2017 - 2018
Table of Contents
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
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Ministry
Student Portraits Student Bios Opening Weekend Gym Class Christmas Party Coffee Banquet Student life
Staff Roster Resident Leader Roster Staff Bios Student Life Words of Wisdom Guest Professor Roster Guest Professor Bios Staff
Reverb Youth Pastor Summit ADK Marathon
OAE Magi Snowcamp
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Dunk Team Sports Teams Student Bands Voices of Victory Drama Team Ministry Teams
Letter from the Editor Yearbook Staff Portraits Yearbook Staff
Missions Conference Spring Break Trips Missions Reality Missions
Roger Peace
Dear Students,
This past year has been a personal highlight for my family and me, and it’s been a year of many firsts. This was my first year leading the Bible Institute, and looking back on the year brings many thoughts and memories to mind. Seeing so many of you on opening weekend ready to experience your first year of college or ready to jump back into your second year fueled a fire in my heart to live by a statement that I often used this year: Let’s make much of Jesus! Over the course of this year, many of you also experienced many firsts. Sharing the Gospel with someone and seeing them say yes to Jesus was a first. Preparing for a theology exam was a first. Living in a dorm and learning to live in community was a first. Having a discipleship partner in your life asking you hard questions was definitely a first for many. Serving in Snowcamp and Summer Camp was an experience full of firsts. With a year of so many firsts, I trust that you have learned at the Word of Life Bible Institute who should be first in your life: Jesus. Build on the foundation you have laid here, and in every situation and sphere of influence you find yourself in, make much of Jesus! My life verse is Philippians 1:6, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” I exhort you to remember to be confident in God, the One who began this good work in you.
“I exhort you to remember to be confident in God, the One who began this good work in you.”
Serving those who serve,
Roger L. Peace, Jr. President and Executive Vice President of Bible Institutes and Camps
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Word of Life Bible Institute
“As you take bold steps toward the Lord’s clear leading, remember that you can trust Him without reservation.”
Dear Students,
What an amazing experience it has been spending this past year interacting with you around campus. I commend you for your eager response to the Scriptures, consistent witness and faithful service. My frequent prayer has been that this would be a season of exceptional growth and progress in your life. God has clearly answered my prayers! As you take bold steps toward the Lord’s clear leading, remember that you can trust Him without reservation. He loves you, knows everything about you, and has an exciting and fulfilling plan ahead for you. Live fearlessly and confidently, but resist the temptation to lean on your own understanding. In every aspect of your life, acknowledge Him and He will certainly direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). I look forward with great anticipation to all that God will do in and through you in the days ahead. You have unprecedented opportunities to reach a world that so desperately needs the hope that only comes through Jesus Christ. Be assured of my friendship and prayers as you serve Him and hold forth the precious Word of Life. You are part of the Word of Life family . . . so come back and see us anytime.
With rejoicing,
Don Lough, Jr. Executive Director & Chancellor Word of Life Fellowship, Inc.
Don Lough, JR.
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Staff
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Word of Life Bible Institute
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Colossians 3:23
Staff
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Staff
TC Barrs discipleship Coordinator
Michelle Ahl Grading and Records
Julia Amesbury Admin. Assistant, Student Life
Rachel Arnold Ministries
Ryan Arnold Director of Music
Lauren Bidding discipleship coordinator
Alan Cappella Librarian
Adam Curtis Camps
Randy Curtis Dean of Men
Tom Davis Distinguished Professor
Allan Black Financial Aid Administrator
Adam Cook Registrar
Brice Futch Marketing & Recruitment Manager
Sam Frey OAE Coordinator
Nate Eichelberger IT/AV Coordinator
Chris Dreger Assistant Dean of Men
Craig Dreger Customer Care Representative
Carla Gray Assistant Dean of Women
Jason Headlee Dean of Ministries
Cristy Henson Bookstore Manager
Ashley Hescott Discipleship Coordinator
Tricia Hood International Students Coordinator
Abbianne Huizing Student Accounts Administrator
Uriah Harvey Property Services
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Word of Life Bible Institute
Paul Hussey Discipleship Coordinator
Aaron Kelley Chef
Todd Kinzer Dean of Students
Daryl Jackson Chef Manager
Heather Johnson Chef
Jodi Klinedinst Customer Care
Rico Lopez Maintenance
Abbie Kuhne Admissions Counselor
Matthew Layton Ministries Coordinator
Jenn Leckrone Admin. Assistant to Eric Messer
Jon Louvis Enrollment Coordinator
Kellie Louvis Marketing Account Coordinator
Eric Messer Executive Dean of Student & Guest Experiences
Jonathan Parsons Safety & Security Coordinator
Roger Peace Executive VP, Bible Institutes & Camps
Heidi Mahon Cafés
Kaitlin McClung Customer service Manager
Micah Melville Assistant Director, NY Teen Camps
Tommy Sewall Island/SnowCamp Director & Campus Life Director
Tom Phillips Campus Pastor & Ministry Chaplain
Shirley Richards Academic Secretary
Ethan Schenke Chef
Janessa Schuring Discipleship Coordinator
Karen Smith Dean of Women
Staff
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Debbie Wallace Admin. Assistant, Executive Office
Mark Strout Executive Dean & Professor, Global Bible Institutes
Anna Stursberg Booking Agent/ Ministry Logistics Coordinator
Caroline Tompkins Student Services Desk Coordinator
Chris Tompkins Business Manager
Paul Weaver dean of academics
Alyssa Webber Admin, Assistant, Ministries
Not Pictured Daniel Faitsch Property Services Elizabeth Faitsch Property Services Justin Finn Health Services Coordinator Kirsten Finn Health Services Coordinator
Jen Headlee Drama Team Coach Jim Henson Financial Aid Manager Abe Howell Discipleship Coordinator Evelyn Labarr Housekeeping Donald Oakes Director of Enrollment And Customer Care Mike Parker Chef
Jeff Parrish Production Arts Coordinator Nathaniel Peace Assistant Dean of Ministries Carl Rambow Project Technician Steve Roskidany Facilities Lead Joe Schenke Director of Counseling Denise South Customer care Representative Laurel Taaffe Camp Crew Coordinator
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Word of Life Bible Institute
My evidence that I am saved does not lie in the fact that I preach, or that I do this or that. All my hope lies in this: that Jesus Christ came to save sinners. I am a sinner, I trust Him, then He came to save me, and I am saved.
