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I s s u e 6
contents
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FAMI LY D I SC I PLESHI P
A letter from Don Lough, Jr .
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HOW THE AVERAGE GUY CAN DO GREAT THINGS FOR GOD
We are committed to the intentional process of teaching and influencing others to become more like Jesus Christ. Discipleship is at the very core of the worldwide ministry of Word of Life. It involves one life invested in another with the ultimate goal of Christlikeness. You can recognize a disciple by the fruit produced in their life. As a person matures spiritually, they will grow in their love for God, their love for others and they will help carry out the Great Commission. If you have been discipled, you probably remember the person who made a significant spiritual investment in your life. Maybe it was when you were a Bible Institute student or perhaps it was a friend or someone in your church. Think about the difference it made for you. A strategic goal this year is for every Bible Institute student and every staff member to be connected in relationship and every student to be engaged in discipleship. And let me encourage you – if you aren’t already – to invite someone into your life with the purpose to encourage them, to help them understand God’s Word, and to grow in their faith. You will encourage that person and you will be encouraged as you are involved with us in . . . Holding Forth the Word of Life. With a grateful heart,
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D I SC I PL ING VETERANS
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WOMEN' S D I SC I PLESHI P
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WORD OF L I FE KOREA 30TH ANNI VERSARY
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Campus Updates
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where are they now?
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alumni news
major contributors
Wri ters – Roger Peace, Harry Bollback, Mike Bush, Mike Nicholes, Joy White, Tom Joyce, Phil Moser Designer – Teresa Stursberg Edi tor – Beth Black Director of Alumni Relat ions – Mike Bush 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 change, and learn how you, too, can be involved with the mission of Word of Life. ©Copyright 2018 — 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.
DON LOUGH, JR. (‘84) Execut ive Director
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Family Discipleship BY TOM JOYCE “
W hat do these stones mean to you?” That was the question in Joshua 4 that God said the children of Israel would ask as they looked upon the ordered pile of large rocks near the bank of the swiftly flowing Jordan River. In response the men and women of Israel were encouraged to explain how the rocks were a monument to their great and loving God Who had held back the water so the entire nation could cross the Jordan River safely and on dry ground! In a sense, those Jews were called to “disciple” their children regarding the truths about the awesomeness of God. Thousands of years later, men and women are still encouraged to disciple their families into an understanding of the character, greatness and wonders of our God. Thankfully, we have the completed canon of Scripture and quality complementary resources to assist us in this important task. The Apostle Paul’s declaration regarding Scripture in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 provides both a description and a practical prescription of what it should look like to disciple a family – of course with the end result (v.17) being that the members of our family would “be equipped for every good work”, empowered to meet all the demands of godly ministry and righteous living. Beginning in v.16, the Apostle Paul wrote that we should use the infallible, “God-breathed” Scriptures to teach, reprove, correct and train those under our care in an effort to shepherd them in the path of righteousness. According to the Apostle Paul, I believe we are first called to use the Scriptures (and available complementary resources) to teach our family (at a minimum) about the character traits, doctrines, expectations and wonders of our great God. Our God truly desires to be known by us, thus the Bible is replete with narratives, prophecies, prayers and illustrative passages which provide each of us with an exposure to not only God’s
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Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, the Apostle Paul in v.16 encourages the spiritual leaders of the family to train their disciples in righteousness. Perhaps this is best understood as the practical application and intended result of the teaching, reproving and correcting aspects of discipleship. This is where the maturing disciples are cheered on and encouraged as they strive to live their lives “equipped for every good work”… honoring and glorifying God. Called by God to disciple our families, we cannot instruct from a vacuum. Given the task of the discipleship of our families, we must be consistent and capable students of the Bible ourselves, credible in our godly behavior and sufficiently equipped to eagerly pass on what we know to be scripturally true. I can think of no greater task and no greater responsibility than the intentional discipleship of our families. In addition to the predominant use of Scripture, I would also recommend the following complementary resources which may be considered quite helpful in the family discipleship process:
Tom Joyce
Tom currently serves as Pastor of Discipleship, Family and Next Generation at Immanuel Bible Church, Springfield, VA. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and also received Masters Degrees from Harvard University and Capital Bible Seminary. Tom retired from the Navy in July 2003 after a 25-year career where he and his wife, Deshua, led and ministered to men, women and families in the Naval Aviation community. He is a frequent speaker at Word of Life.
