2018 - 2019
Table of Contents
staff 0 6-2 1
student life 22-69
mini stry 70-97
ministry teams
98-1 19
ROGER P EACE
Dear Students,
When we began the year with the theme “Connected”, I had no idea how relevant that theme would become. There is no doubt that the 2019-2020 Bible Institute year is one to remember.
Throughout this year, I watched many of you get connected to God, His Word, and His Son in a much deeper way. The questions asked, the conversations had, and the challenges overcome are a strong indicator that this year was for many was a year of personal spiritual growth and deepening of your biblical and theological knowledge. Throughout this year, I personally saw many of you connecting in relationship with one another and with a mentor in discipleship. I encourage you, do not allow time and distance to weaken or dissolve these special relationships. Be intentional, show initiative, and you will be blessed with these connections for life. Throughout this year, you have served and shared the Gospel, as well as connected with people from all over the world. We all want to hear at the moment we meet Jesus, “well done, good and faithful servant”. I implore you, keep pursuing that accolade. You were made for service and connection with your local church, with ministries and those who need to hear the life-changing message of Jesus!
Stay connected to God, so you may stay connected in relationship with those who love Jesus and those who need Jesus!
Of course, I couldn’t end this letter without encouraging you in this: Keep Making Much of Jesus!
Roger Peace President Word of Life Bible Institute and Camps
Dear Students,
What an outstanding year at Word of Life Bible Institute! Your enthusiasm for digging deep into the Word of God and living it out continues to encourage my heart. Keep it up! The entire Bible Institute team prayed that this would be a season of noticeable growth and progress in your personal walk with the Lord. God clearly answered our prayers. Our theme this year centered on the word “Connected.” Relationships and connectedness are critical to all of life and ministry. The Scriptures help us to understand that the key to connectedness to each other is love. Of course, I am not talking about any ordinary love, but genuine agape love. This variety of love is unconditional and sacrificial. As shared from I Corinthians 13 all year long, this love is not merely rooted in feelings, but in tangible action. Know that I am praying for you that your agape love for Jesus Christ and others will be obvious before this watching world. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this, all will know that you are My disciples if you have love for one another” (John 13:34- 35). As you move toward God’s next steps for your life, I look forward with great excitement to all that He will do in and through you in the days ahead. You have unprecedented opportunities to reach this world with the life-changing Gospel of Christ. This is your moment to step up! Be assured of my ongoing friendship and prayer support as you serve Him and hold forth the precious Word of Life wherever He takes you. You are forever part of the Word of Life family, so come back and see us anytime.
Don Lough Jr. Executive Director & Chancellor Word of Life Fellowship, Inc.
DON LOUGH JR.
staff
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Staff
Julia Amesbury
Rachel Arnold
Ryan Arnold
Kerrie Barrone
Teagan Bennett
Orion Aviles
Maggie Brower
Lauren Bidding
Rebecca Berga
Brittany Bracelin
Luke Brady
Mackenzie Beasley
Peter Cate
Alan Cappella
John Collins
Pam Collins
Susie Butler
Samuelle Championn
Alicia Cousins
Adrianna Croteau
Justin Cousins
Randy Curtis
Adam Cook
Adam Curtis
Josh Ely
Kelly Facemire
Sally Gebensleben
Kaylee Goad
Matthew Goodrow
Craig Dreger
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Kyle Hayden
Jason Headlee
Audrey Hart
Twinky Guzman
Stephan Harness
Cara Harringan
Tim Hunt
Daryl Jackson
Alyssa Hyacinthe
Cassidy Jannho
Ariel Hidalgo
Abbianne Huizing
Charlie Janho Heather Johnson
Evelyn LaBarr
Peter LaBarr
Aaron Kelly
Abbie Kuhne
Don Lough, Jr.
