About Our Journey
PrayFirst serves as a conduit for prayer requests from Ambrose University College to churches, prayer groups and individuals who wish to provide prayer support for it.
This University College has had a rich history under a variety of names: most recently, Alliance University College-Nazarene University College (AUC-NUC).
The Alliance Prayer Initiative
When plans to move the campus from Regina to Calgary were being developed, two individuals realized the need for prayer. Joe Schuringa, a member of the Board of Governors of Canadian Bible College (CBC) and Canadian Theological Seminary (CTS), and Julius Tiangson, then Director for National Prayer Mobilization Team (NPMT), agreed that this massive project could only be accomplished successfully as people offered much prayer for it.
They asked Lorraine Willems, a member of NPMT, to develop a network of churches and people that would establish Days of Prayer or Weekly Prayer Focuses for this purpose. The name chosen for this prayer coordination was PrayFirst. Beginning in May 2001, she has used electronic media to develop a prayer network across Canada. She has found individuals willing to become Prayer Point People, who would then pass on requests and provide encouragement to those who had committed to pray for the university college. She has attempted to provide all of the Alliance churches across Canada with monthly prayer updates so that they are aware of current prayer needs.
The Results
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The campus of CBC/CTS moved to Calgary in the summer of 2003, joining a campus established by the Nazarene University College on 4th Ave. in an office complex. The name then became Alliance University College-Nazarene University College (AUC-NUC).
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In 2004, Alberta’s Minister of Learning, designated AUC-NUC as an institution that could grant Bachelor of Arts degrees.
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In 2007, AUC-NUC became a single entity to be known as Ambrose University College.
Dr. Durance commented, "We have arrived in Calgary, but not at the dream of functioning from our own campus with all the facilities needed to meet the needs of training future pastors, missionaries and lay leaders. Ambrose University College is in great need of your continued prayers."
That dream is now reality. Ambrose University College held the first classes on the new campus in September 2008. However, we need to continue to pray for the people and programs of Ambrose. If you would like more information on how you can become involved in this prayer ministry for Ambrose University College, please contact Lorraine.