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INfocus
by Priscilla Linklater
Key-Way-Tin Bible Institute staff (and former student)
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I grew up in Moose Factory, on James Bay in northern
Ontario, in a family of six brothers and six sisters. Through special
meetings in 1990 at the Cree Gospel Chapel (NEF) I heard the Gospel. A few
of my family got saved then, but I didn't. Two weeks later I went back and
there was an invitation to accept the Lord. I was too scared to get up or
raise my hand. Later I phoned my sister to tell her what I was thinking.
She had a couple from the church come over and I prayed to receive Christ.
I had previously been scared of the dark, but that night I
slept peacefully with the light off! I attended discipleship classes at
the church and met people who encouraged me to go to Bible school. But I
said no for three reasons: I was scared to leave home; I didn't have any
money; and I didn't have much education.
But God used some Scripture (Phil. 4:19; Josh. 1:9) to
encourage me to go, and a retired missionary gave me a KBI brochure. He
told me, "God does not look on the smarts; He looks on the
heart." So I felt called to go, trusting God to supply finances.
At Key-Way-Tin God began dealing with me concerning
certain issues. One was the need to forgive those who have hurt us --
because God has forgiven us. My mother had blamed me for my brother's
drowning, even though it wasn't my fault. I wrote her a long letter,
tearfully telling her that I forgave her.
Also, I used to be very shy and wouldn't speak up in front
of other people. I felt inadequate and had trouble with my Christian
service assignments. But I learned about Moses and his excuses -- that God
would give me the words to say.
I remember being very lonely in my first year at KBI. I
was a long way from home, and called home a lot. By second year I had more
friends, and by third year I hardly called home! But I had to learn that I
need God as a friend, because our friends and family won't always be
there.
I didn't know much about studying when I got to KBI, but I
learned how to write papers, and learned to enjoy speaking in front of
people. My Bible classes were a great encouragement. After finishing
school I used the things I'd learned, serving in my home church.
In 2002 I came back to KBI to take an extra course, and I
was asked to consider taking on the role of Ladies Dean. One of the things
that made the decision difficult was my need to let go of my dad. He had
lost my mom and others in my family and I knew that I would have to leave
him behind to serve Him here.
The Book of Ruth and Matthew 4 confirmed my need to serve
at KBI, but I was sure my dad would be upset with me. Years before he had
thought I was crazy to go to Bible school. But when I finally got up the
nerve to tell him, he calmly said, "Okay." I had been nervous
about it for nothing!
It's good being here at KBI! Col. 1:10 is my theme verse: "...
that you may ... please Him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work
... ."
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Key-Way-Tin students and staff
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