Jon Louvis
Matt Landry
Matt Layton
Jeff Leckrone
Jenn Leckrone
Heidi Mahon
Dan Maisonville
Justin Maldonado
Peter Montgomery
Micha Melville
Eric Messer
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Staff
Nate Peace
Roger Peace
Donny Oaks
Natalie Paradis
Michael Parker
Ethan Morin
Dainel Skau
Carolyn Rabb
Julie Scheftic
Ethan Schenke
Joe Schenke
Tommy Sewall
Mark Strout
Anna Stursburg
Jennah Skau
Karen Smith
Mike Steltz
Todd Steltz
Teresa Stursburg
Makaila Upchurch
Brian Tandeo
Jacob Van Essendelft
Christ Tompkins
Caroline Tompkins
Debbie Wallace
John Yarosh
Paul Weaver
Alyssa Webber
Caleb White
Anna Van Horn
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NOT PICTURED
PROPERTY SERVICES: Dan Authur, Caitlin Arthur, Doug Benson, Mackenzie Beasley, James Cannon, Adrianna Croteau, Ralph Deshetsky, Marcus Eaton, Kyle Hayden, Cory Maldonado, Evelyn LaBarr, Peter LaBarr, Stanley Lintner, Rico Lopez, Derek Maldonado, Doug McLain, Peter Montgomery, Kirsten Morrow, Pat Murphy, Ben Parsons, Adam Plagge, Steve Roskidany, Scott Taaffe, Austin Warden, Stu Waples, Ben Webber
BIBLE INSTITUTE MINISTRIES: Nathanniel Eichelberger, David Gross, Bree Hayden, Jen Headlee, Chris Heimerle, Jonathan Nazigian, Jeff Parish, Stephanie Stewart, Karl Storman
CULINARY SERVICES: David Freeman, Justin Higgens, Jakob Webel
FINANCIAL SERVICES: Wendy Deshetsky, Kelly Eger, Gloriann Furushima, Hope Hayes, Cindy McKenna, Holly Parrish, Roger Sachleben, Connie Schenke, Laurie Yarosh INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES: Mary Carr, Sylvia Eger, Matt Hager, Jordan Hough, Jeff Leckrone, Daniel Maxwell, Carleton Newell, Maggie Riordan, Jason Skeffington, Jared Whitley GENERAL ADMINISTRATION AND ADVANCEMENT: Bob Brown, Mike Bush, Bob Gray, Carrie Gulbrandsen, Jeffrey Haines, Sharon Headlee, John Nelson, Glen Slothhower, Laural Taffee INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES: Miguel Arcila, Cindy Baker, Eduardo Dos Santos Araujo, Kay Gross, Lauren Karnes, Kortney Kirschner, Adriana Nava-Hernandez, Wendy Williamson LOCAL CHURCH MINISTRIES: Brian Baker, Paul O’Bradivic, Dori Phillips, Dianna Eillard, Dwight Willard
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Words of Wisdom from a few of our staff, professors & faculty
When I attended Word of Life Bible Institute as a student in 1979, we were taught the book of Philippians by Dr. Joe Stowell. One truth from his class has stayed with me through the years. He spoke of two groups of people- those who are on earth to serve others and those who are here expecting to be served. We spend our lives emulating that of our Savior as we live in service to others, or we sit back, mounting up missed opportunities to make a difference for eternity. As I also learned at the Bible Institute, we don’t serve our Master because it seems worth it. We serve and share Him because He is worthy, and that will never change! (Col. 1: 15 - 18) Indeed, God plus His child equals a majority in any situation. As we do our part, He does what He promises. After all, only two things last forever; God’s Word and the souls of humanity. Let us invest our lives in knowing and living His Word so that others can know Him too, and above all, so that He is honored. We serve those we love. My prayer for and challenge to you all - Serve God. Serve others by His grace and for His glory.
Sam Frey
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Two crazy investments.
Imagine that a piece of property was being sold for several thousand dollars, but you knew that a massive vein of gold ran through it. You’d do anything to find a way to buy it because that would be a crazy good investment! Now imagine spending decades saving up money to buy a bottle of air. That would a crazy foolish investment! The truth is, you will experience one of these two scenarios. You will either invest your life in something of infinite value or throw it away chasing after the wind. Jesus spoke of giving up everything for eternal rewards that can never be lost (Matthew 13:44). He also warned against giving up everything for nothing in return (Luke 12:16-21). My friends, be sure to spend your very limited time, energy and resources seeking first the Kingdom of God rather than bottled air. Life seems long, but it’s extremely short at best. So make the right kind of crazy investment every day!
