2022 Alumnus of the Year Andrew Moroz ‘05 & ‘06
Why Camp Matters The Impact of Camp Ministry in a Gen Z Context
Issue 16
CONTENTS
02 04
A Note From Don Lough, Jr. Why Camp Matters: The Impact of Camp Ministry in a Gen Z Context Intersect Winter Camp Announcement 2022 Alumnus of the Year:
A Note from Don Lough, Jr. This year’s theme verse for Word of Life Bible Insti- tute presents a timely reminder for Christians in our world today. “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock” (Matthew 7:24–25). When we plant our roots firmly in the Word of God, we can remain stable and steadfast in a world battered by the winds of uncertainty. In this issue of The Experience, I invite you to rejoice with me as you read about how God is working through our students and alumni. People of this generation are searching for answers, and we have the privilege of offering them the unwav- ering hope found in Christ. May each of you look to Him for strength as you continue holding forth the Word of Life.
11 12
Andrew Moroz Alumni Updates Alumni Weddings
16 19
MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS
Managing Editor – Hope Trimble ‘20 Assistant Editor – Bree Hayden ‘13 & ‘14 Writers – Taylor Price ‘10 & ’13, Hope Trimble ‘20 Designer – Teresa Stursberg ‘14 Alumni Engagement Manager – Rebecca Berga ’15 & ‘16 Alumni Relations – Ken Hayden ‘86 The Experience is a publication of Word of Life. We want to build a community where you can find longtime friends, share testimonies of what God has been doing, encourage others with stories of life change, and learn how you, too, can be involved with the mission of Word of Life. ©Copyright 2022 — Word of Life Fellowship. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission. The perspectives of the author(s) in this magazine do not necessarily represent the perspectives of Word of Life Bible Institute and/or Word of Life Fellowship.
Trusting Him,
Don Lough, Jr. ’84 Chancellor, Bible Institute President and CEO, Word of Life Fellowship, Inc.
wol.is/home
2
April 21 - 23, 2023 Hudson, Florida
In addition to our annual New York Homecoming in the fall, we are excited to announce an all-new Homecoming event on our Florida campus! Celebrate the 25th Year Reunion for the class of ’98, catch up with your alumni family, and see firsthand what God is doing on our stunning Florida property.
Follow us on social media to stay up to date on this exciting event!
@wordoflifealumni
@wolalumni
3
The Experience
Gen Z
Kyle Gray '99 & '00
4
Why Camp Matters The Impact of Camp Ministry in a Gen Z Context By Hope Trimble '20
As I walked through the Ranch and Ridge camp property, the noonday summer air seemed to be holding its breath for campers to finish their lunch and head outside for afternoon games and events. The rays of the sun glinted against a metallic waterslide on my right and streamed onto cabin porches strewn with drying beach towels on my left. The silence didn’t last long. By the time I reached the soccer field and circled back toward the main campus, the faint rustle of the breeze in the trees had erupted into peals of laughter as campers charged down the path from the dining hall to their outdoor activities. Groups of elementary and middle school kids proudly raised their team flags, following their counselors toward the archery range and the climbing tower. This kind of scene has been the hallmark of Word of Life Youth Camps for years. However, in an age marked by digital dependence and interper- sonal division, the image of kids having a blast and building friendships at camp has become that much more meaningful. I find myself thinking about my afternoon walk at the Ranch and Ridge several weeks later as I dial the phone number of Kyle Gray. Kyle is the Director of The Coast, the summer youth camp at Word of Life Florida. He and the rest of the staff at The Coast have just wrapped up a season of fruitful summer ministry, and I can’t wait to hear him speak from his expe- rience working with Generation Z campers. Kyle picks up the phone with an energetic, “Hey, how are you?” and we jump right into talking about the summer season. His tone strikes me as both energetic and approachable. I can imagine him bringing hype and energy to the evening youth rally just as much as I can picture him leading the call to commitment at the campfire service. I am interested to hear about Kyle’s long and varied experience with Word of Life Youth Camps. Since getting involved in camp ministry in 1999, he has had the opportunity to serve at every Word of Life Camp in the US. “It has been amazing to watch and see Word of Life Camps through different stages,” he reflects. “As I’ve watched camp happen across states and across different generations, I’ve seen the heartbeat and mission continue
