I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. – John 10:10b
Pivoting... Transforming... Gospel Advancing...
Life Change at Word of Life. . . Dennis was an arrogant 16-year-old who grew up in a religious home, but he didn’t care about God or the Bible. He was able to attend camp at Word of Life Island because a scholarship was provided. At the Wednesday night campfire, he was completely overcome by the Gospel . . . an entirely different message than what he heard at his home church. He accepted Christ as his Savior, and that night his life was changed! His friends and family noticed he had a new demeanor. Later, Dennis enrolled at Word of Life Bible Institute, and the foundation of his faith grew. The most important concept he learned was to give his life to what is eternal . . . the Word of God and the souls of men. Now, almost 20 years later, Dennis desires to give others the opportunity to hear the Gospel. Today Dennis is the lead pastor at Steamtown Church in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He also serves as a chaplain for the local police and fire departments.
Life Change Challenge
During recent months we have seen our culture mired in uncertainty, and young people have often been filled with anxiety and loneliness. As this current generation faces an unknown future, the need to encounter the One who created us and knows us is vital! Our mission is to help young people experience life change through the power of the Gospel! Though some of our physical doors have been closed for a season, our mission to reach this generation with the Gospel remains . . . and we are moving forward! We have sensed the Lord’s guidance to focus on three areas to bridge the next 15 months and remain strong for the future. These areas are: Pivoting, Transforming and Gospel Advancing.
Word of Life | Life Change Challenge 2
A Pivoting Season In recent months, difficult decisions were made as a result of COVID-19. Here are some of the ways it impacted Word of Life:
• Bible Institute students were transitioned to remote education to finish the 2020 spring semester.
• Summer camp in New York was cancelled.
• Florida Youth Camp season was shortened.
• Operating expenses were reduced including staffing by 33%.
• Budgets were rewritten for the second half of 2020.
Funds to bring the ministry through this challenge will provide resources to maintain facilities, care for staff, and prepare for life change opportunities on both the New York and Florida campuses this winter and next year. Through careful fiscal management and focusing on the health and safety of guests, students and staff, these resources will enable Word of Life to remain vibrant in its mission to help young people experience life change through the end of 2021. Note: Some friends of the ministry have already provided gifts through an International Field Relief Fund to help our overseas fields who have special needs due to COVID-19.
Note from Don Lough. . . Your gift to the Life Change Challenge is incredibly strategic. It will provide ongoing funds during 2021 that will connect the ministry to the following years when we anticipate this pivoting season to adjust to the realities of the new normal that will be experienced. Thank you for your prayerful consideration and investment in Word of Life during these exceptional days!
Word of Life | Life Change Challenge 3
A Transforming Opportunity A primary ministry focus at Word of Life is helping young people experience life change . The result is change at the heart level . . . young people develop a passion to serve God wherever He leads them. At Word of Life Camps, truth is presented in a safe and caring environment, and the Holy Spirit speaks to the heart of campers. Each year hundreds of young people who receive a scholarship begin a personal relationship or deepen their walk with the Lord, and the result is truly life changing . Students at the Bible Institute discern the will of God for their lives as they hear and study the Word of God. Through their daily walk, coursework, discipleship, and hands-on ministry, young people develop a passion to serve God. More than 90% of the student body needs some financial assistance. Requests for additional scholarships are anticipated to increase by almost 50% due to the economic impact of the pandemic.* Through the Life Change Camper and Student Funds and a special initiative, WOLBI CARES, additional scholarships, discounts, and financial incentives will be provided to campers and students with financial needs due to the COVID-19 impact.
Story of Life Change . . . You have selflessly invested in a stranger, and I cannot express how grateful I am. Being at Word of Life Bible Institute has changed my life. God has changed my heart and desire to live for Him, and now I am sold out for Christ . . . and you have helped make this possible!
*Provided by the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA).
– Kaitlyn
Word of Life | Life Change Challenge 4
Paul Bubar: 1933 - 2020 Known for his contagious enthusiasm to share Christ, Paul Bubar left an indelible mark on the ministry of Word of Life.
A Gospel Advancing Initiative Word of Life’s passion centers on reaching people with the Gospel. In fact, with God’s blessing and the efforts of our worldwide team, more than 100,000 people made salvation decisions in 2019. If there ever was a time in history to prepare and mobilize students to share the Gospel, the time is now. This generation craves reality and hope. We know that life change only occurs through a personal relationship with Jesus. While outreach may look a bit different after COVID-19, we have set a goal to present the Gospel to an additional one million people worldwide over the next year. To help accomplish this vision, we are launching the BUBAR MEMORIAL EVANGELISM FUND in honor of Paul Bubar, whose heart was passionate about sharing this Good News (see sidebar) . Teaming up with Word of Life Bible Institute students on 16 campuses and young people engaged in numerous events and outreach activities worldwide, we are praying and positioning to make this next year one of even greater impact in reaching this generation for Christ by leveraging:
Paul pioneered Local Church Ministries in
1959 and for many years influenced thousands of young people to receive Christ and to grow in their walk with the Lord. He also led the International
Ministries Division and the conference
ministry at The Lodge. In recent years he served joyfully as a ministry representative, engaged in evangelism and encouraging pastors and business leaders to reach their communities and peers with the Gospel.
• Internet platforms and social media channels for personal testimonies and evangelistic presentations and posts. • Expanded evangelistic outreach using technology in multiple language formats that allows for online discussions, phone calling and text messaging.
“. . . he that winneth souls is wise.“
• Open Air initiatives with staff, students and local churches.
• Expanded evangelism training enabling students to engage in Gospel conversations with their peers.
Proverbs 11:30b
Word of Life | Life Change Challenge 5
Life Change Challenge. . . Would you join us in helping the ministry move forward in the training of young people to share their faith and to proclaim the only message that truly changes lives – the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Pivoting_ ____________________________$1,860,000 Transforming_________________________$1,540,000 Gospel Advancing_ ___________________$1,000,000 Total______________________ $4,400,000
Number of Gifts
Amounts
Total
1 1 1 1 1 1
$ 2,000,000 $ 1,000,000 $ 500,000
$ 2,000,000 $ 1,000,000 $ 500,000
$ 250,000 $ 100,000 $ 75,000
$ 250,000 $ 100,000 $ 75,000
4 7
$ 50,000 $ 25,000
$ 200,000 $ 175,000
Many
Various
$ 100,000
Total
$ 4,400,000
Deb Nightingale / 518.494.6210 wol.org
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