Crandall-Acadia BTh Partnership Program

Two weeks ago, our students arrived back in Canada from their mission trip to the Dominican Republic. The students helped with painting, worked on fields in some pretty intense heat, and tried new foods, all while connecting with amazing people! Our mission trips with CBM are all about word and deed, meeting with and working alongside the community and church members to further support God's ministry. Here are Jackson Culberson's thoughts on the mission trip with CBM:

"The mission trip was imperative for us BTh students to learn how to utilize integral mission (word and deed), to broaden our perspectives on missional living and to learn God's vocations for us. One interesting thing that we discovered, was the various types of poverty/injustice. Personally, this has got me thinking about how I want to use my future career involving both of my future degrees in order to help alleviate some of these issues."

Jackson notes how important the mission trip was for the students' personal and spiritual growth and for learning more about God's church. May these photos highlight the truly incredible time spent learning, working, and having fun with CBM's local church partners. Thank you to everyone for your financial donations and prayers!

Great night with some BTh students at Scots Bay. No fire this year! The students finish their 2-weeks of classes today. A lot of talking, some swimming, and one shirt lost to the incoming tide!

A few more pictures from our mission trip to the Dominican Republic

And we are on our way back! Another great trip with CBM in the DR! More pics to come soon:) off to Toronto today and then into Halifax tomorrow evening.

Hannah Chase BA '23, BTh (soon)
Hannah graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology this past Saturday, May 6, and is on track to graduate with a Bachelor of Theology in Spring 2024. Read below for Hannah's reflection on the Partnership!

Q. Why did you choose the BTh program?
A. When I look to the future, I want to help connect our churches with those in their communities. With this partnership, I had the opportunity to gain both a solid theological foundation and sociological perspective. I was able to learn about both the church and our communities.

Q. Why did you select that Crandall degree?
A. I’ll admit I didn’t know much about what sociology was going into Crandall. But I knew I wanted to learn about how the world and people work. I was not disappointed with my choice. My sociology degree has given me the tools to look at the world with a new perspective and explore the beautiful complexities of it.

Q. Who was/is your biggest fan/motivator?
A. I have felt so supported during my degrees. It’s impossible to pick one person. From staff and faculty to new and old friends, I have been well-loved. But a special shout out to the fam back home. They are the real MVPs that got me here today.

Q. What’s your favourite/funniest memory from the BTh program?
A. The highlight was definitely our trip to Montreal. Specifically, our time with Open Door () and getting to spend time with our team in a new environment.

Q. What was your biggest learning moment or what are you taking away from the program?
A. Reflect, reflect, reflect. Have lots of conversations and wrestle with the big questions and complex ideas. And to take advantage of the incredible people we have around us in each season.

Halifax today, Dominican Republic tomorrow! Please keep our students and leaders in prayer over the next two weeks as they serve and learn in the DR!

Duncan Schotanus BSc, BTh (soon)
Duncan will be graduating soon with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from CU and a Bachelor of Theology from ADC. Below are some of Duncan's thoughts on the Partnership!

Q. Why did you choose to do the BTh program?
A. I chose the BTh program because I wanted to participate in a program that allowed me to deepen my faith while gaining experience of living alongside other Christians my age.

Q. Why did you select that Crandall degree?
A. I selected the BSc because science has always been a field that interested me, and I wanted to study alongside other like-minded students.

Q. Who was/is your biggest fan/motivator?
A. My family has been my biggest motivator. I have to thank them for their love and support for me over these past 4 years.

Q. What do you plan to do when you graduate?
A. Further work in Christian apologetics. Finding good answers and providing helpful service work for those who want to deepen their faith.

Q. What's your favourite/funniest memory from the BTh program?
A. Swimming with my friends in the Saint Lawrence River during our Montreal mission trip.

Q. What was your biggest learning moment or what are you taking away from the program?
A. My biggest takeaway is realizing good ministry is not done in a bubble. We need each other with our gifts and talents to do good work that we may not able able to do on our own. Ministry is a team sport.

Matthew Pitman BA (soon), BTh '23
Matt is graduating with a Bachelor of Theology in May 2023 but will graduate with his Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies soon. Read below to learn more about Matt's experience with the BTh Partnership!

Q. Why did you choose the BTh program?
A. I chose the BTh program because I felt like God was leading me down this path to be able to create change within the future of the church. God led me to Crandall, and I knew there was no better place I'd like to do this degree!

Q. Why did you select that Crandall degree?
A. I selected the Bachelor of Arts program because I enjoyed the fact that you could take a variety of courses and learn so much more about so many interesting subjects. The Major in Biblical studies allows me to learn more about God's goodness through the theology classes at Crandall.

