A Year At Prairie

Spring is here and things are quiet around the Prairie campus. I have spent some time reflecting on my first year at Prairie Bible Institute, and I’d like to share some highlights.

My first impression of Prairie was when Lynn and I visited the campus in April, 2010. We were told about possible upcoming changes to leadership and that the past number of years have been a challenge for the school. When we moved to Three Hills in August, the possibility of changes became a reality. Knowing I would be a part of the school during a time of change had me excited to help in whatever way I could to move the school in a positive direction. My first opportunity to do this was to fill an empty position on the Student Union Cabinet as the Commissioner of Spiritual Life. I embraced this opportunity with the hope that I could contribute in a positive way to the experience of college life for all students.

My first semester was filled with a full-time class schedule and the responsibilities that came with student leadership. I was looking forward to the second semester, but I knew it would be more challenging due to some additional responsibilities I committed to. I ended up regretting taking on the extra work and the heavy load was evident in my grades as I slipped a few percentage points. I was honoured at the end of the year with the Freshman male student faculty scholarship which recognizes “commitment to the Lordship of Christ, conscientious application to studies and commendable contributions to college life.” Although I didn’t expect to receive this award, I am thankful for the acknowledgement.

In addition to classes, I have had the privilege of working directly with the school leadership representing the students as the school continues to change and move in a direction that will best serve the purpose of being Bible centred and focused on the mission of knowing Christ and making Him known. When I first heard about Prairie going back to the roots of why this school exists, I immediately believed that was the best decision. To be a part of those changes adds so much value to my experience here.

As for the future, I plan to continue in the direction I have been going as a student here at Prairie. For 2011-2012 I will be serving as the Student Union Vice-President, and if confirmed for the following year I will serve as the President for 2012-2013. My four-year Bachelor of Arts in Ministry Degree program ends in the Spring of 2014, and I am looking forward to the journey from now until then.

I have a request and a challenge for those of you who are encouraged by my experience at Prairie. In the recent years, Prairie has felt the effects of declining student enrolment and, although numbers are looking very positive for next year, Prairie is in need of financial support. I can’t express how grateful I am for this school and I strongly believe in the future of Prairie as a centre for training Christian leaders for our future generations. I am doing what I can to help keep the school moving forward and I challenge you to do the same. If you are able to give financially, please visit the Prairie website for information on how to give.

Thank you for your support.