Building a Ministry That Stands the Test of Time Jack’s vision for ministry didn’t stop with rallies. After being inspired by a camp he visited in England, Jack pursued the idea of establishing a retreat where young people could encounter Christ in a deeper way. In a bold step of faith, he purchased an island that was listed for $125,000 – negotiating it down to just $25,000. With limited resources, Jack creatively repurposed army surplus equipment and transformed a carriage house into a dining hall. This resource- fulness marked the early days of Word of Life’s camps and set the stage for decades of ministry impact.
by lifelong friendships and deep spiri- tual growth.
Today, the Bible Institute operates much differently in terms of structure and has expanded its reach and impact, with campuses in New York, Florida, and around the world. Modern facilities and technology reflect the cultural shifts of the times, but the core mission remains the same: to equip students to know, live, and share their faith.
Madison Square Garden Word of Life Youth for Christ Rally in the 40s
The Bible Institute: Then and Now In 1970, the first American Word of Life Bible Institute opened, modeled after the original campus in São Paulo, Brazil. Early on students experienced a struc- tured environment designed to foster spiritual growth and discipline. Meals had assigned seating, dress codes were strict, and media access was virtually nonexistent. Students spent their days in classes taught by leaders like Jack Wyrtzen, Harry Bollback, and Dr. Charles Ryrie, sitting on wooden benches with tablet arms. The Bible Institute was founded on a simple yet
Word of Life Inn
Over the last 85 years, Word of Life has grown from those first rallies into a global ministry spanning more than 80 countries. The cultural land- scape has changed dramatically. In 1940, families gathered around radios; today, young people hold the world in their hands through smart- phones. Back then, young people heard singular voices of truth through their communi- ties or families; today, they’re inundated with conflicting messages about truth, identity, and purpose. Through these changes, Word of Life has continually adapted its methods to meet the needs of each generation. Camps remain a cornerstone of the ministry, providing life-changing envi- ronments where young people expe- rience faith in action. Digital evange- lism, sports outreach, and short-term missions are among the many avenues Word of Life engages today’s youth while staying rooted in biblical truth.
Word of Life Camps in the 70s
By 1953, Word of Life acquired the Inn, followed by the Ranch, expanding its reach to more youth and families. In 1969, the ministry moved its headquar- ters to Schroon Lake, New York, where it continued to grow and innovate. Snowcamp, launched by Paul Bubar, became a staple for youth ministry during the winter months, and Word of Life Youth Camps established two core pillars: fun and life change.
Word of Life Island
profound truth: “You can’t know God’s will without knowing God’s Word.”
The rigorous schedule included Chris- tian Service Assignments and job duties, which built character and taught the value of serving others. Despite the challenges, many students look back on their time at the Bible Institute as one of the best years of their lives, marked
Jack Wyrtzen with students in the 80s
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The Word of Life Experience
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