character but also His marvelous creative work and His gracious redemptive plan for the salvation of man. The effective use of daily family devotions is a great way to foster a culture of open and honest dialogue regarding the practical application of the truths of the Bible. Secondly, an important part of the discipleship of our family involves using the Scriptures to assist in the recognition, rebuking and avoidance of sin in our own lives and in the lives of those under our care. Setting a consistently strong example of godly living in and out of the home provides clear application of Paul’s intent. We must be mindful to anchor our daily living according to the tenets of Scripture and not allow our family to be influenced or governed by the changing culture of this world. Thirdly, the Apostle Paul reminds us that we must gently but consistently confront sinful deviations from God’s Word and
Big Truths for Little Kids Richie Hunt and Susan Hunt
TheOlogy: Ancient Truths, Ever New Marty Machowski
The Gospel Story Bible: Discovering Jesus in the Old and New Testaments Marty Machowski Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family Paul David Tripp New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional Paul David Tripp
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we cannot instruct from a vacuum ”
Devotionals for all ages
Quiet Times are customized for every age group so the whole family can learn biblical truth together. WOLSTORE.ORG
godly living in an effort to effect genuine confession, repentance, correction of behavior and restoration to the fellowship of not only the family, but, more importantly, to effect a restored and vibrant relationship with God.
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How the Average Guy Can Do Great Things For God
BY PHIL MOSER ('86)
T he average man is 5’10” and weighs 195 pounds. Yet, with that build, Walter Payton compiled 16,726 rushing yards in the NFL and became a nine-time Pro Bowl selectee. Most guys consider themselves spiritually average, and they believe that God must be looking for someone else. But God is looking for average men with above average desire. Consider that Jesus’ choice of disciples included uneducated fishermen, tradesmen, and a tax collector. The average guy’s spiritual walk can be greatly enhanced through four words: mature, master, minister and mentor. MATURE in your faith
Maturing in your faith requires a growing, unwavering belief system that engages others with compassionate integrity. Paul challenged us to “no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). I’m prone to seasickness. To compensate, I’ve learned to take my eyes off the edge of the boat with its bobbing-up-and-down motion and focus
Both what we say and how we say it matters ” “ on the steady horizon. The same is true of your belief system. When everyone around you is changing what they believe, eyes fixed on the unchanging truths of God’s
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shouldn’t put off the opportunity. It’s easy for us to limit these conversations about Christ and the Bible to fellow Christians, but God has charged us to minister to those both inside and outside our circle of faith. Often such encouragement may open up the door to share the Gospel. Even Paul prayed for such an opportunity (Colossians 4:2). MENTOR the next generation If you’ve been unable to mature, master, and minister, then you’ll have very little to share with the next generation. But, if you’ve been developing the first three, then doing the fourth will come naturally. The one who has attempted to practice what he teacheswill instruct froma reservoir of personal failures and successes—such humility fosters hope. That’s why I would rather learn from a doer than a theorist (2 Timothy 2:2). God is looking to take the average man and do great things through him. Do you qualify as average? Then it’s best to start preparing. Mature. Master. Minister. Mentor. Humility fosters hope ” “
Word bring about steady growth in your faith. Paul goes on to say that we should “speak the truth to one another in love” (Ephesians 4:15). This is compassionate integrity. The Christian life was never meant to be lived alone. We need other men telling us the truth, and we need to return the favor (Proverbs 27:17). Speaking the truth in love means that, as men, both what we say and how we say it matters. MASTER key habits Just like a good diet and consistent exercise are essential for your physical well-being, three elements are necessary for your spiritual well-being. Daily Bible Reading and Application. Spending time in the Word is essential. Furthermore, James warns, “Be doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). Following each reading, be sure to ask God what needs to change in your life. Scripture Memory for Retrieval . In order to stand against temptation, the memorization of Scripture is essential. Think about the lies that come when you’re tempted and memorize the corresponding truths from the Bible (Psalm 119:10). Prayer as a Pattern, not a Panic Button . With the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught the disciples a pattern of prayer. Their prayers should include: praise, repentance, asking and yielding. Those four words form the acrostic PRAY. I have often used them to develop a pattern of prayer. God will hear our prayers when we pray in panic, but it’s better for us to develop a pattern. MINISTER inside and out The New Testament uses the words “minister” and “servant” interchangeably. The origin of these words means “to hasten or pursue.”Ourministry and service towards others should have a sense of urgency—we Prayer as a pattern, not a panic button ”
Phil Moser
Phil Moser is a graduate of
Word of Life Bible Institute and The Master’s Seminary. He is a husband, father, pastor and author of The Biblical Strategies Series.
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4M Training
You can learn more about 4M Training—a unique small group study for men—at biblicalstrategies. com.
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Discipling Veterans BY HARRY BOLLBACK
S everal years ago I became involved with the VFW and the American Legion in Chestertown, New York. As a group, we decided to build a Veterans Memorial to honor all those who served from the Chestertown area, and I was selected to be Chairman of the project. At the first meeting I laid out some ground rules for discussions; ●● First, since I loved the Lord, His Name would not be used in vain. They all agreed. ●● I then told them there would be no profanity used at any time. They all agreed. The Lord blessed in a wonderful way, and on dedication day, after a beautiful opening ceremony, the Committee presented me with a plaque. It said, “To Harry Bollback in appreciation for his service as a United States Marine. A man of God.” Praise the Lord! A few days later, my fellow veterans came and asked me to start a Bible study for veterans. Our Bible study continued until I was 91 when my vision became so bad that I could no longer continue. Several of the men made decisions for Christ, and some have already gone Home to be with the Lord. I thank the Lord that even at this stage of life I can still be a witness for my Lord. Millie and I pray that we will be good finishers for the Lord we love, as we wait for His glorious appearing. ●● I also told them we would open and close each meeting in prayer as we looked to God for His blessing. They all agreed.
