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PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BAXTER INSTITUTE

Partners, May 2019


FEATURE PHOTO (above): Church researcher and author David Kinnaman speaks to students at Baxter Institute, a ministry training school in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, associated with Churches of Christ. Kinnaman, president of faith-based research group Barna and author of books including “unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity … and Why It Matters,” spoke on “Screen Disciples: How to Reach a Digital World,” said Baxter president Steve Teel. Kinnamen stayed on campus and visited with the institute’s students. Two of his children participated in a medical brigade with doctors from Baxter’s clinic and built a wood slat for a family that works with Breaking Chains, a church-supported ministry.


BIBLE CAMPS

LARIAT CREEK CHRISTIAN CAMP

GEARY, Okla. — For 40 years, Lariat Creek Christian Camp has helped point lives to Christ. In 2013, the camp’s board of directors launched a fund-raising campaign to improve the existing structures.

Now the board is working to complete the final phase of fund-raising — about $130,000 is needed to hit the goal of $380,000 — to complete the projects, including a welcome center, a water storage facility and a bathhouse, President Clay Bryant said.

Kitchen and cabin renovations, as well as a new worship area, are on a list of future improvements. For more information, see www.lariat creek.org.


CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

COLUMBIA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Ami Vensel

PORTLAND, Ore. — Ami Vensel has been named president of Columbia Christian School and will assume the new role Sept. 1. Vensel taught second grade at Columbia Christian, which is associated with Churches of Christ, for 10 years before becoming principal in 2013.

Previously, she taught at Crossroads Christian School for nine years. She also coached volleyball and basketball at both schools. Vensel and her husband, Dan, have four sons, all of whom graduated from or attend Columbia Christian. They are members of the Metro Church of Christ, where Dan serves as a deacon.


HIGHER EDUCATION

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

Ami Vensel

FLORENCE, Ala. — The Association of Biblical Higher Education has reaffirmed the accreditation of Heritage Christian University for 10 years.

The ABHE reviews and accredits 145 Bible colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Accreditation enables access to federal funding and helps to ensure high academic standards. It also assists with the transfer of credits to other institutions of higher learning.

“Partnering with ABHE to prepare our students for ministry has been invaluable,” President Kirk Brothers said. “In addition to accreditation, they offer numerous workshops which help us to stay up-to-date on best practices in Christian education.”

For 50 years, Heritage Christian has provided a biblically based education to students who desire to become proficient communicators of the gospel of Christ. The university offers associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

MAGNOLIA BIBLE INSTITUTE

KOSCIUSKO, Miss. — Out of the ashes of Magnolia Bible College, a new school of preaching has been established.

Eighteen students are enrolled in for-credit studies through the Magnolia Bible Insitute, overseen by the elders of the Kosciusko Church of Christ.

“Back in the days of Magnolia Bible College, we often used 2 Timothy 2:2 as our reason for existing,” Les Ferguson Sr., the institute’s director, said in the Magnolia Messenger. “That passage is also the reason for MBI’s existence.”

Citing flat enrollment and funding woes, the 33-year-old Magnolia Bible College closed a decade ago.

YORK COLLEGE

Chrystal Houston

YORK, Neb. — The Clayton Museum of Ancient History at York College will be a 2019 Nebraska Passport Program site.

In an effort to make ancient history available to the people of the Midwest, the museum collects, researches, preserves, exhibits and interprets objects relating to the ancient world. Many of the artifacts on display have a biblical or church history tie-in.

“The selection as a passport site means that an estimated extra 1,000 people will visit the important collection this summer,” York spokeswoman Chrystal Houston said. “This is a great opportunity for a general audience to be exposed to the ministry offered by this collection.”

Filed under: Christian higher education Partners Partners Summer Camp

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