Charles Spurgeon
Staff
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Resident Leaders
Matthew Abrman Ashleigh Adams
Maggie Brower
Allyson Burtis
Susanna Butler
Peter Cate
Marketing
Marketing
Marketing
Physical Education Culinary Services
Culinary Services
Brittany Good Service Assignment Coordinator
Joseph Davis Productions
Katelin Davis
Cassandra Dickhof Cassidy Espinoza Bethany Frazeur
Admissions Counselor
Culinary Services
Marketing
Admissions Counselor
Stephan Harness
Matt Landry
CT Newell
Lee Lethers Marketing
Justin Maldonado
Kristy Miller Health Center Admin. Assistant
Ranch
Interim Athletic Director
Information Technology and Services
Marketing
Jonah Paulhamus
Brandon Phillips Jacob Potter-Rivera
Josiah Rineer
James Schloss Culinary Services
Elsa Tiemann Financial Aid Admin. Assistant
Marketing
Culinary Services
Marketing
Culinary Services
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Word of Life Bible Institute
Anna Van Horn
Caleb White
Academics
Security Supervisor
Not Pictured Collyn Berna property Services Tommy Grooms student life Tricia Hoganson Admissions Counselor Kortney Kirschner International Ministries Emmett Lorette Events Sarah Mulhorn Lodge Housekeeping Adriana Nava International Ministries Gabrielle Parsons Housekeeping Daniel Reider Marketing John Michael Sellers Admissions Counselor
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Abbianne Huizing Abbianne Huizing: Student Account Administrator. She’s a neat lady. I’ve always enjoyed my visits to her office. I love how she describes her perfect day (which is a regular question asked of interviewees). “Having no agenda. Getting to wake up late, drink some coffee, then sit outside under the sun with people I love just hanging out with, eating good food, and enjoying being together!” That is super chill and I respect that. It’s good to have a day like that every now and then, very practical. Abbianne was a BI student at one time! She attended the BI from 2006-2008. As she puts it, “Wow- time flies!” She put her life before the BI as, “My life was pretty much me just going through the motions. I was saved but no one would have been able to truly tell that from my daily life - that all changed here.” I’m imagining many of us understand that “blight;” I know I do. “I came, partly because my parents required all of us kids to, and I’m so glad they did!” There’s is much good to be seen in that statement. It’s radical how the Lord chooses to move in our lives, but especially when we are willing to move with Him. And that really was the case with Abbianne, “...studying God’s Word and [getting to know] Him better. I also loved the idea of making good solid Christian friends. I didn’t really have close Christian friends growing up.” So we asked her the question that peaks my interest out of all of them, the “What is the Bible Institute to you?” and I love what she had to say about it. “The Bible Institute is where I really solidified my walk with the Lord. I was privileged to grow up in a Christian home, but this place is where I grew the most in my relationship with Him. The Bible Institute is one of the best stepping stones someone can take before they start their career or 4-year college.” We asked her what she loved about her job. She said, “I love that I am surrounded by students. I have the opportunity to be a part of their lives in any way that I can; whether that’s just being a listening ear, offering advice, solving a problem…whatever it is! I count it a blessing to be involved in their lives.” Let us not forget how blessed we are to have people all over this campus, staff, that are willing to pour into our lives in anyway possible. That is very cool, honestly. Last thing, ladies and gentlemen, is her wisdom for you. To be honest, this question is the one that truly peaks my interest. It is one I’m certain that hits close to home for many of us.
That’s all any of us can do. And sometimes, that next step is scary. It’s OK to take the step scared. God will show you His way. And if you take a step and it doesn’t go quite as you thought, it does not mean you’re a failure. It’s just time to take the next step after that! It won’t always be easy, but you will learn along the way and that’s a good thing!”
It’s radical how the Lord chooses to move in our lives.
“Don’t get overwhelmed with trying to have the next 5 years of your life figured out.
Just. Take. The. Next. Step.
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Word of Life Bible Institute
Jon Louvis
Jon Louvis: Enrollment Coordinator of the New York Bible Institute.
