Belong. believe. become - Discipling at the - Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute
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Di sci pl i ng at th e
of l i f e
A PRI L-JUNE 2019
Two Californians embracing during CLBI Winter Hike
(L to R: Christian Hoff, Donald Davis)
belong. believe. become
W W W.CLBI.EDU V. 27? NO. 5
JAN-MAR 2019
I N THI S I SSUE
Trevor Loken 8
Wander Beyond t he W ifi 14
Missional Communit ies 16
Cullen Halvorson 18
Rent t he CLBI Campus 21
Yout h Surge - April 5-7 29
2 Crossroads
CLBI Spring 3
A shift has happened and adaptation
CHALLENGE. is needed to attract, lead, and disciple
?Why in the world are them. The way forward is unclear.
we doing this?? That
was the burning -------------------------- 2 --------------------------
question as students
A denominational leader searches for
jumped up and down
the appropriate response to the mass
trying to warm
Dean Rostad themselves awaiting exodus of young adults from their
CLBI President the start of our congregations. We can't keep doing
the same things and expect different
three-hour hike into W ilderness Ranch
results.
for CLBI?s three-night winter camping
expedition. As we trudged through the
-------------------------- 3 --------------------------
snow, my prayer was that these
students would look beyond the At a CLBI community event, a
immediate question of "Are we there grandmother vulnerably shares her
yet?" to the deeper one of "Am I alive grief at how the younger generation
yet?" seems to have rejected the faith she
holds so dear. She asks the question
CRISIS. that no one dares to say out loud, ?Did
we do something wrong??
It is amazing what we hear when we
stop to listen. Walk with me as I Friends, we are finding ourselves in
process three conversations regarding uncharted territory. The maps
the seismic shift the Western church (traditions and methods) that the
finds herself in. church has used for generations
informing us on what it means to be
-------------------------- 1 -------------------------- the church or a Christian no longer
have the same effect. This is because
The president of a Canadian Bible
Christendom has passed - the era
school shares about the challenges
when the church was at the center of
they face. This current generation of
society. On top of that, our young
students is not like the previous one.
4 Crossroads
adults have no idea what life was like experienced has led many to
within Christendom. desensitization of their very soul. On
the one hand, this is devastating, but
GENERATIONS. on the other hand, the Spirit of God
has given them the craving to be
We are familiar with terms such as the genuinely awake to experience
Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials. spiritual life at the fullest. They are
But who comes next? Welcome to tired of sleeping and living life in a
Generation Z - those born between half-awake state (even if that is the
1995 and 2010. behavior of your 19-year-old). Do not
_______________________________________ fear, for within Generation Z, there is
longing for depth, for life, for beauty,
?Growing up with a supercomputer in for authentic living.
your pocket connected to most of the
Their goal is not simply economic
world?s population and knowledge has
security, but a desire to make a
created an irreversible pattern of
difference in the world - to leave their
behavior unlikely to revert to the ways
of previous generations.? mark. They want to brave a new path
forward to create a better reality.
- David Pakman
Generation Z is craving something to
_______________________________________
challenge them that they may be fully
This generation has grown up with a alive! They long to know that their
screen in their hand and believes that lives matter, that they matter to others
W iFi should be a human right. Their and to God. They want to be found
attention spans are shorter and their and known by God and others. They
brains have been rewired by do not fear living, They fear living
companies perfecting apps that without being truly alive.
maximize dopamine hits. These are
facts, not judgments, on who this
generation is. ALIVE.
_______________________________________
?I used to be afraid of failing at
LONGINGS.
something that really mattered to me,
You will find many young adults trying but now I?m more afraid of succeeding
to distract themselves from fear and at things that don?t matter.?
loneliness, but underneath the -Bob Goff
surface, there are deep beautiful _______________________________________
longings. W hen these longings meet
Jesus, beautiful music comes to life.
Yes, this generation is in danger of The Western church can use some
leaving the church in higher numbers hope. Here are three hopeful pictures
than others. Yet when I sit down and of awakened Gen Z believers:
listen to them, get to know them, I see (cont'd on page 6)
God at work.
The visual over-stimulation they have
CLBI Spring 5
-------------------------- 1 --------------------------- teaches us that we can?t survive by
ourselves.? We are seeing Gen Z
A classroom of young adults share students thrive as they depend on
about their hopes and dreams for the each other.
church. The goal is no longer to be a
relevant church but one that pursues AWAKE.
authenticity and vulnerability.
_______________________________________
-------------------------- 2 --------------------------- "The thief comes only to steal, kill, and
At the end of CLBI?s winter hike, our destroy; I have come that they may
three-hour trek turned into a five-hour have life, and have it to the full."
one because of some mobility issues a John 10:10 NIV
student was facing. I wish you could _______________________________________
have seen this ?tribe?rally around their
At CLBI we seek to disciple in a way
struggling teammate holding her
that will produce followers of Jesus
hands and walking slowly with her
that are resilient to the lure of secular
encouraging her every step. The roar
thinking. Practically, this means that
at the finish line was proof enough that
we work with our students to help
we were fully alive.
them be alert and aware of God's
desire to answer the prayer "Thy
-------------------------- 3 ---------------------------
kingdom come" in their lives. W hat
W hen I asked one of our leadership about us? Are we looking for this? Are
team why we do winter hike, she we open to obeying God's leading and
responded with, ?W inter camping being fully alive in Jesus?
April 1 lives of the students in the future,
Lord, thank you for Jenya Rust (Food beyond this class and beyond CLBI.
Services), her service and her gifts.
April 4
Bless Jenya on her birthday today and
Heavenly Father, bless and guide the
help her to continue on in service
Engage students as they participate in
towards you in whatever capacity you
expressing their spiritual growth
would have her go.
through the creative arts. Grab hold of
April 2 those you want to pursue those arts
Heavenly father, bless Jodi Harrison with more intention, and provide
today on her birthday. Thank you for refreshment to all of them as they
the many gifts and abilities you have participate directly in your creativity.
blessed her with, and the way she
shares them with others. Guide her in
April 5
the ways you have set before her Lord.
