Life March 2012

BOX 579 ESTON SK S0L 1A0 • PH: 306.962.3621 • FX: 306.962.3810 • WWW.ESTONCOLLEGE.CA

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Eston College has been hosting Encounter Sr. High for decades. The annual youth retreat has become one of the highlights of the year. There are very few things that can parallel the thrill of seeing youth meet with the Holy Spirit or the sense of camaraderie and mission among the college students that comes from tackling such a monumental project. This was my sixth Encounter weekend, and it will be remembered as one of the most inspiring weekends of my life. While much remained unchanged from previous years, Christ did some new things that will be unforgettable.

This has been an exceptional year at the college. We have seen an increase in the occurrences of and hunger for healing and the prophetic. We know that the Fatherʼs heart is to demonstrate His glory, so we expected Encounter to reflect His glory and gladly welcomed it. In prayer, we sensed that the Holy Spirit intended to give two special gifts to the youth and leaders who attended the weekend: a heart for intercessory prayer and a fresh vision. The staff and students began to pray for the realization of these promises and received prophetic words and dreams that strengthened and encouraged us to trust that God would be faithful.

In obedience to the word God gave us regarding intercession, we set aside an optional time of fasting for interested youth and college students. I anticipated that some would participate, but was shocked to find that over 85 youth and young adults gave up a meal to seek Christ. The atmosphere in the prayer room was electric and only intensified as others joined. The

Lord in His faithfulness raised up a number of young men and women to serve as intercessors.

Our Encounter planning team made a decision to invite youth groups to participate in the Youth Empowerment Project. Each group could send two youth delegates to the platform to be interviewed. They were asked what change Jesus wants to bring to their community and what resources they need to accomplish that change. The college would then select one group and give them $250 as seed money for their vision. Eight youth groups responded. The boldness and creativity of those teenagers was unbelievable. After the Saturday night interviews, I lamented to my wife that we didnʼt have enough finances to kick start everyoneʼs vision. Less than 5 minutes later, a visitor approached me with an offer to give a donation to each of the youth groups! I was thrilled and humbled by the provision of God. It was clear that He really wants to fan the flame of desire in this generation. We all learned a very valuable lesson regarding His provision and generosity.

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ESTON COLLEGE is an Evangelical, Pentecostal community whose mission is to develop disciples of Christ - faithful men and women educated in the

wisdom of the Bible who walk in obedience to the Holy Spirit and who extend God’s grace by serving as His ambassadors in the home, Church, and marketplace.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

L I F E !ENCOUNTERING GOD LIKE NEVER BEFORE

(continued on the next page)


T H E L A T E S T F R O M A R O U N D T H E C O L L E G E :

DEAN’S LIST (3.75 - 4.00 GPA)

Shelby BachtoldBrittney BarksBrenden BranscombeNicole DeagleJenny-Rae DigginsJoanna KorchinskiBrent MasonKaleb McLeodMelody McLeodJosh MüllerAlex PezzuttoAlana SchmidtLisa Switzer

HONOURABLE MENTION

(3.3 - 3.74 GPA)

Danielle BoberTyler ClarkAaron DeagleKaty HaydonLevi JoeAutumn JohnstonNatasha MayerleAdrienne MasonBen PullarJeremy RatzlaffHannah SchmaltzBethany SlessorJesse Switzer

FALL 2011 TERM S T U D E N T

A C H I E V E M E N T S

(continued from front page)From the moment they arrived, the youth demonstrated a deep hunger for the things of the Lord. The weekend was filled with testimonies of teens getting saved, being filled with the Holy Spirit, hearing the voice of God for the first time, receiving spiritual gifts, and being freed from demonic bondage. On Sunday morning when I asked those that were healed to stand, there were over 20 people who rose to their feet. There are literally dozens more testimonies I could write, but space doesnʼt allow.

