April 2007 - Volume 4
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Northwest Alumni Connections
Randy Kamp, Canadian Member of Parliament for Pitt Meadows–
Maple Ridge–Mission. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of
Fisheries and Oceans.
Randy (BTh. 1975) & Ruth (Certificate 1973) are Northwest alumni.
Randy, in the years since graduation, what kinds of
ministry has God led you and Ruth to be involved
in?
Ruth and I met on our first day at Northwest and got
married a few years later. After I completed my Bachelor
of Theology degree in 1975, we spent a year as associate pastor in Edmonton and then moved to Fort McMurray where I was employed in retailing. We returned to
Northwest in 1978 where I completed a year of studies
towards a Master’s degree. But then we decided to move
back to Fort McMurray where we spent another three
years in retail work.
In 1983 we joined Wycliffe Bible Translators and, after
training, we spent two terms in the Philippines. We lived
in a village situation for a while, being trained in linguistics and translation, but during our second term we lived
at our northern center where I served as the regional director for teams in the northern area of the country.
In 1992 we returned to Canada and I served as associate
pastor at Maple Ridge Baptist until 1996. At that point the opportunity came to get involved in the political arena,
managing our MP’s constituency office. When he retired in 2004, I won the Conservative Party of Canada nomination and was then elected as the Member of Parliament for Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge—Mission.
You have served Northwest as a Board member for many years. What motivated you to volunteer your time
and energy for such a role?
I had the privilege of serving as a member of the Board for about ten or eleven years. Although we went through
some challenging times, I really enjoyed my time on the Board. I made a lot of friends and found the Board to be
a great support group. Several things motivated me to serve in this capacity. I grew up in a Bible-believing family
and church, but when I got to Northwest I realized how much I didn’t know. It was my training at Northwest that
helped me establish a firm Christian foundation. This experience led me to the conclusion that Christians needed
to be well-trained to live most fruitfully and serve most effectively. So I was pleased to have the opportunity to help
Northwest achieve its mission by serving on the Board.
You have served as Member of Parliament for the Pitt Meadow—Maple Ridge—Mission riding for two
terms so far. How do you see your involvement as an MP in relation to your Christian commitment? What
has motivated you to develop this vision for involvement in Canadian society?
It has been a real privilege to serve as an MP, but I have to admit that it was never my ambition. So it was a very
difficult decision, probably the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make. I enjoyed my work in the constituency
office, and was also part-time interim pastor at Ruth
Morton Baptist, and would have been happy to keep
doing both. But when the opportunity presented itself I began to see my time in the constituency office
as a kind of apprenticeship and preparation for a different kind of service. So I started down that path,
leaving the outcome to God. I’m glad I did.
I believe in the doctrine of separation of church and
state, but not in the separation of faith and politics.
Our faith has moral and social implications and we
have the obligation to express these and to influence
public policy. I bring to my role as a politician a Christian worldview, but not a Christian agenda. In fact,
I believe every parliamentarian looks at the issues
through a lens that’s formed by his or her personal
experiences and values. In my case I look at each
piece of legislation through a Christian lens, applying Christian principles to the decisions I have to make. I believe
that if a policy aligns with Christian principles, it will be good for Canadian society as a whole. The way I see it, God
did not give us his revealed will to make life difficult or to see if we can keep the rules. Rather, He provided the
...continued on p.2
Northwest Alumni Connections
framework that would help all people live productively and healthily. So
Canadians benefit as we follow God’s principles.
ents have to say—especially when they realize it’s in their political best
interests to do so.
It’s often a challenge to know how to think Christianly about the issues
before us in parliament, but I’ve come to realize that one’s ability to navigate at the interface of faith and politics depends on how well-developed
one’s Christian worldview is. The years I spent at Northwest have played a
big part in the formation of my worldview.
I am sure your life is filled with many diverse opportunities to serve.
How do you maintain the balance between family, Parliament, personal development, etc.?
I am not sure that I do all the time. There are a lot of demands in both Ottawa and the riding, and of course the weekly travel between Ottawa and
Maple Ridge can be pretty tiring. But Ruth and I find that
this is a good time of life to be contributing in this way. Our
three children are grown and married and Ruth is able to
travel with me sometimes. I’m part of a weekly Bible study
on Parliament Hill and participating in a worship service
at Maple Ridge Baptist is an important part of my week. I
think I understand my limits and know when I need to be
alone and re-charge.
Of course it’s not enough just to think Christianly, we
have to act Christianly too. When I started down this path
I adopted as my guide Paul’s encouragement in Philippians 4:4: “Let your gentleness be evident to all.” That’s
hard in an adversarial environment, and I haven’t always
succeeded, but I keep trying.
Can you suggest some specific ways in which Christians should engage our culture positively and transformatively?
I think we need to consider two areas of involvement in
our society:
First, we need to be personally involved in meeting social
needs. I don’t think you can read the Bible without realizing that God is interested in social justice and that He
wants us to act justly and love mercy. Acting Christianly is more than just
standing up for the traditional definition of marriage. There are a lot of
needy people, even in our own country: people living in poverty, without
clean water, without a home, suffering from AIDS, shackled by addictions,
and the list goes on. I think we should all try to be personally involved in
meeting a social need.
Second, I think Christians should also consider becoming well-informed
about some justice or social issue that they feel strongly about and working to influence public policy. That can be done by writing letters, sharing
your views with elected officials, contributing to public forums, organizing petitions, etc. I know that currently there’s a high degree of cynicism
about the political process, but politicians do listen to what their constitu-
As you reflect upon your experience since graduation,
can you discern generally or specifically ways in which
your education through Northwest has assisted you in
pursuing your Christian vocation?
Well, I met Ruth, the love of my life, there more than thirtyfive years ago so that was important! We’ve been on this
journey together. What I learned there was very important
in my spiritual formation but I think whom I learned it from was just as
important. Many of my professors had a profound impact on my life—although they probably didn’t know it—as they modeled what it means to
be a faithful, thoughtful Christian.
How can people be in prayer for you and Ruth?
I know that many are praying for us and that means a lot to us. For us, Micah 6:8 is a powerful word from God. Keep praying that God would teach
us daily what it means to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with
our God. And pray that in the cut and thrust of the political fray that God
would give me the grace to be a gentle man (Phil. 4:4). Finally, pray that I
would have the wisdom to understand the issues and be able to communicate effectively so that I can be a good ambassador for Him.
Other Alumni Stories
Stories of Alumni from the 1940s
Stories of Alumni from the 1960s
Lloyd Jackson (Three-Year Theological
Course 1949)
I was born May 1st, 1922 and grew up in
South Vancouver. My home church was
West Memorial Regular Baptist (now
extinct). I accepted the Lord at age 10. I
served in the 2nd World War for 4 years,
attended NBTC for three years (1946
to 1949) and then pastored Cloverdale
Baptist Church and West Lang Mission
(later Northwest Langley) for 7 years. It
was there I found Agnes, the girl worth
more than rubies. We married and had two sons who, together with their
families, are going on with the Lord. I served on the convention council
and also the Home Missions Committee with Rev. Hills and Dr. Pickford.
The committee initiated the rejuvenation of Victoria Road Mission (later
Faith Baptist) and was also instrumental in starting works in Richmond
and North Delta. I pastored the church at Prince Rupert for 31 years and
retired in 1987. Presently Agnes and I attend Immanuel Fellowship Baptist
in Abbotsford.
Vern Middleton (Bachelor of Divinity
1963) & Helen Middleton [nee Sikoloski]
(u)
This past year has been a year of traveling
for Vern and Helen. First Vern traveled to
India where he taught at the Union Biblical
Seminary. He writes, “For two weeks I met
with five MTH students anywhere from
four to five hours per day. They came to
my apartment, where we had intense sessions on ‘Urban Theology and
Issues’. I also had opportunity to give two plenary sessions to the entire
student body and faculty…on topics of Globalization and Missions and
Globalization and Economics.” Vern then went on to Nepal. In his words,
“My time in Katmandu was rich with opportunity to teach 28 graduate
students a course on the ‘History of Christianity in Asia.’ We met in a
chicken coop-like structure for the first week and then graduated to an
apartment where the Katmandu Institute of Theology is now located. My
students ranged in abilities in English – so I found myself using my limited
Hindi to speak to Nepalese who understand that language in a limited
way. However, I was pleased with their comprehension, and many in the
class performed well in the final exam.”