Jon graduated from First Year in 2015 and has been the Enrollment Coordinator for a year and a half. Jon really digs his wife, coffee, and authentic Mexican food. What is the BI to Jon Louvis? “God used it to change the course of my life. It was a place I came to solidify my faith. I grew up in a Christian home, Christian family; [I was] homeschooled, had Christian friends, etc. But college was a realm I didn’t really know. I had started working at Starbucks then too. I was surrounded by people who thought I was...really kind of an idiot for being a Christian. And I didn’t know how to challenge that idea. The BI was and is a place of strong community and resolution. It can be hard to walk away from the BI unchanged [if you’re seriously looking to know God].” Jon speaks very highly of the handful of incredibly influential people in his life, the first being Brett Balsley. They met during Jon’s first year serving on Camp Crew, and it was Jon’s first real experience of accountability. Brett told a friend in the Admissions Department to get on Jon’s line at the perfect time, and they eventually attended the Bible Institute together. The second person of influence was Mike Duma. Mike pushed his value of the Word. Mike was Jon’s discipler the year he attended the BI. Mike would have Jon wake up with him as early as 5 AM to chow down into the Word. Mike taught Jon the indispensable value of letting your Quiet Time go with you throughout the day. Jon also mentioned the influence Randy Curtis has had on him and presently has on him. Jon says he respects Randy and looks up to him. And last but not least, his beautiful wife, Kellie. She has helped Jon grow in compassion and understanding. In these ways Jon would like to challenge you graduating Bible Institute students: “Never lose the Quiet Time no matter what your day may look like. And be intentional about sharing your faith. I personally believe it is hard to become stagnant in your relationship with God if you are actively sharing your faith with unbelievers. It is hard to walk two lives when you are outspoken... let the rubber meet the road. Our community is our best mission.”
Never lose the Quiet Time. No matter what your day may look like.
Staff
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Anna Van Horn: Academics. Gentle and sweet are perfect words to describe Anna. This woman’s heart is driven to love. She just loves people. Anna also really enjoys board games, card games, and a little bit of volleyball. She attended the Bible Institute from 2015-2017, at the Florida campus for her first year and New York for her second. When asked what the BI was to her, she said, “It’s a foundational place. The BI has confirmed things I’ve already learned, and it has built off of those things and refined them.” What did her life look like going into the BI, and what has it looked like since? “I did grow up in a home with parents that know the Lord. I was involved in church, the Lord has been apart of my everyday life, but I think coming here has given me the perspective of ‘why do I believe what I believe?’ and being here has definitely helped me see God’s heart better.”How else do we get to know the Lord outside of reading/studying His Word? We have to have a desire to be active in our relationship with Him if we want to see His fruit worked out in our lives. Anna continued and said something rather profound: “Getting to be saturated with the Word, getting into it deeper, getting to see more of God’s heart has helped me understand why I actually want to live a life serving Him.” It’s only religion if we don’t have relationship. Her thoughts on this past year and serving as the Resident Leader in the Academic Department were quite insightful as well. “This year has been a good stepping stone, being able to put into practice what I learned as a student, while still getting to be on campus.” Anna desires to grow in a lifestyle of service. She doesn’t want to become saturated and grow moldy, but to wring out the knowledge that has been given to her. She was asked what she liked about being a Resident Leader (RL) here on the New York campus. “I love being able to work with and see the students. My job is getting to spend all afternoon with them...It’s such a privilege.” “Also living on campus is so great. Being able to do life beside them. I would have to say [the students] are the best part about it.” This is a woman to befriend if you want to learn something about loving people. When asked who were the greatest people of influence in her life, Anna showed a healthy reflection of her character. The first person she named was her grandmother, because “she’s always had a life of discipleship, pouring into other people.” And then she named her mother. She said it’s the same thing for her mom. “[They] are so selfless. That characterizes these ladies.” Anna went on to name her discipler from her first year, Lindsey Fahning. She commented,“ You can get to know the Lord through other people, by observing their living out the things they’ve learned from the Lord and His Word. You get to see Him Anna Van Horn
through their life and I got to see Him through her life, and her perspective of God’s Word.”
Anna also brought up our beloved female DC, Janessa Schuring. “She serves people with no limits. She just goes. She continues to love people. And I have so much to learn [from her].” Anna’s last bit of advice might be helpful to you, dear reader. She answered what she would have changed about her time as a student by saying, “I know it’s obvious and may be a cliche, but definitely having a stronger desire to learn. Having more of a drive and right attitude to be open to be taught. Not being as prideful as I was.” She would’ve told herself to be teachable. We have a lot to learn!
It’s only religion if we don’t have relationship.
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Word of Life Bible Institute
Craig Dreger
Craig Dreger: Customer Service.
Many students may not know Craig, but he’s a solid guy who attended the Bible Institute from 2013 to 2015. His perfect day would include Ultimate Frisbee and beautiful summer weather. Craig said the BI was, and still is, “a huge encouragement in my life. I was able to build new friendships with students while studying the Bible throughout the year.” “Before coming to the Bible Institute, I knew the importance of having a devotion [Quiet Time], going to church, being involved in ministry, but it was never important to me. But then I came to the BI. I came because I needed to learn how to be disciplined in my walk with the Lord. That was something that I was struggling with. I also wanted to get a better understanding of the Bible, and I saw those opportunities in taking the courses that are a part of the First and Second Year program.” At 12 years old Craig became a Christian. It was then that he understood and accepted the Gospel. “I realized that my salvation was not necessarily ‘fire insurance,’ but a relationship that I needed to have and build.” That’s rather important. It’s not about what we can get, but how can we get closer to Him. Craig enjoys his job in Customer Service. One aspect he particularly enjoys is “hearing students talk about the ministry that they are involved in and how they are growing because of it.” To future students, Craig gives this challenge: “It is an incredible opportunity to spend a year or two studying the Bible. You’re enabled to do ministry with each other and build relationships with people striving to get close to Jesus.” Craig’s challenge to current students is this: “Be intentional with the time you have.”