I was not surprised by what Christ did at Encounter, but I was taken off guard by how much he was teaching us as leadership. God is challenging us to take the Kingdom and advance it. The youth under our influence are ready to go, but are you and I ready to lead them? Thankfully, if the answer is no, then the Spirit of power and love that we have received from the Father promises to make us so (Matt 16:18, Rom 8:32). I am excited and thankful for the season that God is carrying us through, and look forward to what He has in store for His Bride. In Christ, we can do this! Please pray that there will be much more fruit born in and through the youth that came to Encounter. Thank you, Jesus, for all that you have done and continue to do!

- Sean Stevenson-Douglas, Admissions Director

This fall the college signed an agreement with Compassion Canada in which we will work together to promote our organizations and train students. Deb McNabb, employed with Compassion Canada, taught on Child Advocacy in the winter mini-semester. Autumn Johnston, a junior student and Child Advocate for Compassion Canada traveled to Ecuador with Deb in February. We were privileged to have Rev. Bar ry S lauenwh i te , president of Compassion Canada, as our guest speaker for Festival of Missions. -Brian and Barry signing the affiliation agreement.

TRACY ADAMSTr a c y h a s m o v e d t o Moose Jaw t o p u r s u e employment

in an administrative capacity. Thank you for your 4 years of service, you will be a blessing to many in Moose Jaw.

ELMER CHENAfter 6 years of teaching t h e o l o g y , E l m e r i s leaving Eston

to pursue his doctorate. May God bless you as you continue your walk with Him.

TRISH OULLETTETrish came to the college to fill in for a m a t e r n i t y leave in the

ESL department. We are grateful for the year she served and pray for Godʼs guidance as she pursues further employment.

CHANGES TO OUR STAFF & FACULTY

COMPASSION CANADA & ESTON COLLEGE



I N T E R N S H I P S

BRENDEN BRANSCOMBE i s w o r k i n g a s administrative intern with ACOP head office in Calgary, AB. While involved in many areas,

two exciting opportunities in his internship are helping to plan the ACOP general conference in Langley, BC and a missions trip to Ecuador.

WINTER 2012 TERM C O N T A C T T E A M S

CALEB DAVIScompleted his internship with various missions o r g a n i z a t i o n s . H i s involvements took him to Thailand, Rwanda, K e n y a , Ta n z a n i a ,

Uganda, and Ethiopia.

For more information on requesting an intern visit our website under the Alumni Connection section.

Without a shadow of a doubt, the experience that I had during my weekend on the Go Discipleship trip participating in the Demo Crew Plunge at the Mustard Seed in Calgary has changed my life forever. Never have I seen the work of God so evident, nor been surrounded by so many people who are truly living out the gospel. I am humbled by the people I had the privilege of meeting and deeply appreciated their impact on my life.

I knew the weekend was off to a good start when I received a vision from the Lord showing me that chains are being broken at Eston College. From the very first moment the team drove into the parking lot of the Mustard Seed (Christian organization working with the homeless of Calgary), I was overcome by a wall of emotion and all I could do was pray. Little did I realize that some of the chains to be broken were the fear, selfishness, and worry in my own life.

Have you ever met someone able to rekindle your spiritual fire after only a few words? Such was my encounter with Immanuel, who said: “Why are you hesitant to proclaim the truth of God to the nations? In Africa on a Sunday morning there is no one on the streets because they are all in Church praising God. Where is our passion in North America? Where is our fire?” After I heard this man speak I was so filled with conviction that I felt like I might explode and an intense desire to proclaim the word of God sprung out of me as it never has before.

I also had the privilege of meeting Mirshlaf who possessed such a gentle spirit that one could not help but be drawn to him. He reached into his bag of food, which he had just received from the shelter, pulled out his apple (the best that he had) and presented it to me as a gift. Through tears I asked him if he would mind joining my team and I for coffee. He gladly agreed. We then had the honour of hearing his story and getting the chance to pray for him. He was one of the most generous people I have ever met. Next there was Francesco, whose name means hope. He taught me what it looks like not to worry about tomorrow. With complete humility, this man stated that he sponsors a child. In his words “It is only $35 dollars a month!” Imagine if you will...a homeless man, who may or may not have a steady income, arguing that itʼs only $35 a month.