to stay true. Camps adapt program- wise, but they stay focused mission- wise.” I think about that word “adapt” and how it relates to the changing climate of youth ministry. Generation Z (commonly referred to as "Gen Z") has grown up in a culture facing unique and unprecedented challenges. Amid these difficulties, Gen Z has developed a disbelief in objective truth and an alarming rise in mental health issues. The mission of Word of Life has always been to reach the next generation for Jesus Christ. It is critical, therefore, that our ministry approach strategi- cally confronts Gen Z students with the hope of the gospel. The question burning in my brain spills into our discussion: “Kyle, what do Word of Life Camps have to offer the struggling young people of our world?” Pausing to consider his answer, he responds first by explaining that camp gives young people the opportunity to separate from the difficulties and distractions of daily life. “The opportu- nity to step out of their circumstances is huge… One of my favorite things is to see campers come who are rough, who are hard, who are even rigid toward the gospel, and to know that the gospel is going to minister to their hurts and minister to their hopes.”
5
The Experience
Camp Lets Students Step Outside Their Circumstances
Camp has always been a place where troubled students could step out of their broken circum- stances into a compassionate and Christ-cen- tered environment; for this generation, however, the separation aspect of camp is more relevant than ever before. Gen Z has grown up in a culture that is hyper-focused on technology and social media, but the division and distance of the past several years have taken this trend to a far deeper level. According to a study by Pew Research, nearly half of US teens report that they are on the internet almost constantly. For many students, this overconnectivity robs them of the ability to step outside of their daily struggles. Issues such as peer comparison, cyberbullying, and addiction become an ever-present reality. I listen carefully as Kyle continues. “There’s some- thing so special and hopeful about being able to take a break and step away… time and time again, I’ve watched a student go from weeping when they got to camp because they didn’t want to be there to weeping because they didn’t want to leave.” He explains that a week of camp is often the first time that students can work through and evaluate their struggles. For Gen Z, this experience of disconnecting from their devices and engaging in Christ-centered community is often a pivotal step in launching their relationship with Jesus.
This experience of disconnecting from their devices and engaging in Christ-centered community is often a pivotal step in launching their relationship with Jesus.
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Camp Surrounds Students with Caring Community After stressing the importance of camp as a chance to step outside of daily struggles, Kyle turns to another aspect of camp that is uniquely suited to the challenges faced by today’s youth: “You can’t take away the bond that a counselor brings. You can’t take away the bond of a young person around their age who can say, ‘I don’t know exactly what you’re going through, but I understand what you’re going through.’” This makes me think back to my recent talk with Tommy Sewall '09, the Director of Word of Life Youth Camps in New York. Tommy spoke of the loneliness plaguing young people today and how this loneliness affects so many other issues pervading Gen Z culture. “[Gen Z students] have more people they know of, but less people they actually know. They have the highest number of surface-level relationships and the lowest number of deep relationships. If we can help people solve their problems with community, this can solve so many other problems as well.” The program and activities of camp are designed to foster biblical community in a way that many students have never experienced before. I focus in as Kyle gets to the root of the camper- counselor relationship. “Gen Z campers don’t care how much you know; they want to know how much you care… I tell [counselors in training], ‘Your job and your responsibility is to care for and connect with campers.’” For a Gen Z student who would normally feel isolated and alone, this kind of intentional community can be truly life changing. “There is something so refreshing for students to know they’re not alone and to have a Bible Institute student tell them there is hope.”
Gen Z campers
don’t care how much you know; they want to know how much you care.