Father, as youth gather at CLBI for the
April 3 weekend, help all there to learn truth
Wonderful Counselor, help the things and be challenged by you during the
learned in the Living Discipleship weekend.
course spill over and fill the coming
weekend as well as impact all the
6 Crossroads
April 6 April 12
Lord, continue to guide the attendees Awesome Three-in-One, build up the
of Youth Surge and guide the focus of community of CLBI with knowledge,
all the staff, and students as they skills, compassion and love. May
enter the last few weeks of the school these gifts received be shared and
year. multiplied as students move into the
rest of their lives.
April 7
Father God, as Youth Surge wraps up April 13
today, cement your call and calling in Holy Spirit, prepare us to enter into this
each heart and mind and guide all to most holy of weeks. May we
discern your plans for their summer understand the pain and grief you
and fall. Help those who need to endured because of us. May we
make plans or take steps to proceed experience the promise of your
in your love and direction. forgiveness and love for us.
April 8 April 14
Father, bless Lauren Payne (Engage Dearest Jesus, may we welcome you
student) as she celebrates her into our lives with praise and
birthday today. Be near her during this thanksgiving. Help us to see that you
last month of her school year are not what we want you to be but
especially and lead her on throughout what we need you to be.
the year.
April 15
April 9 Father, be with Bob Rognlien as he
Loving Father, some students will helps the students come to terms with
have understood your call from the what the Passion meant for Jesus and
first moment and continued to work means for us. Do any of us really get
towards it. Others will be confused it? Help the students to grow in their
and totally unprepared for what understanding and to grow in grace
comes after graduation. Use this time through this time.
to speak to all of them and confirm or
April 16
make clear your call for each.
Lord, as classes continue, yet other
April 10 things loom, help everyone to focus
Father God, with all the activities and on the present and not to get lost in
preparation for other activities, help what?s coming. Help everyone to
everyone to take the necessary time benefit from today?s discussions in
to worship you and connect with you, class.
especially if it?s necessary to pause
April 17
away from the commotion and
Savior and Friend, you spent time
activity, today and in the days to
during the last week of your life as
come.
Immanuel (God with us) with your
April 11 friends in Bethany. Sometimes that
Be with Christian Hoff (Engage gets lost as we look at the Passion
student) and Milana Amanbevoka and the Resurrection. Help us to
(Engage student) as they celebrate remember that even in the most
birthdays today. May they grow in their important, life-changing events, time
knowledge and the joy of your with friends is essential.
presence with them.
CLBI Spring 7
(Left) Trevor Loken, (Top Right) Joining a local school in ministering to the poor for
High School Ministry Day, (Bottom Right) Rice terraces at Banaue and Sagada
WHERE A RE THEY NOW?
Tr evor Lok en ('07-'09)
In w hat w ays are How did your t ime at Bible school
you serving in God's help prepare you for w here God has
mission? you now ?
For the last two CLBI was a really formative time for
years, I have been me. I showed up there not really
living in Manila, knowing what I wanted from life or
Philippines teaching having a very close relationship with
at Faith Academy, an God. CLBI taught me what it means to
1st Year CLBI international live in community and to follow God. It
(August 2007) Christian school for also gave me a passion for missions,
missionary kids. Specifically, I teach which eventually brought me to the
grade 11 and 12 Bible classes. I love it Philippines.
because it allows me to use my
I was actually thinking about CLBI the
passion for theology and biblical
other day as I was preparing the
studies to support missionaries and
lesson for my grade 11 Christian Living
the work they are doing. I also love
class, specifically on the spiritual
spending time with the students and
disciplines. I first learned about these
doing my part in guiding them in their
disciplines at CLBI, and the times the
faith during their last couple years of
teachers gave us to pray, practice
high school.
8 Crossroads
lectio divina, do acts of service for the you?d enjoy it.?I couldn't really argue
community, and have silent retreats, with that logic, so I read the book and
went a long way in shaping who I am it encouraged me to follow God at a
today and it has also influenced how I time when I was still learning what that
teach my students. Like the staff at truly meant.
CLBI, I don?t just want to teach them
about God, but I genuinely want to
How would you encourage t hose
give them opportunities to meet with
w ho may be t hinking about get t ing a
him and have a personal relationship
Bible educat ion?
with him.
_______________________________________ I think the biggest source of
discouragement when getting a Bible
"CLBI taught me what it education is when people say things
means to live in community like "You'll never get a job", or "No
schools or workplaces will care about
and to follow God." it." They're exaggerating, but there is
_______________________________________ some truth to it. However, I think
Tell a story/ share a memory of CLBI education is about a lot more than just
t hat w as memorable for you. preparing you for a future career.
At CLBI, I was the weird kid who hid The book of Proverbs tells us to
behind doors during dorm devotions, eagerly pursue knowledge and
refused to eat sandwiches, and slept wisdom, so I think God is pleased
during class. As such there are a lot of when we invest our time and money to
stories I could tell, many of which are learn more about his word, and I think
pretty embarrassing. However, one he will use what we've learned
memory that means a lot to me was throughout our lives, whether through
during one of the classes, the teacher encouraging and teaching others, or
mentioned the book "The Peace Child" just growing in prayer and devotion to
by Don Richardson. He said ?Trevor, him. So study the Bible and pursue
you especially should read it.?I said, wisdom. Not everyone in the world
?W hat!? W hy are you calling me out has the opportunity to do that.
specifically??He replied, ?Because
To support Trevor, go to give.teachbeyond.org/ support / t revor-loken
April 18 April 19
Lord, in a few days Grace Braaten will Father, we can only call this Friday
celebrate her birthday. Such an ?Good?because of the things that
appropriate name for an Easter Jesus accomplished through you on
Sunday girl. Help her to live in your this day. Meeting death on its own turf
grace and love for this year and for all to end its power is beyond our
her days. understanding. But we can be grateful
and live a life of gratitude.