Be intentional with the time you have.
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Student Life Words of Wisdom
Todd Kinzer Dean of Students
I heard a quote recently that you will become an average of your five closest friends. This is such a thought-provoking statement, and it is close to the ancient statement of Solomon, who wrote, ‘He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed’ (Proverbs 13:20). Ironically, the King did not follow his own advice, and his closest companions destroyed him (1 Kings 11:1-4). The lesson: No matter your age, gender, or nationality, few factors will have a bigger influence on your life than the friends you choose. Choose wisely, my friends!!
Randy Curtis Dean of men Even so, consider yourselves to be dead to sin but alive to God. Romans 6:11
Chris Dreger Assistant dean of Men
I have never regretted a day where I chose to walk in obedience to Jesus. However, there have been many moments where I wish that I would have. It’s worth it to love Jesus with your life.
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Word of Life Bible Institute
TC barrs Discipleship Coordinator
We are the light to this dying world, and for many, it’s your time to shine in your next steps. Going back home may be a challenging transition. Remember that you are not called to fix your church, friends or family. Let your life show how the Lord has changed you through the sanctification process and what you’ve learned here at the Bible Institute. Be an example to the people around you as you walk closely to God, and keep the Gospel the most important thing. Matthew 5:14-16
Abe howell Discipleship Coordinator
There is no better joy than to live a life of radical trust in and obedience to Jesus! He will take you to places you would have never imagined going to, will give you strength that you would have never found in yourself, and will give you a purpose that is worth living for. There is safety in surrender to our Savior.
Paul hussey Discipleship Coordinator I don’t have free time. My time is paid for by the blood of Christ.
Staff
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Karen Smith Dean of women
Psalm 27:4 has been a favorite of mine because I love David’s determined purpose to know God deeply and intimately. Amy Carmichael sums it up this way: “Stay where you can see His beauty.“ How do I do that? Just like any other relationship, you need to spend time together. The way we do that is by continually coming back to His Word. That is the best avenue to grow in our love and knowledge of Him. Stay where you can see His beauty. That’s where I want to be.
Carla Gray Assistant Dean of Women
When I look back on my year at the Bible Institute, learning to spend time with God was one of the most important disciplines and joys I learned. W. Phillips Keller says it so well, “Spending time with Christ and meditating on His will is vital. There is no other way in which you can acquire the mind of Christ. There is no other way in which your emotions can come calmly under His control. There is no other way in which your wayward will can become submissive to His great, good will.” Be still and know He is God!
Julia Amesbury Administrative Assistant
When making decisions about your future, don’t be like a crab. Don’t walk sideways, but instead make a decision that moves you forward.
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Word of Life Bible Institute
Ashley hescott Discipleship Coordinator Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. 1 Samuel 12:24
Janessa schuring Discipleship Coordinator
But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24
Lauren bidding Discipleship Coordinator
You will always steer where you stare. So fix your eyes firmly upon Jesus Christ, knowing and obeying Him, and He will undoubtedly steer your life.
Staff
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Guest Professors
James DR. Wendell Calder
Genesis 12-15 Dr. Richard Emmons
2 Corinthians Dr. Jeremy Kimble
Ezra / Nehemiah Dr. Dan Anderson
Cults Dr. James Bjornstad
Christian Education of Children Rev. Gary Ingersoll
Matthew Mr. Bruce Scott
Philosophy of Youth Work / ecclesiastes Mr. Mike Calhoun
1,2,3 John Mr. Doug Reider
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Word of Life Bible Institute
Revelation 6-22 Dr. John Barnett
Contemporary Issues -Theological Methodology/ Eschatology Dr. Marshall Wicks
Acts Dr. Chris Gnanakan
The Passion Week of Christ Dr. Doug Bookman
Leadership Mr. Loren Reno
Ethics Mr. Chris Eppling
Leviticus Mr. Chris Katulka
Discipleship Mr. Kris Stout
History of christian education Dr. Matthew McAlack
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Contemporary Issues Mr. Joe Schenke
Hebrews mr. David Payne
Galatians Dr. Ray Pritchard
Proverbs Mr. Ric Garland
Islamic Evangelism Dr. Emir Caner
Prayer Dr. Stephen Wilt
2 Timothy / Titus mr. Phil Moser
Spiritual Gifts / 1 peter Mr. Don Lough
Biblical Womanhood Mrs. Karen Smith & Mrs. Carla Gray
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Word of Life Bible Institute
Revelation 1-5 Rev. Bill Boulet
1 Corinthians Pastor John Bouquet
Personal Finances Dr. David and mrs. Anne Rich
Church History Dr. Ken Cleaver
Philippians Dr. Ben Gutierrez
church planting Dr. Sean Pierce
Organization and Administration of the Local Church / 1 Timothy Dr. Chuck Scheide
Evangelistic Public Speaking Mr. Brian Baker
Ecclesiology Dr. James Jeffery
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Family dr. Matt vander Wiele
church history dr. jerry franz
Evangelistic Public Speaking / manhood Mr. Tom phillips
Women’s Ministry Mrs. Joy Martin White