Mark Strout
The two things I love the most about my job are the people I work with (they really are like family!) and getting to serve and work with students. The Lord changes lives here and it is the sweetest thing to be part of that! I began my position with the Student Services Desk in the fall of 2012 and to be honest, I didn’t really know what I was good at or what I enjoyed doing. I learned very quickly that I love details, variety and helping people. My job is full of all of those things! Even during the moments when I think I can’t possibly handle one more logistic, the Lord’s grace is sufficient every day for the tasks He places before me.
Caroline Thompkins
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When I think about the 2019-20 class, I am reminded of Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” So often through this year we, together, have had to lay down our wants and desires so that we can make much of Jesus, prefer a brother or sister, earn the right to be heard and share the Gospel. It does not end here; this is only the beginning. As you move on from the campus, my prayer for you is that you will continue to remember Who truly lives who truly has died. Let the overarching anthem of your life forever ring out, “Not I, but Christ Who lives in me.”
Justin Cousins
Thank you for your grace and patience as we navigated through our first year of Research and Writing together. As you move on from Word of Life, I trust you feel more confident not only in your writing, but in your overall ability to effectively communicate from a biblical worldview. In his book, New Morning Mercies, Paul David Tripp says, “The character of any person’s life is not shaped by two or three grand, big moments of every day life. A person’s character is formed in ten thousand little, mundane moments of everyday life. It’s the character that is formed in those little moments of life that determines how you think and respond in the few, big moments of life that you encounter.” When you are challenged to make decisions in those “ten thousand little, mundane moments” as well as in the “few, big moments”, always determine what is true based on Scripture and live according to those truths.
Britney Sewall
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God is a God of do-overs. I love that. He gives us an opportunity with a fresh start every single day. Psalms 118:24 says, “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Today. This day. It was created by the Lord with a multitude of opportunities to love Him, serve Him and trust Him. When I remind myself in the morning that it is His day, I am comforted that whatever comes my way – good or bad – comes through His loving and perfect plan for me. It frees me to rejoice and worship Him in whatever comes my way. Today is His day. Because it’s His, I say bring it on! I choose to trust Him today and rejoice in all that today brings forth.
Karen Smith
Yesterday as I was reading chapter 4 in my favorite Old Testament book, Proverbs, verse 7 grabbed my attention: “Wisdom is supreme; therefore, get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding,”For me, serving as Library Director at WOLBI – and for you as a student at WOLBI – this verse (and others in the first several chapters of Proverbs) challenges us to go beyond getting knowledge from our study of the Bible and give priority to seeking and acquiring wisdom. My prayer constantly is that you and I will take to heart and wisely apply the knowledge that God has privileged us to gain from His Word, both here at WOLBI and for every day after. Will you join me in this prayer?
Allen Capella
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“Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succee d ing at something that doesn’t really matter.” (D.L. Moody) So our question should be, “What really DOES matter?” 1 John 2:15-17 says, “Do n o t love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers o n ly a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievemen t s and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world i s fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.” You can spend “your” life striving to reach your goals and to fulfill your d e sires, but what really matters is investing “your” life (which really belongs to God) into what p l eases God. So what pleases God? Knowing Him, agreeing with Him, and becoming like Him. God is l ovingly giving you breath to do these things. Make the choice today t o use each breath His way…and then make the same choice tomorrow…and then the next day…and contin u e choosing that each day until we see Him face to face and hear the most importan t words, “Well done, good and faithful servant”.
Ryan Arnold
Though I am a staff member this year, I am also a student. There is a time to teach and a time to listen and learn. I hope to always do both. One thing I have learned this year is, “to have a local love and an international heartbeat”. I am thankful that my immutable God allows my sinful heart to grow and change into the likeness of His son. I pray He gives us all a love for the people near and far.
