In April, an article by MB Biblical Seminary professor Pierre Gilbert was awarded top honors in the Evangelical Press Association (EPA)'s Higher Goals Contest. The article, entitled "The Relentless God: A reflection on Jonah," was published in the February 2004 edition of the Christian Leader, a publication of the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.
The EPA is made up of more than 375 organizations, individuals and periodicals, including Focus on the Family, Sojourners and Christianity Today. Awards were announced at their annual convention held April 24-27, 2005 in Chicago, Illinois.
Connie Faber, Editor of the Christian Leader, expressed her appreciation for the award: "When we receive an award like Pierre's in the Higher Goals category, which are categories open to all publications, it is a wonderful compliment to our writers and staff."
In his piece, "The Relentless God: A reflection on Jonah," Gilbert asks the reader to "put themselves in the context of Hebrew narrative," and to see God outside of "the box" they may have created for Him. Through the twists and turns of this real life adventure story, both Jonah and the reader are led to discover important lessons about God and life.
The EPA judges called Gilbert's piece excellent, creative and engaging, giving him a score of ten out of ten in all five categories: cogency of arguments, clarity, writing style, significance and effective treatment of ideas.
Gilbert is associate professor of Old Testament studies at MB Biblical Seminary at its location in Winnipeg, Manitoba on the campus of Canadian Mennonite University. The goal of MB Biblical Seminary, which also has campuses in Langley, British Colombia and Fresno, California, is to inspire and equip men and women to be disciples of Christ, and to serve and lead in the church and the world.
Posted: June 27, 2005