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Later Vern also taught 18 Nepalese pastors messianic themes from the
book of Isaiah. He then went on to Myanmar (formerly Burma) and taught
some students there. After his time in Myanmar Vern linked up with Helen
in Dubai and they traveled from there to Kijabe, Kenya to teach at Moffat
Bible College for 3 months. Vern describes that as “a rare experience”.
From there they went to where their son and daughter-in-law, Walter and
Monica are ministering in Africa.
Evalyn Hrybko [nee Rees] (u)
Back in 1964-65 I attended Northwest
(NBTC) and did the one year course there.
It is a wonderful memory to me. Walter
and I were married in August 1965 and
shortly after settled here in Sayward.
This coming August will be 42 years of
marriage for us. We have 3 grown children
and two grandchildren. Walter and I have also been foster parents for over
6 years. In 1969 I had surgery to remove a benign brain tumor which left
me with partial facial palsy. That has opened a mission field for me as I try
to reach out to others who have gone through similar experiences. I am
active at Sayward Christian Fellowship. Recently I completed a 6 month
Good News Club at the local school together with Beth Johnson.
Christopher Naylor (Licentiate in
Theology 1964)
We finally did it. After 24 years living in
Central Saanich (Brentwood Bay), we took
a giant step and sold our lovely view home
and downsized to a home in Cobble Hill.
Actually Chris has come back to where
he started in his walk with the Lord. The
Naylor family was one of the families that started the Regular Baptist work
at Cobble Hill. Chris still maintains his volunteer chaplaincy visitation to
the various care facilities in Victoria, as well as fills in some preaching
spots, funerals etc. God has been good to us and blessed us abundantly
and we still desire to live out Romans 12:1.
David Fairbrother (Bachelor of Theology
1967)
After 37 years of full-time ministry, I retired
in February of 2006. It’s my privilege
and joy to have been the Sr. pastor of
3 Fellowship churches, Prince George,
Richmond, and Vernon, as well as having
served as Director of Development at
Northwest for several years. At a reunion
of my Northwest graduating class at Sunnybrae last summer, it again
brought to mind so many positive memories of how Northwest shaped
my life and ministry. My wife, Virginia, and I were married in 1969. We have
3 children and 5 wonderful grandchildren, all living in the Okanagan as
well. Retirement has not been what I envisioned, in that I have serious
health issues relating to a liver disease, but God is faithful, giving strength
for each day, and I praise Him for His goodness and love.
Lawrence Hatch (Licentiate in Theology
1967) & Sandra Hatch [nee Veness] (One
year Certificate 1967 )
It is our 40th wedding anniversary on
October 14, 2007. We publicly announced
our engagement on graduation night
from NBTC. Larry teased me saying that I
received my MRS degree. We celebrated
the Alumni Reunion last summer which was actually 40 years from when
I started at NBTC.
Volume 4 Issue 1
Featured Alumni
Serving on the Northwest Board of Governors
Harvey Peters (Bachelor of
Theology 1963)
I accepted Christ in May 1959
through the ministry of Pastor
Howard Phillips at Marpole Baptist Church. At the time, I was employed with the Dept. of Transport
working as a radio operator/air
traffic controller. Shortly after my conversion, I was transferred
to the Quesnel Airport. I had no car to get into town and lots of
time on my hands. I spent that time reading through my Bible.
It was there that God used the verse ‘woe is unto me if I preach
not the gospel.’ I contacted Pastor Phillips and asked him about
Bible School. He said ‘if you are going to serve the Lord in a Baptist
Church you need to get your training in a Baptist College. I have
contacted Dr. Pickford …” That fall I began attendance at Northwest.
I received excellent training as well as nurturing in my new faith
even though I annoyed a lot of the students with my ‘stupid’ questions. I wanted to learn all I could and asked a lot of questions. I
had great professors in J. H. Pickford, Grahame Reeve, J. B. Richards
and Don Hills. There were others like John Stewart and Dr. Sam
Mikolaski who came in for individual courses. One of the things
that I found singularly helpful was the practical application in my
initial years at NBTC of going out with Pastor Reeve and helping to
plant South Delta Baptist Church. This was particularly helpful for
me later in my initial church-plant ministry in Squamish
It was at NBTC that I fell in love with the daughter of Grahame and
Norma Reeve. Mrs. Reeve was also my prof in Christian Ed. She
was also studying at UBC, dorm mother and chief cook for the
College. But she always had time to share helpful and healthy
spiritual insight to a young man from a very difficult family background. I always say that I fell in love first with Beth’s family and
then I fell in love with her. Our wedding reception was on the
lawns of College Hall on the old campus on Marine Drive. Northwest was a huge part in the lives of my in-laws. Our oldest son,
John, is also an alumnus.
Like so many others, I was extremely disappointed when we got
the news that the College had to cease operation. For some time
it even caused an emotional aloofness in my heart toward the
Seminary. However, I came to realize that change is a constant,
but the development and training of men and women for the
work of the Lord is critical. When I was asked, I accepted the invitation to be on the Northwest Board Of Governors. I have been
delighted to watch God moving in the lives of the people God has
entrusted to us and am confident that He will carry on His good
work in His time.
God has gifted us with a wonderful family: John (Tracie) and their
4 children live in Calgary, James (Annette) and their 3 children live
in Edmonton and Richard and his wife Jane Miller live in Toronto.
I have been active in many Fellowship opportunities. Currently I
serve on the Board of Governors of our Seminary. We are active
members at Sardis Fellowship.
Page Northwest Alumni Connections
Timothy Spencer (Bachelor of Theology
1967)
Nick Dyck (B.Th. 1967) married me to
Louise Driediger (Bethany Bible School,
Hepburn, 1966) at Central Heights MB
Church in Abbotsford in 1969. We have
three married children. Jen Wilke, the
oldest, an occupational therapist; has
four boys and lives in Cobble Hill; Mike, with two children, is a welder in
Salmon Arm; Steve, a Winnipeg policeman, also has two children. If you’re
counting, that’s eight of the best grandkids in the world. After graduating
from NBTC (B.Th. 1967) I became a teacher, spending most of my career
teaching High School math and science in Nelson, BC, retiring in June
2006. We continue to live in Nelson - come visit if you’re passing through!
I remain deeply grateful to the profs at NBTC - no high falutin’ college
or university ever had better. Their positive input into our lives, both
academic and spiritual, has lasted through the years.
Bill Badke (Master of Theology 1977)
I’m often asked, “Are you still there in the
library?” as if that were a bad thing. Actually,
it’s been good. After completing my M.Div.
(1975) and M.Th. (1977) I went with my
wife Rosemary, to Nigeria, West Africa to
teach at Qua Iboe Church Bible College.
Illness brought us home after two years.
I took on a one and a half year teaching
position at Northwest, then went on parttime status while I completed a Master of Library Science (1985), working
first as Northwest’s librarian, then librarian for ACTS, and now associate
librarian at Trinity Western University with primary responsibility for ACTS.
The role is complex, high tech, but immensely rewarding. Rosemary and
I have two sons, Shawn (28) and Jordan (21). We live in Mission, BC and
are members of North Valley Baptist Church. My most recent book is The
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Meaning of Everything.
Stories of Alumni from the 1970s
Stories of Alumni from the 1980s
John Burman (One-Year Certificate 1970)
Hello again! Attending NBTC at age 35 we
were following the Lord’s prompting to
be involved in mission service and heard
about Gospel Recordings during chapel.
This was the start of our missions adventure
(1971). We now have 2 grandsons, one at
16 is a year older than I when I left school
and started working on a farm in England!! Much has happened since but
what a great privilege to look back now and see that it was God alone who
planned so well the many moves we made with 2 young daughters, even
to Kenya and the UK, and how we did it without, ‘SEEMINGLY’, sufficient
resources and yet being at peace, satisfied and never going into debt.
