Word of Life Bible Institute Yearbook 2018

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

Staff

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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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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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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

Staff

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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

Staff

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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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