Life Transitions Pastor Glenn Amos
Pneumatology dr. thomas white
Bibilical counseling Dr. Stephen Viars
Roman Catholic Evangelism/ Church History Mr. David James
Counseling Youth Rev. Randy Patten
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Word of Life Bible Institute
daniel Dr. Paul Weaver
creation Dr. Terry Mortenson
Personal Evangelism Dr. Larry Moyer
Not Pictured Tom Simcox Jewish Evangelism
Resident Professors
genesis 1-11, old testament survey, new testament survey Mr. Mark Strout
New testament survey dr. todd kinzer
theology, Dispensationalism, zechariah, romans dr. tom davis
Staff
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Glenn Amos
Glenn Amos’ class is with the Second Year students. He is currently the lead pastor of Heritage Baptist Church in Clark Summit, Pennsylvania He shared with me his unique [to me] walk with the Lord. I asked him how long he had been saved, and he told me that he has been saved since he was 4. By the grace of God, specifically working in his life this way, he never doubted his salvation. That sounds “impossible” to me. I’ve been surrounded by Christians for 2 years now from all types of backgrounds. You don’t hear that very often, about someone trusting Christ at such a young age, but I’m thankful to be proven wrong in my assumption. It’s really amazing! Glenn Amos and his wife have been married for 43 years this past May. They have 3 children, and all of them are married. Each of their kids has a personal relationship with the Lord and they love Him. Glenn and [Jane’s] greatest desire right now would be that “our grandkids grow up, know the Lord and love Him too.” But a special “add on,” for lack of a better word, has joined their family in the last year. The second year students, who attended the New York campus for their first year, will know this name: Becca Bacca. I really appreciated what Glenn had to say about this beautiful happening. “Taylor, that’s just a ‘God thing.’ We met her a year ago here. She just wanted to have dinner and get to know us. We chatted, we got to hear her story. Wow! To see what God has done in her life, how He has provided and directed her!” Becca is in Brazil right now. She’s doing Word of Life’s Cross Cultural Internship (CCI). They decided to keep up with her as she went about the summer and CCI. Before leaving, she stayed with them, and they made her a part of their family. “We were blessed. She poured into our lives and we’re glad to provide a home for her during a time of transition.” Glenn has some words of wisdom for you, dear reader. “Fall in love with Jesus. Take advantage of all that you have learned. Let it sink in. God loves you and God does have a plan for you. But it’s not something we have to be afraid of [or struggle to figure out]. You don’t need to be afraid of ‘missing out.’ We cannot blow it. We can trust God, take it a day at a time. Obey what God has made clear to you [in the Bible] and let God move you along as you do that. Let the desires of His heart intrude your heart and mind. John 10:10 makes it clear that He wants to give us an abundant life, but that is only found in Him.”
Fall in love with Jesus. Take advantage of all that you have learned.
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Word of Life Bible Institute
Ray Pritchard: “The man, the myth, the legend.” Dr. Pritchard is an excellent teacher, as many of us have experienced. Ray Pritchard He’s a man after the Lord’s heart, and also a family man. He met his wife Marlene at Tennessee Temple University. They have been married for 43 years. Together they have 3 grown sons who are all married. Mr. Pritchard and his wife are the proud grandparents of 8 and consider their four grandsons and four granddaughters blessings from the Lord. Dr. Pritchard became a Christian shortly after his junior year of high school. He was attending a youth retreat and came to see that he did not personally know the Lord. That was a shock to him because he was a baptized church member and had been for a good chunk of time. “I was exposed to young people who knew. I realized I had religion, but they knew Jesus! I trusted Christ that weekend in 1969. I was 16 years old.”
Keep going back to the truths of the Gospel. Get to know the Lord and learn to grow in Him.
Since then, he has been living for the Lord, but how has he been living for the Lord?
Dr. Pritchard and his wife were involved with the pastorate ministry in their local church for 27 years, but just in the last 12 years, God made it very clear to them to start “Keep Believing” Ministries. They started with a book depot, and that expanded to the internet. They now minister around the world, in person or via internet radio. Their ministry “provides biblical teaching to equip pastors, train the next generation, win the lost, and encourage Christians to keep believing in Jesus.” It seems like they are certainly accomplishing their desired goal. I asked Dr. Pritchard if he had some advice or wisdom he would like to share with the student body and this is what he had to say: “The Christian life is not difficult; It’s impossible without the Lord. But with Christ, all things are possible. Martin Luther said we need to preach the gospel to ourselves every day because we tend to forget it. Keep going back to the truths of the gospel. Get to know the Lord and learn to grow in Him. If you do that, He will direct your path, and you will end up exactly where He wants you to be.” Dr. Pritchard is right; we will face challenges along the way. But if we sincerely pursue a relationship with the Lord, He told us Himself that His burden and yoke are light.