CLBI Spring 9
April 20 April 26
Such a strange day of waiting is this Father, as the students celebrate the
day between Good Friday and Easter. year together with family and friends,
God was dead. Or was He? We know let it be an inspiring and memorable
the answer, help us to rediscover and time to remember the year and think
live it anew. back on your faithfulness and
guidance.
April 21
Not only on Easter Sunday are you our April 27
Saviour - and the only reason there is Lord God, this is it, the day that was
such a thing as a Bible School is coming. Help the Graduation Service
because you came and died and live be a recognition of the whole year of
again. Help all of us, every year, to growth that has taken place in all
more deeply know and move into the involved, and help it to be the sending
resurrection life you have planned. out that provides both challenge and
comfort for all that will be.
April 22
Lord, friendships and bonds have April 28
been formed and cemented in past Heavenly Father, thank you for all the
days and months. We all know they previous staff and continue to be with
will be different in days to come, them as they continue in ministry
unless we are in denial, but help the through their lives and service, in
students to engage, enjoy and revel, whatever ways you have called them
even as they evaluate and reflect to at this point in their lives.
during today?s year-end retreat.
April 29
April 23 Lord, continue on with the staff
Lord God, the days for this school year remaining at the school. Guide them,
will be over so fast. Help all the ever, as they clean up, evaluate the
students and staff take the time to say past days and year, make summer
the good-byes that they need to, plans or organize themselves for their
acknowledging that things will ongoing plans for ministry and service.
change.
April 30
April 24 Lord God, guide the board and all
Lord, campus clean-up is scheduled involved in ongoing planning as they
for today. How can that time be here, continue to make plans for all the
already? Help the day of work be a ways your work continues at CLBI.
fulfilling fellowship opportunity and a Guide all of your church to support the
time to clean out and clear up Bible Schools to be places where
anything that needs to be cleaned out discipleship and training can take
and cleared up. place.
April 25 May 1
Father ? graduation and new Thank you, God, for the staff who
beginnings of all sorts are so close ? often give sacrificially of their time and
moving back, moving on, moving. As talents to the work of discipling a new
you have been and are and always generation. As they evaluate the year
will be, guide the grads in your loving and discern the future of CLBI, we
purpose and all others as changes pray that they will be sensitive to your
occur. spirit working through each of them.
10 CrossroadsMay 2 May 7
Lord, we thank you for the excellent Lord, we ask you to shower your
students who have been disciples and blessings on Emily Halvorson (Cullen?s
learners at CLBI over this past year. wife) today as she celebrates her
We pray that you will move in the birthday. Help her to rest in your love.
hearts of the Engage students to do Thank you for the many giftings you
your will. have given to Emily and for her
willingness to share them with those
May 3 around her.
Lord we pray for school finances
during the lean summer months. May 8
Move us to pray for staff and potential As staff continue to debrief this past
students each day. Move in the hearts year and plan for the new year, help
of those you have blessed with each of them to also find times of rest
finances that they might share these and rejuvenation this summer. Renew
to further the work of the kingdom. their hearts and minds, and help them
to reflect on your plans for their own
May 4
lives as well as your plans for CLBI.
We give you honor and praise, God, Bless each staff member this day we
that you are working in and through
pray.
the church. Use CLBI as an instrument
that would bring glory to your name. May 9
May the students who are trained and Lord, we thank you for Avi Friesen?s
discipled here reproduce themselves (2019 Engage student) desire to follow
by committing to share their faith and you. As he celebrates his birthday
disciple others, wherever they may be today, we ask that he would continue
placed. to find his identity in you. May he
grasp how wide and long and high
May 5 and deep the love that you have for
Thank you for the many pastors,
him is. (Ephesians 3:18)
leaders, and teachers who invest in
the lives of students during the weekly May 10
courses. We pray that you will lead As we look to the fall, we ask you,
CLBI leadership to the right teachers Heavenly Father, to work in the hearts
who will be used by your spirit to train of the students that you are calling to
up a new generation of disciplers and CLBI. We ask that you would remove
Jesus followers. any barriers that are hindering them
from accepting your call. Please fill
May 6 the dorms with the students of your
Thank you, Lord, for the students this
choosing.
past year. We ask that you would be
with each one of them as they adjust May 11
to life outside of CLBI. Help each of Loving Father, we thank you for the
them to consistently and joyfully make ability to work. Bless our students as
time in their days to spend with you. they begin their summer jobs. May
Please also help them to find a good, they shine your light in their places of
supportive community. Give them work.
peace for today and guidance for the
future.
CLBI Spring 11Nathan Sorenson along side his wife Megan (Scott) Sorenson ('02-'03), his son Robin
(age 2 1/ 2), and baby Nola (born on January 6th, 2019)
WHERE A RE THEY NOW?
Nat h an Sor en son ('02-'03)
I'm Nathan master Duplo builder and a new
Sorenson, a CLBI daughter Nola who was born on
student from the January 6th.
class of 2002-2003. A
bit about me: I'm
In w hat w ays are you serving in God's
married to Megan
mission?
Sorenson (previously
Scott), another CLBI Aside from serving my family, I
1st Year CLBI alumnus, and we are primarily participate in God's renewal
(Sept. 2002) adopted West of all things through my work. I work
Coasters. We have for a company called Sparkfund and
been living in Vancouver for eleven we help outfit buildings with more
years, having moved here for graduate energy efficient equipment. God calls
school and staying for work. I'm a us to be good stewards of the earth,
computer programmer and Megan is and I am grateful I have an opportunity
an academic librarian. We have a son, to use my skills towards mitigating
Robin, who is a 2 and a half year old climate change.
