Return to the M.B.Herald Vol. 38, No. 13 Home Page
April 16 and 17 were days of celebration at Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford, B.C. as the school year drew to a close.
The weekend began with a spring concert held at Central Heights MB Church. Family, friends and supporters was treated to various selections by the concert choir and special numbers by student musicians Angela Bensler, Amanda Brown and Jesse Peters.
The evening ended with the oratorio choir's performance of "Changed My Name", a musical about the abolition of slavery in the United States, arranged by Linda Twine. Students Darla Faulkner and Anita Penner narrated the parts of "Sojourner Truth" and "Harriet Tubman", two women who made a great impact in the fight against slavery and whose efforts brought many slaves to freedom.
Local soloists Grace Chan, Crystal Hicks, Colin Balzer and Tyler Duncan added their expertise to the spirited musical. Columbia's music instructor, Tony Funk directed a moving evening for both performers and listeners.
Saturday's festivities included a brunch for graduates and their parents, followed later in the day by the graduation banquet and ceremonies. Ninety-four students graduated from Columbia this spring, 33 with a one-year certificate, 40 with a two-year diploma and 21 with a four-year B.A.
Peter Nikkel, pastor of Panorama Community Church, Surrey, provided the commencement address, encouraging the graduates to nurture their personal faith and follow the example of Caleb who followed God wholeheartedly. "Christian faith," he said, "will equip you to put first things first, fulfill your responsibilities and overcome life's difficulties."
Valedictorian Mel Reimer from Landmark, Man., who graduated with a B.A. in mission, spoke of her experiences as part of the Columbia community and how she saw her time at the College as an investment in her life. "I have been discipled and now want to disciple others," she concluded.
Honoured as an outstanding alumnus was Dan Rempel, a graduate of Columbia's third year internship program in 1979. He has spent the last 20 years in service and ministry. He has been pastoring at Yarrow United Mennonite Church for 10 years and also devotes time to broader Mennonite ministries.--Elly Bargen
Return to the M.B.Herald Vol. 38, No. 13 Home Page