God hasn’t changed. Pat and I are still involved in missions, Pat mostly, on
Boards, with PERSPECTIVES ON THE WORLD CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT, the
CWMBC etc.
Gordon Balfour (Master of Theology
1980)
Gord graduated from Northwest in 1980
with an M.Th degree. He pastored Marpole
Baptist Church in Vancouver from 19801990. While at Marpole, he earned his
D.Min. degree from Faith Evangelical
Lutheran Seminary, Tacoma WA. Gord
served various denominational boards and
taught as Adjunct Faculty at Northwest.
He taught the last physical class on the old
Vancouver campus prior to the relocation
to Langley. His daughter Heather was born in BC. In 1990 he moved his
family to Cambridge ON to take senior pastoral duties at Hespeler Baptist
Church. He remained pastoring there until 1996. In 1996 he resigned
from the ministry, and after additional training became an Information
Technology trainer in the Golden Horseshoe area of Southern Ontario
for 10 years. His first marriage ended in divorce. Gord later remarried Sue
Bellingham, and they live today in Cambridge ON. Currently Gord serves
as the Business Manager for The Gideons International In Canada. He is
grateful to be back in fulltime ministry. His daughter, now 20, is studying
for a nursing degree at McMaster University.
Charles Nishi (Bachelor of Divinity 1971)
After graduation, Charlie returned to his
engineering career but remained active
in ministry. He married Shirley, they live
in Vancouver, have a daughter who is a
Certified Management Accountant and
are members of Marpole Baptist Church.
Charlie’s ministry journey includes adjunct
faculty (NBTC), pastor (Canadian Japanese
Mission), and Board member & elder (Marpole Baptist). Assisting small
urban/mission churches has been a life focus for Charlie & Shirley.
Fellowship Baptist activities have been a significant part of their lives
through service with the Northwest Board of Governors, Fellowship
Council as well as the Baptist Housing Board, providing a busy (but
satisfying) schedule. Professionally, Charlie served as a consultant to the
forest industry for 38 years and as of January 1st, started semi-retirement
(but continues as a special consultant to a large forest products company).
Equipping for service and the relationships established at Northwest
remain significant to us. We were privileged to be mentored by godly
men God raised to provide leadership, especially the late Pastor Don Hills
who provided tremendous support. We cherish the time and friendships
established at Northwest. Our prayer is that God will continue to equip
men and women through Northwest to engage in the battle for Him.
Randy Kamp (Bachelor of Theology 1975) & Ruth Kamp [nee
Nottingham] (One-Year Certificate 1972) See lead article - page 1.
Page Scott Gillespie (Diploma in Christian
Studies 1982)
In January 1983 I moved to Manitoba from
the Vancouver area and spent the next
17 years with Shantyman International
ministering to several first nations
communities in south central Manitoba.
This was interrupted by two 4 month trips
in 1996 and 1997 to the former Soviet
Union to train Christians in camp ministry.
In January 2000 I left Shantyman and
began trips to Cuba to find ways to help
the Christians in their camping program.
In June 2002 I joined Action International
Ministries which specializes in youth at
risk ministries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. I continue to take one
or two trips to Cuba a year as part of a team of ACTION people to train
pastors, youth workers, and camp ministry workers. I lived in Cuba for
10 months, from October 2003 to August 2004, to begin learning the
Spanish language and to better understand the Cuban culture to be more
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effective in ministry. In September 2006 I moved to Alberta to take on
a new position with ACTION as Director of Promotion and Recruitment
with Action Canada and to work out of Action Canada’s office in Calgary.
I presently remain single, living some 65 km from Calgary, traveling to
Bible colleges, Missionfests and churches across Western Canada, sharing
about the work of ACTION and encouraging churches to think about, and
get involved in missions more globally and to consider more seriously
taking short term trips and to see if the Lord would have them go fulltime overseas.
Jack Taylor (Master of Theology 1982)
Dr. Jack Taylor, serving with his wife Gayle,
is entering his 8th year as senior pastor
at Faith Fellowship Baptist Church in
Vancouver. He doubles as President of the
New Hope Community Services Society
which specializes in transitional housing
for refugees and new immigrants. Jack
and Gayle have been married 30 years
and celebrate what God is doing through
their family. Marc and Laura McKenna work locally in Vancouver after
their marriage last year and serve as leaders at Faith. Michelle and Tyler
Reddekopp also work locally, were married last year, and are expecting
in July. They hope to establish a Ugandan orphanage starting next year.
Richard and Ericka Taylor continue to lead the Wellspring Foundation for
Education in Rwanda and will be expecting in May. Jack and Gayle hope
to spend 5 weeks on a missions trip to Kenya/Rwanda to assist a couple
of short term teams during July and August. Tam and Graham continue to
minister locally at Faith as Graham finishes his seminary studies at ACTS.
Linda Kroeker [nee Telfer] (One-Year Certificate 1982)
God is faithful! After finishing my year at Northwest I went on to get
my teaching degree in Ontario and then spent twelve years teaching
at Greater Lisbon Christian Academy, a school for MK’s (missionary
kids), in Lisbon, Portugal with ABWE (Association of Baptisits for World
Evangelism). I loved the ministry, the people and the life God opened up
to me there. In 2001 God changed the direction of my life when I married
Robert Kroeker and moved to Calgary, Alberta, where I am teaching grade
one at Master’s Academy and College. Last year Rob and I adopted two
children, Deshawn (10) and Georgia (7). We are growing together as a
family in God’s grace. I know that God will continue to be faithful and
am so thankful for his presence and patience in my life. Contact me at
[email protected].
Rosablanca Suen [nee Tseng] (u 1984)
To my beloved friends in the Northwest
Family! At the time when you read this
article, Raymond and I will be embarking
on our next adventure to the Holy Land
for our 3 months Sabbatical project.
We will be exploring the land of Israel,
particularly many of the places where the
Old Testament took its root. Starting from
the Pentateuch, we will be exploring the
Mount Sinai area where God’s law and
the 10 commandments were given. We
will spend some time in the harsh desert
places where the Israelites ended up
wandering for 40 years. We will go to Mount Nebo in Jordan where Moses
was buried. We will also explore the city of David, and the many places
where David hid himself when he was on the run from Saul. This will help
us to appreciate the context of how many of the Psalms were written.
We hope to capture our research and exploration in photos and video
clips to help Christians in today’s world to understand more deeply about
Volume 4 Issue 1
God, how He acted in history, and how we should walk in His will today.
As Paul says in 1 Cor 10:11, “these things happened to them as examples
and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the
ages has come.” Come and visit our website www.passionforjesus.info as
we continue to share with you
Lois Rein [nee Hollen] (One-Year
Certificate 1985)
Hi to all alumni! I am living in Vermilion, AB
on an acreage with my two children David
(19) and Julie (12). I’ve been a single mom
since May 2000. I think many times of the
wonderful times that I had at college and
what I was taught stayed with me. I have
been very active in churches throughout
my adulthood. I went back to college
and completed a diploma program in
Accounting and Financial Planning in
2005. I am presently working in my home writing materials for churches
to use in their children and youth programs and I also do some accounting
and investing for a client. I attend Parkview Alliance Church in Vermilion.
I teach Sunday school to grade 2-3’s. I continue to enjoy ministering to
others and would welcome any alumni to email or stop by if they are in
the area. I will be vacationing in the Vancouver area this July and would
love to connect with friends from college. I enjoy reading, writing, sewing,
singing, playing piano, working on my acreage, spending time with family
and friends, going to the lake or mountains or ocean, swimming, going to
curves, a ladies gym, cooking, researching, doing things with my kids, and
helping others find Jesus or get closer to Him. I’d love to hear from you!
