Wendy met Terry LeBlanc (Mi’kmaq/Acadian) at a Providence missions event. This providential meeting led to an invitation to meet with leaders in the Aboriginal community, World Vision, and the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. At Sacred Assembly in 1995, the Native Christian leaders asked her to co-chair the Aboriginal Task Force for the Evangelical Free Church of Canada (which later morphed into the Aboriginal Ministry Council). In 2001 the North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies [NAIITS] was founded by Terry with Wendy as a founding board member. With one exception, all the board members are Native from Canada and United States. Wendy has served as the editor of ten volumes of the NAIITS Journal to date and as a member of NAIITS faculty as well as continuing on the board. As part of the strategy to deliver education to Indigenous people in a manner more in line with Indigenous values and pedagogy, a number of NAIITS board members accepted the challenge to complete doctorates as the only non-resident students enrolled in a program that required full residency. This experience has served to inform NAIITS in developing their own curriculum.

Wendy has a passion not only to contribute to Indigenous education, but to educate nonIndigenous people on the “neglected details” of Canadian history such as assimilationist attempts to “de-Indian the Indian” and the extensive social injustices, often committed in the name of Jesus. Indigenous peoples globally have suffered similar debilitating social upheaval and disconnect as their legacy from colonization. This passion has led to dialogue and gathering with Indigenous peoples as widespread as New Zealand, South Africa, and Pikangikum.

Wendy and Vincent Yellow Old Woman

With the signing of a covenant between NAIITS and Providence University College, Wendy feels her ministry has come full circle. She expresses her gratitude to God for how her life and her family have been incredibly enriched by both Providence and the Indigenous people who are her community.

By the time she graduated from high school, Wendy’s family had moved to Saskatoon. Having no role models in higher education, she “wanted to attend university but had no idea of how to go about it.” She found a job in a data processing department instead. Wendy and Ed were married in Saskatoon, and then moved to Winnipeg where they both made commitments to follow Jesus thanks to the influence of Lorne and Arla Everett. Once the Peterson children had all entered grade school, Jon Bonk convinced Wendy to begin studying at Winnipeg Bible College. Since Wendy, her husband and some of her grandchildren

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Alumni Connect

Alumni Connect

Fall 2013  9

The Thirties OBITUARY: ELIZABETH AFFLECK (WBI 1932)

Dean of both schools, and then as President.

The Sixties ALAN (DIPLOMA 1960) & SUSAN (ZACHARIAS) GURNEY

and now I’m a half and it’s difficult to function without my Helen. Thankfully, the Lord placed me in a wonderful church, Idlewild Baptist Church in Tampa, Florida, where I have served for 18 years. I also serve as a Professor with Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, directing and teaching theology at the Tampa Extension and am keeping busy writing.

MARGARET (B.R.E. 1974) (FUNK) & ED MAEHLMANN

WAYNE (M.DIV. 1982) & CANDIE (CERTIFICATE 1982) WRIGHT

The Seventies GARY (B.T. 1971) & DARLENE WILLIAMS

Elizabeth Affleck, wife of Dr. R. Wesley Affleck, passed into the presence of her Lord peacefully on January 8, 2013 in Abbotsford, BC at the age of 102 years. She was predeceased by her husband, Wesley in 1996. Dr. Affleck was a past President of Winnipeg Bible College. Elizabeth is survived by three sons, three daughters and a special woman who still calls her Mom. In her younger years, many children in need were looked after by Elizabeth and added to her growing family without hesitation.

EWALD (WBI 1939) & NADINE LIESKE

My wife, Susan and I live in Winnipeg. We have four children and eleven grandchildren. Although retired, I am involved in a number of activities including Elder at Cornerstone Alliance Church. We have had significant involvement in The Kildonan Community Thrift Shop. Susan schedules the volunteers. I was Treasurer for twelve years and President for three. Providence would like to extend their condolences to the Gurney family over the passing of Susan on June 2, 2013.

