We Believe Campaign Phase 2 MOBILIZING THIS GENERATION TO REACH THE WORLD
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How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
– Romans 10:14
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We Believe... I know you have a heart for the nations. And you believe the Great Commission calls us to go out, share the Gospel, and make disciples. Your partnership has helped Word of Life carry out this mission here and around the world for over 85 years. Word of Life became an international ministry in 1955. Now nearly 1,600 missionaries on six continents are touching millions of people annually. At the very core is evangelism, disciples making disciples, and leaders training leaders. Countless testimonies flood our offices every year from individuals who have taken their next step with Jesus and have experienced life change. But as we look around the world today, there is still so much more to be done. The reality is more than 40% of the world’s population live in unreached people groups. In regions like Africa and Asia, where the Gospel is taking root, there aren’t enough trained leaders to disciple the growing number of new believers. In addition to the challenges of expanding into new areas, we are facing the responsibility of supporting our existing missionaries. Some are working in difficult environments, where the spiritual, emotional, and physical toll can be overwhelming. We believe the harvest is plentiful and the laborers are few... but without proper training, care, and support we risk losing some of our most dedicated people. When I think of all the lost people combined with the reality that our capacity to meet the need is stretched to the limit, I believe now is the time to expand our reach. The launch of the We Believe Campaign Phase 2 – will, by God’s grace:
1. Mobilize this generation to reach the world. 2. Foster a culture of missionary care. 3. Reach 100 nations with the addition of 13 locations.
Thank you for your prayerful consideration of joining us on this mission.
Trusting Him,
Don Lough, Jr. President & CEO
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We Believe the World is Waiting to Hear the Gospel
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16–17
We believe it’s the responsibility of every generation to reach their generation for Christ
Billions of people around the world are looking for truth, reality, and answers to their spiritual questions. From the busy streets of Europe to rural areas in South America, there are people everywhere who haven’t heard the Good News. As the global population grows, so does the need for the hope that only Christ can bring.
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• 40% of the world’s population – more than 3 billion people – live in areas where they have little to no access to the Gospel. Joshua Project, April 2023 • In regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, there is only 1 trained pastor for every 450,000 people, leaving millions of new believers without proper discipleship. Lausanne Movement, 2020 • Over 60% of missionaries report significant emotional, family, or health challenges within the first five years of service, leading to early burnout and attrition. Global Member Care Network, 2022 • 85% of people who come to Christ do so before the age of 18, making youth-focused ministries like camps and Bible Institutes critical for reaching the next generation. Barna Group, 2018
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We Believe This Generation Can Reach The Next
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6
An Unchanging Message that Changes Lives! The Word of Life story began in the heart of Jack Wyrtzen, a young evangelist in New York City. As he shared his faith on street corners, the ministry began to grow. A small radio broadcast followed and rapidly expanded to rallies, camps and conferences, Bible Institutes, international missions, and student ministries in local churches.
This story has continued in countless young lives who have been touched and changed in more than 87 countries around the world.
Our Vision
Every young person taking their next step with Jesus.
Today, through the worldwide ministries, we continue to focus on five core values...
Bible-Centered The clear truth of God’s Word is our guide.
Youth-Focused The potential of the next generation is our passion.
Gospel-Driven The Good News of Jesus is our message.
Disciple-Making The training of multipliers is our method.
High Energy The excitement of life in Christ is our culture.
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We Believe In Changed Lives What happens in lives...
At Word of Life, today’s youth hear the Gospel and learn to study and apply biblical truth through personal discipleship and to effectively share their faith. We believe as students learn the Word of God, they discover the will of God. At Word of Life Camps... Every year more than 16,000 young people and families experience camp in the United States, and more than 100,000 attend camps around the world. At every Word of Life camp, guests hear the Gospel and are challenged to grow closer to the Lord. At Word of Life Bible Institutes... Through rigorous study, active discipleship in daily life and practical ministry outreach, students are immersed in the Word of God and challenged to immediately use what they learn in the classroom.
More than 40,000 alumni around the world are making an impact in their local communities and churches, as well as serving as pastors, missionaries, and ministry leaders.
Through Youth and International Ministries...
In 87 countries on six continents, Word of Life missionaries are touching the lives of thousands of young people every week.
