Well, that’s my random spiel of the day. I’m sure at least some of you thought I was going to talk about ants being hardworking bugs like in scripture, or not building your house on the sand. Those are good lessons, but what I really wanted to say is this: READING BREAK IS NEXT WEEK SO HANG IN THERE LITTLE ANTS!!!

This Episode of the Voice Features:
Eating, Sleeping, and Playing Video Games by Andrena LeBlanc
Encouragement Chapel by David Dunn
Trujillo by Jereme Berg
Malawi . . . where? : A brief glance at my cultural ignorance by Julie-Anne Wideman
Veerasammy on Local Outreach by Stephen Veerasammy
Someone who will Always Love You by Anonymous
Forests… by Christie Heemskerk
Devotional by Jesse Goulet
Voice on the Street by James Fretz

Christie Heemskerk,
Publications Editor

The (R) Evolution of Gaming Tournament took place on February 10, 2010 from 7-9 pm. The games that were used in this tournament included Super Mario Brothers for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Mario Karts 64 for the Nintendo 64 (N64), Super Smash Brothers (Bros) Brawl for the Nintendo Wii (Wii), and Guitar Hero for the X-Box 360. There were also numerous card games such as Dutch Blitz and Euchre and board games such as Cranium. Whether the game was played via cards or console, the competition was high and people played to have their names recognized within the school.

In the end the winners were found. The winner of the Emmanuel Bible College Video Game Trophy was Leanne Knechtel and the winner of the Movie Ticket raffle was Andrena LeBlanc. The champion for Mario Kart was Lindsay Prowd. Brawl’s champion was Leanne Knechtel and the champion for Guitar Hero was Trevor Jacobs. However, in many ways and at many times the competition came close and the gamers at EBC had a chance to compete with one another while enjoying pizza, pop, chips, snack mixes, brownies and Smarty’s.
To the Student Council:

This was a fun event and I think all of us participants recommend that it happen again next year! Another suggestion I may have in that regard is perhaps a course on media. After all, video games, television, the Internet are an intrinsic part of our society; especially youth culture. Perhaps it would be a benefit to the students at Emmanuel Bible College to have the option of taking a course on media and society as the media affects everyone in North America. This course could educate students about the media, the different theoretical approaches to the media and the different views that Christians have of it.

In conclusion, this was an excellent event that should be repeated in the years to come by the Student Council. I thank all of those people who helped make it a reality. Finally, I think that a course on the media would make a wonderful addition to EBC’s course selections.

By Andrena LeBlanc

Most of our churches or youth groups have seen one of these drama shorts at one point or another. Some that I have seen have been –to put it bluntly- have been better than others. The artistic side of me can often hold too high standards to the rest of society and the church. Not that I think that everything that everyone does should be of the highest excellence, but it does take some strength realize that people intentions and efforts should be good enough on their own. So indeed, I began watching the presentation with my scalpel ready to critique. As I watched I became more and more impressed; even more, I became more and more touched.

All the stops were pulled out for this presentation making it a pity if you missed it. Behind the three actors were guitarists, singers and a drummer laid out in the back of the stage. Stephanie VanSpronsen, Stephanie Vincent, Todd, Curtis Robb, Brittany Simpson and Tina Moore gave way to spectacular live music that when infused with Daniel Dorsey, Kaitlyn Staines and Marilyn Girimonte‘s acting and Charlie Pushparajah Narration transformed into a touching, reflective and climactic event. When there is great acting alone or great music alone they can each stir the soul. But when these are combined they create a way of learning that we do not often enough see. To have the eyes see, the ears hear and the heart react; now that gives way to transformation of a very mighty nature.

This chapel continued with a superb dramatic monologue given by Julie Anne Wideman. After Julie Anne finished Erica Woodfords spoke some of her own thoughts and shared some of her own experiences. With a unique and powerful beginning, middle and end of this chapel everyone could leave resonating with renewed, unity, purpose and hope.