[Gen Z students] have more people they know of but less people they actually know.
7
The Experience
Camp Confronts Students with Biblical Truth
Not only does camp give Gen Z students the opportunity to step outside their circumstances and build biblical community, but it also allows them to encounter the objective truth of God’s Word. “Students in this Gen Z culture struggle with what is true and with placing their experience on the same level with the Word of God,” Kyle explains. “What do you do when a camper says, ‘My hurt seems to weigh more than the hope of God?’” I ponder Kyle’s question, considering the heaviness of issues such as anxiety and depression faced by so many Gen Z students. According to Tommy Sewall, Gen Z students are advocates for mental health because they have poorer mental health than previous generations. Tragically, suicide has surged to the second leading cause of death among today’s young people. Gen Z students know this needs to change, and they are desperate for answers. The summer camp theme for this year was “Evidence: Nothing but the Truth.” This topic has never been more relevant than in our day of perplexing relativity. As part of the emphasis on biblical truth, campers watched a presentation designed to offer hope from God’s Word to those struggling with mental health. “The two truths emphasized in this video were that God is good and that life is hard,” Kyle shares. “The proof [that life is hard] does not cancel out the truth that God is good anymore than the truth that God is good cancels out the truth that life is hard.” Kyle explains that when we relay God’s Word in a powerful, practical, passionate way, we can build bridges into their lives with the hope of the gospel. I pause for a moment, struck by Kyle’s passion to see young people reached and changed by the gospel. It compels me to ask him, “Kyle, I know that camp can be an exhausting season for counselors, staff, and leadership; what keeps you excited about camp ministry, even through times when it’s difficult?” “There’s no question that it’s life change,” he replies. “I can’t tell you how many stories I have from people who say, ‘Word of Life changed my life.’ ‘No, it didn’t,’ I reply. ‘Word of Life is an organization filled with people. People hurt people, people help people, but Jesus is the only One who can change people.'”
Students in this Gen Z culture struggle with what is true.
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The Next Generation As we wrap up our conversation, Kyle’s closing thoughts reverberate in my mind. “One of the things I have always appreciated is the fun and laughter of Word of Life Camps. We don’t laugh when we’re scared; we laugh when we feel safe.” His tone rises, and I can hear the yearning in his voice for the youth of this generation to find that safety and hope. “That is my heartbeat, that we will provide for these kids a refuge in the midst of the storm, a place to breathe, and a place to laugh.” As I think back to the campers I saw that midsummer day—their faces smattered with red and blue paint, their eyes brightened from sunshine and laughter—I know that this goal continues to be fulfilled at Word of Life Camps, every single summer.
We don’t laugh when we’re scared; we laugh when we feel safe.
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The Experience
Do you know a student who would benefit from camp? You don’t have to wait until next summer to give them a life-changing experience they will never forget. At our winter camps, we pack all the energy of Word of Life Camps into one exciting weekend. As middle school and high school campers have a blast and build friendships, they will be encouraged and challenged to launch their faith in Christ.
Check out all three of the incredible winter camps we have planned for 2023 and scan the QR codes to learn more!
Pursuit Camp Florida
Snowcamp New York
Pursuit Camp is a dynamic camp experience on our beautiful Florida property. In one incredible weekend, you can make lifelong memories and enjoy a ton of fun activities as you encounter the transformational truth of the gospel.
At Snowcamp, students can experience a fast-paced winter getaway in the heart of upstate New York. Each aspect of our program is designed to help every camper take the next step in their relationship with Jesus.
wol.is/pursuit
wol.is/snowcamp
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Dates and Speakers
wol.is/intersect
Get Ready for Our New Winter Camp in Ohio!
