www.clbi.edu
President Dean Rostad
Imagine putting together a 1000 piece puzzle without the picture on the box.
crossroads
Volume 26 Number 1 January-March 2018
belong. believe. become
One of my daughters is a lover of puzzles. On a visit to a senior's home, I remember her gazing at a room dedicated to puzzle making. In my new role as President, God has invited me into a big, beautiful puzzle called CLBI. One of the challenges is that the CLBI puzzle did not come with a picture on a box. and so I ask: "God, how do these pieces fit together? How is the final picture going to look? What in the world does this piece have to do with making disciples?" I have prayed many times, "Lord, reveal your plan for this school. Without your vision, we are lost." (continued on page 4) The church is in a similar situation. The cultural landscape has changed (values, priorities, beliefs) and the North American church is puzzled about what the future will look like.. Many churches are in decline and are fearful about the road ahead. What will the church look like in 50 years? One thing is sure, its strategy for effective ministry will be very different than the previous 50 years. In prayer regarding how to put the CLBI puzzle together, God has shown me that the way forward through this fog of uncertainty is to return to the original mandate Jesus gave to the church - discipleship. God is calling CLBI to embrace what it means to be a discipling movement for this day and age. Bible School is not to be seen only as a place that one attends for a year or two and then looks back on with fondness. Being a discipling movement is about equipping, sending and supporting disciples who can make disciples, even in a secular society. As they discover how their lives fit into God's mission, we will see an expanding picture of churches renewed, planted, and missionaries sent. Three critical pieces of this puzzle are: 1. Becoming Fully Funded - Growing a solid fiscal foundation. 2. Embracing Key Networks - Building relationships with churches & ministries who will send us young people to disciple so we can send them back to serve. 3. Living as a Discipling Movement - To equip, send, and support disciples who can make disciples. To read more about these areas, please visit www.clbi.edu/president This year God has blessed CLBI with 30 students to disciple. We budgeted for 50 students and this created a $200,000 shortfall. God has used this shortfall to spur on creative thinking as to how CLBI can operate at lower student numbers. Would you prayerfully consider making a generous donation to support CLBI in its discipling efforts? As God covers this deficit through His people, our focus will also be on preparing our facilities for summer group rentals and developing an army of monthly supporters. God is calling CLBI to embrace what it means to be a discipling movement My wife and I started giving monthly to CLBI back in 1997. CLBI is part of our monthly budget. Just as we support missionaries on a monthly basis, the CLBI staff are missionaries to this land as we carry out the work of the Great Commission. Currently, CLBI's "pre-authorized monthly donation" amounts to $14,000 a year. I am prayerfully asking God to raise this to $125,000. On the following page is a breakdown of what is needed to increase pre-authorized monthly donations by $111,000. The beauty of pre-authorized monthly donations is that once you sign up, you don't have to think about it anymore, the bank takes care of the details! For CLBI there is a stability in being able to budget with greater precision. To become a pre-authorized monthly donor, please visit www.CLBI.edu/give, or contact the office @ 780-672-4454 / finance@clbi.edu. May God fill you with His Spirit, empowering you to live in His grace as you live out the mission of making disciples of all nations.
Applications are being accepted for the 2018 Fall Discover & Catalyst Programs.
Puzzle time
CLBI is a Christ focused school where you will find an overwhelming sense of BELONGING. Living in this tight community where our focus is deep personal relationships with God and others, you will explore your faith and discover what it means to BELIEVE for yourself God’s promises. In this context of faith and relationship you will take strides by God’s Spirit to BECOME the person God created you to be.
CLBI is a Christ-focused school where you will find an overwhelming sense of BELONGING. Living in this tight community where our focus is deep, personal relationships with God and others, you will explore your faith and discover what it means to BELIEVE for yourself God’s promises. In this context of faith and relationship you will take strides, by God’s Spirit at work, to BECOME the person God created you to be.
Applications are being accepted for the 2018-19 school year.
Connecting inner-city youth to CLBI
attention prospective students!
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Welcome to the new format for the CLBI Crossroads. To help save costs and enable us to add pages as needed, we are now printing this newsletter in-house. Enjoy!
{{page}} Crossroads
Ben & Johanna Haab
22
Open Classes
in this issue
9
Apply before February 28 and save $500
6
IMPACTTeams
CLBI Winter {{page}}
Attend CLBI for a week-long class
Stephen & Michelle Stoyko
Early Application Incentive If you know someone who is considering CLBI for the school year beginning in September 2018 there’s an incentive to apply early! Students who submit an application before February 28, 2018 will receive a $500 discount on their tuition for the 2018 - 2019 school year. Referral Discount In addition, if a student encourages a friend to join him/her in attending CLBI the student recruiter will receive an additional $500 off his/her CLBI tuition for the upcoming school year. There is no limit as to the number of students you can refer. Get busy encouraging your friends to join you at CLBI and you could get your entire year of Bible School for free! Please note: discounts in fees will be applied to accounts on registration day. Only applications resulting in a new full-time student registration are eligible for the referral discount.