DAN (WBC 1965) & BETTY (WBC 1965) SPURRILL We have 3 adult children, 5 granddaughters, and 2 great-grandsons. We’re still active at Cornerstone Baptist [CBWC], and still in prison ministry [Bridging the Gap Ministry].

This August we will be celebrating 30 years of ministry at French Camp Academy. We never would have thought that Mississippi would become our home, but God had this plan for us and His grace has kept us here. We will be taking our 2nd missions trip to Austria this year from May 25th until the 5th of June.

HENRI (SEMINARY 1975) & JUDI LEVESQUE I am continuing my ministry for Wycliffe Canada in churches and Bible colleges around Saskatchewan, seeking those the Lord wants to become involved in Bible translation. My wife Darlene still works as a nurse in the Maternity/ Postpartum ward of the University Hospital here in Saskatoon.

LINDA (B.R.E. 1973) (BERGEN) & RICHARD OLSON

For the last few years my wife was president of the UMW in the Velda Rose United Methodist Church in Mesa, AZ and I am chairman of the Green Team. Our main purpose is to help restore or recycle human lives.

PAUL ENNS (B.R.E. 1968)

The Fifties GORDON (WBI 1951) & GRACE (WBI 1951) JOHNSON They have served continuously at the Rio Grande Bible Institute for 59 years in missionary work. RGBI is a four year Spanish Bible College preparing leaders for the Spanish speaking world. Dr. Johnson served as Professor since 1954, later as Academic

10  Fall 2013 

My life was seriously disrupted on January 31, 2005, when the Lord took My Beloved Helen home to heaven. We were truly one

Henri continues to work at his landscaping/ construction business but is slowing down a bit. Judi still teaches at the Conservatory of Performing Arts and enjoys accompanying students there and in the community. Judi recently recorded a CD for voice and piano with Cathy Quicke titled Psalms for Pilgrims.

I am abundantly blessed with my husband Rick (nearly 31 years), two married daughters, son-in-laws and grandchildren on the way. Through a 45-year journey, God has completed a deep work within and has given me a message of grace, tenacity and self-forgiveness. This has become the foundation for my book (in the making) called Treasures in My Darkness: Self-forgiveness through Unbeatable Odds.

Alumni Connect

We’ve just finished our 32nd year of ministry. I wish I could say that it has been great and problem free but I’ve just come off a year break/sabbatical where I have had to deal with depression and burn out. After this year of healing I can say that I have come through the process with renewed energy and passion. Presently I am pastoring Bridletowne Park Church in Scarborough, ON. My wife Candie continues to enjoy teaching High School Science and ESL and taking every opportunity to share the love of Jesus with the increasing numbers of immigrant children.

ERNIE KOOP (M.DIV. 1982) After 13 years on faculty at Steinbach Bible College, my wife Diane and I are planning to return to mission work in Latin America in the New Year. In 2010 I graduated with a D.Min. in missiology from TEDS in Chicago, and Diane also finished her certification as a Life Coach. We are looking forward in anticipation to new challenges and once again working in Latin America.

HELMUTH GRAEWE (M.A. 1983)

DAVID (M.DIV. 1977) & PHYLLIS ENNS After almost 11 years with World Team in Singapore, we are planning to move to Papua, Indonesia. We have been asked to serve as encouragers to the pastors and church leaders with The Evangelical Church of Indonesia (GIDI).

EARL (B.SAC.MUS. 1978) & RUTH (B.R.E. 1978) (GERBRANDT) REIMER

Betty had her 50th anniversary of her St. Boniface nursing class in May.

The Eighties

We’ve lived in Winkler now since 1990 and have raised our children here. Ruth is an Educational Assistant in a high school in Winkler and has been helping students for the past 16 years. Earl made a change in career direction this past year and is the Director of Development for the Eden Foundation which is part of the Eden Health Care organization.