February 10–12 Erick Gil '14 & '15
We want to give more teens a way to encounter the life-changing truth of God’s Word by bringing the expe- rience of winter camp to their location. That’s why we are excited to introduce our brand-new satellite camp in Miamisburg, Ohio! Jesus has always been at the center of everything we do at camp, and Intersect is no exception. The hype program, dynamic speakers, and caring counselors are all a part of tearing down walls and rebuilding lives. Want to Get Involved? We invite you to prayerfully consider volunteering for one or both weekends of Intersect Camp. This volunteer initiative, which we’re calling Converge, is all about reaching as many teens as possible with the good news of Jesus Christ. You’ll have the opportunity to invest in the lives of campers and to build a lasting bond with the staff team serving at Intersect Camp. Ready to learn more about Converge? Visit the link below to fill out an interest form today!
February 3–5 Steve Bogran '07 & '08
wol.is/converge
@wolintersectohio
wolintersectohio
11 The Experience
Introducing the 2022 Word of Life Bible Institute Alumnus of the Year: Andrew Moroz New York Bible Institute Class of ‘05 (first year), Class of ‘06 (second year), Staff Intern ‘07.
By Taylor Price ‘10 & ’13
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No matter what. No matter where. No matter the cost. I said, yes.”
That “yes” led Andrew Moroz to become one of the founders of Gospel Community Church, where he currently serves as the Pastor of Teaching and Vision. Andrew and his wife, Samantha, live in Lynchburg, Virginia, with their three children, Ben, Nic, and Eva, and are currently pursuing domestic infant adoption. Describing his experience at the Bible Institute, Andrew said, “I initially planned to be at WOLBI for one year and then was hoping to transfer to another school. [During] my first year at the Bible Institute, I experienced personal discipleship; I enjoyed diving deep into God’s Word, and I was able to stretch some leadership muscles as an RA. That year, my father passed away from brain cancer. In the midst of grief, there was a deep intimacy with the Lord and an invitation from Him into full-time ministry. No matter what. No matter where. No matter the cost. I said, yes. After completing the internship program at WOLBI, I married Samantha. She had been a good friend from my home church. I recognized that I needed additional training, so we decided to move to Lynchburg so that I could attend seminary at Liberty University. I never imagined my “yes” to God at WOLBI would lead me straight into pastoral ministry and church planting.”
That “yes” has also given Andrew an especially important calling this year – to return home to Ukraine. “His presence was very evident through His people.” Andrew was born in Kyiv, Ukraine. When he was in middle school, the Moroz family permanently moved to the United States. He still has many friends and loved ones there. In 2019, he even brought his kids to Ukraine to experience his homeland and meet their relatives. “When Russia invaded Ukraine in February, I knew I was going back – I just didn’t know when or how. Ukrainian airspace was closed, and the US State Department urged Americans to leave Ukraine. After a lot of wrestling with the Lord and conversations with my wife, kids, and friends, I was on a plane to Europe in March. A friend picked me up, and we drove across the border together. Those early days of the war were very stressful and intense, but God has never stopped working in Ukraine, and His presence was very evident through His people.”
with plans to return soon. While there, he partners with local churches and non-government organizations to provide medical supplies, life-saving equipment, and emergency assistance to refugees. “We’ve helped with food, water, and items for personal hygiene. We’ve contributed financially to help evacuate
Andrew surveying the wreckage from the Russian invasion.
people from dangerous areas. We’ve delivered tourniquets, wound care kits, first aid kits, and various other items requested by those who are living and serving in Ukraine.”
As of August, Andrew had been to Ukraine twice since the war began,
13 The Experience
“The church is alive and well.”
