This Year in Academics

Hello everyone! 

When students finished their camp and youth ministry class this tuesday they broke into applause. The ending of that class signified the ending of class time this year in the Kaleo Program. While they still have homework, it's a bit weird that class time is now officially done. Academics is one of the most important aspects of the year and it's one that has had a significant effect on all our students. We have been so grateful to have professor after professor fly out from Briercrest  to Qwanoes and spend time with us. While this blog may show a lot of adventures, we decided this week to have it focus solely on the academic side of things to honour what God has done through the classes this year.

I asked a number of students what class they appreciated most this year. I was relieved to get a variety of answers as to why they appreciated them and I thought I would share that with all of you!

Kendra Balch - "My favourite course this year was Gospels (with Dr. Wes Olmstead). It challenged my thinking about God's Word in a completely new way. My entire perspective on the gospels, particularly Matthew, was shifted dramatically as I was able to gain insight on the complete themes and motifs throughout the book of Matthew. I have a refreshingly new appreciation for Scripture because of this class."

Michael Siggelkow - "I would have to say that my favourite course this year was Foundations of Church Ministry (with Dr. David Ernst). Since I am looking at vocational ministry, this class really helped me affirm my decision and started preparing me for what lies ahead. On top of that I learned some very practical ways that I can currently serve the church."

Jim Bodden - "Introduction to Christian Worldview (with Dr. Cal MacFarlane) was my favourite course becaus it gave me a clear understanding of why society acts the way it does and how Christians should act in this society."

Linnae Mielke - "I have to admit that my favourite class was Introduction to World Missions (with Dr. Tim Stabell). Others might disagree with me, but missions is where I feel called and it is what gets my heart pumping. I was almost on the edge of my seat the entire class wanting to yell out, 'Can I go out into the World yet?!'"

Nick Portengen - "My favourite course this year was Introduction to Church Ministry. It helped me learn about a Biblical view of how the church works and exposed me to other views and traditions I had yet to consider. The course forced me to discover the Biblical reasons for why I believe and hold the views that I have."

Lokadia Leeson - "My favourite class this year was Introduction to Christian Worldview because throughout this class I found myself able to reflect on this past year, who Christ is, and who I am in Christ. I found myself wrestling in a deeper level with questions about God and as a result, I found myself growing closer in relationship with Him. Overall, this class challenged my thinking and was very mind opening."

Matt Wiebe - "One of my favourite courses this year was Introduction to Old Testament literature (with Dr. Don Taylor). The main reason is because of the video we did I loved making the video. Another reason is because it helped me read and understand the context of the Old Testament. This class has given me a deeper love for the Old Testament and I hope that the new understanding of i will help me read it more critically. I saw the gems of the Old Testament!"

We are so thrilled that God has worked in an amazing way through all of the classes! I'm sure if I would have asked everyone, every single class would have been someone's favourite. It really is incredible how much went on this year and how much has been passed on to our students.

We are also incredibly proud of our students for their academic rigor this year! It has been amazing how much work has been put in to excelling in their academics! It was hard work, but it's the home stretch now and we can't wait to see how these classes will effect everything they do through the discipline and desire it took to put as much effort as they did into them.

Thanks again for Reading!

Derek
Qwanoes intern / Focus area: Kaléo program