([email protected])
Stories of Alumni from the 1990s
Heinrich Walde (Master of Divinity 1990)
We are now approaching the end of the
first decade of the 21st century. But where
did all that time go…? It seems like it is
ages ago when I had the privilege to attend
Northwest, still on Marine Drive (and later
in Langley). But, Northwest and the time I
spent there, have always been in my heart
and memory. I greatly appreciate the
opportunity of studying there and recall
every so often all the lovely people I met during that time. Returning to
Europe in 1991, God opened doors for me to serve him first as counselor
and coordinator of visiting missionaries at the Light in the East Mission
Fellowship in Germany. But this involvement did not last too long as I was
led to join Campus Crusade for Christ, Germany, in 1994, to engage in the
ministry to leaders from politics, industry and the diplomatic corps. While
reaching out to this group of people in Bonn, Germany, God led me to
found a new ministry known as “A Communications Forum for Leaders of
Eastern and Central Europe”, a ministry which today is continuing in Berlin,
Germany. But the Lord had plans for me to move on to Brussels, Belgium,
and found here a new outreach ministry to the same group of people. This
ministry is known as “FROUMBrussels” and I feel the challenges of serving
God in the political capital of Europe among people who hold the reins of
power. The greatest joy is of course when one of the dignitaries embraces
the Christian faith, but the second greatest is when one or some of them
repeatedly attend the outreach luncheons or other events. Each year this
ministry is addressing some 650 leaders from across the world. And I also
enjoy the blessings to organize similar meetings and found new outreach
groups all across Europe. Thank you for saying a prayer for the ministry
and for me.
Page Northwest Alumni Connections
Glen Priebe (Bachelor of Theology 1973,
Master of Ministry 1991)
After graduating from Northwest Baptist
Theological College in 1973 Carol and I
got married. With a passion to preach the
Word and to minister to people we went
into the Pastorate. I started as Associate
Pastor at Cloverdale Baptist Church under
Ian Bowie. After one year at Cloverdale, I pastored four Fellowship Baptist
Churches: Bethel Baptist Church, Kelowna , Courtenay Baptist Church,
Courtenay, Crossfield Baptist Church, Crossfield, Alberta where I was
ordained and pursued my Masters Degree through Northwest / A.C.T.S.
Seminaries graduating in 1991 and our fourth pastorate was at First
Baptist Church, Kamloops. After 27 years of Pastoral ministry I accepted
a position with Baptist Housing Ministries as Chaplain of Central Care
Home, Victoria. I have been Chaplain now for 7 years and continue a
vibrant, fulfilling ministry to the present. Carol and I have also been
blessed with 3 sons. They are all married and living for the Lord. Barton
(MACS 2002) and Heather have 2 children and he pastors Dunbar Heights
Baptist Church, Vancouver, Richard and Shaleah have 3 children and serve
with Africa Inland Mission to an unreached people group in Tanzania,
Africa, and Kevin and Kimberley (just married last year) live in Victoria.
Kevin works in the computer tech industry with Victoria Realty Server.
Carol has been involved in the church along side of me throughout our
ministry. She has also taught piano and is a Licensed Practical Nurse. At
present she is the Assisted Living Coordinator at Marrion Village, Victoria
with Baptist Housing Ministries. Our full time interests as a couple are our
grandchildren! Yes that is number one. We also enjoy hiking, strolling the
beaches of Victoria and walking the many and varied pathways in the
city parks, cycling, exploring new places on Vancouver Island, reading,
building rock walls (in our yard) or getting together with friends or family
and going out to a new restaurant. We are members of Saanich Baptist
Church and are involved in assimilation, care group leaders, the worship
services and missions. This summer Carol and I are leading a team of 9
from the Church on a 3 week short term mission trip to Africa.
Spencer Stadler (Master of Theological
Studies 1991)
Spencer and Kathy Stadler (Kathy is not in
the photo) continue to serve at Friendship
Baptist Church in Saanichton near Victoria,
BC, where they have lived for the past 9
years. Spencer is the lead pastor and likes
to read, write, watch Canucks hockey and
spend time on family walks. Kathy is the
church secretary and likes all things computer related. Their son Stefan
(20) is in his second year at Columbia Bible College and likes to play
bass on the worship team. Their daughter Samara (18) will be attending
Camosun College in Victoria this fall and their daughter Shantelle (16)
is finishing Grade 10 this year and is taking drum lessons. The church is
currently in a building program to be completed this summer, has started
a church plant which officially opened this February, and is sending a
team to Nigeria this March and April to a large orphanage the church is
supporting.
Bruno Van de Vliet (Master of Ministry 1993)
Bruno is the Belgium National Director of Every Home for Christ. He writes:
The first six months of the year are usually traveling time. This year we
started in Lisbon, Portugal in January; then Addis Ababa in Ethiopia; then
in May it will be Switzerland, in June, the US and in September, Nigeria. In
Nigeria I will be visiting another alumni Abia. F. Abia (MACS 1988). He is
heading Trinity College of Nigeria in Uyo and Edo. One of the reasons for
my visit is to teach at the college. The other issue is visiting the Leprosy
Page Mission’s hospital in Ekpene Obom.
While in Vancouver some twenty years ago, Michèle developed some
health issues. Her health has deteriorated ever since. She is walking on
crutches and has fibromyalgia and an unidentified connective tissue
disease. So she is in pain always, but still working as librarian at Continental
Theological Seminary. The kids are all grown up now and spreading their
wings. Esther, the oldest, is married to a pastor, Koen with three children
(Hanne, Lise and Flore), they live in the Antwerp area. Timothy is married to
Saskia with four children (Sarah, Leah, Eva and Rosa), they are living in the
north of Holland and David is married to Tia and they have two children
(Chloe and Grace) living in Spokane, Washington. A family reunion is far
off but we hope that the “Amerikans” will be D.V. missionaries to Belgium
in the near future.
Darren Driedger (Bachelor of Religious Education 1994) Laurel
Driedger [nee MacNab] (Associate in Religious Education 1992)
Darren and Laurel live in Morden, MB where Darren serves as an Associate
Pastor at Morden Alliance Church. Aidan, Ryan, and Hannah round out
their crew.
Donald Richmond (Master of Ministry
1994)
The Rev. Dr. Donald P. Richmond, a priest
with the Anglican Province of America, is
a widely published author of five books,
over 200 articles, poetry, and literary
cartoons. He has served two pastorates,
is a Registered Addictions Specialist,
Certified Addictions Counselor II, and Certified Spiritual Director. He lives
with his wife, Karen, an English Professor, in California.
Anita Harder [nee Bateson] (Associate
in Religious Education 1995) Anita lives in
Calgary with her husband Wes and three
children Zachary (age 6), Clayton (age 6)
and Hayley (age 4). Wes is a pilot with Air
Canada Jazz, and Anita is a stay at home
mom. Anita plans to return to school
to complete her Master in Counselling
Psychology in January of 2008.
Angelina Desjarlais [nee Yee] (Bachelor
of Religious Education 1995)
In 1990, a yellow school bus left Pacific
Academy and headed for the new NBTC
building on the TWU campus. We were
first year students charged with the task of
making the new NBTC our very own. Look
a little closer at the cement blocks around
the building-- you will see inscriptions.
“Webster wuz here.”. Those were fabulous
times! Today, I am a happily married, wholly loved, and fully supported
Mrs. Desjarlais. I work as Director, MD Undergraduate Admissions for the
Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia, and am honoured
to be a part of an exciting, innovative distributed medical program. My
mother-in-law blessed me with a quote from Victor Hugo, “Be like the bird
that, passing on her flight awhile on boughs too slight, feels them give
way beneath her, and yet sings, knowing that she hath wings.” My burden
melted away. May it do the same for you?
First Choice for Life-Changing Ministry Leadership Development
[email protected]
Colin van der Kuur (Master of Divinity
1996) & Wendy van der Kuur (u 1995)
Colin, Wendy and children, John (9) and
Rebekah (10), have ministered in Castlegar
at Kinnaird Park Community Church
(formerly Calvary Baptist Church) almost
seven years now. Last year, the church
purchased a 45,000 sq/ft middle school,
sold their existing property and ended
up with a community facility where many
groups and organizations share space.