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My view of CLBI
January 1 Almighty God, You have been our Help in the past, and You are our Hope for the future. Bless the kingdom work that happens at CLBI as we begin our 86th year. Preserve and protect this place in our increasingly secular world. January 2 Lord, as Colin Hamm (Dir. of Maintenance) celebrates his birthday today, remind him of how much You love him. Bless him as he serves You and uses his gifts in taking care of the CLBI buildings and property. Pour Your assurance and love into Julia Nickel (Engage Student) today as she too celebrates her birthday. January 3 God, thank You for providing the property of CLBI and for all those who take care of it. Please keep the plumbing, heating, and all systems in good operating condition so that our staff and students have a pleasant place to live and work. January 4 Lord, thank You for the faithful financial support of the alumni and friends of CLBI. We pray that You would lead more supporters to provide their time, talents, and treasures for what is needed to operate the school. January 5 Heavenly Father, we pray that our students will be a source of joy and encouragement as they are home for the holidays with their families and friends. Let the fruit of the Spirit be seen in each one. January 6 Holy Spirit, empower the staff and students of CLBI to be salt and light in the community of Camrose. Use them to be a noticeable blessing in the neighborhood. January 7 Heavenly Father, please keep all our students safe as they travel back to CLBI today. May they return rested, renewed, and ready for a new term of growing in discipleship. January 8 God, speak Your Word through Rev. Karl Faltin this week as he teaches the Engage students Foundations of Faith I. May You bring assurance of salvation and spiritual growth in their lives. January 9 Lord, bless Kim Rostad (wife of Pastor Dean) today as she celebrates her birthday. Give her a new year filled with opportunities for growth as she faithfully uses her gifts to glorify You. January 10 God, fill Sonja Dixon with wisdom and energy as she teaches the Impact students Spiritual Formation II this week. May Your Word do its work in the fertile soil of their hearts. January 11 Holy Spirit, plant the desire to attend CLBI in the hearts of young people who are considering post–secondary plans. Help them see the eternal investment of learning to be Your disciples in a nurturing community. January 12 Heavenly Father, help the Engage students to seek Your direction by learning to apply Your Word in their daily lives. Assure them that You promise to be with them always. January 13 Jesus, be with the Impact students as they further develop their leadership skills. Give them courage and humility in serving others as everyday missionaries. January 14 Lord, bless Danielle Kroeger and Lucas Meredith (Impact students) as they celebrate their birthdays today. Reassure them of Your love and grace. Give them a wonderful day remembering all the good things You have bestowed on them. January 15 God, speak Your Word through Foundations of Faith II instructor, Rev. Matthew Ballmann in the Engage classroom. May students grow in the grace and knowledge of You this week. January 16 Holy Spirit, undergird this week’s Impact instructor, Dr. Paul Gossman, as he teaches about Your powerful work in the early Church from the Book of Acts. Equip the students to boldly share Your Word in their neighborhoods and countries, and even to the ends of the earth. January 17 Heavenly Father, bless Brinn Vegso (Impact student) as she celebrates her birthday today. Give her a delightful day. Remind her that she is Your child and that You love her deeply. January 18 Heavenly Father, bless Gillian Forstbauer (Impact student) and Brandt Ausmus (Engage student) as they celebrate their birthdays today. Give them each a day to remember Your faithfulness and reflect on Your goodness. January 19 Jesus, we pray for healthy relationships in the dorms at CLBI. Thank You for fellow believers who point one another to You. Grant students genuine, supportive friendships that will strengthen them on their faith journeys. January 20 God, thank You for the mentoring and modelling that takes place in the Discipleship Groups. Thank You for those volunteers who invest in the students’ lives. Help the students to become more Christ–like. January 21 “Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn Your commandment” (Psalm 119:73). January 22 Lord, help Rev. Johannes Imberg teach the Engage students Your eternal truths in the Foundations of Faith III class this week. Give the students receptive hearts and minds as they hear Your Word. January 23 Jesus, help instructor Kelsey Mailer as she leads the Impact students in Cross–cultural Prep II this week. Give the students teachable spirits and humble hearts as they prepare to experience life in unfamiliar communities. January 24 Lord, thank You for the leadership of Pastor Dean Rostad as President of CLBI. Give him wisdom as he leads and inspires the staff. January 25 Holy Spirit, thank You for the varied spiritual gifts You bestow on our staff and students. Empower them to know and use their individual gifts to help someone today. January 26 Lord, thank You for the kitchen staff at CLBI and the wonderful, healthy food they serve. Bless them as they prepare and cook for our students and staff. January 27 God, when trials come into the lives of our students, help them to not waver in their faith. Strengthen them to persevere, cling to You, and trust in Your love and care. January 28 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:10–11). January 29 Jesus, help instructor Wayne Stender as he teaches all the students an Introduction to Christian Apologetics this week. Through this course, prepare the students to gently and respectfully make a defense to anyone who asks for a reason for the hope that is in them. January 30 God, help our students in the academic aspects of their CLBI experience. Help them to be disciplined and timely with their assignments so that they may grow in wisdom and knowledge of You. January 31 Lord, thank You for the volunteer CLBI board who meet this week. Grant them wisdom and guidance as they make decisions governing the school. February 1 Father, thank You for the CLBI staff members, and for blessing each of them with unique characteristics, passions and giftings. We pray that You would bless each one and their families today. May they feel Your love for them in a beautiful and tangible way. February 2 Heavenly Father, thank You so much for Your faithfulness to CLBI. We pray for Your continued provision for the school and thank You in advance for Your supply. February 3 We pray, Jesus, that You would bless Julie Hamm (wife of Colin) today with a wonderful birthday. Help her to know that she is so loved by You and by those around her. Fill her with joy as she celebrates today. February 4 Father God, we lift up Avey Osterwalder (daughter of Jeremy and Heidi) as she celebrates her birthday today. Bless Avey today with Your love and joy. February 5 Jesus, we ask Your blessing on this week with Rev. Lance Odegard. We ask that You help the students to learn all that You want them to, and may they draw closer to You as they study the Psalms: Learning to Breathe. Thank You for another week of growth opportunities for these students. February 6 Father, thank You for all of the alumni who have attended CLBI. We thank You for the call that You placed in each of their hearts. Thank You for the work You have done in and through them. We pray a blessing upon each one today and ask for Your perfect peace to rest upon them. February 7 Holy Spirit, are so thankful that You speak to those who pray for CLBI. We thank You for laying the school, staff and students on the hearts of Your prayer warriors. February 8 Lord, thank You for the opportunity to invite the community in for CLBIplus nights. We pray that Rev. Lance Odegard would be full of Your Spirit as he delivers the Fruit to Root session this evening. May all those listening learn the relevance of the Gospel in his/her life. February 9 Father God, we pray for Camrose and ask that You pour out blessing on this city. Use the staff and students at CLBI to shine light into the dark and hurting places in Camrose. February 10 Jesus, thank You for CLBI and the blessing that it has been to so many over the years. Today we lift up the current students. May their lives be changed while spending this year at CLBI. February 11 “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17). February 12 Jesus, we pray for the ENGAGE course Biblical Prophecy for Today: study of Daniel being taught by Jeremiah Overland. Use him as Your instrument to speak to equip students with a strong skills in Biblical hermeneutics. February 13 Abba Father, please bless the Shrove Tuesday event and all those who will attend. We pray that it would be an incredible time of great joy as friends and family come together. Thank You for your rich blessings today and always. February 14 Father, we lift up before You the IMPACT teams as they begin to depart. We ask that Your hand would rest heavily upon each team of students as they head out to serve, learn, and share Your love with those they encounter. We pray that You