We don’t realize the extent to which we are influenced by the people around us.

Several weeks ago a parcel arrived in the mail from CHS alumni Maurice and Zelma Greiner (1946).  Inside the package was a lovely note and the gift of a rare copy of the 1947 yearbook, the Optic, that was still in great condition.  As I and other colleagues began to carefully page through this treasure, we were reminded yet again of the connection each of us have to “the great cloud of witnesses” who are cheering us on.  One of the pages of the ’47 Optic was dedicated to alumni. W. Klassen, graduate of ’47 stated, “Truly God is working mightily at the Briercrest Bible Institute.  I am sure that you all look back with joy to the time spent here in the study of the Truth of God… with joy and expectancy the graduates of 1947 are looking forward to joining your ranks, not only in the alumni, but also in the Lord’s harvest field.” 

Briercrest College and Seminary has over 23,000 alumni and we are thrilled that our current students are on their way to joining alumni who are now impacting the world in their respective places of work and worship. When alumni come together and revisit the power of their shared experiences, something happens that connects us in our present state both to our past, but also to our future. 

While the font type, wording and publication styles have changed since 1947, the message of who we are and Whose we are is the same.

I encourage you to seek out shared experiences with alumni/friends from your time at Briercrest but expand it to include those who went before you as well as after you; please help us to welcome our students of 2016/2017 into your journey and listen to their stories of transformation. We are all part of a bigger picture of what God is doing; let’s move forward with that reminder.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.