Share International Ministries and Internships
Launch Camps
Grow Youth Ministries
Deepen Bible Institutes
Reach The World Career
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Training Students for Maximum Impact
Our mission is not just about spreading the Gospel but about raising up leaders who will continue this mission across the globe. Whether through camps, Bible Institutes, or global ministry, Word of Life exists to disciple and send out men and women who will carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
First international location: Brazil
Regional Director: John Reimer Pioneered by Harry Bollback and Harold Reimer, Word of Life Brazil was the first international outreach of Word of Life Fellowship and was officially established in 1957. The first youth camp was held in Atibaia the following year with 300 young people. Today, the ministry is led by John Reimer and based near Sao Paulo where it includes a four- year seminary, youth camp, and conference center. The ministry also extends to Recife with a one-year Bible Institute, camp, and evangelistic outreach. An additional youth camp has been established in Curitiba. The Porto Alegre team recently initiated the Word of Life Bible Club program in local churches, regularly shares the Gospel in public schools, and is developing a youth camp. Another location in Belem began in 1989 and includes a Christian school, camp and retreat facility, and a Missionary Training Institute where students are trained to minister to the Amazon people accessible by boat. The sixth ministry location has opened in the Gioas area with a conference center complex and plans for a youth camp. Today, Word of Life Brazil has a vibrant ministry impacting the lives of more than 200,000 Brazilians every year in eleven locations.
Hear how God prepared John Reimer to serve the people in Brazil
At a campfire meeting, Harry Bollback was speaking and at that moment the Lord got a hold of my heart and said “Reimer, I want you to serve me.” And I threw my stick in fire. A few years later I was serving with Word of Life in Brazil.
Brazil Flag
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Am I a spender... or an investor? What we spend we lose. God blesses what we invest for eternity. What does this mean? There has never been a greater time to reach young lives with the life-changing message of the Gospel!
Recently added International location: Vanuatu Field Coordinator: Asher Thompson In 2024, two missionary couples arrived on the South Pacific Island of Vanuatu to begin Word of Life’s newest location. Field coordinator, Asher Thompson, first visited Vanuatu in 2016 where he fell in love with the people and culture. More than half of Vanuatu’s population is under the age of 25, so there is a remarkable opportunity for Word of Life as a youth-focused organization to engage in evangelism and discipleship. Although most of the country identifies as Christian, the native people are rooted in the concepts of animism and dark magic. God has been opening doors for the missionaries to connect with key leaders and pastors from evangelical denominations and organizations in the Port Vila area. Currently they are focusing on training leaders and students to be "Gospel fluent" with the ultimate goal of seeing every young person in Vanuatu take their next step with Jesus.
Hear how God gave Asher an unshakable burden for the people in Vanuatu
It took God taking me to that place [Vanuatu] to grip my heart and give me a desire to do full time ministry and missions. For the next eight years, I had an unshakable burden for the people there.
Vanuatu Flag
Believing Over the Years Our Journey: A Timeline of Word of Life’s Global Impact
1980’s
Colombia 1980 United Kingdom 1980 Japan 1981 Mexico 1983 New Zealand 1983 Canada 1984 Italy 1985 Bermuda 1986 Costa Rica 1986 Fiji 1986 Peru 1986 Hungary 1987
1960’s Germany 1965
Poland 1987 Panama 1988 South Korea 1989
1940’s United States 1940
1950’s Brazil 1957
1970’s Australia 1970 Ecuador 1970 Kenya 1970 Argentina 1971 Philippines 1973 Portugal 1976
1990’s Bolivia 1990 Ukraine 1992 Canada 1993 El Salvador 1993 Romania 1993 Dominican Republic 1994 Austria 1997 Czech Republic 1997
Chile 1977 Spain 1977
Uruguay 1977 Paraguay 1979 Venezuela 1979
Guatemala 1998 Honduras 1998 South Africa 1998 France 1999
2000’s
Undisclosed 2000 Papua New Guinea 2000
2020’s
Bahamas 2001 Bulgaria 2002
Undisclosed 2020 Chad 2021 Undisclosed 2021 Guyana 2021 Democratic Republic of the Congo 2022
Uganda 2002 Germany 2003 Cayman Islands 2005 Serbia 2006 Taiwan 2006 Russia 2007 Undisclosed 2007 Nicaragua 2007 Anguilla 2008 Jamaica 2008 Lithuania 2008 St. Maarten 2008 Thailand 2008 Belize 2009 Undisclosed 2009
Germany 2022 Lebanon 2022 United Arab Emirates 2022 Zambia 2022
Undisclosed 2023 Undisclosed 2023 Malawi 2023 South Sudan 2023 Vanuatu 2023 Undisclosed 2024 Côte d'Ivoire 2024
2010’s Puerto Rico 2010 South Korea 2010 Curacao 2011 Undisclosed 2012 Aruba 2013 Trinidad & Tobago 2014 Undisclosed 2016 Rwanda 2017 Togo 2017 Undisclosed 2018 Liberia 2018