Veterans Memorial Chestertown, New York
Take a moment to send a note to Harry, he would love to hear from you. HARRYBOLLBACK@YAHOO.COM
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Women's Discipleship BY JOY MARTIN WHITE G od created men and women equally in His image, yet also created them with God-glorifying differences. While all Christian discipleship should cause us to be conformed to the image of Christ, gender distinctions between men and women result in some differences in methods and content in the discipleship process.
A discipleship relationship for women can take on many forms including quality conversation over a cup of coffee to going through an intensive doctrinal study. It can be meeting a few times a week walking and talking about life, to a focusing on prayer and accountability. The format of the discipleship relationship is not of prime importance. What matters most is that the relationship brings glory to the Lord, drawing you both closer to Christ. As you disciple young women, point them to Christ. Teach them truth. Be transparent. Have a listening ear. Provide godly wisdom. Pray for them. Every discipleship relationship is unique. I have been blessed with multiple women who actively discipled me through various Every discipleship relationship is unique" seasons of my life. Susie Robertson encouraged me in spiritual disciplines such as prayer and Scripture memory. Dorothy Patterson instilled in me a love for and trust in the Word of God. Betsy Owens taught me by example how to be a better wife and mom. I praise the Lord for the diverse ways He used these godly women in my life. Beyond that, do not forget about some of the more practical components of women’s discipleship that are often overlooked. In Titus 2, Paul provides instruction for different groups in the church based on age and gender. He admonishes older women to teach younger women how
to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, all so that the Word of God not be reviled (Titus 2:4-5). Many of the things on this list are counter-cultural, even in the church, yet they are a part of the timeless and divinely-inspired women’s discipleship curriculum laid out in Scripture. When I teach women’s ministry at Word of Life Bible Institute, I challenge every young lady to have someone more spiritually mature who can pour into them (a Paul), a friend in a similar stage of life for accountability (a Barnabas), and someone younger in the faith that they can actively disciple (a Timothy). The Christian life is richer for both men and women when we have all three of these iron sharpening iron relationships (Proverbs 27:17). Examine your own life. Do you currently have a Paul, a Timothy, and a Barnabas? If not, pray that the Lord provides you with these relationships. Do not be afraid to step up and disciple someone. It doesn’t have to be complicated or difficult. If you are a believer actively pursuing Christ, you have something to offer to someone. Discipleship is a multiplying ministry. Think about this. If during your lifetime you disciple twopeople, who in turndisciple two more people, etc., in ten generations you will have over 2,000 spiritual descendants. But if you disciple four people, who in turn disciple four people, etc., by the tenth generation you will have over 1,000,000 spiritual descendants? Discipleship is truly a multiplicative ministry; therefore, ladies, let’s go make disciples!
Joy Martin White
Joy resides in Cedarville, Ohio, with her husband, Thomas, who serves as President of Cedarville University. Joy stays busy serving alongside her husband and homeschooling their two children, Rachel and Samuel. Joy also teaches a Biblical Theology of Womanhood course at Cedarville and a Women’s Ministry course at Word of Life Bible Institute. She also enjoys leading a Bible study for the Cedarville Women’s Soccer team, discipling students, and hosting student groups in their home.
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word OF LIFE KOREA BY MIKE NICHOLES ('84) 30th anniversary
I f you had told me I would live in Asia, learn another language, eat fermented cabbage daily, and co-found a mission - I would have said, “you’ve got the wrong guy”. God has a sense of humor, doesn’t He?
We returned to the United States praying that the Lord would send ‘someone else.’ Through the remainder of that summer, my brother and I could not get Korea off our minds. Jeremiah 33:3, “Call to me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know,” continued to reverberate in my heart. The Preparation Years By the fall of 1986, my brother and I had a strong compelling to return to Korea, even though it seemed “impossible”. After all, Korea has been called ‘The Impossible Country’. Author Daniel Tudor states that “Korea imposes unattainable targets on people.” Yet, we know ‘Nothing is impossible with God’. Nothing is impossible with god" After arriving in Seoul on September 5, 1988, the reality of mammoth challenges began to materialize. It was going to take more than just grit and determination to learn the language, gain mission visas, and establish a foundation with which to begin ‘Word of Life Korea’. After completing two years of language study, we needed help to begin our first public evangelistic outreach. A Korean graduate of Word of Life Bible Institute Australia returned to Korea and volunteered to organize our first evangelistic outreach called a “Ping-Pong Marathon”. This was a humble, yet exciting, start.