Kaylee Goad
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A Thank you to our staff
from, the student body We praise the Lord for each life changed this year by His strength in each of you. Now that we spread our wings and pursue the Kingdom in our corners of the world, we carry with us the hope that we have found in Christ Jesus both educationally and spiritually. Thank you for connecting and reaching our goals with us this year. We thank you for the countless hours spent one- on-one with each of us, building our faith with us and exhorting us to make the right changes. We thank you for your dedication inspired by that of our Heavenly Father to pursue us lovingly to no end. We hope you know that you have made an eternal impact on our lives. For your example of Christ, we are forever grateful. What an incredible year it has been! From the amount of spiritual growth to the amount of fun we had, not a single aspect of this year has been done in vain. For each endeavor, there has been a purpose and a heart for the people in spiritual need, whether that be us as students or people reached on OAE, missions reality, and even at home over breaks. This year’s theme, Connected, and the goal to reach 100k with the Gospel has inspired our souls like never before. Learning to be intentional with people and every opportunity we get with them has changed our spiritual lives for good. Without your teaching, guidance, and discipling, we easily could have caved into our own comfort. We thank you for teaching us a lifestyle of servitude and humility that we can live out for eternity. Because of your Godly leadership under the Father, our tools have been multiplied tenfold and we are empowered to build up the kingdom for the rest of our time on Earth.
Professors
Dr. Corey Abney Esther and Ruth
Dr. Daniel Anderson Nehemiah, Joshua
Dr. John Barnett
Dr. James Bjornstad
Revelation
Cults
Dr. Doug Bookman
Dr. Wendell Calder
Dr. Stephan Bramer
Pastor John Bouquet
Passion Week
1 Corinthians
Proverbs
James
Dr. Ken Cleaver Church History 1
Dr. Christopher Cone Matthew, Romans 1-8
Mr. Mike Calhoun
Dr. Emir Caner
Philosophy of Youth Ministry
Islam
Dr. Tom Davis
Dr. Nicholas Ellen
Mr. Dick Emmons
Mr. Chris Eppling
Systematic Theology, Zechariah
Counseling
Genesis 12-50
Biblical Ethics
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Church History 2 Dr. Jerry Franz
Dr. Chris Gnanakan
Roman Catholicism Mr. David James
Ecclesiology Dr. Jim Jeffrey
Acts
Mr. Chris Katulka
Dr. Jeremy Kimble
Dr. Matt McAlack
Spiritual Gifts Don Lough, Jr.
Intertestamental Period
Psalms
James
Dr. Terry Mortenson
Pastor Phil Moser
Mr. John Ogkesby
Dr. Larry Moyer
Creationism
Romans 9-16
Personal Evangelism
Matthew
Counseling Youth Mr. Randy Patten
Dr. David Payne
Biblical Manhood Pastor Tom Phillips
Pastor Sean Pierce
Hebrews
Ministry of the Local Church
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professors
Dr. Ray Pritchard
General Loren Reno
Mrs. Britney Sewall Research and Writing
Mr. Tom Simcox Jewish Evangelism
Galatians
Leadership
Mr. Kris Stout Discipleship
Mr. Mark Strout
Dr. Wayne Slusser 1&2 Timothy, 1&2 Thessalonians
Ms. Karen Smith
Biblical Womanhood
Eschatology, Ephesians, 1,2&3 John, Genesis 1-11
Dr. Matt Vanderwiele Christian Marriage
Dr. Paul Weaver
Daniel
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NOT PICTURED
Dr. Todd Ahrend | Intercultural Issues
Dr. David Anderson | Ephesians
Dr. Dwight Peterson | Principles of Bible Teaching
Dr. Cory Trowbridge | Personal Finance Dr. Rhome Van Dyck | Ancient Near East