would fill each heart with deep love and compassion for hurting people around the world. February 15 Lord Jesus, bless the CLBI board members. Thank You for their desire to bless the Bible school by serving on the board. Pour Your Word and Spirit into this group as they implement Your vision for CLBI. February 16 Father God, let all that we are praise You! We thank You for all of the wonderful works You have begun and ask that You will bring them to completion within each of us! February 17 Lord Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd. We pray that the staff and students of CLBI might find rest in You this Family Day. We pray that each one would know that they are loved and accepted into Your family. February 18 “Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will act” Psalm 37:4–5 . February 19 Father, thank You for another day to experience Your presence. Remind us that You are God–With–Us throughout the day. May this impact the way we love those with whom we come in contact. February 20 Gracious God, we ask today that You would be with the ENGAGE students as they embark on Winter Camp. May it be a time of community and team–building as they encourage and spur one another on. Keep them safe and open their eyes to see Your beauty all around them. February 21 Jesus, today we celebrate the work You have done in students so far this year. We pray that You would continue to lead each person on the path You have set for him or her. February 22 Father, we pray for Your church. Raise up young leaders who faithfully cling to Your Word and willingly serve and minister where the need arises. May we all be open to the moving of Your Spirit. February 23 Holy God, You are so good and so beautiful. Thank You for faithfully loving us and for shaping us to be more like You. February 24 We praise you, Holy Spirit, for CLBI’s many supporters. Thank You for giving each one a heart for CLBI and an excitement for the work You do at the school. February 25 Heavenly Father, we pray that You would bless Pastor Dean (President) and Kim Rostad as they celebrate their anniversary today. Bless them today, and continue to strengthen their relationship with one another and with You. February 26 Jesus, be with Jeremy Osterwalder (Program Director) as he instructs the ENGAGE class Biblical Financial Principles. Thank You for Your provision for each of us. May the students come away from these lessons with a healthy sense of biblical stewardship. February 27 Creator God, thank You for putting CLBI on the hearts of potential students. We pray they would be obedient to Your calling to attend Bible school, and we ask for courage for any students who are feeling nervous about attending. We ask that You would continue to confirm the decision to attend CLBI as they make plans for the fall. February 28 Merciful God, thank You for the gifts and the blessings that You have given to us. May we always remember and never take for granted the abundant life You have created for us to experience. March 1 Lord Jesus, inspire Pastor Dean Rostad as he leads the CLBIplus event The Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Supper as a Worship Experience. Help Pastor Dean to set Your table well and may all in attendance feast heartily on Your Word. March 2 Dear Father, be with Jonah Hamm (son of Colin and Julie) on his birthday. Impress on his young heart Your great love for him. Even now, fill his mind with visions of the wonderful plans You have for his life. March 3 “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1–2). March 4 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house” (Matthew 5:14–15). Precious Saviour, help CLBI to shine Your light in the city of Camrose. March 5 Jesus, thank You for bringing Rev. Charles & Anita Jackson to teach at CLBI. We pray that as they teach the ENGAGE class Introduction to World Missions You would use them to speak truth, to challenge, and to encourage the students. March 6 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,even as he chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him” (Ephesians 1:3–4). March 7 Dear Father, thank You that You chose to call us Your children. And thank You that You are our perfect Father. Help us truly feel that we are Your beloved children as we rejoice in the knowledge of this today. March 8 “The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:5–7). March 9 Jesus, be with Brody Hagen (son of Mark & Jes) on his birthday. We pray that You would reveal Yourself to him in new and rich ways. March 10 “I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine” (Song of Songs 6:3). Father impress upon the staff and students at CLBI how much they are loved and open their eyes to new ways to share Your love with others. March 11 Loving Father, thank You for putting CLBI on the hearts of potential students. We pray they would be obedient to Your calling to attend Bible school. Remove any fear, lack of finances, and doubts that may prevent them from answering Your call. Increase their faith that You will fulfill Your call for them and provide all they need to attend CLBI this fall. March 12 Saviour, ignite a passion for service in the ENGAGE students as they explore various ministry experiences. Impress on their imaginations the opportunities You are preparing for them. Help the students to joyfully respond to Your invitation to serve. March 13 Holy Spirit, thank You for all the volunteers that You provide for CLBI. Today we lift them up to You, and give You praise. You have provided so many gifts within the Body of Christ and CLBI benefits from many of them. Continue to help our supporters see how they can volunteer, in small and large ways. And may we let each one know how grateful we are! March 14 Thank You, Loving Father for the opportunities our IMPACT teams had on their trips. As they begin returning, help them to take time to sit and rest, considering all You have done for and through them. March 15 “Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Tell of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and He is to be feared above all gods” (2 Chronicles 16:24–25). March 16 Holy Spirit, may You give the IMPACT teams insight into what they experienced on their trips and fill those who will lead their debriefing sessions with discernment and compassion. March 17 Thank You, Loving Saviour, for Your faithfulness to CLBI over the years. We pray that true disciples of Christ will be raised up here and that CLBI will be a light in Camrose, guiding people to You. March 18 “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22–23). March 19 Mighty God, guide Rev. Mark Johnson as he instructs the Isaiah class this week. Help him bring clear and inspiring instruction to the students, and may they be challenged to look more deeply into the mysteries of this book. March 20 “I give You thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing Your praise; I bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness, for You have exalted above all things Your name and Your word” (Psalm 138:1–2). March 21 Heavenly Father, we thank You for Danika Osterwalder (daughter of Jeremy & Heidi). Thank You for the beautiful young woman she is becoming. We pray she has a wonderful birthday surrounded by Your abundant blessings in her life. March 22 Father, bless Jaime Hansen (Food Services staff) today on her birthday. Lavish Your love on her and let her experience hospitality and fellowship equal to the care she shows through her work in the kitchen. Be with the IMPACT teams as they make their presentations this evening. Enable all who attend to share in praise to You as students bear witness to what You are doing around the world. March 23 “How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with You” (Psalm 139:17–18). March 24 Lord, thank You for the CLBI staff who work so faithfully for the school. We ask You to meet their needs so they may continue to serve here. We pray for joy in their unity and love in their service. Let each one hear from You today. March 25 Jesus, thank You for our Board of Trustees. Thank you for the time and service that each one volunteers. Fill them with a sense of Your presence and strengthen and unify them to continue making the decisions and policy that guide CLBI. May they always seek Your direction and be sensitive to Your voice. March 26 May Your Spirit guide Jim Penner as he instructs the ENGAGE & IMPACT course Towards a Theology of Persecution and Discipleship. May the students respond to Your call on their lives and not be afraid to follow. March 27 “He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:3). Thank You Lord for the music and worship that fills CLBI! March 28 “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13–14). March 29 Mighty God, we praise and thank You for Your great provision at CLBI. Thank You for being so faithful in providing for the school. Continue to inspire our leaders and instructors and help us to always seek You first in every situation. March 30 Father, keep safe those who will be traveling to be reunited with friends and family this long weekend. Begin, even now, to draw our hearts to You in Easter worship. March 31 May our Risen Saviour be experienced in new ways this Easter weekend. “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9).