The Power of One Every journey has a beginning, so let me take you back to the summer of 1986 when my brother, Steve ('81), and I took amissions trip to the Philippine Islands. While we were serving at Word of Life in the Philippines, two campers in my cabin were Korean. Regardless of what we did that week, the Korean teens were the most eager and enthusiastic. When their Dad came to pick them up, I bragged on the kids, and their Dad stated to me, “Please pray about starting a youth ministry in South Korea”. He was so bold as to ask me to stop over in Korea on the way back to the United States to speak at a Korean youth conference. Don’t ever underestimate the power of one conversation. Steve and I scheduled an extended layover in Korea to investigate the church situation, visit other missions, and begin asking the question: “What is the greatest need in South Korea?” From Seoul to the countryside, Korean pastors echoed the words – “We need help with our youth.” My brother and I believed Word of Life was strategically positioned to help meet this need with young people; however, we were not the men to answer that call for help. Surely God would send trained Koreans to aid this nation. Furthermore, the Korean language is one of the most difficult for westerners to learn; the culture is significantly different, and new endeavors in the culture organized by young men in their 20’s was unthinkable.
Mike and Steve Nicholes (back in the day)
Mike and Steve Nicholes
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Mike Nicholes is a graduate of Word of Life Bible Institute and Tennessee Temple University. He also received a Master’s Degree from Cornerstone University. Mike has been married to Alicia for 18 years and serves as the leader of the Word of Life Advancement Family Ministry & Conference in Northeast Asia.
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next generation of leaders is through our Bible Institute Campus on Jeju Island. Korea is a greenhouse for reproducing reproducers" “ In September of 2010, the Jeju Word of Life Bible Institute opened and welcomed just over 30 students to study the Bible for one year in a fully-accredited school. Other ways we train leaders is through Local Church Ministries that began in 2003. One of the most effective tools we used was Church Camps, (also started in 2003) with Korean churches, both for evangelism and training. We would see more than 500 campers per year with 250 campers receiving Christ. Meanwhile the youth leaders were being trained simultaneously during the camp. The Priority of the Home A dramatic shift in the Korean youth culture began about ten years ago. Parents are no longer involved in their child’s moral training. Alarming rates of young people are committing suicide. (South Korea worldwide is second only to Lithuania in teen suicide per capita.) Entire families are dropping out of church, faith, and moral responsibility. The resounding cry from recent surveys among Korean pastors is for ‘family ministry’. In 2014, I started Family Foundations to equip parents with foundational truths and tools from Scripture. No society can survive without the bedrock of the foundational family structure. The Possibilities are Endless JackWyrtzen, founder of Word of Life, once said to me that the vibrancy and passion of the Korean people moved him. Koreans are highly motivated leaders who can accomplish difficult tasks and overcome incredible obstacles when their passion is channeled. Samsung, Kia, Hyundai, and LG are all Korean-made products. If we can move some of that ingenuity towards missions, the possibilities are endless! I am praying to that end!
The Prayer for a Miracle As we continued launching our ministry events such as Ping-Pong Marathons, Youth Leadership Conferences, Quiet Time Seminars, 3-on-3 Basketball Tournaments, and International Camps, we were praying for a miracle to become officially registered with the government. Other ministers in Korea shared how a ‘bribe under the table’ was the only way to make progress in becoming registered with the government. We were warned that if we failed the first time, it would be virtually impossible to try again. The odds were stacked against us. Not only was our Korean-speaking ability in infancy stage – we didn’t have any money, didn’t have a table to put it under, and obviously knew it was against Biblical and moral ethics to even think of bribing a government official. We needed a miracle. It was a normal day when I received a call from the Far East Broadcasting Company inviting us to a dinner sponsored by the Department of Culture and Sports. The exact leader of the Protestant Department ate with my brother, Steve, and God worked His miracle, enabling us through a series of events to become registered in 1995 as Word of Life Korea! The Powerful Tool Even though the events were life changing for many Korean teens who received Christ, we began to realize there was a fundamental piece of the proverbial puzzle missing, in that young rising Korean leaders were unwilling to commit to basic Biblical habits for spiritual growth. At the same time we were being bombarded with people begging us to teach them English. We began to realize English was a powerful ‘tool’ we had in our box and could use to further the ministry. At this point, my brother, Steve, began to design a 32-week discipleship training school in English. In January 2000, nine students came to be a part of the first class of SYME (School of Youth Ministry in English). Shortly after SYME opened, I launched ENGLISH CAMPS where we used the tool of English. Hundreds of Korean teens trust Christ every year in these camps. This ministry continues now, directed by our Korean nationals. The Plan for Training Leaders Korea is a greenhouse for reproducing reproducers. The future of Word of Life Korea is training national leaders for exponential growth on the home field, as well as greater Asia. One of the numerous ways in which we’re training the
SOUTH KOREA
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Campus Updates BY ROGER PEACE ('94)