12 CrossroadsHow did your t ime at Bible school student-directed videos. I even
help prepare you for w here God has recruited many of my classmates to
you now ? serve as voice actors in a computer
curling game I had developed.
My time at Bible school has had a
lasting impact on my life. It was my Between choir trips and outdoor
first year living away from home and it camping, I am thankful for all the new
gave me an environment to reflect on experiences I had (including the
and understand my faith in a trucker's hitch knot I learned on the
community of caring people. canoe trip, which has proven useful to
this day).
_______________________________________
"Many of the relationships I
How would you encourage t hose
gained there have lasted to w ho may be t hinking about get t ing a
this day" Bible educat ion?
_______________________________________ I would encourage anyone that is
thinking about Bible school to
Many of the relationships I gained consider the opportunity seriously. The
there have lasted to this day. I even relationships that one can make there
recall situations where my computer have added immeasurable richness to
skills came in handy, especially with my life and I am very grateful for my
adding comical special effects to time there.
May 12 the churches of Camrose to go forth in
Holy God, thank you for the unique gift unity and share your light. Father,
that mothers bring to our lives. May guide those in positions of leadership
our moms find rest today and joy in in Camrose; may they be wise and
the work of motherhood. Comfort discerning; may they know & trust you.
those who have lost their mothers and
May 15
those who have lost their children.
Holy Spirit, move among the young
May 13 people in our lives. May there be a
Thank you, Jesus, for the buildings we revival among them. Help us to know
have at CLBI. Thank You for the with whom to speak & encourage to
community groups who are able to attend CLBI.
use our spaces. Help us to use their
May 16
visits to our campus as opportunities
Father, we ask your blessing on
to share your love with more people.
Jemma Danielson (2019 Engage
May 14 Student) as she celebrates her
Father, your provision astounds us. birthday today. May she be affirmed in
Thank you for placing the school in your love for her & the delight you take
the city of Camrose. Bless this city and in her as your daughter.
CLBI Spring 13Wander Beyond th e
Wi f i - Cross Cul tural
"Wander Beyond the Wifi - Cross Cultural Edition" was an opportunity for
students to travel beyond the campus wifi signals and experience life in
the homes of families from cultures that are different than their own.
Two Worlds Collide To tell the truth,
By Karis Rathjen this culture, their culture,
(Killam, AB) was not what I was expecting.
But far greater, far more beautiful
then I could ever have imagined.
Walking to the door,
unaware and full
of assumptions, The sight of the father's love
full of stereotypes, for his children, his kindness
of how a culture to his wife, and his openness
unknown to us, strangers.
will take place Whom, this family
before my eyes. never made feel strange?
But with great joy, Walking away from the door,
that burns within me, away from tiny hands, joyous laughter,
all these eyes beheld, was curious eyes and kind words.
of a family, full of love, My assumptions were floored,
kindness, tenderness, the stereotypes were eradicated,
full of peace and hospitality. and my mind was changed.
14 Crossroadsconversations will be memories I hold
for a long time and I am thankful that I
Molly Johnsen
got the opportunity to experience such
(Beaumont, AB)
generosity and joy, both through this
family and the rest of the weekend.
My experience was filled with so much _______________________________________
joy and included many moments that
made God?s love, as well as His gifts, so
obvious to me.
I had the opportunity to spend the Lauren Ward
morning with a family who was (Didsbury, AB)
originally from Syria, and although there
was a prominent language barrier, they
understood that my laugh was still a Wander beyond the Wifi was a really
laugh and that my smile came from good opportunity to separate ourselves
pure love and joy, and all of this was from our community life at CLBI and to
more than evident to me as well. The really push ourselves out of our comfort
children were overflowing with zones. It was amazing to experience
innocence and joyful sound. They another culture both in a church setting
immediately welcomed us into their and in a home setting where we were
home and shared treats and a meal with welcomed in by a Muslim family in Red
us. Their hospitality made me feel so Deer, AB for an afternoon.
thankful and close to God throughout Their culture's focus on hospitality blew
the whole experience. They us away and I came out of it with a new
undoubtedly have a gift. view on how our culture has lost the
As we shared a very large and very beauty of hospitality. I think as
tasty meal, we bonded over the Christians, we should really be looking
struggle of conversation and the laughs more at how we treat others with
that came with it as I struggled and respect, just as Jesus showed respect
failed to act out my words. What filled to everyone he met. That's something I
my heart the most was their acceptance really noticed as we were shown that
and love which allowed us to feel same respect by people who didn't
welcomed, despite the obvious even have the same beliefs as us.
difficulties of the situation. We also got to try some really amazing
Even though our conversations weren?t food which we struggled to eat using
easy and would sometimes hit a dead only bread to pick it up, so that was fun.
end, the effort they gave and their But overall it was an amazing
willingness to laugh with us helped experience and it really gave me a new
start a relationship that likely would perspective on how to use friendship as
have been harder to form if the effort a route to cross-cultural ministry.
was not there. Those laughs and
CLBI Spring 15God would work in and through us in
M i ssi onal ways we may not expect or think
possible.
Communi ti es W ith that lens, we embarked on the
Ch r is ('04-'06) an d Lin dsay "Missional Community" journey. Given
that we are both alumni of CLBI, we
Van der m eer ('05-'09)
knew how impactful this part of the
- M ission al Com m u n it y Leader s
program had been in our lives. Yes,
Missional Communities Missional Communities are a space
and place for fun and fellowship, but
(formerly Discipleship for both of us, it was also the place
Groups) are an integral part where we asked deep questions,
of the fabric of CLBI. brought forward big prayer requests,
They provide students with a sort of and learned to be vulnerable in our
home away from home experience struggles and our joys. We understood
while at Bible school. To be honest, the power and strength the words of
our first reaction when we were first blessing and guidance from a
asked to lead a Discipleship Group Christian mentor could carry in a
three years ago was ?are we really old person?s life, and so we entered into
enough to do this??To us it felt like the experience, trusting that God
only yesterday that we graduated, and would do the big work for us.
we both still felt (and continue to feel) At first it was a bit nerve wracking
very young at heart. As we prayed wondering how we would connect
about and considered the opportunity, with students (who were complete
we quickly discovered that we were strangers to us). However, thinking
now the same age that many of the back on our own experiences, we
staff members were when we realized that the gift of time and
ourselves were in D-Groups as CLBI attention was incredibly meaningful for
students. We thought that perhaps we us at that stage of life, so, if we gave
did have something to offer the the current students the same thing,
current students, and also knew that those connections were sure to follow.
