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INfocus
by Alex Smith
Key-Way-Tin Bible Institute student
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At the age of 13 I was
introduced to the Gospel through NCEM's Higher Challenge Wilderness Camps.
At that time I figured I was already a good guy, and I could save myself.
I attended six camps in three years and still I was not saved. The camp
leader, Tom Cnossen, was the first great influence for the Lord in my
life. When I was 15 I realized I was without a Saviour, and I received
Jesus. I'm so thankful for the assurance the Lord has given me.
I was raised on the Montreal
Lake (SK) Cree Nation. When I was 14 I moved to Prince Albert for high
school. I lived with my uncle and aunt, and awhile later they, too, became
believers. It was a blessing to spend my final year of high school living
in a Christian home.
As high school came to a close
I was so tired of it, and found myself hungering for God's Word. I dreamed
of attending a Bible school. I had heard about KBI and was impressed when
I went to a youth retreat here. I still considered other schools, but the
Lord confirmed that KBI was the right school for me and I started here in
the fall of 2005.
Bible school hasn't all been
easy, because I need to be open, willing to work, and willing to go for
the long haul. But I've tried to take in God's Word to the best of my
ability and apply it to my life. I'm learning more of God's Word, how to
better serve God, and how to just know Him for Himself. I'm finding it
easier to love Him because I’m getting to know Him more.
I'm involved in two areas of
service. One is prison ministry. I find I'm very comfortable with that,
perhaps because there are so many Native inmates who I feel at home with.
The other service is Kids' Club in Heart Lake. I'm learning that I need to
work hard at preparing. I can't just "wing it" or think that
"God will show me what to do once we get there."
The "Teaching
Children" class has been very beneficial in doing children's
ministry. We were shown how to prepare a lesson, a song, and a verse, and
how to make it all interesting. (Our teacher made us practice!)
I'm learning boldness in
sharing spiritually in everyday situations. There are opportunities out
there, but we have to step out and take them. Bible school has given me a
boost in confidence because now I know what the Scripture says and I can
take people back to it -- I'm not just saying what I think; I'm saying
what I know from God's Word and I have that to stand on.
I have my own philosophy when
it comes to Bible school ... I think it should be considered as three
additional years of high school -- don't consider yourself to have really
graduated until you're done those three years! This will most likely be
the only time in your life where you can spend three solid years focusing
on your relationship with God.
I plan to take the NMTC summer missions
program this year. When I complete my third year at KBI I'm hoping to
perhaps get an education degree and return to my reserve as a teacher.
Click here to meet other
Key-Way-Tin students and staff
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