Prior to this weekend, I did not think I could ever have gone up to a homeless person to share my only meal with them with joy and excitement. I can now, thanks to Mirshlaf and his exceeding generosity. Will I boldly proclaim to a complete stranger Godʼs undeniable truth and our need to be forever transformed by it? Because of Immanuel, I think yes. When my finances are low and I have to choose between serving myself or another, I believe that because of Francesco's influence I will choose others.

God is truly busy breaking chains in our world. Will you let him use you as well?

- Jo-Anne Neufeld, GO Discipleship Student

STUDENT TESTIMONY - JO-ANNE NEUFELD

Kipling Peopleʼs ChurchWeyburn Wheatland Community ChurchTisdale Joint Youth GroupSaskatoon Springs of Life Family ChurchAssiniboia Apostolic ChurchCalgary Living Springs ChurchLethbridge King of Kings FellowshipNorth Battleford Territorial Drive Alliance ChurchMoose Jaw Hillcrest Apostolic ChurchSwift Current Full Gospel Church


A L U M N I C O N N E C T I O N :

MARRIAGES

Ryan (97-01) and Christa (Machmer, 97-99) Sims were married on June 11, 2011. Brandon and Kelsey (Quist, 04-07) Somerville were married on June 25, 2011.

Daniel (07-11) and Anna (Siddons, 06-10) Cole were married on June 25, 2011.

Gregory (05-07) and Brittany (Gogel, 09) Moore were married on July 22, 2011.

Robin (08-11) and Alicia (Hamata,09-11) Klimchuck were married on July 23, 2011.

Kaleb (current student) and Melody (Krieger, current student) McLeod were married on August 6, 2011.

Jay (08-09) and Courtney (Lohner,07-10) Wood were married on August 13, 2011.

A L U M N I N E W S :

BIRTHS

Levi (00-04, current faculty) and Shelley (Peters, 01-02) Simpson welcomed a daughter to their family. Ella Diane was born on October 17, 2011 and is a sister for Avery.

James and Sarah (Stevenson, 99-01) Martin welcomed a daughter to their family. Oaklyn Mills was born on Nov. 1, 2011 weighing 6 lbs 11oz.

Danny (04–06) and Christine (Thomson, 04-06) Mills welcomed a son into their family. Sawyer Drysdale was born December 3, 2011 weighing 8lbs 7oz.

Trevor and Landree (02, Senkiw) Murray welcomed a son into their family. Hunter Mark was born December 3, 2011 weighing 7lbs 8.5oz.

MARRIAGES

Wendell Brock (99-03) and Oda Umukunzi were married on July 16, 2011.

David (92- 94) and Gayle Eng were married on August 27, 2011.

Joshua and Kathy (Retzer, 05-07) Stevens were married on Oct. 8, 2011 in Moose Jaw, SK.

Cameron (94, 97-98) and Cassandra (04, Lomenda) Collins were married December 31, 2011.

DEATHS

Daniel Chouinard (89-92) of Regina, SK passed away on Oct. 23, 2011.

T A K E A F R E E C L A S SHave you graduated from Eston College, FGBC, or FGBI? If so you are eligible for one audit class per year! Make sure you take advantage o f th is amaz ing opportunity! To find out more about this offer visit our Alumni Connection page on our website at www.estoncollege.ca/alumni-connection or contact the registrar at 1.888.440.3424.

L I S T E N O N L I N ETune in to great messages weekly through our website! To l isten to c h a p e l s e r v i c e s o n l i n e , g o t o www.estoncollege.ca and click on ʻNews & Events - Mediaʼ.

