From the Desk of the President
October 19th was a very special day for IBC…and for my family and me. IBC graduates and staff members Joshua Ortiz (Director of Work and new Dean of Men) and Brina Lee (Registrar) got married on the Koppen property. This was a special blessing in light of the fires and floods our property was subjected to 2.5 years ago. In addition to turning the property into an outdoor wedding venue (with separate ceremony and reception space—both in what was formerly the goat pasture).
Sarah was the wedding coordinator and I was Joshua’s best man.
Healthy marriages are so desperately needed in Native America, and this couple has done such hard work for so long to pursue spiritual and relational health. John 10:10 says the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly. Satan has so aggressively sought to destroy Native young people, but Jesus wants them to have both eternal life (quantity) AND abundant life (quality).
Joshua and Brina arrived at IBC with eternal life but not abundant life. Years ago, Sarah and I separately took these friends through Mending the Soul and we have been personal ongoing mentors for each of them. These two friends have grown to be walking in abundant life beyond what they could have imagined.
Joshua’s role as the new Dean of Men (the former Dean of Men became the new Academic Dean) has him in the primary role of men’s discipleship. Joshua is a very gifted young man; he is a great thinker and a gifted writer, loves the Lord, and has a shepherd’s heart. He is also an excellent teacher and is highly respected by his students.
In May 2025 we will have our third accreditation site team visit from ABHE, our accrediting body. Brina’s role as Registrar is very important, given that she also functions as the Director of Institutional Research. Brina is laboring to pull together all the assessment data we need to complete our self-study by early March. In January, Brina assumed oversight of the Life Coaching program, helping students gain life skills for success in college—and life.
As you can see, Joshua and Brina Ortiz are incredibly important to the ministry of the Indian Bible College. If you are not already supporting the school in some way, would you consider supporting the two of them? You can support them at https://bit.ly/3ObCOxr.
This coming week is the Fall Conference (see above). All three chapels will be live-streamed at 10:30AM MST. You can find ways to watch here https://linktr.ee/indianbible.
The Fall Newsletter will be mailed and emailed in the coming week. Thank you for your partnership! What a blessing you are to the Native peoples we serve!
Dr. Jason Koppen
President
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