David Dunn

This is the part where I write about something totally unrelated to the newspaper…

A week or two ago I was walking down the street on the way back from the gym when I encountered an intersection with traffic lights. As soon as I was going to step out onto the road, the light changed to yellow, then green and I knew I couldn’t have crossed the road; I had to wait. Such a setback usually doesn’t bother me, however every bone and muscle in my body was aching, the wind was blowing my wet, matted hair and I was ready to pass out in the middle of the sidewalk and take a small nap in between traffic lights. Instead though, my mind began to wander (scary thought) and I began to think about my life. I thought to myself there are so many intersections I’m caught in on a daily basis in terms of time management, when to do homework exc. that sometimes I walk blindly into traffic because I’m not paying attention to what I should be doing. God places traffic lights in my life to tell me when it’s safe to cross the path, when to stop and go and when the right timing is for all things. All I have to do is look to the light. Despite pain, fatigue or circumstance God will provide a way that is good and that will give us peace in His timing.

Christmas Production 2009: Jamie Clelland and movie by Christopher Shiels
Wildcats with Brooms Fall ‘09: Wesley Hague
Ethiopian Service: David Gillies
Website Review: Jesse Goulet
Tea Off: James Fretz
When Trusting God is a Handful: James Fretz
Things We Lost in the Fire: Anonymous
Voice on the Street: James Fretz

Christie Heemskerk: Publications Editor

The production took place on Friday and Saturday night (Nov 27 & 28) and drew approximately 100 audience members each night. This year’s production contained various Christmas memories and stories of EBC staff and faculty as acted out by this year’s cast of David Dunn, Marilyn Girimonte, Kristy Rinzema, Donna Welch, Matthew Whyte, and Julie Anne Wideman. It also contained the lighting of Advent Candles, congregational songs; including a catchy version of “Go Tell it on the Mountain” as led by Tim Chester and his orchestra, and choir songs; including a chilling rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus. A half-time speech was delivered by the Acting Dean of Student Life Marjorie Hopkins in which members of the audience were encouraged to donate to the school or face the wrath of usher Michael Beams on their way out the door (Okay, I made that last part up. But it did make you read it twice, didn’t it?). After the final performance the majority of those involved in the production stayed for over an hour to clean up and enjoy some well earned Twice the Deal Pizza.

Overall the production was a huge success, and although it involved much work, various members helped to keep the mood light; whether it was Matthew Houle dressed up as a candy cane, Chris Shiels forgetting his bike seat for a Zehrs run, or Marjorie giving tips on the art of showing off one’s legs, fun was had by all. Okay, that last part was more scary than fun, but I had to include it somewhere. Perhaps the best part from a tech point of view was getting to see how the performers did in comparison to each practice; amazed at how some can recover from mistakes so that the audience doesn’t notice, or excited when someone nails a part that they had been struggling with. Nobody was 100% perfect and yet it didn’t matter; a great show was put on for the audience and the Christmas story went forth. Well, there was one perfect part, but enough about me and my button pushing.

Many individuals have come together to make this year’s production possible. Here are this year’s participants as listed in the program; apologies to anyone who I forgot to list.
Michael Beams, Erinn Buick, Braeden Burrows, Heather Capeling, Sarah Capeling, Tim Chester, Jamie Clelland, Daniel Dorsey, David Dunn, Jason and Tabitha Edgar, Sara Erb, Marilyn Girimonte, Jessie Golem, Emmalee Grove, Christie Heemskerk, Dan Hines, Marjorie Hopkins, Matthew Houle, Jesse Klassen, Tiffany Martin, Tina Moore, Robbie Oleniuk, Nathan Reimer, Kristy Rinzema, Chris Shiels, Brittany Simpson, Mat Snyder, Stephanie Van Spronsen, Stephanie Vincent, Emily Vos, Daniel Weber, Donna Welch, Matthew Whyte, Julie Anne Wideman, Rebecca Wiens, and the staff and faculty of EBC who shared their Christmas memories, stories, and traditions.