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Student Life
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Word of Life Bible Institute
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17
Student Life
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Word of Life Bible Institute
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First Year Students
eunice bartlett
Morgan Adams
Valeria Aguilar Ortega
Cassandra Arnold
Trey Austin
Kerrie barone
ivan batista
andrew beckley
julia berardelli
collin betzold
joseph brotsman
leah bowen
madeleine brown
mason brown
brent buhler
hope butler
mackenzie carl
maddy carl
isabel cate
william chelette
jinhee choo
elias clark
brianna clarke
claire clifford
charity cody
rachel conover
johnathan cooke
riley cornish
hannah cousins
kelsey craige
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Word of Life Bible Institute
jamie craven
heidi cross
adrianna croteau
victoria cuevas
noah cull
renat currie
annestasia cushman
marquiece dabney-drummond
matthew dassow
aida de la rosa salazar
jessica de laney
lydia deboest
katherine delgado macias
natasha delibasich
theodora demoss
drew deshetsky
melanie diez lourenzo
christian dill
daniel ellis
benjamin faitsch
lindsey eason
nathanael domes
sean durbin
sarah drohan
jared ferguson
elizabeth ferrier
randi-may fuller
alexander ford
hannah ford
ellora franklin
Student Life
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emma fulop
connor futch
caleb gabriele
iveth gaona cabrera
lizabeth gaona cabrera
kathleen glover
christopher hale
ruth gribbin
seth grunder
heidi harris
johnathan harrison
noah haneman
robert hoskinson
waine howell
anna hurja
micha hurja
nathan hutchins
noah hull
joseph hartman
isaac havens
brandon hawkins
ethan heitzman
braydon hoover
zackery horn
grace iffland
noah invaldsen
molly jack
sophia jahn
antoine jalbert
eric james
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Word of Life Bible Institute
austin jenks
jonathan job
gonzalo josan padilla
hannah karbley
justin kirchberger
caleb kite
cody lang
rachel lane
trisha kostusyk
john knaus
mae kolln
Mikayla kupe
andres lella morcos
daniel lesage
anna lindblom clara lindemann
adam littlefield
daeun lee
aaron loving
victoria loy
caleb martelle
marcelo lopez moya
jerrod locke
holly manchester
michiah maxwell
nicolas mayta canalle
natalia mendoza flores
levi metzger
jillian mcnally
grant mathias
Student Life
37
brianna mieras
alexa miller
joshua miller
luke moffitt
carmine monteforte
ethan morin
junias ngankam
joel o’kill
kaitlyn morrell
emily morris
anna moser
ashley newell
silas parschauer
isaac peugh
emma phelan
elizabeth pierce
kaszey o’maille
corrine pelkey
hayden prescott
celine przypek
lydia putney
sarah poludniak rachel pomerleau
emma porter
abigail radcliffe
michaela ranson braydon rasberry
alanna redmond dakota reinhardt
cameron riggle
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Word of Life Bible Institute
claire salser
jacob sargent
winter saunders
julia scheftic
samuel schmidt
brandon santos
julia scruton
josiah sealey
grace sexton
annamarie skoczen
kaitlynn schwarck
kolin schmoel
nathan smith
mark smoker
noah stoudt
amy stursberg
meara small
carter smith
monique sullivan cassedy tenwalde
amie- jayne timberlake
katelyn trammell
joshua uhl
ernesto urrutia
naomi vaughn
tyrone walker
nathaniel walls
laura walsh
jordan weaver
bennett webber
Student Life
39
caroline wehmeyer
Allison Whitaker
kendra white
faith whitridge
olivia wildes
emily winslow
matthew winslow
rachel wood
stacy wyatt
michaela yoder
bailey york
stuart yorty
anna ziegert
Spring Students
andrew ferrier
ariel hidalgo burgos
johnathan meshack
johnathan bailey jennifer bollinger
Not Pictured
Orion aviles justin dorough cameron edwards katie emmert matthew emmert anthony flamer
david freeman joe green kellan heindel debora jimenez-robertson
megan kelley rorian lane micah lawson philip lounsbury amber maxwell tristan mcafee
elizabeth osman hannah ricca joshua spicer Anne Walkup
jeffrey jones michele jones
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Word of Life Bible Institute
Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion – it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ.