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Student Life
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first Year students
Sydney Abel
Hannah Adelsberger
Keely Aleck
Rebecca Allard Carlos Almonte
Victoria Alonzo
Samuel Alvites
Daniel Amesbury
Molly Anderson Brandon Aponte Meredith Arnold
Jubae Augustine
Alida Babcock
Sierra Bachmann Courtney Bane
Bryce Bardo
Rachel Barkman
Lauren Barnes
Allison Barton
Emily Barton
Jaman Bennett
Kindra Bennett
Celeste Benson
Jared Bergin
Corbyn Berna
Mollie Biggerstaff
Colin Boyden
Taylor Bramblett
Dionna Brett
Daniel Brown
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Mike Browning
Annie Bullock
Claudia Button Mayson Cambron Maya Candlish
Shae Carey
Anna Carl
Timothy Carter
Paige Carver
Jessica Castro
Abigail Clark
Bethany Conover
Brenna Conover
Madison Courtney Danae Crosley
Adrienne Cross
Brad Crowe
Pedro da Silva
Clarissa De Angelis Fachini
Julia De Souza Lima Lopes
Nick DeFord
Micah DeJong
Sadie Diaz
Gabriela Diaz
Annie Doucet
Natalie Dudte
Matthew Edgerly
Charis Edwards
Dominic Flores
David Foreman
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first Year students
David Forsberg
Julia Freebern
Thomas Furst
Timothy Gainey
Joy Gentile
Leona Germeroth
Abigail Grannis
Michaela Gregory Beth Greidanus
Evan Haberlin
James Hallman
Hannah Goddard
Danielle Hamacher
Ryan Haneman
Grace Hansen
Elizabeth Haskell
Lylah Heider
Gabby Hinkle
Carah Hoffman
Jenna Hollinger
Casey Holt
Cody Houchen
Kayti Husley
Rachel Hunter
Moriah Hutter
Helen Imbrosci
Seika Ito
Sarah Jadischke Ellen-Iva Jamison
Alana Jewers
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Otto Josan
Mackenzie Judd
Molly Kay
James Kirchberger
Angela Knell
Quentin Lackey
Lindsey Lankford Mikayla Lansick
Bobby Lattin
Montana Law Chloe Lawson
Abbie Lancaster
Caleb Lemmons
Elizabeth Louvis Nathaniel MacLeod Rosemarie Mallon Audree Marburger David Matthewson
Paige Matthews
Jared Maxwell
Paula Mayer
Lydia McCurdy Kathryn McDonald Gabriel Mellette
Joy Melville
Isaac Meschke
Luke Messer
Obi Metzger
Taylor Milgliore Hannah Mlekodaj
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first Year students
Rachel Murphy
Joshua Murphy
Joanna Myers
Madi Nazigain Rashelle Nemecheck
Maeve Mullaney
Yachne Nilges
Abigail Nolt
Myleena Norton Daniel Palenkas Kastari Paramore
Caleb Neuville
Melody Parker
Michelle Peace
Elijah Pender
Ian Perkins
Bella Phelps
Soyeon Park
Pedro Pontes
Elise Porter
Joshua Postma
Makayla Potter
Arianna Pulgar-Cardozo
Joshiah Poludniak
Nayeli Ramirez
Joshua Reardon
Allison Reda
Seamus Reilly
Katelyn Reiter
Thomas Puskas
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David Rishel
David Rivera
Jizeah Rivera
Aaron Romanek
Kristi Richardson
Andrew Riggle
Joshua Sanders
Seth Savage
Janaiza Schuring
Alena Scott
Katrina Rudy
Joshua Sackson
Nicole Sensenig
Cory Sgambato Mackenzie Shimp
Luke Shipman
Kaitlyn Shirley
Elaina Slivestri
Sarah Smith
Sarah Smith
Elizabeth Smoker
Luke Snyder
Rebekah Sommerville
Lydia Slattery
Samuel Startup
Karalyn Spiezio Jackson Springthorpe
Natalie Stebner
Titus Stimson
Anthony Stirpe
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first Year students
Sharona Tasker
Geena Taylor
Julia Terry
Philip Strayer
Alexandra Taboada Joseph Talento
Leah Tilson
Anna Van Beveren Michaela VanGorder
Mikayla Tew Sophia Thompson
Jack Thompson
Ralph Vantuyl
Caleb Veinotte
Merly Velasquez
Daniel Villegas
Alexander Villegas Maverick Wade
Maurice Wagner
Grace Weaver
Jesslyn Webel
Narae Weigner
Adam Wheaton
Sandy Wiles
Jeremiah Wilhelm Trinity Williams
Graham Williams
Kaitlyn Yohe
Madison Zealand Zachary Zimmerman