Alumni Connect

TED HULL (CERTIFICATE 1985) For many years I provided leadership to the Winnipeg Christian Counselling Group. For the past four years, I have consulted to the boards of mission agencies, charities, churches, Bible camps and Christian schools. It is a blessing to assist organizations so they are freed up to advance the Kingdom.

JOY (B.A. 1987) (HARPER) & MARTY GOVE I am happy to say that I am going on 7 years cancer free and doing really well. I have been working as a director for a crisis pregnancy centre called “Pregnancy Concerns” in Coquitlam, BC for the past 4 years. My husband and I continue to be very involved at Willingdon Church in Burnaby, BC where we facilitate discipleship groups and he leads our home group. We are currently looking forward to a pilgrim tour in Turkey and Greece in May 2013.

ROBERT LYDIATE (B.A. 1987) I am currently lead pastor at Healing Hearts Ministry in Regina, SK., an inner-city church aimed at bringing the healing touch of Jesus to wounded hearts. I have also founded Faithwalk Ministries, which is a training ministry for leaders of Christian healing/support groups for abuse survivors in Canada.

RANDY (B.A. 1987) & HEATHER STANTON

In 2011, I moved over to Action International Ministries in Calgary, AB, to assist in the development of their training division called ACTION Ventures. We train teams of young people/adults to do evangelism and discipleship. If anyone is interested in the Arts and using it for ministry, please check out our website at www.actionventures.ca or contact me personally at helmuth.graewe@ actioncanada.org.

STEVEN (B.A. 1983) & PAM STEWART

NARENDRA (B.R.E. 1977, M.A. 1979) & NEENU KATARE By God’s grace we are well and busy in His Vineyard. Continue to pray for our ministry with youth, family and the students. Just to remind my friends that I was known as NK (Narendra Kumar). A big ‘Hi’ to all my classmates and friends! If anyone is interested to write, my email is [email protected].

loving it! The church is in the suburbs, but we live just outside Ottawa on a horse farm (my wife Pam’s dream).

We are now at First Baptist Church, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. I am still serving as a Reserve Army Chaplain with the Nova Scotia Highlanders and am completing my first year of a D.Min. degree. Heather volunteers at a local school helping children with their speech and serves on music team and in church life.

MARVIN (B.A. 1987) & CARMEN (HEMMINGSON) WIELER Still in Ottawa -- Been pastoring at Community Bible Church for over 21 years now, and

We have a seven year old son - Zachary and are currently living in Saskatoon and attending Faith Baptist Church.

Fall 2013  11

The Nineties

DAVID (B.A. 1991) & TAMMY KRUSE

DARRELL (B.A. 1990) & CHRISTINE (B.A. 1990) (KAATZ) FRIESEN

ELMER (M.A. 1981, TESOL CERTIFICATE 1995) & ELVIRA (COLLEGE 1991) (DUECK) WARKENTIN

We are the pastor couple at MacGregor EMC and involved in our community. Darrell is in his 8th year in marketing, advertising and distribution with Christian Week and in church leadership at The Meeting Place in Winnipeg. Chris went back to school, and graduated this year with a B.A. in Developmental Studies, with a gold medal award from U of W.

OBITUARY: ANNE NGUKU (M.A. 1990) Dec. 22, 1959 – Apr. 14, 2013. Anne was a native of Kenya and studied in Canada from 1988 -1995. Anne returned to Kenya with the dream of building a Resource Center to aid orphans, girls’ and women’s education, and community leaders. Anne worked with the government branch of Christian Education in Kenya where she was put in charge of 14 churches. She also became involved at Moffat School of the Bible in Kijabe, Kenya, where she became the Dean of Admissions. In 2005 Anne became the founder of the Maranatha Resource Center in Mwingi Kenya. I am certain that Anne is not resting in peace... but dancing up a storm!

DEBORA VOTH (M.A. 1990)

I like both of my jobs! I must admit counselling is the stronger passion.