I would love to share with you glimpses of CLBI from my perspective. This is an amazing place!
@dean.rostad
(continued from cover page)
the importance of belonging that we learned at CLBI continues somehow in the foundation of who we are today.
where are they now?
Ben & Johanna (Svee) Haab
Ben, 2003-04 Biblical Studies & Christian Discipleship Cert. Johanna: 2002-04 Christian Leadership & Mission Diploma + internship in youth ministry @ LCBI We have many great memories of our time at CLBI fourteen years ago (wow, we're THAT old!). We could elaborate on the funny stories of the buck urine prank, dumpster-donuts, or driving golf balls off the roof of the boys dorm. Of course there's also the infamous bucket on the pulley system Ben installed between the men's and women's dorms, specifically his room and mine, to share mushy notes and mushy pizza pops. Oh the days before we could simply text one another! In all seriousness, what we won't forget is the overwhelming sense of family and belonging we experienced during our time at CLBI. It is something that continues somehow in the foundation of who we are today. Being deeply challenged and sharpened in our faith during our young adult years - in a safe, like-minded environment - the experience is irreplaceable. In what ways are you currently serving in God's mission? We have resided in Fort St. John, BC since 2008 following the completion of our education in Vancouver and then a year-long adventure in Switzerland. We are active in our church community - Peace Lutheran church, but we feel God is using us mostly through our work in the community with our business. It has given us a unique platform to work with local and provincial politicians, oil and gas industry professionals, other business owners, non-profits and local residents. We truly believe God has called us to serve in this little mission field - asking us to show his love in action through how we treat clients and the community. We strive to exude Christ-like qualities in all that we do - stumbling often but trusting God's purposes as we continue on the path He's laid in front of us. In what ways did the time you spent at Bible school help prepare you for where God has you now? CLBI helped lay a strong foundation for our life. We learned biblically sound theology which helped us answer in our hearts why we claim to believe what we believe -and so we could give thoughtful answers concerning the faith that we profess. We also developed a lot of practical application skills which brought the Bible to life and allowed us to live it out. CLBI was crucial in those formative years and we are forever grateful for our experiences.
It’s difficult to boil down the years spent at CLBI to one single memory. I have memories of walking through a hospice in Mongolia on my IMPACT trip and praying for sick people, hiking through the hills near Wilderness Ranch and taking in the beauty that God had formed around us, trudging down 95th street in Edmonton and trying to figure out how someone lives without knowing where they’re going to sleep at night, strolling around Mirror Lake with friends and discipleship group leaders searching for the words, “can you pray for me?”, and worshiping a truly marvelous God who furiously longs for us every step of the way. Those are all special memories that I’m not sure I would be able to do justice in describing at length. However, there is one memory that does haunt me. A nearly missed opportunity. When I was 18 and working at Hastings Lake Bible Camp as a camp leader, I had applied to CLBI and was accepted to be a student. This was in June, 2006. I was on the fence about following through and actually going to Bible school. Ultimately, I decided to not go at that time. I had face-to-face and over the phone conversations with CLBI’s recruiter at the time and I was firm about not attending. Those were hard conversations to have and they are hard conversations to think back on because the reflection I see in that memory is a stubborn and foolish young ME, who, if he only knew what he would be missing out on, would have changed his mind. Thankfully, we serve a gracious, more stubborn, more powerful God who furiously longs for us. That God would put people, circumstances, and more opportunities to make up for lost time in my life because He is faithful, forgiving, and merciful. In what ways are you currently serving in God's mission? Since CLBI I have had several opportunities to serve God. I served as a part-time youth ministry leader at St. Albert Evangelical Lutheran Church. I have also had the privilege of doing pulpit supply on occasion for the congregation at Wilhelmina. In university my roommate and I would host bible studies in our humble basement suite enabling us to not only reconnect with a handful of friends from CLBI but also to meet other young Christians who lived nearby. By God's ordaining, I would get to know my future wife, Michelle Gjesdal, through these Bible studies. This was a nice bonus. It has been a blessing to have married someone who loves God and has found ways to serve Him through her time and talents. I am currently teaching Grade 2 at an elementary school in Edmonton, which has meant relying on God to present opportunities for me to show His love each day. Michelle is currently taking her maternity leave to raise our young daughter, Martha! Another nice bonus. In what ways did the time you spent at Bible school help prepare you for where God has you now? At CLBI I was taught to lean. Leaning into God, so that there is more of Him and less of me that is doing the hard work like loving those I may not care to love, giving when I don’t feel like giving, listening when I don’t feel like listening, praying when I may be too tired to pray. CLBI provided me with hands on, visceral experiences that forced me to lean on Him through hikes that I didn’t think would end, walks through dark downtown alleys, being cold and hungry in ways I had never been before, and through the discomfort of being a foreigner in a strange place. Now, I know I can lean on God’s promises, His protection, His salvation, and His love.