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Jin-Ju Baek, Vanessa Carpenter, Christopher Di Cola, Jonathan Foreman, Ryan Harding, Logan Henschke, Megan Hutchins, Daniel Latini, Joshua Morrow, Piper Nielsen, David Parker, Jason Ridge, Charline Santana, Matthew Talento, Joshua Tasker, Tiahna Wild, Chase Yarns NOT PICTURED:
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Second Year students
Esther Acheampong Isabel Amador
Caleb Auli
Ryan Azevedo
Dorothy Barna
Mark Benitez
Olivia Benna
Owen Bidding
Abigail Bone
Timothy Borden Gabrielle Bouquet
Daniela Burgos
Daniel Cabrera Rebekah Carlson
Megan Carr
Susanna Casillas
Hunter Crick
Rebekah Cunnningham
Maria Curtis
Hannah Cushman Jessica Del Grosso Christina Ditmer
Rebecca Dowler
Reece Dube
Grace Dupis
Brian Durbin
Luke Elmore
Lia Espinal
Alexis Farrell
Samuel Farrow
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Sianna Guiles
Nicole Ford
Matias Garcia
Edrick Gil
Lorena Godwin
Christina Gray
Kiersten Hay
Travis Heady
Julianna Hurley
Maria Hwang
Josue Ibanez
Ryder Harling
Hannah Jahn
Kiko Jimenez-Robertson
Julianna Johnson Olivia Johnson
Tywan Johnson
David Jones
Sadie Knepper
Josh Kappen
Madison Kearney
Ana Koefender
Fiona Kostusyk
Alexis Juilleret
Alyssa La Marche
John Langworthy
Kaylee Le Master
JooYoung Lee
GeonJoo Lee
KwanHo Lee
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Second Year students
Leah Matone
Robbie McKinney
MaryAnn Mella
Roberto Morgan
Josiah Lemay
Grace Long
Simon Obunde
SoHyeon Oh
Juliana Oliveira
Kairo Oliveira
Breanna Morrow
Ozzie Niccum
Charlie Patton
James Plicher
Jacob Pitts
Anna Powell
Leo Oshima
Chae Page
Claire Reynolds
Bailee Riess
Brady Rising
James Robinson
Landri Rasberry
Emily Ray
Krystel Schwab
JuWon Seo
Senri Shirata
Ethan Shope
Debbie Rosales
Noah Sartin
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Monique Silva
Jordan Snapp
Kailyn Stankovich Hannah Stone
Gracelyn Taylor
Samuel Taylor
Kate Thompson
Daniela Toledo
Luisa Torrejon
Chiemi Tsuchiya Madison Upchurch Grace Vecca
Leigha Wachter
Andrew Weber
Abigail Whipple
Molly Williams
Hannah Wilson
Peter Brandel, Craig Cordis, Marcelo Diez, Grace Duncan, Mikayla Garcia, Julia Gregory, Anna House, Nathan Jalbert, Tiare Luzuriaga, Mandy Randazzo, Asher Thompson, Joseph Villatoro, Sooln Yu NOT PICTURED:
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some of our stories Studnet Tesimonies
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meredith arnold
“Already, God has taught me some very important truths. Through the Galatians class at the beginning of the first semester, I learned about my identity in Christ and what identity means for my daily life. I am fully holy, righteous, and redeemed through Jesus Christ. Because of this, I don’t have to care what people think about me, I am enough and fully accepted by God. I am able to lay my burdens down and have peace because Jesus has defeated them.”
colin boyden
“Every morning, I get up early and sacrifice my sleep in a step of faith. God has taught and changed me so much through my quiet time and morning prayer simply because I do it out of faith and obedience. I’m learning how much God truly rewards faith and obedience with peace, prosperity, and good success. The more I read the Word and the more I pray and petition God, the better. In high school, my walk with Christ wasn’t daily, so I wasn’t content. But through faithfully studying the Bible and by simply asking God for sanctification, I have been blessed in so many ways. The Word of God is powerful and will
continue to change my life daily. Joshua 1:8. Philippians 4:4-7.”
