We are filled with heartfelt and humble THANKS and PRAISE to all who supported our annual Praise Banquet. Nearly 180 people attended the event Sept. 9 in Gering. Summit Christian College students, faculty, alumni, and supporters enjoyed fellowship, welcomed newcomers, and together raised a little over $40,000 through table sponsorships, special gifts, and pledges. It is because of your prayers, generosity, and obedience to the Lord that Summit Christian College has been able to remain on track financially. We are so grateful for your support.
Our Praise Banquet this year featured SCC students from around the region. A rousing welcome was presented by SCC junior Tristan Bridges, and SCC junior Domingo Torres lead us in prayer for the evening. Both of these young men spoke their thanks through genuine, unscripted personal gratitude and praise.
The evening was centered on the theme, “The Journey,” which highlighted Jesus’ call to all of us to come follow Him.
Mike Brown, a church planter who serves in Wray, Colorado, who is also a student through our Summit Bridge program, with his wife and two daughters, honored our guests by bringing the special music for the night. Mike shared his testimony about how Summit Christian College is helping him on his particular journey as he and his family work together to serve Christ.
Our featured speaker, SCC senior Kyler Schmidt, shared with us how he is utilizing the Summit Bridge program to complete his Bachelor's degree while serving in a ministry in Fort Collins, Colorado. Kyler and his wife, Morgen, are each continuing their education through the online live video streaming provided through Summit Bridge. Kyler also explained how Summit's affordability and curriculum that is Biblically sound has been a "game changer" for him.
"I will be able to graduate this semester debt-free and equipped with the word of God in order to serve the kingdom and affect eternity," he said.
SCC Board Trustee Chuck Schmidt shared his perspective by explaining how our college professors and past graduates have had a profound influence on his life as their journeys intersected with his own. Schmidt, in his appeal, asked for us to recognize and understand the Kairos--the opportune time--that we are in to participate in the mission of the college: to educate leaders for Christian service.
College President David Parrish pointed out that keeping Summit financially strong is now essential as the college continues its bid for accreditation through the Association for Biblical Higher Education. Parrish reported that the college was able to raise a little over $175,000 by the end of this last fiscal year thanks to all who responded to the college’s “Wide Horizons” capital campaign. The outcome of that campaign helped enable the college to end its 2016/17 fiscal year strong.
