David Arndt Departs to Vancouver

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On Saturday afternoon, members of the English Congregation gathered at the Andersons' to bid farewell to David Arndt as he embarks on a new chapter of his life. After being an active participant at ECBC for over four years, he leaves ECBC with a technical and scholarly legacy behind.

David became involved with ECBC after being invited by Michael Brown at a BSM Bible Study. During his time at ECBC, he is known most for three things: he is super smart; he worked to establish the English congregation website; and he is an unforgettable on-screen personality.

As alias bioinformaticsIsNeat, much of his influence was with technical aspects and with IP-based media, David was able to bring his knowledgebase and talent to ECBC by improving and developing an online community since the days of the groups.msn.com/ecbc site. Designing the layout of the ecbchurch.org/english page and maintaining it since February 2005, he has been the only website technician for the English congregation. David also received an Ecbico Award for his contribution to edifying the online community.

Another well-known trait of David is his persistent pursuit for the wisdom of God and the scholarship and context of the Bible. As one of the most well-knowledged people at ECBC about the New Testament, it has been a blessing to have David among us and to share so willingly with us over the years. With two degrees (Genetics and computing science) under his suit, David is moving to British Columbia because he has always been interested in study of the bible and scholarship at Regent College for a Master of Christian studies (MCS) in NT. The two year program may lead him to a continued PHD or decide what to do after. It is uncertain what he will actually do after his degree, and he says, "it is kind of open-ended whether he wants to move back to Edmonton or not."

On a lighter note, David has been one of the more well-recognized and down-to-earth personalities of Ecbico Production's video media. His memorable roles include Friday Night Fever, Geneticist in You Got CAB?, Tijuana Mission Trip Video, Treasures on Earth, and most recently hosting the first episode of the Faith Rock Star Season Two show.

Even during his last Friday at ECBC he spent the night with Faith Fellowship leading a Bible Study on the book of James. Although he feels that God didn't actually tell him in an epiphany to move, he decided that this was a good choice and a way to answer his questions to learn more about God. In terms of his view of God's will, he believes that God has given us a lot of principles and directions through his word and others in your life. As part of his closing prayer, David prayed that ECBC will use God's will and guidance as they decide on a new pastor and a vision for the direction of ECBC as she heads into the next decade. We in turn also pray for God's guidance and protection has he becomes an alien of the lotus land. Godspeed on your journey David!