Your Gift in Action

Providence Seminary students are making a difference in ministry across the globe. Through counselling, pastoral ministry, and missions, Providence graduates are working hard for the kingdom. Here are some of the encouraging stories we are hearing from our students.

Bethany is a Providence graduate of April 2009 with a social sciences major. After two months of searching, the LORD answered her prayers with a position at the Family Life Centre in Winnipeg. The centre works with inner-city children and families to offer physical, mental, and emotional support. Bethany will be working directly in the homes of families to provide hope and support in difficult times. In her words, “It was at Providence I learned that knowledge needs to be accompanied by action. My education was the inspiration for pursuing a career in social services. My biblical and social science classes went hand in hand as I began to see where God wanted me to help and care for others."

"Studying at Providence Theological Seminary has been a very rewarding experience. My time here was made even more gratifying upon receiving the Myrna Gordon award. This monetary award not only deeply encouraged me in my chosen field of Counselling/ Psychology but also significantly eased my financial burden. I am very thankful to Myrna Gordon for this financial support and also to those who recognized my potential and nominated me for the award." -Nadia Sawaya

Sarah Neufeld Loewen (BA '99), a Providence Alumna and Donor

When I was growing up my parents encouraged and modeled giving to us kids. While we kids had no income, my parents always gave us a quarter or two to give in Sunday School to emphasize that giving was important and something that you just do. It didn’t have to be a lot, but you still did it. They also taught us that things weren’t free and that as God has provided for us, we should provide for Him here on earth.

Now, I’m a CGA with a mortgage and 2 kids. I know what it is like to grimace at the Mastercard bill and feel that satisfaction when I see the mortgage going slowly down. My husband and I struggle against keeping up with the Jones’ and believe in not spending more than you earn.

I’m blessed. I’ve worked hard to get where I am at and am working hard to stay there. I also know that I didn’t do it on my own. That’s why I have chosen to give back to those groups that helped me along the way. I do it because I believe it is my responsibility knowing that other people gave while I benefited. Sometimes I give of my time, sometimes it’s financially, but I rarely say no. This small group of organizations that I’m thinking about gave a lot to me and so now that I can give back, I do.

When considering your donations, please prayerfully consider those groups that have made an impact on your life, and then give generously. The accountant in me encourages this as it is a very efficient way to get a larger tax refund in April. The Christian in me knows that it is right to help financially provide for God’s work here on earth.  

Bob (BA '78) and Dale (Allison) Fast (College '78), Providence Alumni and Donors

When I was an early teen, my Dad gave me a book on stewardship. All I remember about this book was that it was a hardcover, grey and seemed very old. I must admit, while I was not averse to giving, even at that age, I was not too keen on reading what seemed to me like a pretty boring book… so I didn’t! However, what my Dad did not fully appreciate at the time was that his actions were speaking much louder than anything else. He modeled for his family sacrificial giving of time, possessions, and money. Those life lessons on stewardship have always been part of me. Dale & I have tried to honor God in this way throughout our lives too.

This brings me to Providence. Being a graduate of 1978, I have many fond memories of life and learning there. We have tried to be supportive of the college and seminary in whatever ways we can over the years which have not always been particularly significant. When the opportunity arose to support the new Student Life Centre, we were very happy to give toward this wonderful project. Student life in a Christian learning environment is so important and to have a place that is designed for that specific purpose really resonated with us.

I have also taken the opportunity to bring managers from my company to the college over the past number of years for one day planning retreats. These have been wonderful experiences and I have always been very proud to show off my school to these co-workers; most of whom do not share my faith. I am looking forward to bringing them back in 2010 to enjoy the new Student Life Centre.

Dale and I are proud to be alumni of a great Christian education tradition and we will continue to support Providence College and Seminary.