Steinbach Bible College celebrates 2023 graduating class
EMC graduates in 2023 are: (back row) Dymtro Shevchenko (Ridgewood EMC), Bridger Dyck (Steinbach EMC), (front row) Suzanna Hopcraft (St. Vital EMC), Emma Martens (Stony Brook Fellowship), Kalia Kruse (Rosenort Fellowship), and Abby Dueck (Rosenort Fellowship). (Photo supplied)
STEINBACH, Man.—On the weekend of April 28–29, SBC celebrated another class of graduating students, both at the college chapel and at the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church (EEFC) in Steinbach.
There were 35 graduates this year: four Pursuit Experiential Leadership grads, four Certificate of Biblical Studies grads, five Associate of Arts grads, and 22 Bachelor of Arts grads.
The festivities began on April 28, where students, staff, faculty, family members and friends gathered for the Spring Showcase on the SBC campus. Attendees enjoyed a night of worship, special music, skits from New Creation (the college drama troupe), plus a panel of professors.
The night also featured the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the one-year certificate graduates. Josh Chen, one of the four grads, shared some highlights from his year of Bible college. These included bonding with his roommate, the all-college retreat, and the first-year Mission X trip to Winnipeg. Chen also noted the personal growth in his journey with God through his classes and the community at SBC.
“This graduating class was among the most diverse groups we’ve ever had,” Dr. Terry Hiebert, SBC interim president, said on Friday night. “Our vision of multicultural graduates that are following Jesus, serving the church, and engaging the world for God’s kingdom in meaningful vocations is coming to life.”
The next day, celebrations moved to McKenzie Avenue in Steinbach for the graduation ceremony. Family and friends watched on this special day as the AA and BA grads walked down the aisle, and across the stage to receive their diplomas. Afterward, a banquet was held for graduates and invited guests.
The commencement address was given by former SBC President Dr. Rob Reimer, now the executive pastor at EEFC. He spoke on Revelation 2:1–7, a letter that the angel of the Lord tells John to write to the church in Ephesus.
“As life becomes more difficult for us as followers of Jesus, I encourage you to hold onto your training,” Reimer said to the graduates. “Reflect on your time at SBC, and how through the strength of the Holy Spirit, you endured. In fact, many of you flourished. We saw a better version of you because of your hard work and endurance.”
Valedictorian Riley Hiebert (Photo supplied)
Riley Hiebert, chosen as the 2023 class valedictorian, reflected on his time at the college. “It’s crazy that after many years of academic study, we can say that the one aim of our hearts and minds is not academic at all, but only to make Jesus fully known,” he explained.
Hiebert shared some encouragement for the graduates and special guests. “First, follow Jesus and submit to him in every area. Second, serve the church and bless the body of Christ in the ways we have been gifted. Third, engage the world and do it for God’s kingdom.
The attendees and graduates also heard from incoming President Dave Reimer. Reimer shared some poignant words with the grads, saying, “You worked hard for this, and it’s changed your character. So go and continue to follow Jesus, because the church needs you and the world needs Jesus.”