Our mission field is now in our building
as over 500 people a week come through
our doors including: the local gymnastics
group, community hall walkers, Jiu Jitsu, square dancing, camera club,
local home schooling, scrap-booking, Red Cross, a fitness “spinning”
group, and others. After renovations we still have money left over to hire
an associate pastor to help effectively minister to our growing church and
mission field. For those who have prayed for our daughter, Rebekah, we
thank you. Last year she made it on the growth charts and she is passing
school with a lot of hard work.
Rodney Black (BTH 1981, Master of
Ministry 1996) & Donna Black [nee
Larsen] (One-Year Certificate 1979)
The Blacks are currently back in Pakistan
for their second tour of service with
FEBInternational. They originally went out
in 1983, then served for 5 years in Canada
as FEBInternational representative on
the Prairies, and are now back working in southern Pakistan. At present
their work is two-fold, focusing on sharing their faith and teaching new
believers, as well as facilitating the production of new Christian music in
the local language. Rod and Donna have four children, all born in Pakistan.
Two of the boys are in Canada working and studying, and the younger
two are in Pakistan at Murree Christian School. This spring they become
grandparents, Lord willing, and at such a tender age, too!
Dick Redekopp (Master of Ministry 1996)
Nina and I returned from Africa in 1985,
having worked in radio in southern Africa
since 1966. During our next 15 years we
represented the Mission - Africa Evangelical
Fellowship - in Western Canada. That’s when
I returned to the books to get my M.Min.
These studies helped fuel my enthusiasm for recruiting missionaries. It
was during this time that our daughter became disabled and needed our
presence. We did a one year stint back in Zambia before retiring in 2002.
We are still active in various ways with the Mission - now merged with SIM.
A monthly prayer meeting has 40 or so participating. We connect with
missionaries coming through, hosting them at various functions. E-mail
keeps us in touch with the many places where God is working to bring
the Gospel to every nation. My schedule has become loaded with video
and photo story assembly. These stories are reflections of God’s work by
missionaries in various parts of the globe. Having given birth and raised
our four ‘children’ in Africa we and their children are spread from Canada
to South Africa. We saw them all here this past Christmas. What a treat!
Rob Schweyer (Bachelor of Religious Education 1996) & Jenny
Schweyer [nee Funderburk] (Associate in Religious Education 1992)
Rob and I have three amazing children: Mikayla (9) who has a flair for the
dramatic, Joshua (8) who loves any sport with wheels, and Josiah (5) who
has the world’s biggest set of lungs. Rob has been a youth pastor for 15
years, the last 7 of which have been at Maple Ridge Baptist Church, Maple
Volume 4 Issue 1
Ridge, BC. He is presently working on his
M.Div. at Northwest / ACTS Seminaries. I run
a home daycare by day, and am a freelance
writer by night. I am excited about my
current project, a compilation of stories of
Christian women who have experienced
the loss of a child through miscarriage and
have found healing in Christ. I am always
looking for other women who have gone
through a similar experience who might
be willing to share their stories, and I can
be contacted through my website at www.
mendedhearts.ca or by email at [email protected] .
David Luesink (Bachelor of Religious
Education 1997)
Amber Wang Fan and I are nearing our
second anniversary in June. We met
in Vancouver five years ago, and were
married twice in 2005, once, shown here
in Amber’s adopted city of Qingdao,
China, and once in her hometown on the
opposite coast of Shandong province.
We celebrated our wedding in Vancouver
one year ago in February 2006. In the
meantime, I have pursued academics in
Chinese history. After graduating from NBC in 1997, I spent four years
teaching English and learning Chinese in Taiwan. Then I returned to
Langley to finish a B.A. in history at TWU, went on to an M.A. in Chinese
history at the University of Alberta, and I’ve just advanced to candidacy
in my Ph.D. at UBC, and can now focus on my research and writing. Wang
Fan is working in import/export in Vancouver as she was in China and is
considering going back to school
Scott Werdal (u 1998) & Corinna Werdal
[nee Farrell] (Canadian Institute for
Outdoor Leadership 2001)
Scott and I were married in October of
2003 and have just had our first little girl,
Sophie Rayne, this past December 12.
Life is as exciting as always, as we have
embraced a few new adventures this past
year. We gave up our life of surfing on the west coast for the flat lands
of Lethbridge, Alberta. Scott has taken a position at the Evangelical Free
Church here as a pastor of program and outreach. He is one of three youth
pastors and is paid well to play with kids and take them snowboarding.
I too am embarking on a new journey as a mom...something that I am
beginning to find great joy in. Sophie is a beautiful girl and very laid back,
much like her dad. All in all, I have to say that I am pretty excited with
where the Lord has brought my little family, and I can’t help but fall a little
more in love with them every day.
Hun-soo Kim (Doctor of Ministry 1999)
I currently serve as a senior pastor at
Anyang First Methodist Church, a member
of executive committee of the Institute for
Happy Family, and a chairman of Psychiatric
Health Clinic. My wife majored in and
taught French in a few universities, my
daughter is currently enrolled in Jangshin
graduate school studying piano in depth,
and my son has recently graduated from
the University of Michigan in the US majoring in Economics.
Page Northwest Alumni Connections
Cesar C. Reyes (Master of Divinity 1999)
I was born in the Philippines in 1950 and
immigrated to Canada in 1974 to marry
my then fiancée, Lourdes who continues
to work as an R.N at Vancouver General
Hospital. We have two adult children
Joy, 31 years old and now married to a
wonderful Italian man (Peter) and James
who is still single at 29. I heard and obeyed God’s calling to study for
ministry in 1996 and am now serving as the Pastor of Believers’ Fellowship
Baptist Church. I have been there since January 1999. The church is
renting the facilities of Sapperton Baptist Church in New Westminster. I
am currently the Chair of the Ethnic Ministries Commission and a board
member of FEBInternational.
Todd Chapman (Master of Religious
Education 1999)
“God is Good – all the time. Karen, myself
and our 3 children (Delaney-9, Macaulay-7,
Theo-5) have had the amazing privilege of
serving Him and the community of Smithers,
BC for the past 7 years; forming many lifelong friendships and memories. Recently,
we have moved to Abbotsford, where I now
have the wonderful opportunity of serving
as pastor at Auguston Neighbourhood
Church and Karen has the privilege of
serving at the Mission Hospital (ER nurse).
We enjoy being closer to our immediate families and friends here in the
Lower Mainland.
Yoon-Joo Kang (Early Childhood Education 1999)
I am working at All Nations Christian Academy, which is an English institute
in Yangpheong. It is a school for young learners and is effectively working
to share God’s truth to them. 7 year old kids need to be prepared for
the home school program in this September, so I am having intensive
classes with them. One week after arriving here, I started my preparation
work, cleaning and redecorating the classroom, making official letters
and other documents, assessing their English skills, and making lesson
plans. Because I worked all most every day until midnight, my mother
said, “Your father used to come back home at midnight and now you
are coming at midnight.” I am also doing volunteer work at the Korean
sending base every Thursday.
Kyle Neilson (TREK 1999)
Kyle married Denise in 2001 with whom
he has two children: Paula, 4, and Gabriel,
1; child number three is “on the way” later
this year. After completing his BA at TWU,
Kyle attended Franciscan University of
Steubenville in Ohio and received a MA
in Theology and Religious Education. He
is now employed in the Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver, working in
the area of adult evangelism and religious education. He is thoroughly
enjoying the ever-developing adventure of marriage and parenthood:
“It’s a blast, and the best antidote for the disease called selfishness!”
Rod Kolke (Master of Divinity 1999)
Originally from Waterloo, Ontario, Rod
Kolke moved to Nanaimo to start the
Meeting Place in 1999. He holds an
undergraduate degree in Environment
and Resource Studies from the University
of Waterloo, and a Master of Divinity
Page degree from Northwest / ACTS Seminaries.It is Rod’s dream that this
Nanaimo church become instrumental in helping many people all over
the world come to realize the power to change through Jesus Christ. Rod
and his wife Naomi have two children, Benjamin and Madalyn.
