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INfocus
with Delores Cardinal
Key-Way-Tin Bible Institute Student
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My two brothers, two sisters and I were born and raised in a close-knit
family with many Christian relatives. Even before my parents became
believers our family attended church and Bible studies at a different
relative's home every week.
I learned Bible verses in Sunday School, at school and at Bible club,
and Mom read us Bible stories. From age eight to seventeen I went to Bible
camp every summer. I heard the Gospel many times over those years.
In my late teens I made some wrong choices and dropped out of college
when I became pregnant. My parents and other relatives never stopped
praying for me. I knew my daughter was my responsibility but, still, I
left her with my parents a lot. They helped Karissa come to the Lord at an
early age and when she started witnessing to me, I really began to
struggle spiritually. When my youngest brother died I wondered what would
happen to me if I were to die.
But my heart was still hard.
I'm so thankful for all that early training in my life because God
used the verses I memorized to speak to me during those rebellious years.
When (former) NCEM missionary Lyle Anderson held special meetings at
Kikino in February 1998, I knew I couldn't go on living like this. I had
to either choose to follow God or reject Him completely.
I also knew only Jesus could fill the void in my life and I finally
submitted to His Lordship. My daughter and family were so happy! My uncle
Bill and other relatives have been such an encouragement and help in my
spiritual growth -- but trusting God is a day to day process.
I had been working at a local youth centre and needed to pay off some
debt before I could consider Bible school. In 2001, with my debt paid and
my job contract ended, I applied to KBI on faith. It was close to home and
I knew the campus from my years at Bible camp. I also didn't want to
come without Karissa or force her to come. God used Isaiah 41:10 and
Philippians 3:10 to show me I didn't need to fear. He would strengthen
and help me in every way.
I have enjoyed everything about school – from chapel to gratis, to my
ministry with kids and youth. The teachers are so patient and helpful in
putting what I am learning into practice.
I have much more to learn and plan on finishing my third year. After
that I might like to return to work with youth in some way, but am open to
whatever God wants for my life.
Delores, a single mom, doesn't have to
travel far to be back home in Kikino, Alberta, a Metis village near Lac La
Biche.
Kikino has an evangelical witness that goes back to her father's
childhood. In the 1970s her uncle, NCEMer Bill Jackson, and former
missionary, Jack Gordon, led the growing church.
Click here to meet other
Key-Way-Tin students
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