Kelsey Mailer - Impact Director
Derrick Boulianne & Paul Laferriere from Team Mongolia 2017
Shaping Hearts for the Nations
We are called to love God, to love others, and to preach the Good News, to “declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples” (Psalm 96:3). Students in the diploma program at CLBI are invited to carry out this call by engaging in a month-long IMPACT (Intentional Ministry, Prayer And Cultural Training) experience. These trips, which occur from mid February-mid March, are intended to create opportunity to share the wonderful news of the gift of redemption through Christ as they serve alongside established ministries in their host countries. Students are encouraged to take the posture of a learner as they enter into another culture and context, while observing the work that God is doing around the world. Our hope and prayer is that these experiences would not only provide a context of personal growth, but also that God would fan into flame a desire to continue mission work, whether that be locally or globally. This year, we are thrilled to announce that CLBI is sending four teams of second year students to Quebec, Oaxaca, Kenya, and East Asia. Students recently found out where they will be going and with whom. They are preparing for their IMPACT trips by praying together, learning about their placements and the language, fundraising, and planning logistical aspects of the trip. Thank you for your prayer support and encouragement of these students.
CLBI Impact Teams
"Bonjour" from team Québec! We are headed to Montréal, Québec, where we will work with two different ministries throughout the month. The first one is La Corde, a branch of Youth for Christ, where we will serve young new immigrants through homework help, mentorship, life skill training, music and sports programs. We will also have the chance to join Ministry to Seafarers (M2S) on Thursdays. This ministry is located near the port of Montréal and will provide us an opportunity to get to know seafarers from around the world who are at sea for 6-9 months at a time. M2S provides a homey space for them to rest and rejuvenate. Please pray for us as we come alongside the long-term workers at these ministries. Our desire is to encourage them in their Kingdom work. Prayer for team unity and a joyful servant heart would also be greatly appreciated. We want to be consistent in our work and with those we encounter reflecting Christ's faithfulness/consistency in our lives.
L-R Ashlynn Semmens Karilyn Bartel Haley Engen Ashley Stad Linaya Looy
View IMPACT team updates at: CLBI.edu or @CLBI on Instagram
L-R Gamaliel Buki Danielle Kroeger Maren Engen Aimee Ngalula
team Quebec
February 13th 5:00pm Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 7:00pm IMPACT Team Commissioning
Team East Asia will be working in a special needs foster home for the first 10 days of our trip. Due to a national holiday that is happening over those days, we will be taking the place of the full-time nannies by cooking meals, cleaning, playing with and taking care of the children. At our second location, where we will stay for the remainder of our IMPACT trip, we will be volunteering at a coffee shop during English language club, helping with the school lunch program offered at a local restaurant, and volunteering at an elementary school by aiding the teachers in English lessons with the children. Through all of this we will engage with the local people in conversation while making connections with staff members and other volunteers. We desire to carry the Gospel with us, as Isaiah 52:7 proclaims, “how beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!”
Team East Asia
Team Kenya
We are team Oaxaca and we are so excited about where God is taking us as we step into a new culture in February. As we prayerfully prepare for this adventure, we have come closer as a team. Our team of four will be spending our first ten days with an organization called Roca Blanca along the west coast of Oaxaca. At Roca Blanca we will be immersed in a Spanish program while living with a host family in the local village. We will then travel inland to an orphanage called Foundations for His Ministry, which focuses on caring for children as well as doing outreach to a women’s prison and men’s rehabilitation centre. We will be staying and serving at the orphanage for the remainder of our IMPACT trip. Our team hopes to reflect Christ through all interactions within our group as well as through relationships with the kids, long-term missionaries and all those with whom we interact.
March 22th 7:00 pm IMPACT team presentations at CLBI
Team Oaxaca
L-R Caden Leonhardt Peter de Waal Anya Hopkins Rebekah Johnson Gillian Forstbauer
Come see God at work shaping lives!
L-R Reina Talen Brinn Vegso Brianna Hennig Lucas Meredith
Greetings from Team Kenya! During the first leg of our trip we will be in Nairobi, Kenya where we will work with an organization called Heart to Heart. There, we will be visiting schools, leading activities with kids and helping with Bible studies for HIV/AIDS support groups. For the remainder of our trip, we will be staying in the community of Maralal, which is in the Samburu Region of Kenya. During our time in this rural area, we will be participating in development work such as tree planting, digging a trench for a water pipe and helping with a traveling medical clinic. We may also have the opportunity to work with the Bible Translation League. As a team, we desire to reflect the heart of Jesus in all interactions, being active learners as we serve and come alongside those who have dedicated their lives to these different ministries. Pray too that we can be an encouragement to the full-time ministers in these places.
The reason CLBI exists is because of Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations - whether it is chatting in the kitchen, or serving the homeless in an urban centre, the call to make disciples brings us on interesting adventures. This team and their families need to be upheld in prayer. It is our aim that every team member will have 30 households praying for them. Each prayer partner will receive a monthly email updating them with specific prayer needs. If you would like to join one of our prayer teams, please contact the CLBI office at info@clbi.edu or 780-672-4454.
Will you join my prayer team?
