Issue 26
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Front Cover: Florida Student Life Center by Samantha (Catlin '21 '22) Critchlow
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CONTENTS
A Note from Don Lough, Jr. Reverb Alumni Updates Winter Camps 2027 I Want My Life to Count: Peter Fretheim, 2026 Alumnus of the Year More Than a Building: Florida Student Life Center A Life-Shaping Year in Argentina Global Volunteer Program Dedications
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A Note from Don Lough, Jr. As we enter the fall season, I am reminded of the opportunities this time of year brings for both reflection and renewed focus. Across every area of Word of Life, we are seeing God continue to work in powerful ways – through camps, Bible Institutes, and ministry partnerships around the world. Each new season brings new faces and new opportunities to share the truth of the gospel. Whether it’s a student stepping onto campus for the first time or a young person hearing the message of Christ at camp, God is using these moments to change lives. In this issue of The Word of Life Experience , you’ll read stories that reflect this ongoing work – from the life and legacy of this year’s Alumnus of the Year, to Reverb updates and stories, and a look at the impact of the new Florida Bible Institute Student Life Center. As we look ahead, one vision remains clear: To see every young person take their next step with Jesus. Thank you for your continued prayers, support, and partnership in this work.
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CONTRIBUTORS
Director of Word of Life Foundation – John Nelson Director of Communications – John Yarosh Alumni Director – Karen Rathbun '92 Alumni Engagement Manager – Rebecca Berga ‘15 & ‘16 Head Writer – Tricia Childs ‘14 & ‘15 Creative and Branding Manager – Teresa Stursberg '14 Alumni Relations – Ken Hayden ‘86 Advancement – Kay Gross International Marketing Coordinator – Joshua Paulhamus ‘14 & ‘15 Social Media Manager – Noah Haneman ‘18 The Word of Life 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 2026 – 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.
We are grateful to have you as part of the Word of Life family.
In His Service,
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.
Don Lough, Jr. ’84 Chancellor, Word of Life Bible Institute President & CEO, Word of Life Fellowship, Inc.
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