It seems it's often
challenges that lead to change -- and one challenge is KBI's staff
shortage. We are presently in need of a full-time cook, maintenance
worker, and administrative personnel.
Since
the 1970s many First Nations believers have been discipled and trained at
KBI. Staff involved with students on a personal relational level has been
one of our strengths. However, with the many details of operating a
three-year on-campus program, Key-Way-Tin staff have been struggling to
find time for everything.
As you may know, our
full-time KBI staff are NCEM missionaries -- and the number of people
applying to NCEM is not sufficient to fill these positions. NCEM leaders
and KBI staff have been meeting to address these challenges and
re-evaluate KBI's program. We believe now is the time to change and
enhance this ministry.
At the same time, our
Mission has been taking a fresh look at our Mandate & Vision. Church
planting is certainly not new for NCEM, but we've renewed our focus. We've
begun an action plan called Worldview Church Planting, and we believe KBI
can play an important role in this encompassing ministry approach.
KBI will not hold
classes this next school year (2010-2011). This time will be used to
recruit staff, students, and for program/curriculum change. Maintaining
our strong scriptural basis, emphasis on the "heart" (as opposed
to over-emphasis on academics), incorporating Chronological Bible
teaching, addressing worldviews scripturally, will all be part of our
planning for KBI's future.
It's our desire that
KBI resume classes the fall of 2011. However, if adequate staff are not in
place, or the restructuring not complete, we will hold off until we see
the Lord's provision. In the meantime our staff will stay on campus. Along
with program/curriculum revision, there is still much physical work on
campus, and our staff will continue in their First Nations ministries in
the Lac La Biche area.
KBI continues to need your prayers
and financial support during this period ... this is a walk of faith for
KBI and NCEM! If you'd like to know more about these changes, please
request our more detailed letter, and our new Worldview Church Planting
brochure. Or call us at (NCEM) 306-764-3388 or (KBI) 780-623-4565.
