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Hepburn, Sask.
Bethany celebrates commencement 2001


Bethany Bible Institute in Hepburn, Sask. celebrated another milestone of God’s faithfulness with an eventful weekend of worship and commemoration April 20–22, 2001.

Parents, friends, faculty and staff joined the 2001 graduates for a banquet prepared by Bethany’s food services staff. The theme “Surrender to God”, chosen by the students, became evident as many students gave testimony to their own personal surrender in word and song.

On Saturday, the Concert of Praise encouraged the worship of God. Later that evening, the Concert Choir presented “Tenebrae”, a dramatic account of Christ’s life to His crucifixion, demonstrated by the lighting and extinguishing of candles during choir numbers and Scripture readings. Phil Siebert, Bethany’s director of ministry arts, conducted both events.

On commencement Sunday, president Rick Schellenberg presented Bethany’s first bachelor of arts degree to Peter Dueck. Dueck is the first graduate of the four-year program since Bethany’s accreditation in February 2000. Other graduates included 29 students with the diploma of biblical studies, eight with the bachelor of biblical studies degree, and 12 with the bachelor of Christian ministries degree. Academic awards were given to Keith Hiebert, Governor General’s Award; Joyce Klassen, the Pi Alpha Mu Award; and Karina Braun, the Delta Epsilon Chi Award.

Jerry Letkeman, dean of students, addressed the graduates, speaking about the joy of finishing. He illustrated this with the Olympic swim by Eric Mousanbani of Equatorial Guinea. Eric was only at the games because of a special policy designed to encourage participation from certain countries. He started his 100-metre heat enthusiastically but floundered, almost gave up and then managed to finish to the roar of over 18,000 spectators. If we find so much joy in finishing, we can have confidence that God, the Master Creator, will finish within us what He has started.

This year as Bethany seeks “to nurture disciples and train leaders”, God has truly been faithful, enabling Bethany to prepare many young adults who are ready to serve God in their communities and churches.

 – from a release

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Last modified August 22, 2001.

© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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