Saint Lucia 2018 Zimbabwe 2018 Undisclosed 2018 Undisclosed 2019
We Believe: Reaching the World for Christ Countries Word of Life Reaches
North America • 3 Countries • 5 Locations
• 77 Missionaries • 5 Camp Properties • 4 Bible Institutes
South America • 10 Countries • 13 Locations
Brazil
• 11 Locations • 158 Missionaries • 9 Camp Properties • 3 Bible Institutes • 2 Discipleship Training Centers
• 306 Missionaries • 8 Camp Properties • 1 Bible Institute • 6 Discipleship Training Centers
Central America / Caribbean / Mexico • 20 Countries • 20 Locations • 226 Missionaries • 8 Camp Properties • 1 Bible Institute • 6 Discipleship Training Centers
Africa
• 22 Countries • 24 Locations • 282 Missionaries • 8 Camp Properties • 1 Bible Institute • 5 Discipleship Training Centers
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Europe
• 16 Countries • 19 Locations • 204 Missionaries • 11 Camp Properties • 3 Bible Institutes • 2 Discipleship Training Centers
Indo-Pacific
• 14 Countries • 16 Locations • 208 Missionaries • 3 Camp Properties • 2 Bible Institutes • 5 Discipleship Training Centers
Other
• 181 Medium-Term Missionaries (Cross Country Internship & Launch & Youth Ministry interns)
I have seen the impact of Word of Life around the world. From Ukraine to South Korea to Uganda to the Philippines, God is raising up the leaders of tomorrow. They are young, passionate, deeply committed, and eager to learn the Word of God so they can share the Good News of Jesus around the world. I know of no ministry doing more to reach young people for Christ. Word of Life is changing the world, one young life at a time.
Dr. Ray Pritchard President, Keep Believing Ministries
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We Believe The Best Is Yet To Come 1. We believe in mobilizing this generation to reach the world.
Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:3
Word of Life exists to train, disciple and send out men and women who will carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth. A strategic aspect of our global expansion is the creation of the Global Mobilization Center. This facility, on the Florida campus, will serve as our international headquarters and a training center for missionaries. Currently, we’re running our operations out of temporary spaces that aren’t adequate for the scale of what we believe God is calling us to do. The new facility will include state-of-the-art training rooms, meeting spaces, and technology that allows us to connect with missionaries around the world. It will be a place where missionaries can come to be trained, equipped, and refreshed before heading back into the mission field.
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The new Global Mobilization Center will serve as a catalyst to:
• Accommodate and train up to 1,000 missionaries annually. • Host global and regional training events each year. • Conduct confidential conversations. • Connect globally through private and distraction free Zoom Rooms. • Counsel and care for missionaries. • Position the Word of Life Florida ministry for greater impact to serve more groups by providing additional meeting space.
Word of Life is actively working in 87 countries with approximately 1,600 missionaries, and by God’s grace we are expanding rapidly. It is essential that we equip the next generation of young missionaries and provide comprehensive support for them, both before and during their time on the mission field. This new facility will enable us to achieve these goals with higher quality and efficiency, advancing the spread of the Gospel worldwide.
Kris Stout Executive Vice President, International Ministries
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Global Mobilization Center Conceptual Rendering
Conceptual Rendering of Global Mobilization Center Exterior
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Conceptual Rendering of Global Mobilization Center Interior
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2. We believe in fostering a culture of care.
The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore. Psalm 121:8
Our missionaries are committed to serving in difficult, often isolated areas. But many face growing challenges. Surveys of global missionaries show that more than 60% deal with emotional, family, or health struggles in their first five years. Word of Life’s Member Care is an organizational commitment to the ongoing investment of resources in the holistic well-being and development of every individual in the worldwide Word of Life missions team. From recruitment through retirement, they assure each person is cared for and supported. This commitment, in partnership with the local church, promotes a culture of one-another care helping to ensure that our fellowship and service fulfill our Biblical responsibility of expressing our love for the Lord, one another, and the world around us.