K E E P U S U P D A T E DIf you have moved or made changes to your contact information please keep us u p t o d a t e b y c o n t a c t i n g i n f o@es tonco l l ege . ca o r ca l l i ng 1.888.440.3424 or by completing the update form on our website.

MINISTRY PLACEMENTS

We would like to welcome Rev. Allen Huckabay (82-85) to the North Saskatchewan District of ACOP as he relocates in his ministry to North Battleford at Living Faith Chapel.

Rev. Dave Wicks (73-76) will be joining the South Saskatchewan District of ACOP as he relocates in his ministry to Hillcrest Apostolic Church in Moose Jaw. Dave comes to Hillcrest as Rev. Allan Buchanan (69-72) retired in Dec. 2010 after 18 yrs as lead pastor.

Rev. Rod Barks (84-87,04), of Nipawin Apostolic Church, will conclude his pastoral dutes at the end of June. He has been appointed by the ACOP Board of Trustees to the National Apostolic Team and will begin this role in September, working with the N. Alberta, N. Saskatchewan and Manitoba/N. Ontario districts.

Alumni news items are welcome. For details on how to submit your update, visit our website www.estoncollege.ca/alumni. You may also give us your news by emailing: [email protected] or calling 1.888.440.3424. Please indicate “Eston College LIFE Alumni News” when submitting. If you have a photo to accompany a birth or wedding announcement, please include it and we will print it as space permits.

HAVE NEWS?

AN UPDATE FROM COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE

On May 15, 2011 a wildfire destroyed the church building of Community Christian Centre in Slave Lake, AB. After a two week evacuation, we were allowed back into town to see the d e v a s t a t i o n l e f t b y t h e fi r e . Approximately one third of the town was destroyed. Since then we have been dreaming, and praying, and planning for the new building. Our vision is to build with our community in mind. We are now beginning to see plans come together for our new building. The building will include a multipurpose auditorium/fellowship hall, large kitchen, classrooms, washrooms, showers, offices, and a large foyer. We anticipate beginning construction this spring. It is exciting to see plans come together for the new building, and we are excited about what God has in store for us in the future.

- Pastor Sid (75-78) and Judy Chalmers Community Christian Centre, Slave Lake, AB


A L U M N I C O N N E C T I O N :

FALLING IN LOVE WITH JESUS

Do you remember when you fell in love with Jesus? I do! It was at Eston College (F.G.B.I) in 1989. I truly met Him there. I had heard of Him. His reputation was familiar to me. Yet it was in a moment of prayer in Dorm 5, that I was introduced to the only One who has ever been able to fill the deepest yearning in my soul. I have spent the past 22 years completely smitten. I desire today to see a generation filled with the same passion and great tenderness that I found the moment my heart was wooed and won!

Eston College is filled this year with young hearts and incredible leaders that are hungry and thirsty. Their longings are lining up with His purposes and plans. Their decisions have been filtered through the grid of His instruction; each one beginning to mirror the reflection of His love. What a gift it has been to walk with such friends!

Have you ever met someone who has just fallen in love with Jesus? I have. They are so giddy and alive. They give out all over the place the forgiveness they have just received. Sin loses its hold. Wounds are healed. Their infectious joy inspires others to crave His passions. They make you cry, “I want to fall in love again!”

This year at Eston College, I have seen students and staff “in love”. They have been committed to coming into His presence. They have sought His power. They have bombarded heaven with thankful, yet desperate prayers for strength, more hope, and more opportunities to share Him. The results… lives free of guilt and sin, lives devoted to the teachings of Christ, and lives reflecting the grace and mercy of a loving God.

I have walked Eston College corridors as a student, a pastor, a teacher, a mom, and as a friend. What a gift to be among such beautiful people. I love how God gives us compassionate instruction for everyday living and then wraps His teaching with promises of His blessing. This brief “love note” from me today is a sweet offering of my gratefulness.

