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Winnipeg, Man
Concord baptizes four students


Students and staff looked on as John Unger, president of Concord College, and four baptismal candidates waded into the breaking waves of Lake Winnipeg at the college’s annual fall retreat at Camp Arnes Sept. 10-12.

Responding to the question: “Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God; that He came in human form; and that He lived, died and rose again for the forgiveness of your sin”? candidates shouted their affirmations above the wind, and then were baptized by immersion.

Emerging from the water are (l-r) Nathan Hiebert, Rob Brousson, Becky Jantzen, Carmen Bilan and president John Unger.

“I’ve put this off way too long,” said Carmen Bilan from Chilliwack, B.C., one of the baptized.

A second candidate, Becky Jantzen from Abbotsford, B.C., agreed, “I’ve been looking for an opportunity since March, and this is it.”

Other candidates were Nathan Hiebert from Winnipeg and Rob Brousson from Kaslo, B.C. Cheers and applause greeted the baptized as they emerged from the water. A communion service followed, during which the four were welcomed into the fellowship with blessings and prayers.

“Baptism is normally done by the church, not a college,” explained Unger. “For that reason, we consulted the members of the Manitoba [MB Conference] Committee of Reference and Counsel. They gave us strong support to go ahead.”

The Committee of Reference and Counsel is the guiding body for the Manitoba MB Conference. Where there is no direct church connection, membership will be held by the Conference until the students find home churches.

The events of Sunday morning became the highlight for this year’s fall retreat. Gerry Ediger, assistant professor, in four presentations, focused on the theme “Looking to Jesus,” based on Hebrews 12:1-3.

“We are facing many changes this year,” said Ediger, referring to the college’s move into Mennonite College Federation and the anticipated sense of dislocation. “We will need to focus on Jesus if we are to persevere.”

Seventy-three regular students, most in Concord College and University of Winnipeg programs, participated in the event. In addition, 40 School of Discipleship students and their team leaders, as well as faculty, staff and their families also attended, making this year’s retreat attendance the largest in recent memory.

Worship, prayer and barefoot softball on waterlogged turf offered additional memorable moments throughout the weekend.  – Concord College release

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Last modified October 13, 1999.

© 1999 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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