T his has been an incredible season of growth at Word of Life Bible Institute. As a team we are so humbled and grateful for all the Lord is doing in the lives of each student. Every student is a gift from God to us, and creating faith-defining experiences is our focus. We have just released a brand new Learning Management System (LMS), Canvas, which is considered the leading LMS. This tool improves our communication, scheduling, classroom experience, student interaction, and paper submissions. Say good-bye to Scantrons as all testing is done online in the classroom. We have also added Bible Study Methods to the first- year program, and beginning next year we are adding a Discipleship course to first year and Church History to second year. “Relationship” is a word you will hear much about if you are on the campus these days. We are laser-focused on every staff member and student connected in relationship. Strong relationships lead to deeper discipleship. Discipleship has always been a major focus at Word of Life Bible Institute, and as a team we are looking to build on that foundation with intentional training and with every student engaged in discipleship. As we serve our students academically and in relationship and ministry, making much of Jesus is the priority. As we grow and improve our overall student experience, our facilities are an important part of the process. We have just completed a full remodel of Asia Dorm, speaker cottages are being remodeled, roadways and walkways have been paved and the entire campus has LED lighting on walkways and roads. We have added a gazebo, sitting areas, and walkways to the center quad, and the walkways around the classrooms and library have all been redone with stamped concrete. In the original facilities master plan, we were going to remove every staff member and student connected in relationship"
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Sports Update
Our Athletics Department is more than just about W’s on the stat sheet. (Our men’s soccer program was 6W-2L this year – GO HUSKIES) It is a platform to share Christ. Already this year we have seen 11 people trust Christ through our sports teams!
the current fieldhouse. We are pleased to share, God has provided all the funding to fully remodel the fieldhouse. This includes all new roofing, heating, windows, siding, insulation and sheetrock, lighting and furniture for the entire building. The court has been redone, and we have played our first-ever competitive home volleyball game and have numerous home basketball games this year. The old dining room annex will be a multipurpose room for student interaction and will serve as an additional lounge. In the years ahead, North America Dorm will have to be removed once further progress is made on the overall master plan. We are hosting ten Campus Preview Days in New York and three in Florida. These events are great ways to introduce students
to Word of Life Bible Institute. Campus Preview Days are free, and, to make it easy, we will reimburse participants up to $250 in travel expenses to attend. I would like to encourage you to invite a student and to attend a Campus Preview Days or set up a personalized visit. You can learn more or schedule your time here: wordoflife.edu/ admissions/visit-the-bible-institute . I want to encourage you to come and see the campus, spend time with us and see all that God is doing. To make that process a little easier, we have fully remodeled Nairobi Cabin and have renamed it Schroon River Cottage and it is for Alumni. We would count it an honor and privilege to have you as our guest. Contact alumni@wol.org to arrange your visit.
YEAR TO DATE
ATTENDANCE
SALVATIONS
DEDICATIONS
Island Ranch
2,228
243 112 169
1,432
Ministry Goals
981
380 970 374 218
During the 2017-18 year, Word of Life Bible Institute students ministered to and shared the Gospel with 112,116 people, and 4,408 made salvation decisions. This year our goal is to minister to 120,000 people.
Wild
1,571 2,979 1,826 3,228
Pines Lodge Florida
28
8
671
1,925 5,299
US Camps
12,813
1,231
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Summer Big Nights
Summer Numbers
86
Summer OAE
1,325
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where are they now? BY MIKE BUSH (‘81)
Please share how God met with you in the loss of your young son, John, your wife, Leslie, and your adult son, Steve? Our family can identify with Job, the oldest story in the Bible. I especially like the end when Creator God shows up (having been present from the beginning). He opens Job’s eyes to see, commands him to pray for his friends, and blesses the latter part of his life more than the first. We are humbled. Repentance precedes the blessings. Psalm 128 sums up our relationship in and around Word of Life. We are blessed in the fear of God…walking, even stumbling at times, in His ways. Describe a highlight of your time while on staff? Sitting on stage during a graduation ceremony watching lives passing by knowing the transformation in each life and weeping for joy. Where ARE you now and what are you doing? Brenda and I live in Winchester, Virginia, and actively serve in our local church. Aleya and her husband, Brian, and our son, Paul, also live in Virginia. Our daughter-in- law, Tracy, (Steve’s widow) is raising their two daughters in Maryland. Tim ('93 & '94) and his wife, Sherilyn, live in Florida and have two sons in college. Bethany and her husband, Ken, also live in Florida with their three sons and two daughters. Mark and his wife, Erin, have a son and three daughters and live in Maryland. Crystal, and her husband, David, live in Germany with their son and two daughters. Please pray for our family (31 altogether) to connect more and for Tracy raising their children alone. What words of encouragement and/or exhortation do you have for our alumni? Be or find a small safe community of believers in THE Christ who died for our sins according to the Scriptures. Love and worship Him who dwells inside and honor each other doing everyday life so outsiders may know above all else that He is God.