Q. Who was/is your biggest fan/motivator?
A. My biggest motivator was my youth pastor as he really pushed me to be the best I could be and suggested this path for me. I remember the trust he put in me, and it pushed me to do my best as I went through this program.

Q. What do you plan to do when you graduate?
A. I am hoping to go on to Acadida for my master's degree.

Q. What’s your favourite/funniest memory from the BTh program?
A. My favourite moment was on our mission trip when we were walking down the street once, and we stopped and talked to a man. After we were done, we prayed for him and then he told us never to forget to smile when doing ministry because just by smiling it shows someone they matter.

Q. What was your biggest learning moment or what are you taking away from the program?
A. The biggest thing I learned from the program is that time management is so important in your day-to-day life in order to be successful in your day-to-day life and within the ministry you are a part of.

Caleb Lane BA, BTh '23
Caleb is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies and the ClayStone Certificate from CU and a Bachelor of Theology from ADC. Below are some of Caleb's reflections on the Partnership experience!

Q. Why did you choose the BTh program?
A. Getting my BTh has been an aspiration of mine and a necessary step to get ready for serving God in ministry.

Q. Why did you select that Crandall degree?
A. I felt getting two degrees under my belt would widen my knowledge of God’s word and ground me further in the Christian Faith.

Q. Who was/is your biggest fan/motivator?
A. My Family and Pastor Brian Breedveld

Q. What do you plan to do when you graduate?
A. I intend to take a year off and then pursue my Masters of Divinity to pursue the chaplaincy in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Q. What’s your favourite memory from the BTh program?
A. Attending Theology 1&2 In person at Acadia with Dr. Killacky

Q. What was your biggest learning moment or what are you taking away from the program?
A. That I still have so much to learn.

Monday Motivation: Perseverance
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
Romans 5:3-5

“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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 12:1-3

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:2-4

“As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”
James 5:11

As the end of the semester draws to a close and more and more time is spent studying for exams, God’s words about persevering are encouraging. While exam season might not be the sufferings that the Bible verses refer to, it can be mentally, spiritually, and physically challenging. Yet during these stressful seasons, we can be encouraged that by persevering through them, we are increasing in strength, maturity, and hope as we trust that God is with us. Outside of exam season, we face life struggles with family and friends, but we lean into God for his “compassion and mercy” to help us persevere through it all (James 5:11). How are you pressing into Jesus these days? How can you offer encouragement to a struggling friend or peer? What can you do to persevere through difficult times?

Abby Murphy, BSc, BTh '23
Abby is graduating this spring with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from CU, as well as a Bachelor of Theology from ADC. Here's what Abby has to say about the partnership!

Q. Why did you choose the BTh program?
A. I wanted to learn more about who God is and why that matters in my life and in the lives of those around me.

Q. Why did you select a BSc as your Crandall degree?
A. Biology was my most favourite subject in high school! I went into these degrees thinking about going into teaching!

Q. Who was/is your biggest fan/motivator?
A. My mom and my fiancé!

Q. What do you plan to do when you graduate?
A. I plan on getting married!! And then, I’m going to try substitute teaching and get involved at a local church!

Q. What’s your favourite/funniest memory from the BTh program?
A. Probably the fact that our first-year class invested a ton of time into getting to know each other in preparation for our mission trip. And then covid happened so we didn’t get to go until my third year! It worked out so well though and I’m glad everything went the way it did.

Q. What was your biggest learning moment or what are you taking away from the program?
A. Everything is so complex and so simple, including people and including God. It’s fun to learn all those complexities and worth the time and effort you put into doing so.

Matthew Maguire BA, BTh ’23
Matt is graduating this spring with a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from CU and a Bachelor of Theology from ADC. Here are some of Matt’s reflections on the Partnership!

Q. Why did you choose the BTh program?
A. 2 degrees in 4 years was an easy decision to make:) Plus, I just have the desire to understand more of the mysteries of God, and the BTh program seemed like a good place to do just that.

Q. Why did you select that Crandall degree?
A. I selected my Crandall degree because I would like to go into vocational ministry of some sort:)

Q. Who was/is your biggest fan/motivator?
A. probably my fiancé, Abby, who is also in the program. Also, my brother, Dan.

Q. What do you plan to do when you graduate?
A. Idk yet! Probably work with youth or maybe homeless people in some capacity. I feel called to both of those ministries.

Q. What’s your favourite/funniest memory from the BTh program?
A. Probably jumping in the Saint Lawrence River with Duncan on the mission trip. That was a blast!