We are leaning on the Lord for wisdom in parenting four teenage girls and one soonto-be teenage son! Our oldest daughter graduates this year and will spend 6 months helping Rolf and Ange Kruse in Ethiopia with their children.

DOUGLAS (B.A. 1994) & LAURA (B.A. 1992) (CARLSON) MCDONALD

We have been living in Campbell River, BC on Vancouver Island since September 2006. Douglas does support work for Native youth workers and audio/video work with NAIM. I am busy at home. Our children are: Cora (17), Kjersten (15), Kona (13), Kiev (10), Jewel (8), Noa (6), Fletcher (4) and Anya (2).

PATTY (COLLEGE 1991) (ELIAS) & WES NEUFELD

NATHAN SAWATZKY (B.A. 2002)

RACHELLE (B.A. 2000) (JANZEN) & DEAN ISAAK

In the fall of 2013 I will be entering my fifth and final year of a Ph.D. program in Political Science at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN. I hope to land a job as a professor or postdoc by the fall of 2014 in whatever corner of North America someone will hire me.

Elvira and I are retiring from active status with SIM on May 31, 2013. We look forward to seeing what other things God will have for us here in southern Ontario. After our decision to retire an opportunity/request came along for going to Vietnam this summer to teach high school English teachers for a month.

EDMUND (EDDIE) (1992) & BONITA (B.A. 1991) (FRIESEN) MWUNVANEZA

Eddie and Bonita are serving God in Rwanda with the EFCCM (Evangelical Free Church of Canada Mission). They have four children; Ishema, Inyota, Imfra, and Inzobe.

The Two Thousands

LARRY (B.A. 1986, M.DIV. 1993) & IDA-LYNN GREGAN In July 2009, I brought to completion the pastoral ministry entrusted to me at New Life Ministries in inner-city Winnipeg. I have been a stay-at-home Dad ever since. We still live in Winnipeg’s West End where our children attend the public school. My family still attends New Life, and Ida-Lynn still practices medicine at Nine Circles HIV clinic. In February 2010, I became a Catechumen in the Catholic Church and was chrismated and received into full communion on Pentecost 2010.

I graduated from nursing in 2002 and have worked at both Children’s Hospital and Grace Hospital in Winnipeg. My husband and I have been married for almost 9 years now. Annelie Katherine was born in April of 2009. Our second daughter Holly Rose passed away in December of 2011 when I was one month away from my due date. We were so pleasantly surprised with the news that our little miracle Charlotte Mattea was going to join our family only a few months after our Holly passed. She was born in January of this year and we are so thankful for God’s blessings. We would ask if our fellow alumni could continue to pray for us as we grieve but also rejoice.

KARLA (B.F.A. 2002) (GAVRAILOFF) & GARY ADOLPHE

My family and I are living in Southern Manitoba. Presently, I am enjoying teaching half-time, and like having extra time for my husband, children and hobbies. If you want to contact me, you can e-mail me at patty. [email protected].

VERNON (B.A. 2000, M.A. 2002) & DARLENE (DIPLOMA 2004) ESH

VAL ROWAN (M.A. 1991) I am working for The Canadian Cancer society part time and doing private practice counselling part time.

12  Fall 2013 

Faith Bible Church, which I pastor, moved into their newly renovated church building in September of last year (2012). We have experienced consistent numerical growth since the move and better yet, are continuing to grow closer to God and closer to each other through it all!

Alumni Connect

Currently, the LORD has led me to the University College of the North, The Pas, MB, where I am finishing my first year of the Kenanow Education program and will be completing my final year in the fall. I look forward to graduating with my B.Ed. in June, 2014 and serving God as a resource teacher, working with students with additional support needs.

JOHN LENSHYN (D.MIN. 2003)

WAYNE (TESOL 2002) & OI-WAH (M.A. 2002) WHITBOURNE

My husband Wayne, our twins Nathan & Charis and I have made Calgary home. I am working part-time as a chaplain with Corporate Chaplains Canada. I also work as a member care coordinator with Action International Ministries. I also have started a private practice in counselling since last year working with women and couples.

