by Sam Mahtani

A couple months before the Fall 2015 semester, Josiah Bahnsen Vanderveen ’19 was planning on attending a Christian college in Idaho. However, God had different plans for this Canadian from Langley, British Columbia. A few months later, he would be a freshman studying liberal arts with concentrations in business and fine arts at Providence Christian College. Josiah is the third of six children. His home church for the last 15 years has been Christ Covenant Church, where his father is the pastor. His mother, who homeschooled him and his siblings for a number of years, works as a fitness instructor and nutritionist.

photo by Sam Mahtani

photo by Sam Mahtani

After attending Credo Christian High School for grades 10-12 while working for a local construction company, Josiah’s plans were all but settled. Then a close friend, Taylor Bredenhof ’19, mentioned his interest in Providence and the men’s soccer program, which led Josiah to research and find out more about Providence.

Now at Providence studying business and fine arts, Josiah had this to say regarding his experience: “I am thankful for the small class sizes that allow for intimate interaction between students and professors, the closely knit-community which fosters an environment of deep spiritual growth, and the school’s hunger for truth that transforms students to become Christian culture-changers and life-long learners.”

Speaking about his classes, Josiah said, “My favorite class thus far would be Hermeneutics, taught by Dr. Swanson. I have taken many Bible classes over the years, but have never had an opportunity to strictly study the methodology of proper exegesis of Scripture. This class has opened my mind to new horizons, and has challenged me to understand the entirety of the Bible as being a redemptive- historical work of Christ.”

In addition to classes, Josiah is excited about the outdoor adventures of California, including the beach and the city of Pasadena. On campus, he is involved with the men’s soccer program, serves as a representative for student senate, plays percussion for chapel, and works for the admissions department making phone calls and writing emails to prospective students. Josiah also enjoys writing and recording music.