Q. What was your biggest learning moment, or what are you taking away from the program?
A. A lot of my biggest takeaways from the program came in my first year with the Malcolm Card course. It made me rethink a lot of my views on mission (for instance, not looking at yourself as a saviour while you’re on a mission trip)

Matt’s final comments: I LOVE BTH!!! WOO!!!

Monday Motivation: Jesus’ Resurrection
“The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.””
Matthew 28:5-7

“At this, she [Mary] turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.”
John 20:14-18

Yesterday we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the event that sealed our salvation in him. Many signs pointed to Jesus’ resurrection and return to earth, during which Jesus revealed to the disciples that he was meant to die and rise again “so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered” (Luke 24:36-40, 45-47; Hebrews 2:9-10). It can be hard to believe that the all-powerful God would send his Son to die a horrible death so that we could spend eternity united with him. Because of Jesus’ death, the enemy no longer has power over us in both the natural and supernatural realms. How can you thank God for his sacrifice? How has Jesus’ salvation changed your life? In what ways have you used Jesus’ gift to fight your battles?

Good Friday
“It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS… In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him. At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”)… With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion stood there in front of Jesus and saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!””
Mark 15:25, 31-33, 37-39

Today is Good Friday, the day when Jesus took on the sins of the world and sacrificed himself to save us. Isaiah prophesized Jesus’ death as coming at the hands of people who despised and rejected him, those who “turned to our own way” (Isaiah 53:3, 6). And even though he was to die at the hand of those who hated him, Jesus submitted himself to God’s will and “was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities,” and bore our sufferings so that we may experience peace, healing, and, ultimately, saving grace (Isaiah 53:4-5; Ephesians 2:4-5). At the time of Jesus’ death, many followers of Christ were confused and sad about what happened; the one they thought was their Saviour had died a horrible death (Luke 24:15-24). But we know that Jesus died to save us once and for all, that we may live righteous and eternal lives in God’s love (Romans 5:6-10; 1 Peter 2:24; John 3:16-17). How can you honour Jesus’ death today, knowing that we will celebrate his resurrection in a few days? Why are you thankful for God’s sacrifice? How can you share Jesus’ saving grace and love with others?

Sophia Jones, BA, BTh ’23
Sophia is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from CU and a Bachelor of Theology from ADC. Some of Sophia's thoughts on the Partnership are below!

Q. Why did you choose the BTh program?
A. I chose to do the BTh program to help expand my knowledge about my faith so that I may use that knowledge to go deeper with my faith.

Q. Why did you select that Crandall degree?
A. I chose Psychology because my goal is to become a counsellor. I plan to go on and get my master’s in counselling.

Q. What’s your favourite/funniest memory from the BTh program?
A. My favourite memory from the BTh program was the overall experience of the mission trip to Montreal!

Monday Motivation: Hosanna!
Yesterday we celebrated Palm Sunday, the day that Zechariah 9:9 and 2 Kings 9:13 alluded to as when Jerusalem’s King would righteously, victoriously, and lowly come riding in on a donkey that would tread over the cloaks onlookers spread on the ground for him as they shouted: “Jehu is king!” The Gospels include a section on how these events came to pass as Jesus entered Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19). Jesus sent his disciples to retrieve a donkey, a c**t, that he would ride into Jerusalem on. The disciples did as they were asked, and upon bringing Jesus the c**t, they placed their cloaks on it for Jesus to sit on. Then, as Jesus entered Jerusalem, a large crowd gathered and laid their cloaks and palm branches on the ground as they shouted:
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
“Hosanna!”
“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”
“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
“Blessed is the king of Israel!”
(Matthew 21:9; Mark 11:9-10; Luke 19:38; John 12:13).
Palm Sunday is a day for praising and thanking Jesus for everything he's done for us. All the little and big miracles he's worked in our lives, the joy we have in him, the love he offers us, and so much more. Just like Jesus, we know what happened a few days later; the shouts of praise turned to shouts of condemnation. Yet even in experiencing the most horrific death, Jesus - God - still loved us and saved us through his death and resurrection. Now, we praise Jesus for our salvation. How can you praise Jesus this week? How can you tell others of God's great love and sacrifice? What does Jesus' death and resurrection mean to you?

During Wednesday’s chapel we commissioned the BTh students going on their mission trip to the Dominican Republic this spring! Robyn, Jackson, and Riley shared where the team is going, what they’ll be doing, and what they’re most excited about. Every spring, students in their first year of the BTh Partnership go on a mission trip where they work alongside and learn from pastors, leaders, and regular citizens of the country they’re in. The goal of the mission trip is partnership, just like this program! If you’re interested in supporting our team we ask for prayers and, if you’re able, financial donation! You can donate to the team or individuals at the following link: www.givetogo.org/team/bth-2023-dr
Thank you for joining with us in prayer over the BTh team and other groups going on mission trips this spring!