As we praise God for the ministry that is being done by Andrew and others, we must remember to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are living on the front lines of this war every day. Andrew shared a few insights and ways we can be praying for the Church in Ukraine: “I’m deeply moved by the faith and courage that is being displayed by Ukrainian Christians and many ordinary Ukrainian citizens. I have the opportunity and freedom to visit Ukraine and leave whenever I want. Most Ukrainians have to stay and live with the conflict until it ends. This war has united the country, clearly displaying to many people a need for God’s help, and it’s allowing many people to encounter God in the midst of suffering. Our God is close to the broken- hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18) The church is alive and well, but also experiencing a lot of pressure and pain. In the early days of the war, many churches throughout the country became refugee centers. Today, many are still engaging with those who are hurting by providing aid and care, opening homes and sanctuaries for those who need a safe space to live, and ministering to the souls of those who are in turmoil. We need to pray for endurance for our brothers and sisters. For their protection and healing. The physical war around them is one manifestation of the spiritual war between good and evil that goes largely unseen. We need to pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to work through the saints to bring the good news of the gospel to people who desperately need hope. We also need to pray for an end to the conflict and the healing of the nation. As a pastor, I know that conflict and pain can harden people or it can soften hearts. I’m praying for soft hearts that are sensitive to God and the needs around them. I’m praying against further loss of life and against the bitterness that can come from experiencing injustice and pain. I’m praying for Christians in Ukraine, and around the world, to engage with this war in a way that brings healing and points people to Jesus—our Prince of Peace."
Andrew providing comfort and care to Ukrainians. (above)
A barrier structure with a plea for help in Kyiv. (right)
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The Moroz family: Andrew, Samantha, and their three
children (Ben, Nic, and Eva). (below)
The next generation of “yes” Eighteen years ago, a first-year student said “yes” to following God with his life. That commitment has led Andrew on an incredible journey of serving, loving, and leading the body of Christ, both here and abroad. A whole new class of students has that same invitation ahead of them this year; sitting in the same seats, studying the same passages, and experiencing that same intimacy with our Savior. Andrew wanted to encourage those students with this final thought: “When you are young and globally connected through the internet and media, you tend to be idealistic, and you sometimes believe that you know 'a lot.' My encouragement to every student would be, stay humble and curious. Let the Lord reveal Himself to you in the pages of Scripture, through His Creation... and in the midst of serving others. Dig deep. Recognize and address your wounds. Let the Lord heal you and empower you to glorify Him wherever He takes you. Begin now to establish your primary identity in Christ and let that identity shape how you view the world and live.”
15 The Experience
Ryan ‘10 and Jackie (Schmidt ‘10) Gardner
Alumni Updates 1970’s
Marcus ‘89 & ‘90 and Tera (Rodocker ‘90 & ‘91) Smith live in Indiana, where Marcus works as a home inspector and Tera is involved in the faith-based film industry. They have two teenage children. Kevin Gregory ‘89 & ‘90 and his wife, Gretchen, recently moved to Schroon Lake, New York. Kevin is the North Regional Coordinator for Word of Life Youth Ministries (formerly Local Church Ministries). They have three adult children, all of whom are WOLBI alumni: Luke, Kara, and Julia.
It’s not an easy year, but 41 years later, I still consider it one of the best years of my life!”
Bill Shuman ‘71 and his wife, Linda, live in Michigan. They have five adult children: Allison, Billy, Clayton, David, and Erik. Bill is a retired schoolteacher and administrator. Brian ‘75 and Donna (Montgomery ‘76) Sergeant live in Upstate New York, where Brian works as a property damage estimator and Donna helps with their nine grandchildren. They have two adult daughters, both of whom are WOLBI alumni: Rachel and Breanne. Deborah (Sanville ‘79) Fanus is married to Dan and works as a substitute teacher. They live in Pennsylvania and have two adult children, both of whom are WOLBI alumni: Rebekah and Samuel. 1980’s Deb Frey ‘80 lives in Pennsylvania, where she is involved in music ministry (violin, cello, and singing) at her church. She also plays for weddings. Deb and her late husband, Paul, have three adult children: Dawn, Dean, and Cathy.