an interview with Ray Namie
When I was a student at the Bible Institute, if Ray Namie’s name was mentioned, we often heard “Ray who? Who Ray!!” I first met Ray (our Area Missionary) as a teen in a Word of Life Club at my local church. Four years later I arrived at the Bible Institute and found out that he was the Dean of Men. Many years have transpired since then, and I recently asked Ray to tell us his story. How did you get connected to Word of Life? In 1969 soon after leaving the United States Air Force stationed at Pease AFB, I was hired as a police officer with the Police Department in Hampton, New Hampshire. Leslie and I were newly married and were expecting Stephen, our first of six children, when Wayne Lewis and Ray Beless, Word of Life Local Church Ministries leaders, came to our town. Leslie and I were youth leaders in our church, and we began praying daily with Phil Barton, a local pastor, and Stan Piepgrass, a high school teacher, for better teen and police relations. God answered with our first convert; his name was Rod Hersey. In my cruiser, he first received the Good News and then the bad news … a ticket. Soon over 60 teens came to Christ. We started a club in our church, went to Snowcamp and saw amazing transformation in lives. We personally began to see His work in us and were encouraged to attend candidate school for the Word of Life Clubs ministry with the recommendation to attend the Bible Institute (graduated with the Class of 1972). What areas of the ministry did you serve in? During our first year with the Clubs Ministry, our second son, John, was born in Glens Falls Hospital (after a Chinese meal…see memory from Paul Brownback in a previous edition of the Experience Magazine). As Area Missionaries, we lived and served in various areas of New York. In 1977, I started as the Dean of Men and lived on campus next to Council Hall…not knowing how much we would need the family of Christ in some of the hardest times of our lives. Later I served as Dean of Ministries and then Director of the Family Campground (The Pines).
Ray Namie
Ray and Brenda Namie currently live in Virgina. Ray is retired but continues to disciple men and he also renovates houses.
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HUDSON, FLORIDA
POTTERSVILLE, NEW YORK
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Alumni News BUT WE ALL, WITH UNVEILED FACE, BEHOLDING AS IN A MIRROR THE GLORY OF THE LORD, ARE BEING TRANSFORMED INTO THE SAME IMAGE FROM GLORY TO GLORY, JUST AS FROM THE LORD, THE SPIRIT. 2 CORINTHIANS 3:18
TOM AND LINDA MARTIN, KALEIGH J MARTIN ('13), BECKY (MARTIN) O'BOYLE ('09 & '10), KEVIN O'BOYLE ('09 & '10), JOSIAH MARTIN
Ed Voorhees ‘85 and his wife, Sondra, live in Georgia. Karen (Dorey) Megill ‘86 and her husband, Robert, live in Florida where she is an accountant and pastor’s wife. Joy (Bryant) Olson ‘86 & ‘88 and her husband, Steven, live in Texas where she is a stay-at-home mom, Sunday School teacher, and piano teacher. They have a daughter, Adelaide. Rachel (Woodard) Poole ‘89 & ‘90 lives in South Carolina where she works as a sales associate at Williams Wealth Management. She has two children: Tori (16) and Zachary (14). 1990’s Clark Hirt ‘90 lives in Virginia where he is a store manager at Lumber Liquidators. He and his wife, Jennifer, have two children: Nathanael (15) and SarahJayne (13).
1970’S James and Linda (Terpstra) Stembridge ‘78 live in Illinois. They have three adult children: Jim, Andy, and Allison and two grandchildren. James works as a plumber and Linda is a homemaker. Timothy Brown ‘79 serves as the Children’s Pastor at Fusion Community Church in Cobleskill, New York. He and his wife, Cindy ‘79 , have two adult sons: Jonathan and Jeremiah, and two grandchildren. 1980’s Lisa (Kropat) Weber ‘80 and her husband, Michael, live in Texas. Lisa is a high school English teacher and an adjunct English teacher at Ranger College. Joanne (Doty) Childers ‘81 and her husband, Bill, live in Ohio. Joanne is a homeschooling mom to their two daughters: Anna (15) and Julie (13).