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“Through second year at WOLBI in New York, God has been providing me with a lot of opportunities to apply what I’ve learned. It’s been very challenging and frustrating, but God’s been teaching me that the most happiness I can have in my life is walking with My God. Also, WOLBI is a great place for me to build a solid foundation of my faith so that I’m not easily shaken. Please pray for me, that I will never give up learning about God more and more and that I would be living out what God has taught me in my life.” geonjoo lee
montana law Since coming to Word of Life, I haven’t been on a high mountaintop experience or in a valley. I have been on the flatlands. I am learning and growing. Sometimes it is painful, but God has shown me so much grace and love. I have been able to find true joy in the Lord. I love Him more each day and I am so thankful for all He has done! God is so good.
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zac zimmerman
“The greatest lesson God has been teaching me has been to seek satisfaction from Him alone. This really became an issue when I started to evaluate the content of what I had been consuming as entertainment. For many years, I had been using my Christian liberties as an excuse to watch and listen to explicit TV shows, movies, and songs. However, when you consider what James wrote in James 4:4, you’ll find that friendship with (or seeking satisfaction from) the world is sinfulness. Christian liberty is no excuse for sin! Why would we want to be filling our minds with the very things that God hates? Conversely, Psalm 37:4 commands us to “[Delight] yourself in the Lord.” Biblical Christians must find their supreme joy in God alone. Coming to this understanding has helped me to improve my choices and turn to Bible-centered media as my primary form of entertainment. I trust throughout the remainder of the year and the rest of my life, God will continue to reveal my sinful ways in order to form me into the image of our spiritual example and Savior Jesus Christ. Psalm 73:26”
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Edrick Gil
I was born in a Christian home and my parents were heavily involved in ministry. My mom led me to Christ when I was seven years old, so I had a little bit of Bible knowledge because of that. I wanted to come to the BI because I saw my brother’s life changed here and I wanted to experience that myself. My first year was shocking to me just because I realized how little I knew about the Bible. The classes were amazing and the teachers even more. I developed an interest in the ministry and being involved in the church, so I decided to do second year. Second year blew my expectations even more. The classes got more personal and intentional, the student body grew closer as well as the responsibilities. So far, this has been a year of growth in my life. From excitement through boredom, from joy through sadness, I saw God working in each area of my life. I couldn’t ask for more. It’s been a blessing and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to get serious in his walk with the Lord and to dedicate a year of their life to studying the Word of God. What better place to do that then at Word of Life where you get to serve with hands-on ministry and excellent teachers and staff who intentionally try to pour into your life. Even with my two years here, I feel like I’m just scratching the surface of what the Bible teaches. I can’t wait to see what God has planned for each one of the students here.
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alida babcock
“Growing up, I was always in and out of the hospital because of my heart issues and chronic illness. Honestly, I am so beyond grateful that my parents always taught me to view my health issues as a blessing from God. Coming here, I knew that God was going to stretch me and help me grow more in my faith, but I always had this fear deep down that I was going to get severely ill again and would not be able to focus on anything here. One of the things God has kept reminding me lately is that “Yes, you could go to the hospital at any time this year, but is this going to stop you from being a light for me?” Being here truly is a blessing from God and I’m so grateful for all of the encouraging people around me on campus! Matthew 5:14-16.”
casey holt
GOD IS SO GOOD! Although it may sound simple, that’s one of the biggest things that the Lord has taught me over this year at Word of Life. There isn’t a single circumstance that can change or diminish His love, because His goodness is dependent on His faithfulness and not our feelings. Whether we’re on a mountain or in a valley, or feeling stuck somewhere in between, we can always count on God’s love because it has nothing to do with who we are or what we do, and everything to do with who He is and what He has already done. That means that wherever God leads us, we can walk forward confident that we’ll have all we need. It’s never been about where we are going or when we get there; it’s about who we’re going with.