• Spiritual Formation
• Whole Family Care
• Team Building
• Conflict Resolution
• Counseling
• Pastoral Care
• Debriefing
• Pre-field Orientation
• Leader Development
• Crisis Response
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As part of our commitment to caring for our missionaries, we need to provide Member Care Housing that allows them to rest and prepare for the next phase of their ministry. Three new, fully furnished, family-sized housing units in an RV park model will provide a safe and comfortable environment that will help keep our missionaries on the field long term.
Three housing units on the Florida campus will... • Provide housing for up to 75 missionaries and their families annually. • Offer on-site counseling, leadership training, and family support services.
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3. We believe in reaching 100 nations by expanding to 13 locations.
From the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations. Malachi 11:1a
At the heart of our mission is global outreach. Word of Life is committed to sending missionaries who will spread the Gospel to every corner of the earth, especially in regions where people have never heard the name of Jesus. We believe God is calling us to expand and Reach 100 Nations with the Addition of 13 Locations by 2030. This expansion will focus on regions where the need for the Gospel is greatest, including Africa and Asia. Funds will be used as seed money to start new ministries in key countries, including the training of national leaders, launching camps, and setting up Bible Institutes. Through this expansion, people will be reached in limited access areas where the Gospel has not yet taken root. This is about much more than numbers – it’s about lives changed for Eternity and communities transformed through the power of Christ. The International Ministry Expansion Vision will allow us to… • Launch new ministry operations in 13 additional locations by 2030. • Train local leaders and establish sustainable ministries in each new location. • Provide resources and training for new national leaders in these regions.
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• American Samoa • Bhutan • Limited Access Country #1 • Cambodia • Limited Access Country #2 • French Polynesia • Kiribati • Limited Access Country #3 • Malaysia • Limited Access Country #4 • Marshall Islands • Micronesia • Mongolia • Limited Access Country #5 • Nepal • New Caledonia • Limited Access Country #6 • Palau • Polynesia • Samoa • Singapore • Solomon Islands • Sri Lanka • Timor-Leste • Tokelau • Tonga • Tuvalu • Wallis and Futuna Going forward with global vision
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After
these
things
I
looked, and behold, a great
multitude which no one
could number, of all nations,
tribes, peoples, and tongues,
standing before the throne
and before the Lamb, clothed
with white robes, with palm
branches in their hands. Revelation 7:9
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Phase 2 We Believe Campaign Goal $17,820,000
Global Mobilization Center $16,140,000
Expanding to 100 Locations $1,050,000
International Ministries Housing $630,000
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Proposed Timeline
This timeline will be adjusted as financial commitments are received.
2025
2026
2027
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Missionary Housing
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Expand to 100
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God’s Blessings Over the Past 15 Years!
Build Campaign – Phase 1: Bollback Student Life Center Goal: $13,500,000 Raised: $13,914,810
Bollback Student Life Center
Build Campaign – Phase 2: Huskies Health and Athletic Center, Adirondack Hall, Island and Coast Camp Projects Goal: $20,580,000 Raised: $20,695,062
Huskies Health and Athletic Center
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2028
2029
2030
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Locations
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Global Mobilization Center
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Life Change Challenge – Covid Pivot and Life Change Camper and Student Funds Goal: $4,400,000 Raised: $4,585,311
Camper and Camp Crew at The Island in New York
We Believe Campaign – Phase 1: Student Life Center/Dormitory, RV Park Expansion and Clubhouse, Poolside Lanai Upgrade Goal: $20,500,000 Raised: $21,285,906
To God be the Glory, Great Things He has Done!