Billy Graham
Student Life
41
Second Year Students
Jason Anderson gabrielle anthony
brian araujo
sophia azevedo
kristen baker
Robert Brown
caitlin bonifacius
esther cantlin
christiana cappella
matthew borden
alyssa bowser
emily cappella
andre casillas
ye chan chae
kayla chronister
nicole clark
lily clever
martell coleman
raelene cordova kaitlin cothern
tyler critchlow abigail crowley nicole cunningham
mira currie
brooke dahlmeyer
eric ebrahim
cynthia eichelberger
austin eichhorst
david elliott
paulo esslemont
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Word of Life Bible Institute
rachel fabrick
logan farfanick
derek fisher
bryanna giesen
colton gockley nathan goepfrich
audrey grocott
cameron haines
david gold
matthew gonyer Nathanael gordon
kaylee griest
christopher heimerle
aric holmes
shiloh holmes
cynthia hosan
jacob holman
luke heron
anna hamblen
anthony hancock
hiroki harada
emilie harker
caralyn harrigan charisma harris
hanjun kang
Aaron johnson
alyssa hyacinthe
audrey illig
daisy jackman
charleton janho
Student Life
43
hannah kauffman
joshua kelly
abigail kennedy
samuel kille
chanjoo kim
hwan kyu kim
leah landry
david laurens
alyssa lawson
yoseb lee
hannah kitchen
emily la marche
joy lenahan
seula lim
timothy long
kaylinn louth
jose martinez Nuñez gina mayta canalle
katherine miller
rachel miller
biruk moore
taylor moore
oksana mosley manuela napoleao sampaio
brady novak
matthew obunde
josiah painter
rachel palmer
todd palmer
mikayla nolt
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Word of Life Bible Institute
dina paoloni
emily parke
robert peck
johnathan perkins
luke perry
mariah phillips
andrew reeser
jessica richards magdalena riordan
emily rishel
miracle rivera
joshua rogers
matthew senior
cassandra sanchez ricardo sanchez vasquez
cameron sardano
benjamin short
jordan ross
lindsey shumaker
isabela silva
marley slay
madeline snell
jiyeon song
jesse sowa
malachi sproles
hannah stebner joseph stursberg
isaac summers
emily talento
victoria tanner
Student Life
45
paul tepper
michael thivierge
carlee toal
abigail todd
taneesha underwood
carissa urschalitz
katherine valcourt
jacob van essendelft
jakob webel
riley winter
youngju yoon
Spring Students
kaylee goad
oriol lopez perez
john mclean
jacob potter-rivera
joash sathyadass
caleb tanguay
corina ziemer
Not Pictured hunter allison christopher bowyer brian cummings melyssa dawson
jordan johnson johnathan king isaac mclean john schuler
brenten swanson james ugland josue lopez vasquez
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Word of Life Bible Institute
I have one desire now - to live a life of reckless abandon for the Lord, putting all my energy and strength into it.
Elizabeth Elliot
Student Life
47
Melyssa Dawson Melyssa was born and raised in Venice, Florida. She’s a second year student. She was adopted at the age of 4, and she grew up going to Word of Life camps. She hasn’t always walked with the Lord or always planned to attend Word of Life. Her life through “ungospelized” eyes would seem absolutely laced with pain and good reason to be without hope and a hater of God. The mistreatment she experienced in her young life bred in her deep-seated issues, and one of those feeling absolutely unloved. Her parents are both professing Christians, and they talked to her about the gospel. She attended Christian school too. Her life quickly became “Jesus saturated.” Though she was surrounded by the Bible, and love, she was stubbornly planting her feet in the sand. When she was around the age of twelve, she went to bed with a serious fighting match happening in her head. She couldn’t run away from the truth. She was brought to surrender, but as she would put it, “I was saved kicking and screaming like C.S. Lewis said.” This reminds me of Psalm 139:7-10. We can’t outrun the persistent love of God, no matter where we try to hide. Melyssa shared with me that it does take a certain humility to truly accept the love of God. His love is based totally outside of what we do or don’t do. Even though we sin against Him like we breath, He has chosen to love us. Her past experiences do not change who God is, but God can repurpose her pain.
We can’t outrun the persistent love of God, no matter where we try to hide.
She chose the gospel over her own feelings.
There is much more to this wonderful story God has woven together. Further experiences of deep mind and life changing pain occurred in her life. She didn’t take her suffering as an opportunity to get closer to the Lord and grow in Christ-like character, but she allowed her pain to fester into an ugliness that carried her well into high school. Her relationship with the Lord was underdeveloped. The door had been opened, she took a few steps in, but froze when trial came. Since all of this backstory took place, Melyssa has surrendered all to the Lord, letting Him be the lead in her life after some time of wandering in gross darkness. She has been growing steadily in her relationship with God.
Praise the Lord God Almighty we can’t earn His love, but it is freely given; daily.
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Word of Life Bible Institute
Eric James Eric James is the youngest and only boy of four. He is a first year WOLBI student and has been loving the “intensive classes.” Eric’s a smart guy; he likes things that push him to go further. He is from “lower-Connecticut,” close to Yale. Eric’s upbringing was surrounded by solid believers. His dad and mom both love the Lord and attend a solid church. He was 6 years old when he trusted Christ as his personal Savior after his oldest sister shared the gospel with him. Yes, this seems like an “easy upbringing”, but we’re all humans in a fallen world, and we have deceptive hearts. Only Jesus can break through our toxic relationship with ourselves and show us what is really going on. Eric has recently been challenged by the Lord in the area of dependence. This was something he tended to overlook. He felt okay and everything seemed “peachy.” There was nothing major like the loss of a family member or some other traumatic event to push him to trust in the Lord actively and not depend on his own understanding. Something that has pushed Eric to understand he is in great need was memorizing Psalm 73:25-26 and coming here to WOLBI. Colossians 1:17 says, “And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Even if we don’t feel needy, we are always in need; without God being in control, holding everything in its place; we would fall apart. Eric has been an RA in Colombia dorm this 2017-2018 school year. He has had some leadership positions before this year, but nothing as involved as this. Eric understands that he is an introvert. Being surrounded by people all the time is an exhausting challenge. His place of contentment is with less people and more space to recharge – quiet. He had to face such a trial as “burn-out” the whole first semester of being here as a student. Eric was sick all the time. He was physically and mentally overwhelmed constantly. “I was desperately learning dependence.” That time of being faced with his frailty led him to understand that he truly could not do anything on his own. Praise the Lord Eric had those verses from Psalm 73 memorized before going through this season, and he was privileged to be going through Colossians with his Discipleship Coordinator during this time too! This is a prime example of the Spirit of God using the Word of God to change the people of God. [Thanks for the quote, Marshall Wicks.] Eric, as I have mentioned before, is now striving to remember daily that even when he doesn’t feel sick, needy, broken, or desperate, he is still in great need of the Lord every moment of the day. God has the ultimate control and power, and our friend Eric is still learning how to practice this now.
