Life with Jesus at Capernwray Torchbearers Australia through the eyes of the students.
Hi there, friends of i58!
Former student, Jason Green from Canada, recently got in touch with me after a dream he had which reminded him of his time at Capernwray. He wanted to share his story so far so here it is…
I attended Capernwray Australia in January 2006 for six months. I look at my life these last 4 years, and how they have been filled with hope, depression, joy, confusion, learning and seeking. My intent for going to Capernwray had many different meanings, I was following a girl across the oceans, I was attempting to please my parents who insisted I attend at least one year of a Bible college, I had no idea what I should do with my life. Looking back, I never dated the girl I followed to Australia, I did more than please my parents by returning to Canada and enrolling in a Bible College, and I found direction for a short period of time.
This dream has left me remembering the notes I passed back and forth during lecture periods, the countless games of solitaire I played while I was bored during lectures, the assignments that I wrote, the fun I had in dorms, the trips to Campbelltown for shopping and hanging out with roommates, classmates, and friends. I remember being homesick only once, I remember having the time of my life learning to surf (which I was never able to get the hang of), earning my scuba license, taking two week break and driving around in an old beat up VW van with two young men from Germany, I remember sleeping in the back of that van while we traveled, buying fresh milk each morning for breakfast, I remember not showering for 2 weeks and having to use the fresh water showers at the beaches to wash as much as we could. I remember sitting on a bench each morning, watching the sunrise and taking time to read my Bible and pray and asking God to work in me, to turn me into a man that would honor Him. I remember working closely with a fellow student to produce the Capernwray student music CD, oh the hours we spent in the recording studio editing track after track, neither one of us happy till it was perfect. I remember the talks in the dorms with my roommates, with Woodsey, with other staff members, learning more each day.
I look back over my years in Bible College, studying under some extremely intelligent men, the excitement in studying and debating everything from Philosophy to Theology, to studying the Synoptic Gospels. I think of my days enrolled in College, and I find the trace back to Capernwray standing out like none other. There were some incredible teachers that were brought in, the likes of Ray Andrews, Ivor Jones, Peter Thomas, Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum, to staff members Rev Neil Bernard and Johnny Beckerleg. These teachers were filled with such insight, and I think back and wish that I had paid closer attention. If someone were to tell me today that I could have the opportunity to study under them again, I would jump on the opportunity and be grateful that I could have a second chance to listen and marvel and the wisdom they so willing share in their teachings.
I never thought I would miss my time at Capernwray, the staff I interacted with daily or those I rarely saw. I remember how hard it was to leave after the 5 months, but I moved on, I picked my Canadian life back up and over time I forgot about Capernwray and my time there. However, thanks to a dream last night, the memories came flooding back, a smile brought to my face, and a prayer said, thanking God for the opportunity to have been given the chance to travel, to learn, and to grow. My time at Capernwray did not go as I had planned, but God had a plan, and used Capernwray to send me in the direction He had planned.
I always wish I could find a way to express how thankful I am to those that were on staff during my stay in Wongabri, to those that shaped me in those short five months, and I’m always left without words that seem to adequately express my gratitude. I pray that this letter can be an encouragement to the staff, both past and present, and an encouragement to those considering attending. They say life is what you make of it, and it is true, however, learning to submit to God, and using your time at Capernwray for Him to work in your life, won’t be what you make of it, but what God makes of your life.
Jason Green
Thank you Jason – great to hear from you and your desire to share with others of your precious time at Capernwray Australia.
As I hear from past students I’ll let you have their comments – it’s fascinating to hear from them and of their walk with God.
STEVE aka WOODSEY
Dean of Students
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