Jodi Davis ‘87 is faithfully serving as a Word of Life Fellowship missionary in Japan since 2006. She currently serves as the English Dean with Word of Life SYME while also studying Japanese. Jodi attends International Church of Tokorozawa in Saitama, Japan, where she is actively involved in serving her local church. In addition to her ministry responsibilities, Jodi also sings in a local gospel choir, where she is currently the only Christian member. Roger Gural ‘87 and his wife, Sigrid, have been married since 1988. They have eight children: Rachel (37), Zachery (35), Vivian (32), Merrin (30), Oliver (28), Kharis (23), Elijah (17), and Kyrie (15). They also have seven grandchildren, including a set of twins. Roger serves as a Project/ Construction Manager for a public utility and is actively involved in teaching at Faith Bible Church in Sprakers, New York. Reflecting on his time at Word of Life Bible Institute, Roger remembers the strong teaching and meaningful fellowship that defined his year. Some favorite memories include being among the “Frozen Chosen of Norway,” [a dorm that is no longer named Norway] Open Air Campaigners in Manhattan, Island ‘87, and even blocking Phil Moser’s jump shot. Billy Kryger ‘88 and his wife, Rebekah, currently live in Kansas and have three children: Billy II, Jenna, and Jackson. They also have four grandchildren: Lilly (4), Michael (3), Liam (2), and Maidlyn (6 months). Billy serves as pastor of Berean Baptist Church in Council Grove, Kansas. He also works as an online ESL instructor and hospice chaplain. His ministry involvement includes preaching, teaching, counseling, writing for a local newspaper, online ministry, and Bible Institute teaching. James Miles ‘88 and his wife, Kathy, live in Ohio and have three children: James, Jacob, and Abbey. James serves as a paramedic with Hanco EMS, faithfully caring for others in his community through emergency medical services. 1990’s Peter Dearing ‘90 is currently living in Massachusetts and serving in IT support through his work on a helpdesk team. He attends Broken Chains Biker Church and is involved in motorcycle ministry, using his
Armitage (5), and Arya Armitage (2). Jon works at Chewy and attends Calvary Baptist Church, where he is involved in tract distribution and the church security ministry. Joel Kopf ‘86 '87 and his wife, Myrna, live in Idaho. Joel serves as a Forestry Technician for the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and attends Plummer Assembly of God. He is actively involved in ministry, including outreach to Native American communities, leading chapel at Union Gospel Mission in Spokane, Washington, and teaching a morning class for middle school students at his church.
passion and experiences to connect with others and share Christ.
Melissa (Marrale ‘94) Flom and her husband, Matthew, have two daughters, Gabriella (23) and Daniella (20). Melissa serves as Principal at Naples Christian Academy in Naples, Florida. She attends Covenant Church Naples and is actively investing in the next generation through Christian education. In addition to her time at Word of Life Bible Institute, Melissa is also an alumna of the School of Youth Ministry & Evangelism (SYME), attending in 1995 when the program included a winter quarter in Florida to help accommodate campers attending Snowcamp in New York. 2000’s Danielle (Christ ‘02) Foster and her husband, Achaz, live in New York City. Danielle serves as a high school humanities teacher at Manhattan Christian Academy and attends Apostles Church Uptown, where she is involved in kids’ ministry. “I enjoyed all of the friend- ships built during that year as we all had a common goal of learning the Word better and applying it through service and ministry. I loved my time at WOLBI and would recommend it to anyone! It is a special place because it provides a dedicated year, or two, to study the Word alongside like- minded people.” – Danielle Foster ’02 Philip Ross ‘04 and his wife, Megan (Richardson ’04) , have three children: Anderson (17), Mason (15), and Coralyn (12). They are currently based in Ocala, Florida, where they are investing in their family and community. Philip remains thankful for the lasting impact of his time at Word of Life and the foundation it provided for life and family. Mauricio Prunera ‘05 and his wife, Rachel ‘05 have been faithfully serving the Lord together since their time at Word of Life Bible Institute in Argentina, where they first met. They were married in November 2006 and have two children: Esteban (15) and Lidia (11). Mauricio serves as a church planter and pastor at Église Évangélique Baptiste
“My biggest memory isn’t from WOLBI, but from the School of Youth Minis-
tries, which I graduated from in 1987. Founder Paul Bubar taught a Wednesday evening class called “Bubarology,” where he talked about his outreach in then-communist Eastern Europe and offered a lot of commonsense advice. I wrote a song about Paul called “Wise Professor” that I often sing in churches and other applicable venues.” – Joel Kopf ’86 ’87 John Baird ‘86 and his wife, Becky, have three children: Julia (37), John Jr. (34), and Daniel (30), and three grandchildren. John currently serves as a Chaplain II with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections at the Jim Hamilton Correctional Center, opening the door to a unique opportunity to share the hope found in biblical Christianity.
“For anyone in the Class of 1986 who remembers me, I was the loud and proud
“Bapticostal” on campus. Several lifelong connections were made there. Jack Wyrtzen’s infectious enthusiasm for sound biblical training, missions, and teaching a new generation to carry forth the faith gave those of us with conser- vative beliefs space to express them with logical understanding, as well as enthusiastic vigor and energy. Throughout life and ministry, my experience learning at WOLBI was the most valuable preparation for effective ministry over a lifetime.” – John Baird ’86
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The Word of Life Experience
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