Closure of CBC
February 15, 2007 3:30PM
Letter from Acting President Paul Lessard
Dear sisters and brothers,
I greet you in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the Risen One who walks alongside in this life and brings hope for the next. It is with sadness that I confirm the recommendation of the CBC board to close Covenant Bible College in it's entirety as of May 31st, 2007. Understandably, after 66 years of rich and significant ministry this decision was not reached without much prayer, dialogue, heartache and consideration of a broad range of other options. Please also be aware that I am in full support of this action and believe it to be wise and necessary - as hard as it is. I do realize this information comes as a complete surprise to many and while we've been open about the budget shortfalls and declining student applications (as recently as our October mailing and Newslist), most would not suspect that total closure was the next step. In fact, as a board and staff we've worked very hard to ensure this would not be the case. However, as our application and charitable donation numbers were realized in early January, we came to understand we'd run out of time.
At this time there are few words I can give to the sheer breadth and wonder of all that God has done in us and through us over the last 66 years. The fine leadership of our three presidents - Joel Peterson, Wendell Anderson and Neil Josephson, as well as the sacrificial service of countless other staff, faculty and deans, along with the critical support of thousands of alumni and friends within the Covenant and broader Christian community, have allowed us to impact not just individuals and their families, but churches, neighbourhoods and communities around the world. Truly we are a fortunate people to have been recipients and stewards of this discipling ministry over these many years.
While it may seem untimely in many ways to bring a ministry to an end, due to fewer students choosing CBC and an increasingly unmanageable level of debt it is only wise and prudent to cease operations at the end of this academic year. It is time now to pray and dream as to how God intends to meet the discipleship opportunities that continue to exist with this generation and seek to know what part we're to play as alumni and friends. And, even though this is not the end we envisioned for the story of CBC, it does not mean the Lord is not fully present and working.
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22, 23
God is, has been and will continue to be faithful in our story. Thanks be to God.
As you think of CBC, pray for us, and as you have questions, call or email. And I will do my best to come to every church that request I visit.
Grace and peace,
Paul Lessard Acting President CBC cell 403.901-9419 work 403.361-2029 paul.lessard@cbci.edu Skype: paul.lessardClick here to read what others are saying about CBC and to post your own thoughts.