Freshmen Ministry Practicum

Hey, this is Karissa Little. I am a freshman student here at NBC. For our Freshman Ministry Class there were four teams that went to four different locations for one week. The four locations were Timber Bay Bible Camp, Big River Bible Camp, Regina Urban Centre, and Kinistin Reserve. I went to Big River Bible Camp with a team of seven people. We stayed with Jason and Anita Boucher who are the missionaries who run the camp. Big River is a summer camp, but Jason and Anita live there year round. When we got there it was about 6:30 and pitch black and we trudged out in the snow for about 10 minutes to get to the cabins we were staying in. The cabins were heated by wood stoves and had no running water; therefore, no showers or toilets in them. We had outhouses and had to heat our cabins with wood. The guys stayed in a cabin that had a nice big fireplace, but our cabin had a little cooking stove which was about ¼ the size of the guys’ fireplace. Although we had a smaller place to have a fire, we did get an electric heater as well. On the second day we just settled in, met the family, and went over some rules and expectations. During the course of the week we went to three different reserves; Sandy Lake Reserve, Whitefish Reserve, and another one (I can’t remember the name, we just went there once!). We spent most of our time at Sandy Lake Reserve hanging out and skating at the indoor rink. It was amazing to see how many people wanted to come play hockey with us. Through this ministry we got to meet people and build relationships we may have not been able to if we were just there handing out tracts. Although we were having a good time skating we still had the ultimate goal in mind, to let people know about Christ. We were having so much fun skating and playing hockey that it didn’t seem like a Missions trip at all, and we felt kind of guilty for having so much fun. Although we had lots of fun at the rink, we also had youth group on Friday night, taught Sunday School on Sunday morning, and had a Bible Study on Tuesday night. There were also general chores for us to do such as feed horses, do dishes, chop wood, shovel snow etc. Jason had a work shop at his house that had a lot of snow piled up on it, so we decided to shovel it off one day. The only thing we didn’t realize was that the roof was tin….. and therefore extremely slippery! Even though the roof was slippery we got all the snow shovelled and only a couple people slid off the roof. We ate all of our meals in the house and Jason’s wife Anita cooked for all of us; there were 13 people at every meal and there was so much food! After each meal we would choose two people to do dishes and the rest of us would get ready to do other work or do other chores or just hang out with the kids. On the weekend there were three girls that came from the reserve to stay with Jason and Anita for a few days. They were really cool and we hung out and got to know them more. Dutch Blitz was a game that took up most of our time on Sunday after the church potluck and on Monday because there was a blizzard outside. Some of the girls stayed out in our cabin on Sunday night and we stayed up really late just talking and laughing. On Wednesday we had breakfast and read our “Top Ten” lists that we had made of our ten favourite things about the trip. After that we all packed up in the van and started our trip….to the end of the driveway. A couple of guys fed the horses and we stopped at Tim Hortons in Prince Albert and continued travelling. We got back to Nipawin around 5:15, just in time for supper! Overall it was an amazing experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I learned so much about team dynamics, communication, Native culture, and most of all how to love people and how showing that love is most often more meaningful than asking them if they want to become a Christian right then. During this trip God taught me so much that I will treasure and use throughout my life.

That Good O'Hockey Game

This years annual hockey tournament went very well. This year we had only 4 teams total, but other teams expressed interest in the future. Millar College of the Bible, a team from a church in Osler, and the DZB Blazers (a team from Whitefox and area (close to Nipawin)) came out. NBC did well. We started off a little shaky, but by the time the first period was over, we were confident and scoring. We won our first game 4-2. Millar and Osler tied their first game 3-3, so we knew that competition would be tight for the rest of the tourney. Saturday morning rolled around bright and early, and with several guys on our team getting very little sleep, we still managed to pull out a 2-1 victory over Osler, a team we haven’t beaten before (that I know of, which goes back 7 years). We played very well as a team, and the only slip-up in that game was a defensive error from the player/coach (ie.me), who was not really a D-man, but learned really quick the importance of not fiddling with the puck at the blue-line again!

Millar dominated DZB, although the Blazers goalie pulled some amazing saves out of somewhere. After that game, the Blazers were a little bit tired, having only 2 lines, but they still scored quite a few on Osler, losing 9-5.