Monday Motivation: Friendship
"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity."
Proverbs 17:17

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
Proverbs 27:17

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Colossians 3:13

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
1 Thessalonians 5:11

Today's Bible verses remind us how important it is for Christian friends to love, challenge, forgive, and encourage each other. Many of the Monday Motivations ask how you could help or be there for someone around you because it is the core of being a Christian - to "love your neighbour as yourself" (Matthew 22:39). University is a time during which great friendships are formed and strengthened over time. The encouragement and kind words that friends offer help relieve anxiety and "are like honey — sweet to the soul and healthy for the body" (Proverbs 12:25, 16:24; 1 Thessalonians 5:11). But at the same time, friends also challenge us to do and be better, while forgiving each other when needed (Proverbs 17:9, 27:17; Colossians 3:13). Friendships and community in Christ are essential to the church, and though we may not all see eye to eye, we are all working together as one body for Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). How have you shown your love for your friends? What are some ways to encourage yet challenge your friends to be better versions of themselves? Is there anyone you need to forgive? How could you extend love and encouragement to someone you don't usually spend time with?

Monday Motivation - Encourage
When we're stressed or overwhelmed, encouragement and validation often help us push through whatever we're facing. Paul tells Christians that we have a spirit of power, love, and self-control, can do anything through Christ, and that we should encourage and build each other up (2 Timothy 1:7; Philippians 4:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:11). When friends or family confide in us about their stress and fears, we should validate their experiences and feelings, but not leave them filled with dread. Instead, we should take the time to encourage and pray for them. David reminds us that when we seek God, he will answer our prayers and deliver us, though it may not always happen how we want it to (Psalm 34:4).
Are you struggling with fear, worry, or stress? Who could you go to about your concerns? How could you encourage friends and family going through difficult times right now?

Happy International Women's Day!
Did you know that just less than 50% of BTh Partnership grads are women, and currently, 60% of our students are women? Our female grads have gone on to do pastoring and teaching positions, social work, motherhood, and master's degrees. Check out our alumni updates, grad bios, and takeovers to see more of what our grads and current students are up to and how they impact the lives of others!
"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." Proverbs 31:25-26

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Matthew 5:9
Today’s beatitude highlights what it means to be a child and follower of God - actively creating peace in our world. Conflict is often met with threat, intimidation, force, or simply ignored. However, Christians must bring together those involved in conflict to resolve it, reconcile with each other and God, and restore relationships (Leviticus 19:17; Matthew 5:23-24; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Colossians 1:21-22). Living the life of a peacemaker involves loving God with your whole being, loving and honouring others, and speaking gently and calmly (Proverbs 15:1; Matthew 22:34-40; Romans 12:10). Peacemakers recognize sin and encourage others to confess their sins and reconcile themselves with others and God (1 Timothy 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15). However, being a peacemaker may not always work out, as it depends on all parties involved taking action. Still, you can take comfort in knowing that you did your part (Romans 12:18). Are you a peacemaker (lovingly and gently reconciling with others and God) or do you promote conflict (ignore it, speak harshly, intimidate others)? What does being a peacemaker mean to you? How can you change your life to be more of a peacemaker?

Monday Motivation
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Matthew 5:8

When we hear the word purity, we often think of remaining sexually pure, but it is so much more than that. God knows and examines our hearts, so even if we believe we portray a pure heart, God knows if that’s true or not (1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 44:21; Jeremiah 17:10). Remaining pure in heart involves being pure in every aspect of our lives, not just the ones that are visible to others, following the teachings given to us in the Bible, desiring to be with God, and focusing our thoughts and lives on God. When we live out the transformation received from Jesus, we live with pure hearts and will see God. We will fail throughout our lives, but we have a gracious God who forgives, picks us up and helps us get back on track. Are you pure in heart? What is holding you back from changing an attitude or behaviour that would help you be purer in heart? How can you challenge a friend to do better?

Monday Motivation
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
Matthew 5:7

Why are those who give mercy shown mercy? Throughout the New Testament, we are told to do unto others as God has done unto us, and when we act according to God's character, he blesses us (John 13:34, 15:12; Colossians 3:13; Ephesians 4:32). Because God shows us mercy, we should also show others mercy, which God will recognize by continuing in his mercy. Mercy involves being compassionate, kind, and good, even when not deserved. God showed us mercy by giving his Son to die in our place so we may be saved. When we ask for forgiveness, God acts in mercy as he takes compassion on us. And those who offer such mercy to others will receive it themselves. How have you shown mercy to others? Is there someone in your life you need to show mercy to? What was it like receiving mercy from a friend or recognizing God's mercy?