Stephen, 2009-14 Applied Christian Studies degree including internship in parish ministry at Good Shepherd Lutheran in Camarillo, CA Tell a story/share a memory of CLBI that you'll never forget. It’s difficult to boil down 3 years of CLBI to one single memory. I’ve got memories of walking through a hospice in Mongolia and praying for sick people I had only just met, hiking through the hills near Wilderness Ranch and taking in the beauty that God had formed around us, canoeing down the North Saskatchewan River and bailing out a sinking canoe while trying to hold back the laughter, trudging down 96th street in Edmonton and trying to figure out how someone lives without knowing where they’re going to sleep at night or where their next meal is coming from, doing Christmas Eve services in a barn with actual farm animals in California, strolling around Mirror Lake with friends and discipleship group leaders searching for the words, “can you pray for me?”, and worshiping a truly marvelous God who furiously longs for us every step of the way. Those are all special memories to me that I’m not sure I would be able to do justice in describing at length. I don’t have the words for some of those memories. However, there is one memory that does haunt me: a nearly missed opportunity. When I was 18 and working at Hastings Lake Bible Camp as a camp leader, I had applied to CLBI and was accepted to be a student there. This was in June, 2006. I was on the fence about following through and actually going to CLBI. Ultimately, I decided to not go to CLBI that fall. I had face-to-face and over the phone conversations with CLBI’s recruiter at the time and I was firm about not attending. Those were hard conversations to have and they are hard conversations to think back on because the reflection I see in that memory is a stubborn and foolish young ME, who, if he only knew what he would be missing out on, would have changed his mind. Thankfully, we serve a gracious, more stubborn, more powerful God who furiously longs for us. That God would put people, circumstances, and more opportunities to make up for lost time in my life because He is faithful, forgiving, and merciful. I will never forget my haunting memory of not going to CLBI only because it has led to more learning than I could have ever imagined. It led to learning about myself, the world, others, faith, relationships, forgiveness, and the price that Jesus paid for a sinner like me. These are truly worthwhile lessons that have helped shape me into the person I am today. In what ways are you currently serving in God's mission? Since CLBI I have had several opportunities to serve God. I served as a part-time youth ministry leader for several months at St. Albert Evangelical Lutheran Church. I have also had the privilege of doing pulpit supply on occasion for the congregation at Wilhelmina. In university my roommate, Shane Johnson, and I would host bible studies in our humble basement suite that allowed us to reconnect with a handful of friends from CLBI and to meet other young Christians who lived nearby. Completely by accident, I would get to know my future wife, Michelle Gjesdal, through these Bible studies. This was a nice bonus. It has been a blessing to have married someone who loves God and has found ways to serve Him through her time and talents. Michelle has been on the Homecoming Committee for LCBI and is currently taking her maternity leave to raise our 3-month old daughter, Martha! Another nice bonus. I am currently teaching Grade two at an elementary school in Edmonton, which has meant relying on God to present opportunities for me to show His love each day. In what ways did the time you spent at Bible school help prepare you for where God has you now? At CLBI you are taught to lean. Leaning into God, so that there is more of Him and less of me that is doing the hard work like loving those I may not care to love, giving when I don’t feel like giving, listening when I don’t feel like listening, praying when I may be too tired to pray. CLBI provided me with hands on, visceral experiences that forced me to lean on Him through hikes that I thought wouldn't end, walks through dark downtown alleys, being cold and hungry in ways I had never been before, and through the discomfort of being a foreigner in a strange place. Now, I know I can lean on God’s promises, His protection, His salvation, and His love. At CLBI I learned how to lean, which is an important lesson. I learned how to lean, ...an essential lesson for our walk with Christ.
Advisors With Purpose
How much of your estate are you giving to the Canada Revenue Agency?
Boundaries Instructors: Rev. Marc & Dixie Vandersluys Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5 & 12, 2018 Monday evenings 7:00 - 9:30 pm Introduction to Christian Apologetics Instructor: Wayne Stender Jan. 29 - Feb. 2, 2018 Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 12:30pm Introduction to World Mission Instructors: Rev. Charles & Anita Jackson Mar. 5 - 9, 2018 Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 12:30pm Discerning Personal Call Instructor: Rev. Nathan Hoff Apr. 9 - 13, 2018 Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 12:30pm To register: 1-780-672-4454 / info@clbi.edu
CRA
A priceless inheritance
Elaine and Harry did not think estate planning was for them – after all, other than some life insurance, a bit of RRSP savings and the family cottage, they had little financial assets. And really, their four kids would certainly not get rich from what would be left to them. But when Elaine and Harry met with an ADVISORS with Purpose estate specialist to ensure that their will was current and biblically sound, they were genuinely surprised to learn that they would leave an estate valued at close to $675,000 – after a potential tax bill of around $74,000. After considering several options Elaine and Harry chose to add a fifth child as a beneficiary to their will - a “Child Called Charity”. This option allowed them to eliminate the tax bill and leave a little over $150,000 to each child. But the real blessing came when they saw that they could leave a gift of over $135,000 to charity. Never in their life had they been able to make that kind of donation. And when Elaine and Harry told the children how through their will they would continue to build God’s Kingdom, the legacy they left their children was indeed priceless. CLBI partners with ADVISORS with Purpose to help our supporters with estate planning. AWP has created hundreds of custom-built estate plans for donors just like you, helping them leave a legacy with eternal significance. Call 1.866.336.3315 today to speak to an estate specialist—this service is provided at no cost or obligation to CLBI supporters.
As of the end of November 2017, CLBI's shop fund is sitting at $49,000.00. We thank everyone who has given to this fund to date. The shop funds are invested in a GIC and will bring some return as time goes on. As a school our focus is on increased student numbers and preparing the CLBI campus for summer rental groups. While the shop is not currently our primary focus, we continue to move forward in hopes of seeing this project happen soon. A big thank you goes out to Colin Hamm, CLBI's Director of Maintenance, with his gracious attitude toward transforming two sea cans into a temporary workspace. Eventually the type of shop built will be as “multi-purpose” as possible. It needs to be a place to house supplies and equipment used for building maintenance as well as minor vehicle, canoe and trailer maintenance. It is also hoped that parts of this space be available for student use for projects,.