Then came the big game as far as our team, NBC, was concerned. Millar. The game started off very back and forth, very even, very fast. Finally we started scoring, and then things opened up. The game stayed close until the beginning/middle of the second period, when Millar was leading 4-3. We tied it up and then walked away. (Millar guys probably wouldn’t say ‘walked’ away, but hey! J) We won the game 7-4, scoring with 4 seconds left again. It was wonderful, sweet victory, as they beat us in the final last year 3-2. Then came playoffs. We beat the Blazers easily, the 1st vs. 4th matchup. Osler and Millar were close, but Millar won 4-2. Then the final. Millar got out to a fairly early 3-1 lead, but I begged my guys to keep playing hard, and it paid off. With 5 minutes left, we tied it up, 3-3. With that Millar picked it up a little, and the action got really intense. We got really scrambly in our zone, and failed to get the puck out several times. We finally did, but just barely out, and they rushed back in and got a shot away. Our goalie played awesome for the whole tourney, and of course, made the save. However, the rebound went to the side of the outstretched goaltender, who got a piece of the puck with his paddle, and the puck trickled over the line. It was one of those Matrix moments. You see the bullet coming, and you do that thing, and, well, yah. 1 minute left in the game, but we couldn’t get the puck in their net, even after pulling the goalie and getting a few chances. Losing a gut-wrenching game, 4-3, once again, to Millar.

I will say though, it was probably the most fun tournament I have ever played in. The competition was fierce, but anger was kept in check by our Lord Jesus who we constantly asked to help us play with good attitudes. Everyone I know of had a really enjoyable time playing and fellowshipping. God was definitely the key factor in making the tournament a success once again!

Black and Whites Bring Peace

Before I was in Kindergarten my mom gave me the chores of feeding the baby calves on our Dairy farm. I remember some things like giving them hay, making sure they had fresh straw and filling up there water buckets. But one clear memory I have is Grandpa Wiebe asking me every time we visited, "How are the black and whites," because that was our code name for the calves. Now i thought that would have worn off after we moved from the Dairy 15 years ago but to this day he still asks how are the Black and Whites.

It would have been so appropriate to have Grandpa Wiebe at Nipawin Bible Colleges Cantata this Christmas. As the singers walked on the stage in their black pants and white shirts starring at the conductor waiting for the music to cue. It was almost like a bunch of calves waiting to get fed.

The theme for Cantata was, "Peace on Earth," and what a message for all who participated and came to watch. Mark Koop the conductor did an amazing job preparing the singers, working with the soloist, checking the sound and dealing with all the small details.

Over three hundred people came to watch and hear the choir sing. It was a great opportunity for those students that love to sing. Lots were able to perform solos, play in the band and harmonize with 27 other singers.

Grandpa the black and whites were very good.

Mr. Clean

I attended the typical small country school where when you finish Elementary you just go down another hall to get to the Junior high end. Or when you finally get to High school you go into a new class room. I had one good friend named, Daryl whom i met in grade 3 and ended up going through all the grades with. Not only did we color together, make science projects and write notes to each other on our graphing calculators we played sports together and rode on the same yellow bus. He was one of those friends where its all Jokes and all you do is laugh when you're together. A few months before we graduated our gym class went scuba diving and on the bus ride home Daryl quietly asked me if i would like to be his escort for grad. I was thankful i got asked and that i got to go with such a great friend. However when the day came it became really awkward. Being all dressed up and getting picked up by him in a suit acting all serious was very uncomfortable to me. And i knew it was for him too because when i opened the door all he could blurt out was, "You clean up well."

I couldn't help but to smile when i walked in the gym for our NBC Christmas Banquet. Staff and Students were dressed to the nines. Ladies in their big gowns with their hair and make-up done perfectly. The men with their hair slicked back standing in their suits and ties. Now i wasn't smiling at the way people were dressed but because i was wondering how many people were looking around starring at their peers saying, "You clean up well." Christmas Banquet is defiantly a break from the sweat-shirt look, those comfy jeans and the heavy winter boots. This event even seals the deal with some potential boy-friend, girl-friend relationships. Some would say this is the highlight of the first semester.
The evening started with appetizers and punch. Which allowed everyone to mingle and take a few pics. Once the meal arrived from the dinning hall everyone found their table and waited for the M.C to inform them which tables could go first. I thought i planned it right by sitting with the M.C because then maybe we would go first. But unfortunately there were numbers on the table and we had to wait til our number got called. After the meal we sang some Christmas Carols and one birthday shout out to the President. After the dress seams couldn't be stretched anymore and the guys were ready to burn their ties. There was time for more photos. Group shots, friend shots, family, shots, couple shots, whatever shots. Right Karissa.
So for those of you planning on coming to Nipawin Bible College next year hold onto that grad dress and black suit it will come in handy.

