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INfocus
by Alice Cote
Key-Way-Tin Bible Institute Student
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As one of a handful of Christians from the Cote First Nation (Saulteaux)
in eastern Saskatchewan, my mom used to take us to Sunday school, church
and Kids' Bible clubs at Frank and Mary Braun's* house. I first
learned Christian songs and Bible stories there.
I was just six years-old when my mom (Elvira Cote*) moved our family to
KBI (Lac La Biche, AB) so she could attend school there. God also spoke to
my heart while living on campus at KBI. Hearing God's Word all the time
helped me decide to accept Him as my Saviour when I was 11 years-old.
I followed God through my teen years -- but not too closely. I didn't
want to grow too deep in Him because I thought I might miss out on what
was happening in the "world." I never did get involved in drink or
drugs, though, because, as I watched the people who did, it didn't seem
like fun. The consequences -- death, pregnancy, ruined lives -- made me
decide to become more serious about God. I finally realized that God was
all I needed to find true reality.
That was two years ago. My mom's influence, our Christian home, and
our church has helped me lots over the years. I decided to attend Bible
school at KBI even though my friend backed out. It has been very
worthwhile for me to be here. I now realize how important it is for
Christians to follow through with what God lays on our hearts to do, and
see it through to completion, even if our friends turn away.
As my relationship with Christ grows deeper, my attitudes and thoughts
are changing. I want to depend on the Lord for everything and trust Him.
My classes at KBI help me to see that the Bible's teachings are for
everyday life. Dorm life helps me to grow closer to the other girls and to
the Lord.
As part of our student ministry team to the Heart Lake Reserve this
year, I helped teach songs and Bible stories and had the joy of seeing
quite a few children come to know the Lord. I also enjoyed being on the
KBI drama team. The highlight for me was our skits for the NorthQuest
youth retreat and the closing graduation conference. Also, once a month we
went to churches to sing and give our testimonies.
This summer I worked in New Brunswick with my cousin, Venus Cote* at
NCEM's Arrowhead Native Bible Center camps. I plan to return to KBI for
a second year but am not sure about the future after that. I would like to
study cosmetology, but will trust the Lord for direction.
My favorite verse is 1 Chronicles 16:8-9: "Give thanks unto the Lord,
call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to
Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts." I want to tell
people about how good our God is.
*Each of these people are NCEM missionaries.
Click here to meet other
Key-Way-Tin students
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