16 CrossroadsDuring the first two years of leading a community worship services. These
D-group, we met with students times have evoked some of the most
one-on-one each week to get to know thought-provoking questions and have
one another. This often consisted of also enabled us to grow in our faith
going out for coffee, walking around and knowledge alongside the
Mirror Lake, or just chatting over students.
supper. These conversations really
allowed us to deepen our relationships In the midst of the continued learning
with the students. and growth, we also have a lot of fun
in our MC Groups! Over the years we
During this third year of our MC have gone skating, done a ?Chopped?
involvement, the formal one-on-one style cooking challenge, had movie
responsibilities have moved to the nights, did a scientific eggnog tasting,
weekly Huddle Groups. This has played soccer golf, kidnapped a
allowed us to connect with the member of another MC group, had
students in different ways. We have a games nights, did minute to win it
?family dinner?once a week with our challenges, and even took home the
MC group, we take small groups of gold at the MC Olympics! The list goes
students out for coffee to chat, and we on and on, but the experiences where
have even become one of the go-to we laughed until we cried and truly
brunch spots in the city on the felt the joy of the Lord are ones that
weekends! we both hold dear from our time at
CLBI, and know that the same will be
MC Groups also give the students the true for the current students.
opportunity to put their classroom
learning into practice in the world As is so often true in ministry, when
outside the CLBI ?bubble.?Students you give of yourself, God blesses you
have been learning to turn their focus in ways that you cannot even fathom.
outward and to be on the lookout for We can wholeheartedly say that the
ways that they can connect with and time we have spent with the students
serve their neighbours in tangible over the past three years has enriched
ways. This takes many shapes and our lives and caused us to grow in our
forms, but often includes working faith exponentially. We jokingly call the
with ministry practicum groups, students our ?kids,?but we do love
delivering coffee to shift workers, them all dearly and are so thankful to
praying for community members, have been a part of their lives.
clearing fallen trees from a local farm
___________________________________________________________
wind belt, and much more.
Lindsay is a Grade 3 teacher with
In addition to serving those around us, Edmonton Public Schools, and Chris is
MC Groups are a place where students a Regional Events Coordinator with the
continue to study God?s word. Federal Government in Edmonton. They
Students have the opportunity to plan met at CLBI and were married in 2008.
and lead in-depth Bible studies, Chris presently serves on the Board of
coordinate prayer walks, lead others in Trustees for CLBI.
worship, and participate in young adult
CLBI Spring 17(Left to Right) Cullen's daughter Harriet (age 2), Cullen, his wife Emily ('07-'09), and his
second daughter Gemma
Th ere and Back A gai n
Cu llen Halvor son - Dir ect or of Com m u n icat ion s & Adm ission s
Originally from Saskatchewan, After his second
Cullen first came to CLBI in the fall of summer of working
2006. Seeing his siblings enjoy their at Hastings Lake
time at CLBI a few years prior, he Bible Camp as a
decided that he wanted the same leader, he moved to
experience, and so he attended CLBI Sherwood Park, AB,
for 2 years, receiving his Christian and within a month
Leadership Diploma. This is also of job hunting, got
where he would meet his future wife, hired on as the
Emily (Faltin). graphic designer at 2nd Year CLBI
a new print shop in (August 2007)
In September of 2008, Cullen enrolled
Edmonton called Minuteman Press.
in the Graphics Arts Production
Program at SIAST (Sask Poly Tech) in In 2013, Emily and Cullen got married
Regina, SK, and in 2010 he completed in Stettler, AB (Emily's hometown), and
his education with a diploma in in two short years bought their first
graphic arts. W ith his post-secondary home in Edmonton.
goals completed, his next logical step
W ith 2016 starting off with Cullen
was to move to Alberta to live closer
finding a part-time job at Our Savior
to Emily while she completed her four
Lutheran Church in Edmonton as the
years in the nursing program at U of A
Music Director, the following July was
in Edmonton.
certainly cause for celebration as they
18 Crossroadswelcomed into the world their first home on staff as the Director of
child, Harriet (Hattie) Irene. Communications and Admissions. He
feels extremely blessed that he gets
W hile enjoying his work and his
to do the work that he loves, in an
growing family, Cullen (and Emily)
environment that encourages creative
began entertaining the thought of
and collaborative thinking, alongside
being a stay-at-home dad when Emily
people who are passionate about
returned to her nursing position in the
living a real and authentic
Stollery NICU at the U of A Hospital.
Christ-focused life.
This became a reality the following
summer in 2017 when Emily went back Cullen is grateful for the hard work
to work, and Cullen stayed at home that was put in over the years by
with their daughter Hattie. previous staff members to make CLBI
what it is today, and is hopeful that he
Staying at home was challenging for
will also play a part in shaping the
Cullen as he loves being social and
future identity of the school.
working with people, but he says that
he is very thankful that God gave him
the opportunity to spend so much May 17
valuable one-on-one time with his Father, as Aaron Forbes (2019 Engage
daughter, which would contribute Student) celebrates his birthday today,
greatly to his confidence in being a may he be strong in the strength you
give him by your holy spirit. May your
parent. He is quite certain that God has
joy be his strength.
not called him to be a permanent
stay-at-home dad, but is grateful for May 18
the valuable experience nonetheless. Cullen and Emily Halvorson celebrate
their 6th wedding anniversary today.
