Bethany College holds annual convention, presents toe-tapping drama

Training strategy highlighted

Bethany College students Dennis Dick and Kevin Leusink with children in northern Saskatchewan

Bethany College in Hepburn, Sask. has been nurturing and training disciples and leaders for more than 75 years. At their annual convention Nov. 1, 2003 they highlighted their strategy of developing disciples who lead.

Delegates heard about the mentoring program, begun three years ago, which brings faculty and students into one-on-one relationships. All students will be involved in short-term mission trips in February. Freshman students will work with Mennonite Brethren churches in Winnipeg, Calgary, and Kelowna, B.C., while juniors travel north to Saskatchewan First Nations reserves. Senior students are planning an outreach mission to Peru.

This year, Bethany College was trusting God for a new common area costing $250,000. But for even less money, they got much more: a new common area, renovated dorm washrooms, an efficient lounge and east court heating system, and 20 new west court windows. The generosity of trades and donors and a skilled building committee under the leadership of Gerald Schultz made this happen.

The new Bethany College men’s common area

The joy of last year’s net surplus will buoy the school towards several major challenges ahead. These include frozen student fees despite an increase to capital spending and increased student debt load. Students have seen a 43 percent increase in fees in four years, while constituency church support has dropped.

President Rick Schellenberg reiterated Paul’s prayer in Philippians 1:9–11 as this year’s theme. The powerful servant spirit witnessed in this year’s student body is an example of the College bearing fruit. Martha Schultz, Food Service Director, was recognized for 10 years of service and Rick Schellenberg was recognized for 15 years with the College.

The convention ended with a chain-cutting ceremony and prayer of dedication for the new men’s lounge and an impromptu offering for much-needed furnishings.

—Connie Jones, publicity coordinator

The greatest story ever re-told

A scene from Bethany College’s production of The Cotton Patch Gospel

Over 500 people converged on the campus of Bethany College Nov. 1–2 for two dinner theatre performances of the award-winning musical drama, The Cotton Patch Gospel. An innovative yet faithful accounting of the life, death and resurrection of Christ, this presentation of the Gospels of Matthew and John is set in rural Georgia, complete with plenty of toe-tapping tunes.

The story begins with Jesus’ birth in a trailer park as his parents, Mary and Joseph Davidson, are forced to pull over in small-town Georgia on their way to an IRS audit. Later, the family must flee to Mexico to keep Herod, the Governor of Georgia, from murdering their infant son. The drama continues through to Jesus’ Good Friday lynching, and subsequent Easter Sunday victory.

“I believe it’s good to wonder who would be His followers if Jesus came to our society today,” said Susan Goerz, Bethany Ministry Arts instructor.

The play opened the eyes of the audience and actors alike. Nathan McCorkindale, who played Judas, felt a new compassion for his character, while Conrad Siebert, who portrayed Jesus, was moved at how many people Jesus touched during His very public life of ministry.

“I saw Jesus as more human in this way,” said Jen Faust, who portrayed Rock, humorously based on the apostle Peter.

Goerz, whose work with the production’s crew of 43 began immediately after registration, sees her job as drawing the talent from within the student. “Drama is good training for real life,” she says. “It asks students to be prepared and ready to work, and to encourage others without jealousy.”

She says it’s a thrill to watch students discover new abilities in themselves and others. “It’s like . . . God turns on the blender. We become more than the sum of our parts and turn into this unified blend, each with a seasoned part to play.”

—Connie Jones, publicity coordinator