By Jamie Clelland

Check out the Christmas production video by Christopher Shiels:
http://opher.ca/EBC/thevoice/vid/christmas/

Curling was off to a doubtful start with fewer numbers. At one point it looked like we were not even getting into the building, but soon enough the building was open, the ice was ready, and rocks would start curling down the ice. There were four teams. The first team’s name was Skipped by Tim Grace. Players included: Wesley Hague, Jeff Hopkins, and Emmalee Grove. The second was Jason Edgar, Mark Limont, Tasha Johnson (Mark’s Friend), and Carol Blake. The third team was Scot Denison, Tim Chester, Jordan Vetro, and Andrew Walin. Last but not least there was Katelyn Unger, Stephanie Vincent, Jenn Sills and Sarah Capeling.

All of us (except Tasha Johnson) had been curling before so we took to the ice with some of us occasionally hollering out “Do Less Worse”. Well actually, there was only one team did, but regardless, there were rocks, houses, ice and people slipping on that ice.

All in all it was a great time, and we will be curling again in second semester. Even if you have no clue of why you would want to slide down with a broom, come anyway and be part of the event that can only be described as Wildcats with Brooms.

By Wesley Hague

Welcome to the “I lost track of what week it is at school” week. I had an epiphany just now; writing papers is a lot like exercising, when you don’t do it during the summer you’re definitely going to have to work harder to build up your abilities again. I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to feel the burn of trying to get work done on time especially since there are so many things going on. For any of you who are a bit down in the dumps right now wondering “How will I ever complete all assignments on time?” here is a top five list of things that may help you in your studies:

1. Prayer: Take time to pray to God that you’ll do well, who knows He may have mercy on you?
2. Take breaks: Without breaks it’s easy to become subject to burn-outs, so make time for your brain to rest every hour or two; trust me it will help you think better in the long run.
3. Drink lots of coffee: It’s TECHNICALLY beans and water and those are healthy right?
4. Express yourself: How do you feel about this crazy epidemic of homework that’s sweeping the campus?
5. Write for the Voice- I mean have fun: Homework doesn’t have to be boring, try to trick your mind into believing that what you’re studying is the most fascinating piece of work you’ve ever had the pleasure of working on or if you can’t do that just keep your main goals in focus; you’re doing this for God.

With all that said, here is a list of what’s coming up in the paper for this week:

Main:
Spiritual Life Announcements- Robbie Olenuik

Social Concerns:
Article Review: Children’s Aid Societies Seek More from Province- Andrena LeBlanc

Global Perspectives:
My Trip to Bolivia- Daniel Musselman

Opinions and Editorials:
The Deficit of Politics- Andrena LeBlanc
The Voice Article on Politics- Andrena LeBlanc
EBC Can be a Very Lonely Place- Tim Chester

Spotlight:
Student Council Member: Stephanie VanSpronsen

Creative corner:
To Dance- Wesley Hague
Anniversary- Rachel Schader
A Sea of Stars- Wesley Hague
What is love- Christie Heemskerk

Voice on the street:
“What Superpower do You Want?”- James Fretz

Publications Editor,
-Christie Heemskerk

Did you know it is November? Crazy eh? I cannot believe how fast this semester is going. Sooner than we know it we’ll be off on Christmas break. Before that happens though I want to update you on what the Spiritual Life Committee has going on right now.

There is a prayer box in chapel for anyone and everyone to put their prayer requests in, a prayer room is also open in the library and there is a binder there that you can write things down for others to pray for you. Along with Pj’s and Praise there is prayer in the Common Lounge on Thursday nights at 10:00pm. I apologize for not getting a program up and running this semester. It may start going before December, but I did not work hard on it enough earlier and I am sorry for that. On a more exciting note, next week is Prayer Week in chapel. I am really excited for the week because it will provide an opportunity for us all to learn more about prayer and take part in a 24 hour prayer marathon at the end of the week. There will be announcements coming soon about sign up sheets.

