CUC Welcomes New Aquatics Director and Acronaires Coach

Craig Gerst will soon begin serving as CUC's new Aquatics Director and associate coach of Acronaires.  Gerst, who holds a master's degree in Outdoor Education from Southern Adventist University, earned his undergraduate degree in Physical Education at Union College.

Gerst decided at age 10 that he wanted to be a swim teacher.  Since earning his Water Safety Instructor Certification he has taught swimming to students from age 3 to 82.  In addition to his work as a swim teacher and lifeguard instructor, Gerst has also taught physical education, Bible, social studies and science at both the elementary and high school levels.

Initially, Professor Gerst will also serve as the associate Acronaires coach along with Professor Ron Schafer.  Gerst will eventually assume responsibilities as head coach of Acronaires.

Students Hold Evangelistic Series in Cuba


Marc Andrade, centre, a 3rd-year Religious Studies
major from Winnipeg, preaches one of his 19 sermons
during an evangelistic series in Cuba.

Nine CUC students and two sponsors held 11 ShareHim evangelistic series in Cuba April 24-May 15.  As a result of their work and God's blessing, 47 were baptized and 96 asked for additional Bible studies.

Although each evangelist series was successful, every student faced challenges.  At one church the power went off frequently.  Another student's PowerPoint presentations would not operate properly.  Two students had translators who were not Seventh-day Adventists.  "In spite of all of the challenges the students absolutely enjoyed the trip," said Sarah Oliveira-Augustin, a recent CUC graduate who served as the trip's coordinator.  "We were able to see God working in a big way that we had not experienced before!"

Each student presented 19 sermons at his/her assigned location.  For some it was their first time preaching.  "Our faith was both challenged and strengthened by the challenges we faced and the ways God helped us when we were in trouble," said one student.

Outward Pursuits Students Complete Service Tour of British Columbia

Eight Outward Pursuits students, under the direction of Professors Paul and DonnaLee Lehmann, recently completed a wide variety service projects in several northern British Columbia communities.  "This study tour not only served as a training experience for our students, it also showcased Canadian University College and our Outward Pursuits program," said Paul Lehmann.

One focus of the study tour was to give students experience in leading team building activities with a variety of clients.  Students worked in conjunction with Hazelton Mental Health, Hazelton Agricultural Rehabilitation Program, and local elementary school.  They provided services in Hazelton and nearby First Nation villages of Gitwangak, Gitsegukla, Gitanyow, Gitanmaax, Kispiox, Glen Vowell and Hagwilget.

While in Hazelton they painted the local church school and also cleaned that school's grounds and repaired the playing field.  Hazelton SDA School has been offering Christian education to the community for more than 50 years. 

Another major component of the study tour was the students leading the Youth and Junior Divisions at British Columbia's Northwest Camp Meeting, June 15-17, also in Hazelton.  "The young people at camp meeting were very impressed with how polite CUC students are and how willing they were to be of service," said Lehmann.  "Our reception was extremely positive and what we did was greatly appreciated."

News of the good work CUC students were doing
also reached the local bear community.

Proclaim Gives Concerts in Barbados

Canadian University College's touring/recruitment gospel quartet, Proclaim, recently spent 10 days in Barbados.  During that time they performed at 6 schools and 13 churches, sharing Jesus Christ with and introducing CUC to more than 5000 people.  The group travelled to Barbados at the invitation of Weekend Radio, a self-supporting ministry run by young adults.

Proclaim (black and red shirts in centre) is shown here with the
Weekend Radio team that hosted their recent  visit to Barbados.

In addition to performances at schools and churches, Proclaim also participated in three radio and TV interviews.  Another highlight of their visit was a concert they gave for the Father's Day Gospel Brunch at the Crane Hotel, one of the island's finer establishments.

While most Canadians would welcome a trip to Barbados during the winter, Barbados during the summer was extremely hot and humid, said Bernice Leavitt, Proclaim's audio engineer.  Barbados, an island only 34 km long and 23 km wide is home to more than 25,000 Adventists and 52 SDA churches.

Proclaim with the students of Rock Christian School, one of six schools the group visited.

The team met one young lady who with her mother had been praying about where she should attend college as a pre-med major.  When she learned what a high percentage of CUC students are admitted to medical school her response was, "I think God just told us which school He wants me to attend!"

Proclaim with the speaker of the "Christ Is the Answer," radio programme.

Janice De-Whyte is CUC's New Chaplain

Because enrolment has increased so dramatically over the past three years the Alberta Conference has provided an additional chaplain for Canadian University College.  While she is technically part of the staff of College Heights SDA Church, our new chaplain Janice De-Whyte will focus her time and ministry on CUC students.

Most recently, Miss De-Whyte, who grew up in London, England, has been serving as the youth pastor at the Toronto Ghanaian SDA Church while she worked on her doctoral degree in Old Testament at McMaster Divinity College.  She received her Master of Arts in Old Testament from Andrews University and a Bachelor of Divinity (with honours) from the University of Wales.

"I am looking forward to my work at Canadian University College," said De-Whyte.  "I enjoy caring for, challenging and equipping God’s youthful sons and daughters with the spiritual tools which will stand them in good stead for their adult lives."