Colin Hamm and the ultimate man-cave
FINANCIAL UPDATE
We are so thankful to see how God continues to provide for CLBI through our faithful supporters. God is good and He is more than able to provide!! Please contact Wanda at finance@clbi.edu if you have any further questions regarding the finances of the school. If you are interested in receiving a yearly receipt please contact Kate at clbi@clbi.edu. If you are interested in giving monthly directly from your bank account please contact Wanda at finance@clbi.edu or (780) 672-4454. This would be our preferred method of receiving donations as it reduces our administrative costs. How can you support CLBI? Though prayer! For those who are able to support financially: by cheque – made out to CLBI by e-Transfer through your bank – email to finance@clbi.edu by Visa or Mastercard through CANADA HELPS; you can do this by going to clbi.edu/supporters/financial-support and clicking on the “Donate Now” button. pre-authorized Monthly Donation – contact Wanda at finance@clbi.edu for more information. Please note that donations by credit card or through CANADA HELPS are subject to a service fee. 100% of donations made by cheque, e-Transfer or through direct giving goes to the ministry of CLBI.
Facility Update
What is the status on the new shop? Dean Scrivens - Director of Operations
by Jeremy Osterwalder,- Progarm Director
Core Neighbourhood Youth to Attend CLBI?
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Issues faced by inner-city youth present unique challenges for ministry. Through CLBI’s urban hike week, several wonderful partnerships have been formed over the years. Students and staff of the Bible school have been blessed to join the saints who serve diligently in some of these locales. This year the Salvation Army at Calgary’s Centre of Hope recognized CLBI for 10 years of regular volunteer service through urban hike teams. Another ministry with which CLBI has been blessed to partner is that of the Rock Church on 20th Street in Saskatoon. Ideally situated for the urban hike experience that CLBI embarks on every year, the Rock Church has graciously granted lodging each November for many years. A beautiful relationship has developed that has included ministry teams helping with the Rock Church’s kid’s club outreach and their youth events. Augmenting the regular volunteer staff, CLBI students provide creative ideas and new energy for the events in which we participate together. Bryanna Doleman, youth director at the Rock Church so appreciates that “CLBI students don't have just head knowledge, but have learned how to put their learning into action and are willing to do real ministry. There is an obvious relational, family connection that the students share with each other and the leaders. Discipleship is happening through relationship, not just teaching - which is very powerful! There is a strong sense of team while the students grow together and support one another.” As the relationship with the Rock Church has grown, trust has developed and some of the youth are now considering CLBI as an option for their post-secondary pursuits. Bryanna is encouraging the youth from this core neighbourhood in Saskatoon to attend CLBI. She believes they would benefit immensely from a 24/7 discipleship experience to immerse them in the Word, prayer and learning how to live out their faith. The environment provided at Bible school is so very different than that of their normal routines. Bryanna firmly believes an intentional Christian community of Biblical learning and discipleship “would build a solid foundation in their lives and a sense of purpose in the Kingdom of God. Our youth would really blossom in such a setting.” One of the biggest obstacles that would enable some of the youth from inner-city Saskatoon to attend CLBI is finances. Many of the youth come from families who are on welfare or struggle month to month. As current students reach out and minister to these and other youth the seeds of love and care they sow are compelling, drawing the teens to have a similar experience. Please join in praying that these seeds find root and are nurtured, growing to make the Bible school experience a future reality for many.
urban hike connection
CLBI has excellent facilities that give us the ability to offer several rental options for the summer months when our regular bible college program is not running. We have space available on a first come/first served basis from May 7 to August 20. We do have some bookings already but there is still plenty of time available during that time period. We have a newly renovated coed lounge complete with a residential style kitchen, gas fireplace, 62 inch TV with “casting” abilities, and a very cozy atmosphere. This room is ideally suited for groups up to 40 participants. The room can handle more than that as long as not very many tables are needed. Food services are available if that is desired. Rooms are available in our dorms at a nominal fee. We have a new bathroom in the third floor of the girl’s dorm, which includes new showers that have a privacy area for changing. There is also a “suite” in each dorm which provides a bedroom with a queen bed as well as a small lounge. Our main building has a chapel/classroom area that will seat up to 250 people. If tables are needed this number goes down. The third floor (library) will seat around 100 people depending on how it needs to be configured. There is also a prayer chapel on this level that can seat 30 people. The dining hall can seat 145 people with tables. We can handle banquets in there and can provide full food services in this room. Also on this level there is a conference room that will seat around 30 people. All classroom areas have “smart” projectors and screens for presentations. Sound systems, keyboards, microphones, etc. can also be offered to your groups. Plans are being discussed regarding building a new fire pit area and a basketball pad for outdoor activities. If you have a need for some rental space for a family reunion, church retreat, special meeting, banquet, etc., please contact Dean Scrivens (operations@clbi.edu/780-672-4454) for more information, or perhaps a tour and pricing.