Artist Renditions of Student Life Center
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Gift Plan Join Us In Believing
# of Partners
Gift Amount
Totals
1 .................................... $6,000,000 ............... $6,000,000 1 .................................... $5,000,000 ............... $5,000,000 2 .................................... $1,000,000 ............... $2,000,000 3 ....................................... $500,000 ............... $1,500,000 4 ....................................... $250,000 ............... $1,000,000 10 ..................................... $100,000 ............... $1,000,000 10 ....................................... $50,000 .................. $500,000 20 ....................................... $25,000 .................. $500,000 Many ..................................... Various .................. $320,000
$17,820,000
Commitments may be made over three years in the form of: • Cash or Check • Appreciated Assets • Real Estate • Securities
Our Commitment Word of Life is committed to a policy of moving ahead as the Lord provides. The ministry will not incur debt. Financial commitments are required prior to commencing projects. The ministry is committed to financial accountability. Copies of the ministry’s audited financial statements and 990 are available online at www.wol.org and upon request. Word of Life is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) and has a four-star rating from Charity Navigator.
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We Believe... Goal: $5,000,000 We believe everyone can have a part – over 400 families have made Word of Life a part of their Estate Planning
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:20-21
Often, the day we depart for Heaven is our best opportunity to leave a legacy. Estate planning can help you plan well for the people and ministries you love. Your legacy gift may provide the opportunity to make a larger gift to Word of Life than is possible during your lifetime. It could support a special project or continue your annual giving. It can also be given in memory of a loved one. Word of Life receives financial support through several types of gifts. Some gifts are regular and support ongoing ministry and missionary outreach. Some gifts are for one-time ministry special projects. Others are legacy gifts given through a will or trust. By naming Word of Life as a beneficiary, your legacy gift helps sustain the ministry and provides resources to expand Word of Life’s worldwide efforts in evangelism and discipleship. Your gift can also help to extend the reach of the ministry through the provision of Life Change Scholarships or missionary support. PhilanthroCorp served as a guide to us, answering all of our many questions about this often-procrastinated topic. We appreciated that we never felt rushed during the process or pressed to make a decision. This is an extremely beneficial service, and we would highly recommend it to others. – Ron and Christine Wyrtzen As you review the resources God has entrusted to you and explore different opportunities to give, would you prayerfully consider including Word of Life in your legacy plans? We can connect you with trusted ministry partners who can help you think through this process with a Biblical worldview. They will help you design or update a plan for your estate attorney to implement so your legacy has an eternal impact.
For more information or to talk to someone personally, contact:
John Nelson Director, Word of Life Foundation 518.494.6217 or johnn@wol.org
Unrestricted estate gifts received over the course of the campaign will be directed to specific projects as determined by the President & CEO. Estate gifts also help Word of Life with ongoing long-term maintenance and upkeep of the facilities that have been graciously provided to the ministry.
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Leadership
We are blessed to be led by an Executive Team and Board of Directors who are committed to the stewardship of this campaign and the vision of Word of Life.
Executive Leadership
Board of Directors
President: Dr. Donald H. Lough, Jr. Vice President/Treasurer: Mr. B. John Nelson Secretary: Lt. Col. Walter R. Price, (Ret.)
Donald H. Lough, Jr. President & CEO
B. John Nelson Executive Assistant to the President and Director of Word of Life Foundation
Dr. Mark L. Bailey Dr. John S. Barnett Mr. Mark R. Berardelli Mr. Andrew C. Brown Mr. Bob G. Brown
Rich Andrews Vice President, Youth and Family Camps
Brian Baker Vice President, Bible Institutes and Executive Dean of Bible Institutes
Mr. Roger L. Burdick Mr. Robert C. Doll, Jr. Dr. Christopher Gnanakan Mr. Cory J. Hansen Mr. Robert L. Horst Mrs. Riley Hoselton Mr. Joseph J. Hunt Mr. Robert L. Lanyon Mr. Chad J. Lubke Dr. Ronald D. Moore Rev. Philip A. Moser II Mr. John M. Page
Scott Foreman Vice President, Growth and Impact Strategies
Chip Nightingale Vice President, Advancement
Kristopher Stout Executive Vice President, International Ministries
Mr. Jonathan H. Price Mr. John H. Reimer, Jr. Mr. Kristopher M. Stout Capt. Dane C. Swanson, USN (Ret.) Mr. Ronald D. Wyrtzen
Mark Strout Executive Dean, Global Bible Institutes
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Thank you for faithfully standing with the worldwide ministry of Word of Life. We are so grateful for your partnership and prayers.
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of
mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:3–6
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Proposed Master Plan
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Word of Life
PO Box 600 Schroon Lake, NY 12870
13247 Word of Life Dr. Hudson, FL 34669
wol.org
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