The Bible says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)

God has an incredible love for us. He never stops pursing His beloved. He never withdraws His affection. He never quits choosing to love you and me. Jesus says the passion that pleases Him is hunger and thirst. There are hungry and thirsty hearts at Eston College and I am so thankful for the opportunities to learn and grow with them.

In Christ,

DebDeb McNabbCompassion Canada Advocate RepresentativeSaskatchewan, Manitoba, Northern Ontario

ESTON LIFE GOES EXPRESS!Life Express is a blog and monthly email newsletter that brings you news, events, testimonies, and information about what is happening with Eston College students, staff and alumni. Go to www.life-express.weebly.com to check it out, or subscribe to our mailing list by emailing [email protected].


U P C O M I N G E V E N T S :

This is our official invitation to you – come and join with us as we celebrate Godʼs faithfulness in the lives of our graduates over the weekend of April 27 – 29, 2012.

Friday, April 277:00 pm Chapel Service! Student Body President Address

Saturday, April 281-4 pm Grad Photos5:30 pm Banquet7:00 pm Graduation Celebration & Awards# Valedictory Address

Sunday, April 2910:00 am Graduation Exercises# Graduation Address - Rev. Denzil Fenn Presentation of Graduates

Please RSVP by April 15 if you are planning on attending the banquet. Adults @ $14.00; children (6-12 yrs) @ $7.00. Tickets for all other meals will be available for purchase upon arrival. A limited number of rooms are available in our dorms so be sure to book early. For more information or to RSVP please call the office at 1.888.440.3424 or email [email protected].

NOT THIS

PHOTO

Are you enjoying our full color LIFE? We want to express our deep gratitude to

GLOBE PRINTERS for generously printing 4 publications of the LIFE in

full color. Thank you for bringing life to the LIFE.

MARCH 22-24 College Experience Weekend Contact Melissa Stevenson-Douglas 1.888.440-3424 [email protected]

MARCH 30-APR 1Prophecy Weekend with Kenn Parker Contact Sean Stevenson-Douglas 1.888.440-3424 [email protected]

APRIL 27-29 Grad Weekend April 27-29 To RSVP or to book a room please call the office at 1.888.440.3424 or email [email protected].

MAY 4-6Jr. High Encounter Weekend Contact Sean-Stevenson-Douglas 1.888.440-3424 [email protected]

MAY World Action Teams to Cambodia and Brazil Contact Jeff or Brenda [email protected]

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ESTON COLLEGE’S 65th CONVOCATION


A WORD FROM OUR CHANCELLORAs Chancellor I will have the privilege on Sunday, April 29, 2012 to move the tassels on the mortar boards of our grads. These are some fine men and women who have achieved a significant milestone in their lives. I honor them for their commitment and diligence.

Although I am not involved in the day to day involvements of the College, I live close enough that I can drink coffee with the staff, take in some chapel services and sometimes have a meal with the students. My wife is one of the volunteers in the kitchen.

So I can say from first hand observation that the Lord is doing a gracious and strong work in the lives of these students. There would seem to be an unusual level of intensity and anointing. A young man told me today about the call of God that he senses on his life. In a Chapel service I heard a young lady lead out in prayer with perceptiveness and confidence. A servant attitude seems to pervade the campus. A Bible college education provides a great foundation for life and ministry.

Many of you know that I was associated with the financial aspects of the College for numbers of years. I am aware of the challenges in operating a charitable organization. So I want to say thank you to so many of you who have financially and sacrificially supported FGBI and now Eston College for a long time. The return on investment is wonderful!

I would like to urge my generation to continue that support. And there are younger people coming on board in an amazing fashion. But that sense of responsibility and sacrifice needs to be accepted by a greater number of people.

May God help us to provide for the Bible education of these young people so that they will be equipped to serve the Lord and their generation. God bless you!