Even if we don’t feel needy, we are always in need...
Student Life
49
Iveth Gaona
Iveth Gaona is a first year Bible Institute student and a second generation Christian. She is also able to fluently speak Spanish.
Her family is originally from Mexico and moved to the US in 2000 for a better life. Iveth’s mom was the first in the family to get saved through a faithful Christian neighbor. The neighbor would consistently invite Iveth’s mom to church. Her mom eventually said “yes” to get her to stop asking. She trusted Christ as her Savior almost immediately, and the rest is history for the Gaona family! Iveth trusted Christ for her rescue when she was in third grade, yet she didn’t actually take her faith very seriously until she was in middle school. This stage of life made it clear that she needed to make faith more than a single prayer, but a lifestyle. Iveth wasn’t a “bad kid.” She didn’t use drugs or drink, but we all have our own agenda. Iveth is no different and, thankfully, God brought her to a place of understanding and committing herself to surrender to His plans. Iveth desired to build a career around a more worldly motive: success. As she puts it, “I was so hardheaded...building a life full of success...my mindset was so different.” The central focus of her high school years was making sure her grades were excellent. Thank God, He always has the best plan laid out for His children, even when they don’t recognize it. The Lord sometimes uses unexpected ways to create in us a heart of dedication unto Him. For Iveth and her sister, that “unexpected way” was their older brother. Her older brother has a more troubled past. He had a history of getting himself into some garbage. Thankfully, once again, God is in control and He had other plans. God used their pastor, who had previously attended Word of Life Argentina, to convince him that some time spent at Word of Life New York would do him some good. Over Christmas break, Iveth’s family noticed a difference. He had a drive in pushing his sisters to follow in his positive steps and attend the BI for a year. Because Iveth had not yet surrendered her goals to the Lord, the thought of taking a year off was not in her plan. Unwilling to come to school here, she continually rejected him. Much like her mom wanted to get their neighbor “off her back,” Iveth decided to attend Campus Preview Days in order to get “Big Brother” off her back. To her surprise, she fell in love with the Christ-centered atmosphere. So much so, she came three other times. The following steps of her journey here are powerful in the sense of seeing God’s ability to provide for His children in an up-close and personal way. Iveth’s parents are factory workers, and she wasn’t able to receive government aid. While she’s legally allowed to be here, she is not a technical citizen. Due to her situation, for her and her sister, finances were the next hurdle in attending Word of Life. But they were enabled to overcome that hurdle, thanks to the body of Christ working together. For the longest time, she didn’t know whether or not she would come, but just a week before attending,
after many miraculous and wonderful people of God gave of their personal finances, she and her sister were informed that they would be able to come to Word of Life that coming week. Often, we don’t want to let go. Much like Iveth expressed, we are hardheaded too. Thankfully, the Lord uses all sorts of situations in order to show us His might. Most frequently it’s in the mundane everyday that the Lord likes to work. Iveth has been challenged in her time here, but she is absolutely loving this experience of making eternal investments while spending a year growing deeper into the Word of God. She and her sister wouldn’t be here without the support of Christian community too. Praise the Lord for those faithful saints, willing to pray and give generously for the cause of bettering the body. Most frequently it’s in the mundane everyday that the Lord likes to work.
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Word of Life Bible Institute
Brent Buhler is a missionary kid who grew up the first 12 years of his life in Mexico. He has 2 older sisters. His family spent most of their time transitioning into different environments. He says “our car was like a second home...hotels were where some of our best memories were made.” One day when his family was having quality car time, one of his sisters informed him of a place called Hell. This little boy Brent was so terrified by such a reality, he went immediately to his parents. In that moment his parents took that opportunity to share the gospel with him. If you know you can’t buy your own ticket to Heaven, take the one God is offering to you for free. That day, Hell Brent trusted the Lord Upon out of fear of Hell. He tells me that he didn’t quite grasp the reality of his decision for 2 more years. He was 7 years old and now comprehended who Jesus is and why he, Brent, needed Him in his life. Brent’s life is a story laced with transition. His dad was a church planter in Mexico and their family was accustomed to moving around for the sake of ministry. When he was going to be a 6th grader, his parents went on furlough and moved to the states. Brent was experiencing a whole new world of transition. He now had to adapt to the environment of public school in America after having been homeschooled all those years living in Mexico. Brent told me that looking back on the faithfulness of God throughout his life has been blowing him away. “Even when life was crazy, He has been a steady rock through it all.” No matter how much change Brent and his family had to face, God was and always will be the constant for them. No matter where they live or what facet of ministry they are fulfilling, their safety and shield through it all has been the Lord. Brent Buhler
Even when life was crazy He has been a steady rock through it all.
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