AMY BEANGE (B.A. 1998, M.A. 2003)

I am serving the Lord as a counselor for the problem gamblers in a Christian Center in Hong Kong.

BETTY (MACPHERSON) JOHNSON (M.A. 1996)

We are moving to the cottage our son Ray and his dear wife Cheryl have so graciously built for us on their yard near Waldheim, SK. Mary is struggling with several health issues and her energy level. We do appreciate your prayer for her. Our plan is to apply at Bethany Manor when we arrive in SK.

ERIN MARIE JACKSON (COLLEGE 2003)

Karla has had a busy 2012-2013, touring in support of her latest album Honeycomb Tombs, an album devoted to and inspired by those in the midst of grief. The album has been receiving critical acclaim and accolades from all over the world and has been downloaded by nearly 7000 fans!

DORIS TING (M.A. 1995) I am living in Selkirk and teaching part-time for the Lord Selkirk School Division. I am working with the Reading Recovery team and co-teaching the English Language Arts. In my spare time, I am a single parent to my fifteen year old daughter, whom I adopted at the age of 3 months and my sixteen year old foster daughter, who came to live with us when she was eight years old. Both girls are talented artists and musicians.

ABE (WBI 1954, B.R.E. 1972, M.DIV. 1975, D.MIN. 2002) & MARY (WBI 1954) UNRAU

University College. I recently finished my work there and am currently seeking new opportunities. I teach my church’s adult Sunday School class and lead a twice monthly service for seniors at a local home.

We are now living in Willow Street, PA. Vernon has been working full-time for Life Counselling Ministries for the last 10 years. He does a variety of counselling but specializes in men’s issues. Darlene is enjoying health after a difficult time of dealing with Lyme Disease last year. Homeschooling our 3 boys is top on her priority list.

I must say that I have been particularly blessed since graduating with my D.Min. degree in 2003. It opened the door to providing spiritual care in the Health Care System in Manitoba and later to a position at the Faculty of Theology, University of Winnipeg.

SHON LOUISE (MCLAREN) (M.A. 2003) HAROLD MCLAREN-FROESE Married 2008 to my soul mate Harold Froese. Celebrating 10 years since Inner City Women’s Ministries International’s unofficial beginning. We have recently become more involved in educating individuals and groups about human trafficking/slavery here in Manitoba and working with other like minds to help rescue persons from human trafficking.

I moved to Calgary in 2011, taking a position as Enrolment Advisor at Ambrose

Alumni Connect

Fall 2013  13

JOEY (B.A. 2003) & JENNIFER (SEMINARY 2003) (CLARKE) ROYAL

I currently serve as the rector (priest in charge) at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Yellowknife. I was ordained to the diaconate in January 2012. Jenn has been working in finance at a northern airline. Our son Benjamin was born on July 20, 2012. We now consider Yellowknife home, and love the city and it’s vibrant people and natural beauty.

CONRAD DUECK (M.DIV. 2004) God continues to be faithful to us as we serve here at Calvary Baptist Church in Emo, ON. We are thankful for the opportunities to share the gospel, and are amazed at God’s grace shown in a growing church and in deepening relationships and friendships after being here five years. I am also blessed to celebrate 20 years of being married to my amazing wife Lois this May 29th!

DAN (COLLEGE 2004) & REBECCA (COLLEGE 2005) (BOKMA) POELMAN

RACHELL DOLYNCHUK (B.A. 2005) Most recently in 2013 I have earned a master’s degree in Sociology. My research interests involved immigration, aging and mental health. Currently I am a proud resident of downtown Winnipeg and working in a field that I love.

DENISE DERKSON (B.A. 2010) I am living in beautiful Kamloops, BC, where I work as an Employment and Assistance Worker for the Ministry of Social Development with the Province of BC. I volunteer in the community as a co-facilitator for a course to help change the face of poverty in the community.