- Willard Mitchell, Chancellor

G I V I N G B A C K :

Name: ________________________________________________# Phone: ________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________# Email: _________________________________

City: __________________________# Province: __________# Postal Code: ________________

CREDIT CARD: Visa MasterCard AMEX#

______________________________________ _______/_______$ ____________Card Number! Expiry Date (MM/YY) Security Code (3 digit code on back)

______________________________________ _________________________________________Name on Card ! ! Signature

Please charge my one-time gift of $10 $25 $50 $100 $______________

Please charge $_______________ monthly to my credit card beginning _________________ (month/year)

CHEQUE: (payable to Eston College)

Enclosed is my one-time gift of $10 $25 $50 $100 $_____________

I am enclosing a VOID cheque and authorize monthly withdrawals of $____________ to occur on the 5th of each month, beginning in ______________ (month)

Spending of funds is confined to board approved ENDS. Each r e s t r i c t e d c o n t r i b u t i o n designated towards a board approved ENDS will be used as d e s i g n a t e d , w i t h t h e understanding that when the need for such a program or project has been met, or cannot be completed for any reason determined by the board, the r e m a i n i n g r e s t r i c t e d contributions designated for such a program or project will be used where needed most.

LIFE March 2012

There are many ways to support the college and our students! Here are just a few ideas: Donate household goods, furniture and exercise equipment to the college, volunteer time and services for special projects, mentor or disciple a student, provide employment for a student or a learning opportunity for an intern, pray for our students and staff, help a student fundraise for a WAT trip or their tuition, support the college with a financial gift, and more!

HOW CAN I GIVE BACK TO THE COLLEGE?

ONLINE:

www.estoncollege.ca/support



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Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Eston College Box 579 Eston, Saskatchewan S0L 1A0

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W O R D S P I R I T W I S D O M W A L K

JOIN US IN PRAYER THAT ... • The staff, faculty, and students of Eston College will

live in obedience to and faithfully proclaim the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

• Our supporters, alumni, and constituents will daily experience the power of the Holy Spirit in them and through them. Pray also that God will equip them, fill them, heal them, provide for them and that He will mobilize them to do the good works He has prepared for them.

• Missionaries, church planters, and ministers will overflow with the fullness of Christ and that the Lord will protect them from the evil one and that they have all the resources they need to accomplish His will.

• The youth throughout the world will have a desire to serve Christ and that they will be much in the Word and people of prayer.

• The Holy Spirit will bring conviction to the world and many will come to know Christ as Savior and Lord.

VOLUNTEER THIS SUMMER AND EARN TUITION!

These past summers we have offered a discount in tuition and fees to students who would volunteer 80 hours of service with a Christian organization. With the incentive, students had the opportunity to minister in many ways. Some of the involvements chosen by students were mission trips, camps, Street Invaders, VBS and youth groups. We will be offering this $1600.00 incentive again this summer. At Eston College we strongly believe that that every person should have a minimum of one year of Bible education. With the rising cost of education across the country, it is becoming difficult for students to make that investment and we hope this opportunity for tuition assistance helps those students who also have a desire to spend part of their summer volunteering in various ministries. Please contact the admissions department at 1.888.440.3424 or [email protected].

W.A.T. GOING TO CAMBODIA This May we will be sending a team of students, led by Nicole Sample (06-09) to Cambodia. This team will be working with TransformAsia. Under the direction of Setan and Randa Lee, TransformAsia began rescuing girls from brothels. They soon realized that they needed to provide life skills, training and vocational opportunities for the girls to become self-supporting. Our students will be working at the Womanʼs New Development Center, the Battambang Trade School and the David Center, which is an orphanage. Many of the children at the David Center are children of sex trade workers who have died of HIV/AIDS. They will also be working with the approximately 300 children who live on the streets of Kampur. This mission to Cambodia is an incredible opportunity for our students to know and share the compassionate heart of Christ. Please check out www.transformasia.us for more information. Please keep this mission team in your prayers!

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the

Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2

Life March 2012

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