Hi, I’m Evan Bartel.
In 1998, my family and I came to Sardis Community Church from Eden Mennonite.
One of the significant reasons we chose to attend here was because of the youth program…ohh, ya. Al. I liked Al a lot too! I did many of the youth activities, like Gleaners, MCC warehouse work, went to Creationfest, Stanley Park and Aquarium, and in 2003 he took a group of us to Mexico to build houses for families and to do VBS in a poor village. I felt cared for, supported, and my time in ‘Youth’ was great fun. It is now my fourth year as a youth sponsor, and I really enjoy the reversal of roles I am in, repaying in kind what I received in the program a few short years ago.
I was baptized by Al Rempel on May 11th, 2003, here at SCC. I attend fairly regularly. God’s presence guides my decisions and helps me keep the correct path in view. He is the one I turn to in times of confusion and trouble, and the one I praise in times of joy. I credit my parents and three brothers for helping me to develop discernment and integrity, and for encouraging me to be loving and compassionate towards others. Then there’s Al…bla bla bla. Yes, he’s definitely made a huge impact on my life. Another significant person in my life has been Brian Coles, a real friend who has been there for me for as long as I can remember.
After graduating from High School, I began attending Trinity Western University in 2003. I anticipate completing my B.Sc. in Psychology and Biology in Fall 2007. Although it has cost an arm and a leg, I have thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. The experiences at TWU have brought tremendous personal growth and moderate levels of maturity (haha, I would rather not boast about maturity lest I become a hypocrite!)
After graduating from TWU, I intend to apply to a number of medical schools, including UBC. My plan B is to study to become a paramedic in the spring while waiting to be accepted into a medical faculty.
In May 2007, I am going to India on a mission’s trip with SIM for one month. I will be with 3 other pre-med students from TWU and we will be doing VBS in an HIV/AIDS orphanage. We will also be working in an EHA (Emmanuel Hospital Association) Hospital.
I will end with these words of wisdom for SCC youth: You will never see all the benefits of making a correct decision, but make it anyway!