Stories of Alumni from the 2000s
Carly Brainard [nee Field] (u 2000)
Well this year has certainly been an exciting
one for my husband David and me. We had
a baby boy last April 20, 2006. His name is
Jonathan David and he was healthy from
the start! After that we made the trek from
Southern California where we were living
to the small town of Jerome, Idaho where
we currently reside. I am happy being a
house wife and looking after our son, while my husband is working as
a Commercial Fisherman in Alaska. We have been very blessed since our
marriage 21/2 years ago and we are looking forward to all the changes
and growth that God has in store for us in the future. God Bless and I pray
that you all are doing well. Carly Brainard
David McVety (u 2000) & Melissa
McVety [nee Hanson] (Certificate in
Christian Studies 2000)
We are still loving God and the ministry
He has blessed us with for the last 5 years
and more. We recently moved into a new
home in the same town (got out of the
strata life and stress). Our kids are a blast,
Merci is doing great at MEI and the two
younger ones give us all the exercise we need. David and Melissa McVety,
Merci (12), Leigha (almost 3), Josiah (6 months)
Andrea Bergen [nee Odermatt]
(Associate in Religious Education 2000)
Jake and I got married on July 15/2006 and
are currently living in Langley. Jake works
as a power engineer and I am finishing my
Masters of Counseling degree through
ACTS Seminaries. We both enjoy outdoor
activities like hiking, fishing, camping,
as well as spending time with family
and friends. We are attending Home Church Fraser Valley and feel very
blessed to be part of that congregation as God has provided for us great
fellowship and opportunities to serve God and be served. The Lord has
given both of us a heart for kids with difficult home lives and has given us
great opportunities to get involved in these kids lives. We look forward to
how He will continue to develop this passion He has given us for troubled
kids.
Rachael Borley [nee Brown] (Associate
in Religious Education 2000)
Hey Northwest friends! I am back in
sunny Manitoba. Married in 2004 - happy
and loving life. Andrew is studying
Architecture and I am managing a
Starbucks in downtown Winnipeg. This is
us in Colorado over reading week . . . Enjoy
the memories!
Elizabeth Clibbon (TREK 2000)
Dear Friends, Elizabeth Clibbon here wanting to send a shout out from
Beaverton, Oregon. After NW I found myself going to Mount Royal College
in Calgary, Alberta getting an associates in Disabilities Studies. I have
First Choice for Life-Changing Ministry Leadership Development
[email protected]
been working as a Teacher’s Assistant in
the schools for five years with autistic kids.
I am enjoying this very much. I also have
found myself quite occupied with my
church with youth ministries (grade 5- 9).
All of the above has been awesome with
some challenges along the way. I was able
to travel around Europe with my parents
for 3 weeks, and this was a trip to go down
in history, it was fun! The biggest venture of all for me is pursuing my
desire of being a full time missionary amongst the First Nations people
of Regina, Saskatchewan. I will be working with a church there, Healing
Hearts, and chillin’ with both children and teens (small groups, kid’s clubs,
after school programs, etc.) I am raising support with NAIM (North America
Indigenous Ministries). I have been ministering in Saskatchewan for 13
years now, and God has given me a heart for Native people. I long to see
them come to know Christ, and find identity in Him alone. I’d appreciate
prayer with this and if any of you might read this, and want to know more
about NAIM and my involvement with them.. please e-mail me.. clibbon@
naim.ca
Steve Klinger (Canadian Institute for
Outdoor Leadership 2000) & Sarah Jane
Klinger [nee Epp] (TREK 2000)
After leaving northwest I went on to
complete my B.A. in outdoor leadership,
spending a year in Three Hills, Alberta
before finally graduating at Columbia
Bible College in Abbotsford. I started
working towards a MDiv at ACTS but decided against it, and spent
the next few years doing custom finishing carpentry in Vancouver. But
wait, somewhere in there I got married to Sarah-Jane who also went to
Northwest, so I remain grateful to the college for that. Recently I have
moved to Juneau Alaska, where I am part of a church plant and going to
school. I’m also working fulltime and have a three month old son, named
Finley. Its great because when I was finally sent his social security card
It said FINKY TOBIN KLINGER, underneath a heading that stated: “For the
Times That Count, Count On Social Security.” But I’d better be careful, too
much talk of the government and I might be under investigation from
Homeland Security. In another million years when I am finally done with
school I hope to get a Doctorate of Osteopathy. It’s a long road, but one
I’m willing to follow with Christ leading the way.
Mark Myles (Associate in Religious
Education 2000)
I graduated with the ARE from Northwest
upon it’s closing of the undergrad program
and married Keely that summer (2000).
I finished my BA at the closest available
college (CBC) and graduated in 2002 from
there. I was hired as the Youth Pastor at
Houston Fellowship Baptist Church in
northern BC and enjoyed my time there. I left on good terms and spent
some time as a parts man at a heavy duty truck dealership there, and
then moved home to Campbell River in February 2005. I had an enjoyable
year working for my Dad doing industrial surveying all over BC and other
parts of Canada. I also did some janitorial and carpet cleaning for some
local restaurants. During my move back to Campbell River, I joined in a
partnership with a brother-in-law of mine in the advertising business…it
kinda flopped…but we learn and move on. It was just this last November
(2006) that I was hired on at Campbell River Baptist Church as the Director
of Children’s Ministries where I thoroughly enjoy working week-to-week
helping children get to know Jesus (and the many, many, many other
Volume 4 Issue 1
things that go along with that sort of ministry position). I LOVE IT! And…
besides all that…Keely, my beautiful wife of going on 7 years (Jun 3/00),
and I have had 3 beautiful children of our own. Levi Joseph (August 01),
Dexter Hugh Anthony (February 04), Talitha Snow (January 18, 2007)! 2
boys and a girl. They are my life. I owe them
so much.
Brad Sumner (Bachelor of Arts in Religion
2000) & Meghan Sumner [nee Hall]
(Bachelor of Arts in Religion 2000)
We are still pastoring at Jericho Ridge
community Church here in Langley.
Meg directs the women’s ministry, her
community, and is seeing many community
moms get connected in Willoughby. Our
son Jared is now 3 and Sophie is 1 and we
are generally loving life and having fun in
ministry!
Jennifer Wiebe [nee Komenda]
(Associate in Religious Education 2000)
Hello everybody! Dave and I have moved!
We are now living in Edmonton. Dave is
working for an oil service company as an
electronic engineering technologist, and I
am working at the Glenrose Rehabilitation
Hospital on a geriatric assessment and
rehab floor. We have been here since
November 2006, and although we are
missing all of our friends and family in Winnipeg, we are really settling
in well. We are attending Shiloh Baptist Church where we have already
made some good friends, and we’ve got some family here as well which
has helped make the transition easier. I think this is the same picture I
sent last year, but it’s the only one I have with both of us in it! I’m looking
forward to hearing what is going on in everyone’s lives. Take care!
William Berkley (Bachelor of Religious
Education 2001)
After I graduated from NWBC, I went to
Moody Grad. School and earned an MA in
Spiritual Formation and Discipleship. After
that I stayed and completed the additional
classes for an MDiv in Intercultural Studies
(Missions). I am now back in Washington
State and in contact with several mission
agencies as I seek the Lord for His next step in my life.
April Hicks (Early Childhood Education
Certificate 2001)
Hello everyone! How are you all doing?
Since leaving Northwest I have been
working in the Early Childhood field
in many different capacities. I lived in
Vancouver for about 3 1/2 years and than
headed back to Vancouver Island and
worked for a Preschool in my home town
for about two years. I really felt the Lord
calling me to move to Calgary as I have an
older sister who lives here and have always
felt that Calgary was my second home. So just after Christmas three years
ago I packed up everything and moved to Calgary. (No kidding, I really
did just that. What didn’t fit into my car I gave away.) I just sensed that the
Lord would supply all my needs down to the very last detail and He did. I
moved into a great house situation right away and it was already set up,
Page Northwest Alumni Connections
so I didn’t need any furniture just my personal items and have been living
there since. What I didn’t know was that my sister would be diagnosed
with breast cancer that following summer and that the Lord had a plan
already set in place for me to come here and help her out, (she is married
and they have four children ages 12, 9, 7, 4) So far she is doing very well
and the Lord is helping her with her recovery. Presently I am working
for a non-profit agency called Aspen which helps families in crisis in the
city. I work with families and their children who are either homeless, in
transition from being homeless and who are trying to get on their feet
and need support to help them through the many different situations
of their lives. My position is a childcare counselor and parent coach to
support the parents with the challenges of parenting. I am able to share
the gospel and bring the light of the Lord into their lives on a daily basis.