As his future began opening with new Lord, we ask you to enable them to
opportunities, during the spring of grow in their love for you & each other.
2018, President Dean Rostad Thank you also for their joy in
suggested to Cullen that he would be parenting Harriet and Gemma.
a great fit for an open position on staff May 19
at CLBI. As Cullen had always thought Thank you Lord, for the wonderful
it would be pretty cool to work at CLBI, relationship between CLBI and World
he jumped at the opportunity, and Mission Prayer League Canada. May
along with his family, moved to they continue to be places that raise
Camrose in August 2018. up a new generation of kingdom
workers for your church here at home
Since being on staff, Cullen has been and for the unreached frontiers.
able to be a part of many of the
May 20
programs at CLBI, including Urban
Father, thank you for time of rest on
Hike and Ministry Tour, and he plans this long weekend. We pray that
on being more involved as he grows Canadian Christians will recommit
into his position on staff. themselves to Jesus. We pray also for
revival in churches across Canada,
Even though he is still in his first year
and that you would bring us personal
of working at CLBI, Cullen feels right at revival and renewal.
CLBI Spring 19May 21 May 26
Thank you, Father, for the decades of Lord, we praise you for Axel Schwaiger
ministry that Bible camps have had in (son of Flo and Kat) on his 1st birthday.
Canada. As camp staff engage in Bless him as he grows.
training and preparation, may your
May 27
holy spirit be preparing campers for
We pray Ephesians 2:10 as a blessing
weeks of fun, for heartfelt encounters
for Florian Schwaiger (Residence Life
with you through your word. Empower
Director) on his birthday: For (Florian
CLBI students serving at Bible camps
is) God?s masterpiece. God has
this summer.
created (him) anew in Christ Jesus, so
May 22 (Florian) can do the good things He
Thank you, Lord, for the integral role planned for (Florian) long ago (NLT).
volunteers play at CLBI. We ask you to
May 28
raise up new CLBI volunteers who will
O Holy Spirit, thank you for blessing
assist with programs and the upkeep
your people with finances; lead people
and development of CLBI facilities.
to pass this blessing along by
Thank you, God, for gifted and
including CLBI in their wills.
generous volunteers!
May 29
May 23
Father God, work in the hearts of next
Safeguard your word as truth,
year?s CLBI students, so that they will
Heavenly Father! Thank you that CLBI
be prepared to learn and be
stands on the authority of your word
motivated to pass on your good news.
as the means of grace and the guide
for our lives. May we take you at your May 30
word and humbly and obediently Lord, speak to the staff at CLBI as they
follow you as you lead us. prepare for the upcoming school year.
May you guide the teachers of your
May 24
choosing to come teach.
Lord, we ask that in these upcoming
summer months each CLBI staff May 31
member would be intentional in taking We pray Jeremiah 29:11 for Mackenzie
time for rest, renewal and refreshing. Wahl (2019 IMPACT student) on his
Thank you that you are our Sabbath birthday, For I know the plans I have
rest even in busy and sometimes for you (Mackenzie), declares the Lord,
over-scheduled lives. We rest in you, plans for welfare and not for evil, to
Lord Jesus! give you a future and a hope (ESV).
May 25 June 1
Father, as refreshment is experienced Amazing creator, you have provided
by CLBI staff this summer, please fill our world with beauty in every season.
each person with wisdom enabling Help us to see and acknowledge the
them to return in the fall with renewed unbelievable intricacies you?ve placed
vision, passion and creative energy. in nature, in our communities, and in
Thank you for the gifted, committed our hearts (Psalm 104:24).
and well-trained staff you have
brought together at CLBI!
20 CrossroadsRENT THE
CLBI CA M PUS
f or Your Speci al Ev ents!
Planning a family reunion? Looking for just t he right venue for a
wedding and recept ion? Planning a ret reat or workshop t hat w ill
be memorable? CLBI would be happy to serve you!
Our campus offers up to 44 bedrooms cafeteria, our chapel area, and the
in two dormitories for group outdoor ARC Shelter.
accommodations (17 in the Vinge
For individuals or small groups,
Centre and 27 in Pearson Place). All
individual rooms or our deluxe suites
rooms are complete with two beds,
can be rented. For larger overnight
dresser, desk, and closet space. We
group rentals, we offer for rent the use
also have two unique suites with their
of the Vinge Centre, which has 17
own showers, which provides a more
rooms, one of our deluxe suites, and
private setting.
both a social lounge and the cozier
Additionally, our campus offers a ?cedar room?on the main floor. For day
number of meeting areas, including a rentals, we offer the use of our
social lounge with built-in kitchen, our cafeteria and the choice of either our
chapel area or the beautiful outdoor
ARC shelter in our courtyard.
Along with these options, custom
packages can be arranged. Ask us
about options specific to the needs of
your group by contacting Mark Hagen
at operations@clbi.edu, or by visiting
us online at www.clbi.edu/ rentals.
CLBI Spring 21June 2 June 3 God, we pray for the facilities and As you have grown our vast network infrastructure here on the CLBI of alumni and supporters, oh Lord, campus. Guide the hands of those you continue to provide for us in who are a part of the renovations and countless ways. We thank you for your repairs for this place. May they be infinite provision and for those in the done with integrity and may they future who feel called to invest in this improve the quality and longevity of beautiful ministry of CLBI. the campus. 22 Crossroads
CLBI Fi nanci al Snapsh ot
At t ime of print ing, t here are 4 mont hs left in t he fiscal year. Please pray t hat
God w ill raise up t he generous givers needed to meet our annual budget .
How can you support CLBI ?
- Through prayer!!
- By cheque (made out to CLBI)
- By e-Transfer through your bank
- email to f in an ce@clbi.edu
- By Visa or Mastercard
- On-line through CANADA HELPS
? clbi.edu / give an d click ?Don at e Now ?