– Dianne Spelter ‘82
Dianne (Ritchie ‘82) Spelter is married to Steven and lives in Lake Luzerne, New York. They have six adult children: Katrina, Beth, Gabriel, Julia (WOLBI alumni ‘16), Stephanie, and Ali. Dianne is the Health Director of Word of Life Bible Institute and Camps in New York. Lee ‘87 and Diane “Deedee” (Moore ‘86) Hamblen live on Long Island, New York. Lee is the Children’s Pastor at Island Christian Church and has been for nearly 30 years. They have six adult children, and they are all WOLBI alumni: Peter, Sarah, Rebecca, Thomas, Anna, and Abigail. Anne (Pearson ‘87) Long is married to Dennis and is a homemaker and pastor’s wife. They live in Michigan and have five adult children, all of whom are WOLBI alumni: Chris, Kara, Eric, Timothy, and Grace. Anne teaches at an after-school Bible club at a local public school.
One of my most interesting stories was my second- year graduation. We were tasked with lighting the
cannon for the final cheer. Unfortu- nately, the fuse was a little long and Harry started a closing prayer when the cannon sounded.” – Kevin Gregory ‘89 & ‘90 1990’s Julie (Schwartz ‘90 & ‘91) Mahoney is living in Pennsylvania, where she works as a hospital pharmacy technician specializing in the IV room. She has two adult sons:
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Samuel and Ben. She is also on the worship team at her church.
Suzanne is a homeschooling mom to their three children ranging in age from 6 to 14.
Ministries. They have four children 10 years old and under, including a set of twins.
Jennifer (Horton ‘91) Davidson lives in Virginia, where she is a manager at Chick- fil-A and works parttime as the director of an after-school program at Liberty Christian Academy. She has three boys ages 11 to 19. Chris Goeppner ‘91 and his wife, Penny, live in Vermont, where Chris is the Lead Pastor at Riverbank Church located in Vermont and New Hampshire. They have two teen sons: Roman and Jadon. Rachel (Sergeant ‘97) Ezelius and her husband, Matt, live in Upstate New York where she works as a nutritionist dietician. They have four children ranging in age from 6 to 13. Ted Smith ‘97 and his wife, Erin, live in Pennsylvania, where he works as a signal maintainer at CSX Transportation. They have four children ages 8 to 17. Ted is very involved in leadership at his church and loves to barbecue. Mandy (Wiernusz ‘99) Davis lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Dan. She is a homeschooling mom for their five children ages 7 to 16. She is involved in women’s ministry at church and is helping Dan with getting his business up and running. Mandy (Berger ‘99) Sverduk lives in Pennsylvania with her two teen children. She is a homeschooling mom and a part- time administrative assistant at her church. 2000’s Jonathan Strayer ‘00 is married to Rachel and lives in Pennsylvania where he is a professor at Millersville University teaching theater and set design. James Cohen ‘00 and his wife, Jen, live in Pennsylvania where they are planting a church in the Scranton area. They have five children ranging in age from 3 to 12. Katrina (Derry ‘00 & ‘01) Whitten is married to Tim. They live in New Hampshire, where she does accounting and finance work for a mission board. She is a mom and foster mom to three children ages 6 to 9.
Kurt ‘02 & ‘03 and Karina (King ‘02 & ‘03) Hale live in Florida where they own and operate a landscaping construction business. They homeschool their six children ranging in age from 3 to 16. They also teach a Bible study group for newlyweds and engaged couples at their church.