LEATHA AND ANDY FERRIER ('78)
SAMUEL CORRÉA (‘16)
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Philip Henderson ‘90 & ‘91 and his wife, Megan, live in Ohio where he works in computer security. They have four children: Ryan (7), Evan (5), Jane (3), and Aaron (under 1). Philip is a deacon and plays trombone in the church orchestra. Mark ‘91 & ‘92 and Lee Ann (Venuto) ‘92 Berthiaume live in Alabama where Lee Ann works as an administrative assistant at Samford University. They have two children: Gracie (14) and Nelson (5). Peter and Jinger (Davis) Tomassi ‘93 live in Colorado. They have three adult children: Kodi (22), Travis (20) and Nikki (18). Traci Harrison ‘94 lives in North Carolina where she works as a dental assistant. Stacy (Zello) Gatlin ‘95 and her husband, Mark, live in Florida where she is a homeschooling mom. Stacy is also involved in Awana and MOPS at church. Jenna (Little) Morris ‘95 and her husband, Peyton, live in Texas where Jenna teaches high school U.S. and World History and Science Apologetics two days a week. She also homeschools their three children: Haley (17), Andrew (11), and Ellie (7). Tate Stimson ’96 and his wife, Cassie, have four children: Isaiah (11), Luke (10), Audrey (8), and Joel (5). They live in Connecticut where Tate is working in construction. Aya (Muramoto) Kajiyama ‘96 and her husband, Teruo, live in Japan where she is a stay-at-home mom and also homeschools their three children: Amy (14), Araki (11), and Hannah (8). Kristal (Haskins) Lorette ‘97 & ’98 and her husband, John, live in New Hampshire where she is a high school math teacher. She is on her church tech team and is a small group leader. Elisabeth (Hamburg) Edouard ‘97 & ‘98 and her husband, Jacques, live in Connecticut where she is a public school special education teacher. She is also the co-director of a nonprofit ministry in Haiti
and serves in her church as the Sunday School Superintendent and VBS Director. Monica (Ghaferieh) Boghossian ‘98 and her husband, Daniel, live in Texas where she and Daniel are seminary students at Dallas Theological Seminary and are looking for future full-time ministry. Alexandre (aka Sacha) ‘99 and Ana (‘01 Brazil) Mendes live in São Paulo, Brazil, where Alexandre is the pastor at Maranatha Baptist Church. They have three children: Pedro, Tito, and Marina Helena. 2000’s Karen (Frost) Erwood ‘00 and her husband, Rick, live in Pennsylvania where Karen is currently a stay-at-home mom after being a 1st grade teacher for 12 years. They have two children: Ian (6) and Elijah (3). Troy ‘00 and Naomi Johnstone (Cross) ‘00 are serving the Lord as full-time missionaries with GoodSeed International in Canada. Troy works as a videographer, photographer, and web editor, helping create tools to share the Gospel with those who know little or nothing about the Bible. Naomi is a proofreader and the Social Coordinator for GoodSeed and has the important job of a fulltime mom. Paul ‘00 & ‘01 and Ruth (Yates) ‘00 Stanfield live in North Carolina and have three children: Isaac (14), Matthew (11 and in heaven), and Lydia (6). Ruth is a stay-at-home homeschooling mom and tutor. Christy (Fredericks) Mack ‘00 & ‘01 is an AFAA certified group fitness instructor, personal trainer, and voice teacher in Upstate New York. She and her husband, Justin, have three children: Jock (11), Adelaide (9), and Gwen (7). She is involved at church as the Children’s Church Director, in the worship band, on the missions committee, and as a VBS teacher.
KEVIN RIGGLE ('90), CHERYL (DEINUM) RIGGLE ('88), ALICIA (BANKER) REDMOND ('96), MARK REDMOND ('96)
STEVE PARADIS ('80) AND DIANA (PETTEYS) PARADIS ('83)
DAVID WINCH ('82)
AMANDA RAUB ('12), CHRISTEN JOB ('12), LAURIE STROUT, MARK STROUT, ERIC MESSER ('07 & '09)
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Natausha (Daigle) Sampson ‘01 & ‘02 and her husband, Riley, live in southern Maine where she is a homemaker. They have four children: Miles (3), Laney (2), Adeline (1), and Zander (infant). Deb Frisbey ‘01 & ‘02 lives in Michigan where she is a missionary teacher at The Youth Center of White Cloud, a Christian after-school drop-in center for students ages 6 to 12. This is a nonprofit ministry that Deb founded in her hometown in 2003. David ‘05 and Stephanie (Kona) ‘03 & ‘04 Cook live in North Carolina where Stephanie is a stay-at-home wife and mother to their three children: Samuel (4), Amelia (2), and Sophia (1). Jillian (Whittaker) Breneman ‘04 lives in Pennsylvania where she is a professional musician, piano teacher, and licensed massage therapist. William & Christina (Hall) Miller ‘04 live in New York where Chrissie is a stay-at-home mom. They have three children: James, Leah, and Susanna. Nate Martin ‘04 & ‘05 works as a manufacturing production coordinator. He and his wife, Julie, are involved in their church coaching and teaching young married couples. They live in Texas. Elizabeth (Storman) Brule ‘04 & ‘05 and her husband, Luke, live in Maine where she works as a waitress/manager. She has three children: Carson (9), Chloe (7), and Jackson (1). Rachael (Lewis) Stoddard ‘05 and her husband, Tyler, have three children: Madison (9), Alaina (7), and Karleigh (2). She is a compassionate entrepreneur with Trades of Hope, a daycare provider and a stay-at-home mom. Scott ‘05 and Carissa (Davis) ‘05 & ‘06 Patterson live in Maryland where Scott is a machinist and Carissa is a homeschooling mom and professional dog groomer. They have four children: Daisy (7), Cody (5), Magnolia (2), and Chase (under 1). Derek Sennett ‘05 & ‘06 lives in Colorado where he is in the National Guard and works