I also co-facilitate parent workshops and find resources for any of the
challenges that they need help with. It’s a pretty challenging place to be
but very rewarding. I would love to hear from any of my old classmates.
Please feel free to drop a line. My contact info is [email protected]
Dyan Mouland (Master of Arts in
Christian Studies 2001) & Chad
Vankoughnett (Staff 1999-2001)
Chad and I moved to Moose Jaw, Sask.
in December of 2001. Taking on a rather
unusual career change, Chad had accepted
a position as a Police Officer for the city. A
few weeks into his training, I discovered
that I was expecting. We began attending
photo by Stuart Kasdorf
First Free Methodist Church in Moose
Jaw, where at seven month pregnant, I
accepted the position of part time youth pastor here. With each of us in
new jobs, and with a new baby boy a few weeks later, our lives certainly
changed! A couple years later, Chad felt called back into ministry, and I
needed a break. So Chad left the police force and became the Associate
Pastor at the same Free Methodist Church, and I took some time off youth
pastoring. In the mean time, I did a lot of pulpit supply and camp work. In
January of this year, I returned to full time ministry at the Free Methodist
Church as the Pastor to Children and Youth. Chad is still the Associate,
and we are loving Moose Jaw. Our son, Noah is a wonderful four year
old who is gentle in spirit, silly in nature, and obsessed with Thomas the
Tank Engine and Strawberry Shortcake… He has brought us more joy
and laughter than we could ever have imagined. He is naturally curious,
and wonders what kind of toys Jesus has in His airplanes that take him
back and forth to Heaven. Sadly, I don’t think we covered that one in Dr.
Radant’s theology classes. Although we are very content in Moose Jaw,
Chad and I still fondly remember our Langley days (especially when it is
-40 in Moose Jaw), and feel very blessed to have been part of Northwest
Baptist Seminary.
Kyung-Hyun Kim (Master of Divinity
2002)
After receiving an MDiv. from the seminary
in 2002, I moved to Edmonton for further
studying at Concordia Lutheran Seminary.
Then I was assigned as an intern minister for
one year in the Vegreville parish in Alberta.
After my odination I was assigned to the
parish in Churchbridge, Saskatchewan as
the parish pastor. My parish’s name is Trinity Lutheran Church which is a
very active church with around 200 parishioners and 40 sunday school
kids. I have been serving this parish with God’s blessing and enjoying my
work of serving God and His church. I have also been very blessed with
my wonderful wife Misun and my baby daughter Hannah who is one and
half years old and so active.
Page 10
Rick Chase (Master of Arts in Christian
Studies 2002)
Gerda and I were pleased to add another
addition to our family. Piersen Calvin
Whitefield Chase is 10 months old now
and preparing for seminary. This past year
our church has been very involved with the
Karen refugees who have fled persecution
in Myanmar. We are also praying about
helping to plant another ethnic church in
our location and expanding our ministry facilities. We have a wonderful
church and enjoy the ministry here.
Lancy Siu (Master of Arts in Christian
Studies 2002)
God has been leading me to do His work
with joy, challenge and excitement for the
past couple of years. I would like to share
some unforgettable experiences in my life
and ministries for the past years.
By the leading and guidance of God, the
leaders of our Fellowship had appointed me to be one of the members
of our Fellowship Task Force. Our Fellowship Task Force met monthly
from June 2005 to September 2006. After much discussion and debate,
the Task Force was united in proposing a new purpose statement, vision
statement, theological and operational values, indications we believed
will guide us as a Fellowship of churches.
Thanks to God’s providence, the support of my family and church, I was
able to attend the 7th Chinese Congress on World Evangelization in
Macau from July 17-21 2006 with almost 3000 delegates from different
countries. It was an unforgettable experience. I also visited Hong Kong
and some cities in China.
After much prayer and the support of the church and my husband
William, our Chinese Ministries at Marpole Baptist Church started a
Sunday worship service in Mandarin and Cantonese beginning Oct. 29,
2006. Several people have come to faith in Christ and two ladies are going
to baptized on March 18, 2007. I preach once a month, other Chinese
pastors fill in the other Sundays. Thank God that my three children and
son-in-law are walking with the Lord and serving Him, and supporting my
ministries with prayer and encouragement.
Carla Kroeker [nee Sadowsky] (Bachelor
of Arts in Religion 2002)
Hello everyone! I have some great
memories of my time at Northwest. I was
a fairly new Christian and learning and
growing in such an environment of loving
Christian friends and teachers has been a
wonderful foundation for my walk. In 2002 I met a wonderful guy named
Steve Kroeker at Northview Community Church where he was leading
worship for the young adults group. We were married in 2003 at Stillwood
Camp and Conference Center (at Cultus Lake) where he currently works as
a Program Director. We had a baby boy in March of 2006 whom we named
Levi. He brings so much joy to our lives! We have a house in Yarrow and
live up at the camp for 3 months every summer. It is so beautiful there and
what a great place for Levi to swim, climb, and play! We enjoy our time
there surrounded by nature, not to mention having all our meals cooked
for us! For the past 5 years I have been working for MCC Supportive Care
Services. They have group homes in Abbotsford and Chilliwack in which
the disabled are cared for. I really have quite enjoyed my work there and
will be returning to casual work soon after finishing my maternity leave.
I always enjoy hearing what is new with old friends so feel free to update
me on what has happened with YOU!
First Choice for Life-Changing Ministry Leadership Development
[email protected]
Ricardo Moromisato (Bachelor of
Religious Education 2002)
Ricardo, Sachiko and Megumi (4), are
currently adjusting to life back in Canada,
after spending the last two years in
Central Asia, where they were involved in
a project working with children in crisis
and children at risk. They are expecting
their second child at the end of March
2007. While living in Central Asia, a
neighbor, thinking that Sachiko is Uzbek,
asked why her daughter Megumi looked Kyrgyz. Sachiko then explained
in Russian that Megumi’s father is Japanese. The neighbor said, “So you
speak Japanese at home”. “No, we speak Spanish”, was the answer. “We
were both born in Peru, South America”, she added. “So you came all the
way from Peru?”… “No, we came from Canada…” Their diversity opened
many doors for sharing! They sense the Lord’s calling to return back to
Central Asia in 2008. Interested in this part of the world? Write to them at
[email protected] God bless.
Marty Dong (Master of Divinity 2003) &
Lynn Dong (Diploma in Christian Studies
2003)
We are currently living in Bellevue, WA,
just outside of Seattle. We have been here
since we graduated from ACTS in 2003.
Marty writes: Since returning to the Seattle
area, I have served in various ministry
positions. At this time, I’m currently
splitting time between caring for our family and serving through interim
pastoral positions and guest speaking opportunities. This situation will
most likely change in the next few months, as we sense the Lord leading
us to begin an ongoing pastoral ministry. We are also still seeking the
Lord’s guidance regarding serving Lynn writes: Since coming back to the
Seattle area, I returned to my secular profession as an actuary at Milliman,
an actuarial consulting firm. We have two children, both adopted from
China – Samantha (adopted in Nov. 2004) and Timmy (adopted in Feb.
2007). Between our family life and my career, things are pretty busy right
now. As Marty and I have concentrated on raising our family, our “formal”
ministry work has been relatively light, although we’ve seen God do some
neat things in the lives of those around us. We hope that, in the near
future, Marty will begin a new pastoral position, and we continue to seek
God’s guidance regarding our next steps.