Christie (Whitney ‘08 & ‘09) Davis is married to Michael, and they live in Elba, New York. Christie is a pastor’s wife and a stay-at-home homeschooling mom to their three children ranging in age from several weeks to 5 years old. Greg ‘08 & ‘10 and Jessica (Craige ‘09 & ‘10) Sheridan live in Pennsylvania, where Greg works in the financial sector and Jessica is a stay-at-home mom to their two children, ages 7 and 9. 2010’s Hannah Strayer ‘10 is a multimedia specialist missionary with ABWE and is currently based in Togo, Africa. Ryan ‘10 and Jackie (Schmidt ‘10) Gardner live in Upstate New York, where Ryan is the Youth and Music Pastor at First Baptist Church Afton. Jackie is a pastor’s wife and is “mom-ing” full time as a homeschooling mom to their three children, all six years old or younger. Becky Fanus ‘13 lives in Pennsylvania where she is working in missions. She recently got back from Alaska, where she was working with natives at a Christian camp. Robert Ewart Jr. ‘14 and his wife, Chloe, live in Rochester, New York. Robert is a youth pastor at Victory Church, where he leads a youth group, a young adult group, and a weightlifting outreach ministry. Philip Strayer ‘19 lives in Pennsylvania and works for R & S Fencing. He leads a worship team at his church, where he serves as a deacon and an assistant youth leader. 2020’s Genna (Taylor ‘20) Cleveland and her husband, Sean, live in Pennsylvania, where Geena is a barista at the Hershey Lodge. Cory ‘20 & ‘21 and Kristi (Richardson ‘20 & ‘21) Sgambato live in Pottersville, New York, where they both work for Word of Life. Cory is a maintenance technician at the Bible Institute, and Kristi works in marketing.
“I made some wonderful lifelong friends that chal- lenged me in my walk with the Lord. I gained a great
foundation in God’s Word and learned a lot about the Word and ministry life.” – Christie Davis ‘02 & ‘03 Duane Paulus ‘03 and his wife, Diane, live in North Carolina where Duane is a physician assistant at Fort Bragg Clinics. They have two adult children: David and Debra. Breanne (Sergeant ‘03) Nowakowski and her husband, Eric, live in Upstate New York. Breanne retired from being a physician assistant after having kids and is now a homeschooling mom to their five children ages 1 to 11. At church, she is involved in children’s church, small groups, and the library.
No matter what your life circumstance —
always remember – God has a plan in your life, even if you can’t see it. Keep perse- vering.” – Josiah Crick ‘05 Josiah ‘05 and Ashley (Croteau ‘05) Chick live in Maine where Josiah recently transitioned from being a corrections officer after ten years to now being a 911 dispatcher. Ashley is a stay-at-home homeschooling mom and an Olympians leader at church. They have three children ages 10 to 12. Mary (Ganong ‘07) DeGroft and her husband, Matthew, live in Maine and have three children ranging in age from 4 to 10. Mary is a Christian school teacher for grades 5–8, a youth group leader at her church, and a high school girls’ volleyball coach. Chris ‘07 & ‘08 and Lydia (Carsey ‘08 & ‘09) Lopez live in Ohio where they serve as missionaries with Word of Life Youth
Suzanne (Berger ‘01 & ‘02) DeLorenzo and her husband, Jason, live in Pennsylvania.
17 The Experience
Rachel (Sergeant '97) Ezelius Brian ‘75 and Donna (Montgomery ‘76) Sergeant, Breanne (Sergeant ‘03) Nowakowski (left)
Mandy (Berger ‘99) Sverduk
Kurt ‘02 & ‘03 and Karina (King ‘02 & ‘03) Hale
Katrina (Derry ‘00 & ‘01) Whitten
Deborah (Sanville ‘79) Fanus and Becky Fanus ‘13