construction as he finishes up a degree in nursing to be a physician’s assistant. Derrick and Christina (Plantt) Wilson ‘07 & ‘08 are both attending seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Christina is the front office assistant at Christ Chapel Bible Church. Ashley (Handschuh) Gardner ‘09 is married to Brian, and they have one child under a year old, Harper. She works as a before and after-school site director. They live in the Central New York area. Brittany Gentry ‘09 lives in Georgia where she is in her last year of school to be a medical assistant. She is also an Olympian leader and co-director of the preschool choir at church. Luke ‘07 & ‘09 and Erin (Kelly) ‘09 & ‘10 Lacey are missionaries on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana with Rocky Mountain Bible Mission. Stephanie Foster ‘09 & ‘10 lives in Indiana where she works for IU Health scheduling appointments. She also serves as a junior high youth leader at church. Michael Kilbride ‘09 & ‘11 married Abbey in July. Michael serves with Word of Life as the local church missionary for Central and Southwestern Virginia. 2010’s Ryan Bump ’10 and his wife, Julianne, live in New York and serves as an associate pastor at Panama Baptist Church. They have two children: Sophia (3) and Lucy (1). Mary (Benjamin Erb) Reed ‘10 & ‘11 and her husband, Dale, live in New York where she is a stay-at-home mom to their daughter, Isabella (under 1). Sam ‘10 and Holland (Price) ’12 Speck live in Ohio where Sam is the youth and family pastor at Bethel Baptist Church. They just had their first child, Sawyer, in June. Brian ’10 & ’12 and Rachel (Rogers) ’11 Tanedo live in Ohio where Brian is a Senior Admissions Counselor at Cedarville University. They have a son, Elias (1).
JONATHAN BOCKMAN ('03) AND REBECCA (WESTCOMB) BOCKMAN ('02)
DARLENE (HARNIG) BROTZMAN ('87), LAURA BROTZMAN, TIMOTHY BROTZMAN ('08 & '10), TIM BROTZMAN ('87)
MATT COMPTON ('12), KAYLYN (BUHLER) COMPTON ('12), KATHRYN BUHLER ('14)
JASON SKEFFINGTON ('91 & '93) AND DWAYNE BERNA ('00 & '01)
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Amanda Bogert ’11 has a one-year-old son, Ryan. She lives in Pennsylvania where she works in customer service for Amazon. com. Grayson Gantz ‘11 and his wife, Hannah, live in Ohio with their two children: Gunnar (4) and Wren (1). Grayson works on the line at Honda. Dimitri Stevanus ’11 lives in Virginia and works in the Financial Aid office at Liberty University. Elisa Innocenti ‘13 lives in São Paulo, Brazil, where she is a lawyer. Brett Miller ‘13 & ‘14 lives in Michigan where he is working as a barista and pursuing a photography business. He serves in his church as a Sunday school teacher, church photographer, and works the sound board. Victoria Handley ‘13 & ‘14 lives in Pennsylvania and is currently enrolled at Cedarville University. Joel and Haley (Leatherman) Osborn ‘14 live in Florida where Joel is a chef at Word of Life. They are the parents of their one- year-old son, Carson.
Krystl Gardner ‘14 & ‘15 is currently a student at Clarks Summit University. Kenzie Estep ‘15 & ‘16 is living in Indiana where she serves at her church on the worship and tech teams and also volunteers at a food pantry. Jason Seevers ‘15 & ‘17 lives in New York and is in the Word of Life Youth Ministry Internship (YMI) program. Shelby Manchester ‘15 & ‘16 lives in New York where she is working in a cafe at a hospital. Lara Ratschat ’16 & ’17 lives in Germany where she is studying Social/Health Management. She is also doing a musical in a student mission group. Nicholas Wider ‘17 is serving as a youth ministry intern at a church in Indiana.
JOSH JANHO (’85), CHARLIE JANHO (’17 & ’18), BECKY (JANHO) ARTHUR (’08 & ‘09), MARIAH (JANHO) HERLIHY (’13 & ’14), FLORENCE JANHO, JOHN JANHO (‘96)
JEWEL (ESGUERRA) VILLAMATER ('05 & '06), AND LUKE VILLAMATER ('03 & '06)
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BRICE FUTCH (’12) AND SUSIE (HULL) FLECK (‘85)
TO UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION Visit wordoflife.edu/update.
Discipleship isn’t a program or an event; it’s a way of life. It’s not for a limited time but for our whole life. Discipleship isn’t for beginners alone; it’s for all believers for every day of their life. Discipleship isn’t just one of the things the church does; it is what the church does." – BILL HULL “
BRIAN DREGITS (’00 & ’01), RYAN GARDNER (’10), JACKIE (SCHMIDT) GARDNER (‘10)
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