Lately, the focus in chapel and on campus has been one of healing. Issues such as confession, bearing burdens and prayer have been addressed and many people have expressed their deep emotional needs of getting closer to God. Personally, this has had a major impact on me because there are many things that God has brought to my attention that I have been able to receive healing for over these past two weeks. I have also been comforted and inspired by other students that have shared confessions both personally and in group settings. It made me think about how I am not the only one going through things at this point in time.

Messages in Chapel have also been pretty centred on the relationship between God and man. One in particular that stuck out was when the Barry’s came to share a message using their pottery skills. What struck me the most about the clay in the potter’s hands was the explanation that the clay needed to “trust” the potter to mould and shape it. So often it’s difficult to trust God to shape us into our full potential because we are reluctant to change for whatever reason. If we submit to God, he will change us and use us to accomplish his will. In many lives, God has allowed change to occur and he is still working to mould us into Christians that will give our burdens to him and actively seek ways to be used for God’s will. The presentation made me remember how fallible human kind can be, but it also made me remember how malleable we can be.
I believe that these things that have been happening are bringing Emmanuel Bible College together as a community. With that being said, this is only from my point of view. I live on residence and feel close to many people who live here. If there’s anything I would recommend for people living off residence, it would be to attend PJ’s and Praise nights. This is a night where students take time to get together, sing songs and pray- some in pyjamas and some in regular clothing. During these times, I have seen people share their thoughts on God and their own lives. There has been prayer for those who are struggling with things in their lives and a deeper cry for God and for his will to be done. I can’t even tell how much my life has been blessed by going to these meetings. It is encouraging spending time in unity with other Christians, praising God and seeing people being liberated from things in their past.

If I had to sum up my personal experience during these weeks in one word it would be “thankful”. I’m thankful for those who have shared about their lives, those who have prayed for others and me and God’s hand working to sustain us. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 NIV) but “If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1John 1:9 NIV). It’s an easy thing to say, but the application is more difficult. I thank God for a loving Christian community where God’s saving grace is apparent so that as we learn and grow, we can empathize and pray with others for their growth.

Name Withheld

As the editor of Voice of EBC is my responsibility to find and train an Assistant Editor for the Voice who will help with publish and writing for the paper, and assist in other duties that my position holds, and hopefully apply for and be chosen to take over the Student Publication Student council position for the next year. Christie Heemskerk has been that assistant editor for me this entire year and it with great excitement that I announce to those who read the Voice online and the printed copies that she will be taking over this role for the following year. She has been a consistent writer for the Voice this year, as well as assisting me greatly in the Publishing. I am confident that she will do an excellent job in the year to come.

Wesley Hague
Publications Editor