What Are Your Favorite WOLBI Memories? “…sneaking out the windows of South America dorm and then getting a visit later from Ms. Newton [then Dean of Women] reprimanding us.” – Deborah Fanus ‘79 “…almost driving my car into the river, lots of snow, and making some of my best friends that I still remain in contact with.” – Breanne Nowakowski ‘03
“…God constantly pushing and shaping me through OAE, camp counseling, and ministry team leadership. I had a family of brothers and sisters with hearts on fire for God.” – Robert Ewart Jr. ‘14
“…[getting] baptized by Jack Wyrtzen in Schroon Lake.” – Brian Sergeant ‘75
Anne (Pearson ‘87) Long (left)
Duane Paulus ‘03 (above)
Josiah ‘05 and Ashley (Croteau ‘05) Chick
Deb Frey ‘80 (right)
Robert Ewart Jr. ‘14 (left)
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Alumni Weddings
2021 September 9
Tommy '15 & '16 and Briana Farmer
October 9
Tanner and Annestasia (Cushman '18) Pasco
2022 February 26
Michael '16 & '17 and Ashley Escobar Travis Jr. '20 and Lillian (Slyman '20) Dick Daniel '20 & '21 and Alexa (White '21) Villegas
March 11 March 19
April 10 April 19
Kiko '19 & '20 and Taylor (Bramblett '20 & '21) Jimenez Matthew and Jamie (Volosin ‘92 & ‘93) Harvey Zachary "Noah" and Morgan (Bennett '14) Stephen Stephen and Susan (Wilkins '12 & '13) Gomes Josh '17 and Hannah (Bates '17) Davis Tyler '13 & '14 and Alyson "Aly" (Dragula '10) Baker Cory '20 & '21 and Kristi (Richardson '20 & '21) Sgambato Seth '20 & '21 and Madison (Courtney '20 & '21) Savage Jeremiah and Angela (Bobé '16) Hopkins Sean and Geena (Taylor '20) Cleveland Jose '12 & '17 and Christine Delgado Ariel '19 & '20 and Lauren (Bidding '16 & '17) Hidalgo Josh ‘98 and Cait Calhoun Biruk '17 & '18 and Audrey (Illig '17 & '18) Moore Jesse ‘13 & ‘15 and Kayla Berger
May 1 May 7
Cameron and Carissa Sardano
May 15 May 21
(photo credit: Chelsea Yarosh '19)
May 28
Connect with us!
May 31 June 3 June 4
Corbyn ‘20 and Helen (Imbrosci ‘20) Berna Daniel '20 and Rachel (Kunce '20) Cabrera
Dan and Katelyn (Trammell '18 & '19) Chalue Lucas '21 & '22 and Cassie (Bowman '20 & '22) Cragg Lukas '16 and Julia Davoll Zachary ‘20 & ‘21 and Courtney (Baker ‘21 & ‘22) Zimmerman
Like us on Facebook to stay up to date on all things relating to Bible Institute alumni! @wordoflifealumni Join the Word of Life Bible Institute Alumni Facebook group to share and connect with other alumni. wol.is/alumnifbgroup
June 11 June 18 June 19 July 16 July 23 July 30 August 5 August 7 August 13 August 14 August 20
George ‘92 & ‘93 and Kerri Grace Angel ‘22 and Estefanía Nunez Toledo
Elijah ‘17 & ‘19 and Lizbeth (Gaona Cabrera ‘18 & ‘19) Carter
Zack and Kaitlin (McClung ‘09) Hicks
Éliakim ‘18 & ‘19 and Michaela (Yoder ‘18 & ‘19) Rodier
David ‘17 & ‘18 and Autumn Laurens Kyle and Carissa (Domes ‘21 & ‘22) Mott
Cameron '17 & '18 and Carissa (Urschalitz '17 & '18) Sardano David '18 & '19 and Hannah (Bonifas '19 & '21) Freeman John-Michael “Ryder” ‘19 & ‘20 and Lindsey Harling Takaaki and Lindsay (John ‘14 & ‘15) Shirakawa
To update your information, visit: wol.is/alumniupdate
September 3
Spencer and Olivia (Benna ‘19 ‘20) Russell Connor ‘22 and Haley (Amet ‘22) Maxson
19 The Experience
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SAVE THE DATE / MARCH 11, 2023 Sight and Sound Theater Alumni Event
Join us as we head to Lancaster, PA, to watch the biblical account of Moses come to life in a breathtaking theatrical production! You won’t want to miss this incredible getaway with your WOLBI alumni family. Be on the lookout for more details on our social media platforms!
@wordoflifealumni
@wolalumni
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