ESTHER (TESOL CERTIFICATE 2011) & MIKE BOSCHMANN

MATT (B.A. 2007) & JAYME EICHEL I am currently teaching full-time at Faith Academy in grade Four. I also got married to the love of my life whom I met through my church at Soul Sanctuary. And we also bought our first house together. God has been very good to us!

KEITH (M.DIV. 2008) & LYNDI (WILLIAMS) NEEDHAM Keith continues to pastor Emerson Baptist Church in Emerson, MB. He is working on his doctorate in Theology from Euclid University, Washington DC. Lyndi is going back to school! She has been accepted to Lake Region Community College in Devil’s Lake, ND into the American Sign Language and Interpretation program. Keith and Lyndi Needham celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on May 13, 2013.

Dan obtained his CA designation in 2011 and has been working with KPMG since 2008, after graduating from TWU. After working with YWAM for a few years, Rebecca is graduating with her BBA Accounting degree this summer and is also currently pursuing her CA. We were married in Rebecca’s NS rural hometown on July 30, 2011.

Allie and I joined a church-planting team with Avant Ministries. We will be serving in Rennes, France for 5 years. We have two children, Alcyone (3) and Alexei (1 1/2).

DIRK & SUSAN (D.MIN. 2011) (JEWERS) VAN DUINEN Currently, I am charged with the responsibility of guiding the work of The Salvation Army in the Ontario Central East Division as its Divisional Commander with headquarters in Toronto. Looking into the future my husband and I will be retiring in July 2014 and plan on living in Winnipeg.

JEFF BOSCHMANN (B.A. 2012)

At present, Esther is working at Medicine Hat College Brooks Campus, AB, as an Education Assistant. She is a Chinese pastor at The Well in Brooks. She is studying for her M.A. TESOL and is planning to finish the courses by April 2014. Esther and her husband are also praying for open doors for going back to China for planting Churches.

REBECCA HIEBERT (B.A. 2011) I have joined MB Mission and will be moving to Thailand longterm to join a church planting team in Chachoengsao. I will be leaving on June 5th and begin language school in Lop Buri on June 10th.

I enrolled at Providence with the sole purpose of being able to return to the ministry that introduced me to Jesus as a teen. After graduating in 2012, my dream came true, and I was hired on at The Bunker in Winkler, MB as the new Event Director. While I’m being paid to put together events, I find that most of my time is still spent simply connecting with people. The Bunker is much like a YFC (though we aren’t affiliated with it).

JESSICA HIEBERT (B.A. 2012) God has blessed me abundantly in the year since I’ve left Prov. I’ve been able to put the music side of my degree into practice through teaching at Long & Mcquade in Saskatoon, as well as teaching private lessons. I’ve also put my TESOL and Anthropology training into practice, and am currently in my second position as an ESL teacher.

PATTI LOTT (M.A. 2012) I have started my own practice, Mettle Counseling, in Cochrane, AB. I plan to expand the counseling by offering group workshops and day retreats northwest of Cochrane, in a beautiful natural setting.

JOHN (B.CH.MUS. 1988, M.A. 2012) & CAROLE (SEMINARY 1989, M.A. 2012) TELMAN John has been Senior Pastor of Abundant Life Pentecostal Church in Cranbrook, BC for four years. Carole is doing studies in Greek, Hebrew, and German, in preparation for Ph.D. studies. My goal is to begin the Doctoral work in OT Biblical Theology in 2015.