- Automatic Monthly Donation
? contact f in an ce@clbi.edu for more
information or visit clbi.edu / give
* Please note that donations by credit card or through
CANADA HELPS are subject to a service fee. 100% of
donations made by cheque, e-Transfer or Automatic
Monthly Donations goes to the ministry of CLBI.
Please contact Wanda at f in an ce@clbi.edu if you have any further questions
regarding the finances of the school.
Automat ic Mont hly Giving
Goal: $8,333 a mont h Current : $3,145 a mont h
God has raised up 39 supporters that combined gives $3,145 a month to CLBI.
Our goal is to increase this to $8,333 a month ($100,000 a year). You can pick
the amount to give. Contact Wanda (see above) to join this valuable team!
CLBI Spring 23Wh at i f your Wi l l coul d be a statement about th e l i f e you l i v ed? W hile leaving CLBI in your W ill is important, it is also important that your W ill correctly outlines the plans for your assets, but what if it could be so much more that that? Your W ill could be a statement about the life you lived, the faith you follow, the people you love, and the charities you believe in. Advisors with Purpose can help make that powerful statement. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Commit ted to a Common Vision. We?ve partnered together to offer you this unique opportunity to create a legacy that will impact the next generation and sustain meaningful charitable activities around the world. ADVISORS w it h Purpose offers the benefit of competent advisors and professionals who are trained to help you think through your estate and how you can best create a W ill that reflects your life while taking care of the people and causes you care most about. Est ate planning is for everyone regardless of whether you have a lot or a little. The benefits go beyond your family to the charities and people near to your heart. 24 Crossroads
W hy Create an Est ate Plan w it h
Our Specialist s?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
- To integrate your worldview and values into your plan
today
- Your plan will promote family harmony and avoid conflict
over family assets, heirlooms and expectations
- To prepare the next generation
- To reduce taxes and fees at passing
Working w it h t he est ate specialist s at Advisors w it h Purpose
will answer questions about your estate and craft a plan of real significance
and real impact.
For more information or to speak to
an Estate Specialist:1.866.336.3315 or
plan @advisor sw it h pu r pose.ca or
con t act t h e CLBI of f ice.
w w w.advisor sw it h pu r pose.ca
June 4 these parents and reveal to them your
All knowing God, your servants in desire for their children. Soften their
pastoral positions all over the world hearts and encourage them to view
are responding to your call in ways we Bible school as an invaluable
can?t even imagine. Restore their experience.
spirits, Lord, for you know their hearts.
June 7
Guide them in your peace, and reach
God, thank you for the sunshine and
out your love into their lives.
warm weather! As people plan to
June 5 make trips this summer, may you
God of all things, this world changes keep them safe and help them fully
with each new day, and technologies enjoy your creation.
advance faster every minute. Help us
June 8
to use these technological tools to
?...but those who hope in the Lord will
draw closer to you and to do good in
renew their strength. They will soar on
our communities. May our advances
wings like eagles; they will run and not
be for you.
grow weary, they will walk and not be
June 6 faint."(Isaiah 40:31).
Father of all, we pray today for those
who have children graduating from
high school. Speak into the hearts of
CLBI Spring 25June 9 June 11 Dear Jesus, thank you for the board Lord, thank you for Derrick, members and all that they do for the Mackenzie, Celia and Shalayne (CLBI school. Give them wisdom and sound 2019 Summer Team). As they prepare judgement as they each work in their to teach kids about you, help them respective committees to prepare for work well together to encourage every the upcoming year. community they serve in. June 10 June 12 Father, please bless the staff that Lord Jesus, we lift up to you all of the work through the summer to serve you conversations staff have with and CLBI. In the quiet pace of the supporters and potential students over school without students, may you fill the summer months. Bless the words them with your love and joy daily. of their mouths Lord. 26 Crossroads
June 13 student). Thank you that you brought
Heavenly Father, we pray for all of the her to CLBI, & for the ways you are
students who are working at various working in her.
camps throughout the summer.
June 15
Energize, inspire, & sustain them as
Giver of life, today we celebrate Lukas
they pour into each camper. May they
Schwaiger?s birthday (Flo and Kat?s
know that they are planting seeds,
son). Thank you for the laughter and
whether they see the fruit or not.
joy he brings to CLBI. We also lift up
June 14 Chris Vandermeer (MC Group leader)
Father today we lift up to you Angelina on his birthday. Thank you for his
Kreamer on her birthday (2019 Engage energy & passion for the students.
CLBI Spring 27UPCOM I NG EV ENTS
CLBI Caf e
mar - An evening to reconnect with alumni and friends of CLBI
- Bethel Lutheran Church in Sherwood Park
30 (298 Bethel Drive, Sherwood Park, AB)
- See page 3 for details
You t h Su r ge
apr - April 5-7, 2019 at CLBI
- Youth grade 9 - 12
5-7 - All programming, facilities, meals, etc. are included in the
registration costs. Early registration ($50) ends MARCH 22.
(see pg. 29 for more information)
CLBI Gr adu at ion Cer em on y
apr April 27, 2019 at Messiah Lutheran Church
(4810 50 St, Camrose, AB)
27 - Come and join us as we celebrate the CLBI graduating
class of 2018/ 2019.
- Ceremony is at 10:00am
Celebr at e t h e M ission
may - An evening gala celebrating the mission of CLBI
25 - Saturday, May 25th @ 5:00
- See page 22 for details
June 16 to serve you and others. Please give
Holy Father, thank you for being the us eyes for our community and show
true example of a loving father. Today us how to be your hands and feet to
as we honor and celebrate the fathers those who need it most.
in our lives, show us how we can
June 18
better love and appreciate their
God, we pray for the hearts of any
influence in our lives.
potential students for this fall. Give
June 17 excitement & peace to those who
Heavenly Father we praise you for a have applied, & stir a desire for your
new week and for new opportunities truth in those who are undecided.