Heating Up Basketball

In grade 11 I attended the Christian College University Tour in Edmonton in search of a bible school that would suit me. There was so many booths to look at and i spent a lot of time talking to the representatives and reading their promotional material. When i stopped at the small Nipawin Bible College booth i was very intrigued by what they offered. Some would say that it was the school for me but i like to believe it was the Holy Spirit. Because when the recruiter said, "We don't have Basketball," I still decided to go.

I did two years at NBC. And played basketball only scrimmage style or one on one. Soccer started to become a big part of my life and I even settled for shinny hockey in the winter. I was cooking along in other sports. Basketball was on the back burner and i kept telling myself at least i am on the Stove.

But now i am on staff and i have decided to turn this stove into an easy bake oven. There was enough girls interested in basketball to form a team. Not just 5 girls running around but two lines of pro basketball players. We practiced hard. Getting into shape going over drills and learning a variety of plays. We decided to take our talent right to our home court by playing the guys in an exhibition game. The game started of Strong with the two battling head to head but in the second half Andrew Gilkinson became unbeatable. And helped his boys take a lead in the game. I forget the score and to be honest chose to forget it but i do know this. They won that game by spiking the rebounds back in the net.

The Open Door

At the beginning of November i brought back Tim, my life long friend to Nipawin, whom I did everything with growing up. Walk to the school bus, watch movies, go for car rides and even weed the garden. When i would come home from college Tim and I always picked it up right where we left off. So i was very excited to have him as me roommate after all these years. Although Tim, my cat found it very hard to adjust to his new surroundings. And when i let him out for the first time he took off. All day i called for Tim, looked for him and even had a search team hunt him down. Two days went by and no sign of Tim until i awoke to find him sitting on my sidewalk outside of my house. I flung my front door open, slipped on some ice and literally hugged him as i fell. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Love or scold. Get up or call an ambulance.

Its an amazing feeling seeing someone who you care about so dearly. So many emotions running through you and so much to say but so few words to choose from. I believe everyone felt a little of that this last weekend as we attended NBC's Alumni Weekend. Nipawin Bible College has served many students over the past 74 years and it was great seeing old friends reunite. I too was able to see some of my peers whom i haven't seen since we graduated and it was great to catch up with them.

The weekend started off with our traditional Alumni soccer game. Seven teams competed, Fast Orange and Steal Magnolias ended up in the final and Fast Orange took the title after a close shoot out. Buckets of ice cream were provided to refresh the alumni after the tough games.

Brunch on Saturday was enjoyed by all and was then followed by our "U R US" meeting which may have not been as enjoyable however we did cover lots of important items and were able to purchase a new snow blower and speakers for chapel with the Alumina's donations. The afternoon was open to mingle, play games, visit and bid in the silent auction. After supper we all headed over to Jubilee to watch the Alumni play the students in a hockey game. The students dominated and the final score was 15-5. To finish the evening off we met together for a praise and worship concert. Not only were we able to sing songs to God but also share in a time of pray, hear testimonies and encourage one another.

Church the next day was a nice way to close the weekend. Dan Collins was the speaker and did an amazing job sharing the scriptures with us. Lunch was the last meal we ate together and then each one departed.

I find that we often bring one another into our lives sharing many experiences, thoughts, and memories together. However there comes a time when God asks us to open our door and allow them to go there way. Its hard and at times seems so unfair. But he always brings someone new through that door and most often allows our sidewalks to cross with our old friends too. As my Russian teacher would say, "See you in Heaven."

Feed My Sheep

When I was a student at Nipawin Bible College I had a roommate that loved sheep. Posters of sheep decorated her side of the room, trinkets of sheep covered her shelves and a cute stuffed sheep sat on her bed. We even had some hay in our room for a......Just Kidding. It took me awhile but slowly I too began to love the small woolly animal and would catch myself drawing them on my notes. But after graduating from NBC and moving on I sadly forgot the cute sheep and began to adore other things.

This past week NBC had their 2007 Fall Missions Conference. Which is a chance for missionaries to tell students about their mission and the work God is doing around the world. Their booths displayed faces of people yet to hear the gospel and explained how we can help. Students could look, ask questions and maybe even answer the call.

There was also an Ethnic Supper held in the decked out dinning hall. Where all were able to enjoy some delicious food and hear amazing stories from the missionaries. It was a great time to unite with friends, make new ones and even find out where God may be leading.

Services were held each day for worship, prayer, testimonies and to hear God's word. Our speaker was David Smith from Across Borders for World Evangelism and he challenged us to feed God's sheep. Whether that be overseas in a foreign country or right in our backyard.

This Conference added a greatly needed bundle of kindling to the fire for my love of sheep. It reminded me that no matter where God takes us and whom he brings into our lives. May we always have love for God's sheep and be willing to feed them. "The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep." John 21:17