Rajakumar Vannadil (Master of Divinity
2003)
Roshan is three years old and Raj and Kim
will be celebrating their 10th wedding
anniversary this year. Raj went to India
last year for a Mission trip and he got this
vision to help out orphan children in India.
He will be going to India again this year to
help Orphan children of India (March 29th
– April 21st 2007). He says that there are
about 60 children in the orphanage and
they don’t have any proper shoes, toys and or school bags. The orphanage
rescues many little girls from the hospital where parents want to kill them.
Raj wants to work with a local Indian team to conduct Kid’s camp and also
to help these children with many practical things such as shoes, school
bags & uniforms, umbrellas, socks etc.
Isamonia Fung (Bachelor of Religious Education 2004)
Praise the Lord, Hallelujah, for God is always faithful to me! He gave me a
promise before I came back to Hong Kong in June 2000: “Seek Ye first the
Volume 4 Issue 1
Kingdom of God and His righteousness.
And all these things shall be added unto
you.” Now I am serving God as a Chaplain
in the hospital ministry which has a lot of
opportunities to comfort the medical staff,
patients and their families in their times of
difficulties (just like what Jesus does) as
well as share gospel with them. As I have
served Jesus He has also given me what I
needed: a wonderful husband, Jacky, and
a lovely son (3 and half months old), Sean.
I thank the Lord for His amazing grace for me.
Featured Alumni
Missionaries with FEBInternational in Poland
Pierre Jutras (u 2006) & Hanna
Jutras (u 2001)
Pierre and Hanna Jutras with their
children Timothy and Rachelle
are serving the Lord in the central
European country of Poland, in
the city of Warsaw. The population
of Poland is 38 million plus. Only
0.3% of the population of Poland
is Protestant – one of the smallest
percentage of Evangelicals in all
Europe. This is another field ripe
for harvest. Pierre and Hanna are
involved in a church plant in East Warsaw, one of the poorest
areas of the city. They also teach Sunday school, and are very
active in Christian youth camps, where there is a potential to
reach out with the Gospel to a very open people group in Poland
- youth. Pierre is attending language class to learn to speak Polish
better. This is no easy task! He is asked to preach occasionally,
but it is still in English – Polish will come! Pierre says; “The needs
of the ministry are just incredible. We feel overwhelmed by the
lack of staff to help, and lack of materials and the needs we see
in these people.” Hanna’s Mom is recovering from cancer surgery
and Dad from a heart attack. Both are doing better now and are
very helpful to Pierre and Hanna in connecting with Poland and
serving our church. Our children have adapted well to their new
home. Poles are actually very protective and loving of children,
which is an advantage for us. We get to know people more easily
because of them! A Challenge!…Why not occasionally send an
e-mail to [email protected], or even consider to come
for ministry!
David Choi (Master of Divinity 2004)
I, together with my wife Sarah (who is my
better half ) have been serving a Korean
church, KFGC, which is one of the oldest
Korean churches (23 yrs. old) in Vancouver.
It has given me great happiness to lead
the praise and worship for services and
as a lover of the Word I have been happily
instructing several Bible Study groups and
watching God’s powerful hand working
in the minds, hearts and lives of the people. I have been longing for a
connection with my fellow alumni.
Page 11
Joel Neustaeter (Youth Leadership
Training Program 2004)
“Hello everyone, Katie and I are currently
ministering at Sunnybrae Bible Camp, on
the gorgeous Shuswap Lake. We have been
blessed with two boys Noah (June 13, 2004)
and Austin (March 11, 2006) who have filled
our lives with so much joy while managing
to deprive us of so much sleep! We have
been at Sunnybrae for over three years now,
heading up the program of the camp. Thank you to all of you whom have
supported us in our ministry and please come check out the camp anytime
you are in the area.
Keith Ikoma (Youth Leadership Training
Program Diploma 2005)
I am currently at the end of my second year
of the Master of Arts in Christian Studies
at ACTS as part of the Youth Leadership
Training Program through Northwest Baptist
Seminary. I continue to work as an intern
in youth ministry at Ruth Morton Baptist
Church in Vancouver, where I also live. I look
forward to wrapping up this stage of my
education and my current ministry position
within the next months as I look forward
to where God will lead me into the future.
In the midst of a busy season of study and
ministry, I am thankful for the mentors, teachers, and friends that God has
placed in my life in the past couple of years to give me counsel, knowledge,
and encouragement.
A Message from the President
Dear Friends:
It is astonishing to learn how God is using the wonderful diversity
and giftedness represented among the Northwest alumni. It is
no exaggeration to say that around the world God’s Kingdom is
advancing through your sacrificial, passionate service. I find myself
looking back on almost thirty years of ministry in the context of
Northwest and your stories affirm the significance of this work – and I
know I speak for all of our faculty, past and present, who participated
in your lives.
Jesus’ disciples asked him one day “who is greatest in the kingdom”
(Matthew 18:1). God’s people continue to ask this question and Jesus’
answer remains the same – the one who practices forgiveness, the
one who seeks the straying, lost sheep, the one who “welcomes a
little child in Jesus’ name”. I read your stories and kingdom greatness
shines through.
May God encourage you as you discover what your fellow alumni are
doing for Jesus’ sake. I know our communities
are better
places because you are there, living for Jesus.
Blessings,
Larry Perkins, Ph.D.
President.
James Visbeek (Master of Arts in Christian
Studies 2006) & Janet Visbeek (Master of
Arts in Christian Studies 2006)
Janet writes: After graduating from ACTS
in April, 2006 in the chaplaincy track of
Christian Studies, I continue to volunteer
with first responders in Whatcom County.
As a Support Officer, my role is to come
alongside families on the scene of a death
due to a health issue, traffic fatality, suicide, or other critical incident. This
involves comforting people at one of the worst moments of their lives, and
offering them hope to go on. The classes at Northwest / ACTS Seminaries
were critical in preparing me for this ministry. Cultural awareness, theology
focused on a sovereign and loving God, looking for connections between
God’s truth and other belief systems, and skills to come alongside the
hurting to offer hope in crisis all play into giving me strength to serve in all
types of situations. These experiences often reveal the extreme depravity
of humanity living around all of us, and the need to share Christ everyday
within our sphere of influence. Our three children all happily married in the
past two years. Jim and I look forward to this next chapter in our lives. The
family picture is Jim and Janet, daughter Dawne and husband, Zach Grove,
son Aaron and wife, Sarah Visbeek, daughter Renee’ and husband, Steve
Swinburne.
Notes and Quotes
Lloyd Jackson (page 2) wrote in a note to me, “A loooong time ago I
had my turn at editing and producing what was at that time known as
the Alumni Album. It was produced on a machine called a Gestetner.”
Lloyd asked if I was familiar with that machine … alas, I have to confess
that I too have done time on a Gestetner - in the tropical heat of the
equator! He went on to wonder what had become of that Alumni Album and observed that “there was a lot of history in its pages.”
As I look over this magazine I must concur - but in the present!
Yes, there is a lot of history in these pages! That is what makes
Northwest Alumni Connections both interesting and exciting. A
warm thank you to each one who contributed.
We apologize for any errors or omissions there may be in this alumni
publication. We have worked hard to verify our alumni information
but admit that our data may not be a current as we would like it
to be. Please assist us in keeping our alumni data as up-to-date as
possible. Thanks!
As Northwest continues to follow God’s leading in the pursuit of being the First Choice for Life-Changing Ministry Leadership Development it depends on the gracious gifts of its alumni and friends. If
you would like to contribute to the ongoing ministry of Northwest
please make your cheque payable to Northwest Baptist Seminary
and mail it to the address below.
Do check our alumni page on the Northwest website from time to
time. The web address is WWW.NBSEMINARY.COM
Loren Warkentin (MTS 1995)
Northwest Alumni Connections is the alumni news letter of
Northwest Baptist Seminary
7600 Glover Road, Langley, BC V2Y 1Y1
Canada
Phone: (604) 888-7592
Fax: (604) 513-8511
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.nbseminary.com