Word of Life Bible Institute Class of 1979 45-Year Reunion
In May, the Class of 1979 celebrated its 45th reunion in Lancaster County, Penn- sylvania. The event was meticulously planned, coordinated, and executed by alumnus Daryl Bollinger ’79, his wife, Diane, and his sister, Bonnie. Approx- imately 45–50 alumni, along with their spouses, former WOLBI staff, and family members, attended the reunion, traveling from 13 different states. This marks the sixth reunion organized by Daryl since 1999. In appreciation, his classmates honored him with a plaque and a plant. A Memory from Word of Life Bible Institute, Pottersville, New York, September 1978 A couple hundred students arrived at the “BI” for the year, ranging from 17 to a retired couple, representing diverse countries like the USA, Canada, Japan, and more. Little did they know the year ahead: assigned seats at meals, strict schedules, required study and exer- cise, and a dress code regardless of the cold. No PDA, no single dates, and daily classes on wooden benches with tablet arms. Christian Service Assignments and job duties were part of the routine, while media was strictly off-limits – leading to a surprise when a teacher mentioned the Pope's death, which we hadn't heard about!
Front Row, left to right: Daryle Bollinger (on table), Nate Richmond, Allen Bacon (both kneeling) Second Row, left to right: Denise Yost Stahl, Linda Ramsey Wollbrink, Andrea Gainsford Brunner, Tammy Champlin Buffington, Cyndi Van Sant Eichler, Karen Deyo Guthrie, Jennifer Madeiros Smith, Marian Kreider Groff Third Row, left to right: Darleen Sawyer Bacon, Jean Edge Wofford, Patti Lauderbaugh Roberts, Andrew Roberts, Dave Brunner, Tanis McAlpine Macinsky, Liz Kelly Tallau, Debbie Sanville Fanus, Tim Kramer, Daryl Groff, Brenda Namie Back Row, left to right: Mike Murray, Mike Macinsky, Dave Holden, Mark Trostle, Ron Larson, Bert Britt, Dale Rittenhouse, Ray Namie
Word of Life Bible Institute property, 1978
But many of us will tell you that, despite the strict rules and the crazy busy schedule for a solid year, it was one of the best years of our life. We were immersed in the Word of God, learning from esteemed teachers like Jack Wyrtzen, Harry Boll- back, and Dr. Charles Ryrie. We deepened our faith in various classes, forged lifelong friendships, and attended six class reunions over 45 years. We learned to hold forth the Word of Life, embracing its call with unwavering dedication.
Were we crazy to sign up for this? The world would tell us yes.
– Patti (Lauderbaugh ‘79) Roberts
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