When I started this semester yesterday, actually two months ago, I had a lot of dreams and goals of what I wanted to see on campus this year. In some ways God has done way more than I ever dreamed Him doing. The theme of Freedom has been a powerful tool in the school that God has been using to break many people free from the sin and baggage in our lives that Dr. Dow talked about early in the semester. I feel that those crazy first years are getting into the routine of EBC even if they still pretty ridiculous at times (don’t worry I still love you guys). People are working hard at their school work and I believe that the teachers have really done themselves proud.

Even though there are many things in the school that are going great I want to make a challenge as I often try to do. I’ll start with the first years – I want to challenge you guys to talk to more experienced students and gain from the wisdom that is there. Second years – I want to challenge you to not get hit by the sophomore jinx and realize that despite the fact we have a year of experience we still have a long way to go (notice the we, I am in this group). Third years – I understand that school work is getting near impossible and that the graduation crunch is coming up, as you try to fit all the credits you need into your schedule, but I want to ask you to not pull yourself away from the rest of the students so much so that you miss out on all the good things going on here. Fourth years – now is your last chance to really get the most out of your Bible College experience as well as pass on what you have gained to younger students. Staff – I want to thank you for your great attendance at chapels and ask you to continue getting to know the students. Teachers – I want to challenge you to not let students pass you by without making a difference in their lives. If you fit into one of those groups or not I believe that we can all do better at reaching out to the other EBC’ers around us, whether commuters, residents, staff or teachers; blessings and being blessed by one another.

Robbie Oleniuk
Spiritual Life Coordinator
EBC Student Council 09-10

Hey Wildcats, welcome to the 6th week of school! This week’s issue is full of news, entertainment, reviews, creative writing and even a devotional! So if you need a break from the demands of homework and study kick back, grab a snack and check out the Voice of EBC online or find a hard copy.

On a totally unrelated note, has anyone noticed the inefficiency of sticky tack while trying to mount heavy objects on your walls? I know I have more times than I can count this year. One instance comes to my mind in particular when I tried to mount a 1.5 by .5 metre mirror on my wall. I put sticky tack in all the right places- so I thought and the mirror stayed up for about two or three days before smashing to pieces on my bedroom floor. Have you ever felt like sticky tack? Has there ever been something in your life or maybe in the life of someone else that you felt you were trying to hold onto on your own strength? Has there been a point where you could no longer hold onto these things because it is too much to bear and you let them crash to the ground out of desperation? It’s hard to feel like you’re bearing the weight of the world on your shoulders, but when you realise you don’t have to, when you come to the point that you can give your cares to Jesus everything changes. You are free. What burdens once seemed like a heavy mirror is now like a light-weight poster because of God’s grace in taking the weight of your problems on himself.

Main:
Carny Fair: Brittany Simpson

Creative Corner:
Amazing: Anonymous
Innocent Man: Rachel L. Schrader
Yup, That Was Me: by Tessa Eisen

Devotionals:
So Much To Do, So Little Time: Jesse Goulet

Reviews:
Kutless Review: James Fretz

Spotlight:
Student Council Finance Officer Tina Moore: Roland Fleming

Global Perspectives:
A Day in the Life at St. Nic’s: Sarah Wassink

Photo Gallery:
Carny Fair

-Christie Heemskerk

Making my way around the basket-ball court, I came across a milk-guessing table. From just looking at the containers, I could depict cream from skim milk. However, I could not guess which one was goat’s milk with the same method of observation. Apparently Matthew Gates won this milk tasting contest; he seemed very confident about this, but this may have been biased. Some of the milk-testers had the courage to down a glass of crème and others had the courage to chug a whole litre of chocolate milk!

The next event I found myself participating in was the hay bale toss. Before I did so, Curtis Robb had just hurled a bale of hay so far that it almost reached the grass on the opposite side of the basket-ball court; every guy was filled with jealous amazement. Someone mentioned to me afterwards that if it would have rolled onto the grass, he would have won a hundred bucks. However, when it was my turn to throw the bale of hay, I barely achieved half the distance It’s too bad though, because I could have used the money. All in all, the Carny Fair was a great success thanks to EBC’s resident advisors. Good work guys!

-Brittany Simpson