DIRK HINNENTHAL (TESOL CERTIFICATE 2012) We are bound to leave Texas in June, 2013 in order to serve the Lord in Argentina long term.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Read all alumni updates and the complete stories on the website: ProvidenceUC.ca/college/alumni and ProvidenceSeminary.ca/seminary/alumni

Alumni Challenge DR. GUS KONKEL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

DUSTIN (B.A. 2011) & LAURA MARTIN

EVAN (B.A. 2009) & ALLIE (B.A. 2010) (GARDNER) FRIESEN

14  Fall 2013 

The Two Thousand Tens

I have been working and running a place called “Bush’s Marina,” a family business. We have fixed the property up from a very decrepit state, but now there is a beautiful, hopping restaurant and an ice cream boat.  My wife, Laura, is expecting a baby and we are also buying a new house!

Alumni Connect

Upon his retirement from Providence, we want to honour your esteemed professor Dr. Gus Konkel and have created an endowed scholarship in his name. Dr. Konkel has truly transformed Providence in his 28 years as a faculty member and as President since 2001. Under his presidential leadership we have added the Reimer Student Life Centre, gained increased recognition for our undergraduate programs with the province and universities, and maintained our ATS accreditation. Dr. Konkel also oversaw the formation of Christian Higher Education Canada of which the Seminary is a vital member. Beyond the transformation of Providence, Dr. Konkel has had a transformative impact in many of your lives. He taught you new ways to think about Scripture and gave you a fuller picture of the entirety of God’s revelation to us in the Word. Alumni still call him with questions and for counsel with respect to Scripture, life, and ministry. We are asking all former students of Dr. Konkel to contribute a one-time gift to create an endowment which will provide a scholarship to a student who concentrates their education in Biblical Studies. We suggest a donation between $50 and $100 to fund this scholarship through the Providence Legacy Fund. Please consider contributing to the endowment for the August H. Konkel Scholarship in Biblical Studies.

Alumni Connect

Fall 2013  15

Providence Appoints Dr. David H. Johnson as its 14th President June 17, 2013 – The Board of Governors at Providence University College and Theological Seminary is pleased to announce the appointment of David H. Johnson, Ph.D., as the institution’s 14th President, effective July 1, 2013. His appointment follows the Presidency of Dr. August Konkel who retired in 2012.

chapter of its growth as we all strive to provide students with a second-to-none, Christ-centred education,” said Dr. Johnson. “A central part of my mission is to facilitate faculty and staff in transforming the lives of students, who will help transform the lives of others in Canada and around the world.”

“The Board warmly welcomes and heartily endorses Dr. Johnson as our new President,” said Roger Gingerich, Chairman of the Board. “His depth of character, passion for our institution, and unique blend of academic, theological, and administrative experience will carry Providence strongly forward into the future.”

Since July 2012, Dr. Johnson served as Interim President. Previously he held other administrative posts, including Executive Vice President and Provost, Vice President for Seminary Academics, and Chairman of Biblical and Theological Studies. He is a Professor of New Testament and holds a B.S. in Economics/Secondary Education, a Th.M. in Old Testament and Semitic Studies, and a Ph.D. in Theological and Biblical Studies.

This appointment follows an extensive search led by the Presidential Search Committee, comprising members of the Board, Cabinet, Faculty, staff, and students. “I am honoured to lead Providence into the next

A formal installation ceremony will be held on campus on September 15, 2013 in the afternoon.

Providence Welcomes New Counselling Psychology Professor: Glenys Wirch Glenys Wirch is the new Counselling Psychology professor at Providence Theological Seminary. Glenys brings a wealth of experience and education to the position. She received her M.A. in Counselling from Providence Theological Seminary and is currently working on her doctoral degree. She has experience in teaching counselling psychology related courses such as

10 College Crescent, Otterburne, MB R0A 1G0 (800) 668-7768 | [email protected] ProvidenceUC.ca | ProvidenceSeminary.ca Publications Mail Agreement # 4001089

Family & Addictions, and Family & Gambling. She is currently a family therapist with the Addiction Foundation of Manitoba. She also has her own counselling practice. Glenys has a passionate interest in teaching where she can integrate psychology, her faith and theology. She will be a valuable asset to the Counselling department and to the Seminary.