Group rentals
For over fifteen years, CLBI has offered internships as a way for students to gain a better understanding of the realities of working in a certain field of ministry. This is often a great way to get a taste of vocational ministry before committing to the remaining educational path needed to get to that position. CLBI has facilitated over sixty students in 8-12 month ministry experiences. It is clear that the internship program has had wide-reaching effects and has been influential in preparing young adults for ministry. Most of these individuals continue to be involved in ministry in significant ways. To help gain greater insight into the internship program, a current intern, Hannah de Waal is profiled below. Hannah is working with two rural congregations in the Camrose area and is also involved at CLBI with Director of Worship, Mark Hagen. Hannah attended CLBI as a student from 2014-2016, completing her diploma. Since that time, Hannah wrestled with a call to full-time vocational ministry in the area of worship leadership. As you will read in her responses below, the decision to immerse herself in this area of ministry is, in part, an effort to confirm this call. Hannah, what is the biggest reason you decided to intern through CLBI prior to attending a worship music program at a Christian College? I really wanted to learn by doing, to discover what area of ministry God is calling me into. Doing an internship was something God laid on my spirit, and this specifically is where He led me to further develop. It has become clear that I needed to establish the foundational truth that worship leadership is much more than giving up-front direction in worship, but that it is ministry. There are several pastoral aspects that involve relationship with those I am called to lead that are so much more essential than the technical aspects of producing a polished worship experience. What has been the biggest ‘take away’ that you have received from interning? So far, I'd have to say my biggest take away from the internship is learning how much more there is to worship ministry than simply leading singing. Worship is about glorifying God, and ministry is about people. Being a good worship leader doesn't just mean knowing music or how to lead/put together a service. It means knowing and loving the people you are there to guide in worship. This is an area that I hope I am learning and growing in. What has been the greatest challenge you have faced not only interning, but doing an internship at CLBI? My biggest challenge, specific to doing an internship at CLBI, particularly at the beginning of the year, was learning my place at CLBI. Being both staff and student, but also neither, has presented some unique challenges both in dorm life and staff interactions. Why would you recommend an internship at CLBI? CLBI presents many great learning opportunities. It has been very interesting to learn about working on a staff team as gifted and dedicated as this one. I also appreciate the support of and ability to try different things within the constructs of worship. Both staff and students have been very good in this regard. Since I took a year off before coming back to do this internship, it's been fun to see dorm life from a different perspective as well. I am confident that this is exactly where God wanted me this year, and I am looking forward to seeing how God uses this time of learning and growth in years to come. This is a call out to alumni who are wrestling with a call to full-time vocational ministry. Consider an internship through CLBI. On the campus in Camrose, there is a current need for interns to serve in the areas of Youth Ministry, Worship, and Local Missions. If you have a desire to experience ministry first-hand at CLBI, please inquire with Program Director, Jeremy Osterwalder via email at internship@clbi.edu or by calling the main office 780.672.4454.
clbi internships
by Mark Hagen - Director of Admissions
Series 2017-18 This season's focus: “Gospel Fluency” The Gospel; not just about EVANGELISM, it is also about DISCIPLESHIP 5:30pm Dinner // 6:30pm Session // 7:30pm Q&A Feb. 8, 2018 Fruit to Root: The Gospel in me Identifying the relevance of the Gospel in my life Presenter: Rev. Lance Odegard Mar. 1, 2018 The Meal: the Gospel with us Breakfast, lunch, and supper as a worship experience Presenter: Rev. Dean Rostad Apr. 12, 2018 Our need for Gospel fluency: the Gospel with others Life together, an immersion experience Presenter: Rev. Nathan Hoff Free will offering is taken. Please RSVP if attending the meal by calling 780.672.4454
Thank you Andrew Sorenson (www.commonlore.com) for coordinating the live feed.
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applications for clbi summer team
* All scripture passages, unless otherwise noted taken from:The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles,a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved
January - March 2018 Volume 26 No. 1 Published for the friends and alumni of the Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute in Camrose, AB Editorial Group: Rev. Dean Rostad Kate Bishop CLBI Communications Office
"I can't believe I get paid to share the gospel with kids!"
Thank you to board members who wrote prayers for this edition of Crossroads: Stacey Hagen, Michelle Schlein & Ruth Strand
Announcements & Special Gifts
Calling on alumni, current and future students
CLBI loves equipping students to share the gospel story with children. Is God calling you to be on the CLBI Summer VBS team? This year we are inviting past, present and future students to apply for our summer team. If you love Jesus and working with children, we would love for you to consider this ministry opportunity! The dates of this paid position would be June 25 to August 24, 2018. You would be traveling around Alberta and Saskatchewan planning and participating in various camp and church VBS programs. If you would like more information or an application, please contact Wanda Manson at 780-672-4454 or finance@clbi.edu. The application deadline is February 14, 2018.
Births: Jessica (Maier, 2008-10) and Andreas (2008-10) Schwitter had baby Theodore Jack on September 15, 2017. Rachelle (Klassen, 2010-12) and Kim Friesen had baby Judah Diesel on September 16, 2017. Caroline (South, 2010-11) and Danny MacKinnon had baby Cailyn Kathleen on September 22, 2017. Brianna and Michael (2009-11) Schwaiger had baby Lynden Joy on September 27, 2017. Jennifer and Nathan (2004-06) Labrecque had baby Ethan Samuel on October 12, 2017. Kara (Sorenson, 2007-09) and Nathan Pederson had baby Nora Militta on October 30, 2017. Sam (Thomson, 2003-05) and Dallas Halvorson had baby Jacob LeRoy on November 2, 2017. Leah and Aaron (2003-04) Zepick had baby Matthias Daniel on November 2, 2017. Esther and Ben (2002-04) Olson had baby Reuben Nathaniel on November 21, 2017. Annaliese (Neiman, 2009-12) and Kyler (2007-09) Nottveit had baby August Nils on November 23, 2017. Gifts given in Honor of: Niels Hjorth, Dean Rostad, Norma Anderson, and Warren Felzien Total Honorariums: $1,200 Memorial gifts: Allen Severson, Annelise Rust, Annemarie Haerdi, Milton Rude, Ben Heiberg, Glen Sitler, Thelma Olsen, Dan Wuthrich, Ervin Steinwandt, Cara Johnson, Edith Vold, Elaine Ebel, Archie Marzolf, Myron Falk, Doris Nelson, Martin & Hattie Hendrickson, Juverna Marken, Naomi Erickson, Ole Knutson, Herbert Forth, Renata Johnson, Gladys Rude, Rev. Arnold Hagen, Stanley Rude, Ivan & Olive Foshaug, Mary Severson, and Joseph & Ester Johnson Total Memorials: $12,935
Send your comments and changes of address to: CLBI Crossroads 4837 - 52a Street Camrose. AB T4V 1W5 1-888-672-4454 communications@clbi.edu www.clbi.edu To receive the crossroads via email, please visit www.clbi.edu/enews
April 6-9, 2018 Grades 9 and up register at clbi.edu/surge
Do you have cross-country ski gear sitting around in your garage or the shed or the attic? Consider donating it to CLBI to help us build our winter outdoor program. CLBI has a good collection of 3-pin binding skis but has a limited supply of ski boots. At this time we are accepting cross country gear of any binding type. We also need various types of ski waxes. Questions? Contact Pastor Dean at drostad@clbi.edu or 780-672-4454.
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Ski Gear Needed