28 CrossroadsYOUTH SURGE is a chance for your both deepened and renewed during
young people ages 15 and up to come this ministry time. Youth Surge also
rub shoulders with current CLBI aims to encourage those who are not
students and experience for considering Bible school as a post
themselves the benefit of pursuing a secondary option to attend for a
year or two of Bible education. weekend of high energy fun and
worship.
Our goal for Youth Surge is that it
would be a deep impact youth retreat
weekend. We have seen God use this
Register today at
weekend in powerful ways, as w w w.clbi.edu/ surge
relationships with Christ have been
June 19 them to find meaningful summer work
Jesus we thank you for all alumni of and open the doors for meaningful
CLBI. Be with them today and reaffirm conversations with their co-workers.
in them the truths they learned about
June 21
you while at CLBI. Allow them to stay
You have called us to the lost and
connected with others and the school.
unreached peoples, God, and today we
June 20 pray for any student or alumni you are
Thank you for all the students who calling to become a missionary. Give
have graduated from the Engage them clarity and peace, and help them
program this spring. We pray that you walk into your calling with joy.
would call them to wherever they need
to be this summer and in the fall. Help
CLBI Spring 29Winter Hike had the highest of
highs and the lowest of lows. It
simultaneously challenged our
character and built us up and
encouraged us.
- Avi Friesen (Warman, SK)
June 22 peace to our souls, and captivate us in
God thank you for the City of Camrose your small stillness (Psalm 62:5).
and our community. Thank you for all
June 27
the volunteers of CLBI who come to
Almighty God, we lift up those who are
help with tasks both big and small.
serving in ministry positions in
Please bless all those who have
churches, on the mission field, and
helped in various ways, both seen and
with Christian organizations
unseen.
everywhere. Encourage, empower, and
June 23 lead them as they follow you, and may
Heavenly father, we pursue counterfeit your glory be shown through their
voices which tempt us away from you. efforts.
We pray that whoever you are calling
June 28
to come to Bible school, let your voice
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for showing us
be the one they believe and follow. For
how to love. We offer up to you all of
those who are unsure, lead them by
the friendships that have been formed
still waters (Psalm 23:2).
here at CLBI over the years. We pray
June 24 that with each new year, more and
Great designer, you have fearfully and more genuine and memorable
wonderfully created all of your friendships will be formed and
children (Psalm 139:14). Remind us as nurtured.
we wake each morning that you are
June 29
not only infinite, but are also the
God of the harvest, raise up the next
personal and compassionate lover of
generation of supporters for CLBI and
each of our hearts.
encourage us all to offer what we can
June 25 from our lives. In all of your mysterious
Holy Spirit, you are the voice that and deeply satisfying ways, we see
leads us to incredible things. On this you, for you are the one who
day we pray for camps, conferences, straightens the path (Proverbs 3:5-6).
and all other places that CLBI will visit.
June 30
Help these experiences be fruitful not
Creative and inspiring God, the CLBI
only in receiving support, but also in
campus has been blessed with so
spreading your peace and love.
many people visiting from all over the
June 26 world. Continue to bring international
Loving and caring God, in the summer students to the CLBI program and
seasons we get distracted with filling speak to the hearts of those who are
our days with work and forget to find unsure.
your beauty. Calm our days, bring
30 CrossroadsA NNOUNCEM ENTS A ND SPECI A L GI FTS
A nnouncements:
Olive Mah (2016-17) married Morgan
Koskela on December 21, 2018
Chad and Adelle (Kroeger, 2006-07)
McKillop had baby Elliana Rose on
December 31, 2018
Nathan (2002-03) and Megan (Scott,
2002-04) had baby Nola Eleanor on
January 6, 2019
Chris and Angela (Faas, 2004-09) had
baby Moira on February 13, 2019
Isaac Eeles (2015-17) married Nadine
Cardinal on February 17, 2019
Phil (2011-12) and Emily Joel had baby
Norah Mae on February 21, 2019
Matthew (2009-11) and Lisa (Olson,
2012-13) Skretting had baby Calvin Rae
on February 26, 2019
Lowell Dahlman (1990-92) married
Christine Olson on March 2, 2019
April - June 2019
M emori al gi f ts: Volume 27 No. 1
Published for the friends and alumni of
Annelise Rust, Cliff Anderson, Esther the Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute
Danielson, Arnold and Ruth Hagen, in Camrose, AB
David Wold, Ernie and Iris Damkar, Editorial Group:
Norman Radke, Evelyn Vikse, Adela Rev. Dean Rostad
Tinis, John Rude, Jean Geddes, Kate McFeely
Kathleen Johnson, Lloyd Helton, Cullen Halvorson
Donna Allen, Alf Olsen, Clarence
Servold, Rod Madison, Gladys Send your comments and changes of
Haldorson, Danny Cameron address to:
Total Memorials: $5733 CLBI Crossroads
4837 - 52a Street
Honorari um gi f ts: Camrose. AB
Tom Blacklock, T4V 1W5
1-888-672-4454
Total Honorariums: $50 communications@clbi.edu
www.clbi.edu
Th ank you to: To receive the crossroads via email,
World Mission Prayer League, Messiah please visit www.clbi.edu/ enews
Lutheran Church, Amy Jack, and
Katherine Schwaiger for writing prayers * All scripture passages, unless otherwise noted taken
for this edition of Crossroads from:The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright ©
2001 by Crossway Bibles,a publishing ministry of Good
News Publishers. All rights reserved
CLBI Spring 31belong. believe. become.
Stay Connected!
Check us out on social media and stay up to date with what's
happening around the CLBI community.
/ clbi.camrose @clbi_camrose @clbi
Get the CLBI daily prayers at
/ clbi.prayers @clbi_prayers
780.672.4454
4837 - 52A Street
Camrose AB. T4V 1W5
belong. believe. become. info@clbi.edu - w w w.clbi.edu
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