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letter to the grads by josh
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Class of 2020,
I wrote this letter once before spring break, but after the craziness of the Coronavirus happened, I decided to write it again. As we look back at this year, all of you took a risk- you left the comfort of home and what you knew to come to a place full of people you didn’t know and live with roommates you did not choose. We asked you to jump into ministry and work assignments and devotionals and yes, even go to all your classes. It had the potential to be a crazy ride. As I look to share with you about how to sum up this year, the one thing that keeps popping into my mind is a roller coaster. I have been on a lot of them, and I am sure you have as well. When you get on, you expect a lot of things- you expect to go fast, you expect to have drops that scare you, you expect to have loops that completely disorient you, and some of you even expect to be sick. It’s interesting to think that even with all the crazy expectations, we still think to ourselves, “I would love to go on that.” Why? Because we trust the person that made the coaster. We trust that they planned it from beginning to end. We trust everything was built correctly, and that they thought about how to keep everyone safe. Because we trust them, we are willing to go on a crazy coaster that has the potential for us to lose our lunch! So why did you come to the Bible Institute? You trusted that God wanted you here. There were a lot of other places you could have gone, but God wanted you at WOLBI. Now as we look back on the year, we see another loop that nobody expected... You were asked to leave your newfound friends and freedom and go home to finish school. I’m confident that it wasn’t on anyone’s radar to have to adjust our lives this much this quickly. It was - and still is - the biggest loop a lot of you have been on. I want to remind you all that this will not be the only loop you’re thrown for on the roller coaster of life. The point of the ride of life is not to measure how many loops or ups and downs there are, but to ask, “Do I trust who is putting it all together?” Some of you are planning on going into schooling for vocational ministry or secular jobs, others are going into the workforce, and some of you are going on missions. Whatever your plans are for next year, whatever God is calling you to do, there will be a lot of ups, downs, and loops- so trust God, the One who has put it all together. He will finish what he started in you. God can be trusted, even if it looks scary or the ride is different than what you planned. Go be salt and light in a world that is desperate to know the Savior that loves them. The GOD we serve has today, has tomorrow, and has YOU. Enjoy the ride!
Josh Ely
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OPENING WEEKEND
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After a long summer of counting down the days, Opening Weekend finally arrived for all first year students. Excited families and students began to show up on campus as the process began for everyone.
Everybody learned what it meant to prefer others over themselves and always seek out opportunities to serve. Through it all, the excitement of a life changing year overcame all of the nerves as students began to anticipate classes with their new friends.
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CLASH CAMPUSCLASH
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Adirondack
M A R A T H O N
“Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” - Hebrews 12:1
To close the first week of classes at the BI, students were encouraged to gather across campus and cheer on the athletes competing in the Adirondack Marathon. This simple act of kindness ministered to the runners and heightened their spirits, encouraging them on to the finish. Not a single runner passed without being cheered on and shown the love of Christ. At the finishing awards ceremony, Roger Peace had the privilege of meeting a couple who were absolutely raving about how much fun it was to pass through the Bible Institute, and how encouraging and supportive it felt. It goes to show that even the simplest acts of kindness can make an impression for Christ on those around us. We, as servants of Christ, are reminded in the Bible to keep running our own race. For us, it is not a competition against other runners, but it certainly is a glorious struggle. God has set a long course ahead of us, and only He knows when we will reach the finish line to be welcomed into His arms. May we run with endurance.
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ESCAPE THE ISLAND
This year’s theme for Escape the Island was “Asylum” and was a chilling experience for guests and students alike. The property of Rock Haven, meant to be turned into an amusement park providing an “authentic asylum experience,” welcomed guests who posed as potential investors in the park’s success. Little did they know that not only had authorities failed to transport all patients off the island, but their tour guide was the murderous Les LeHaye disguised as security guard Jordan Sanchez. Guests were led over treacherous trails, through creepy cabins, and down a perilous path before being locked in an escape room by LeHaye who revealed his true, sinister identity. Each group of visitors had little time to solve a puzzle, find the real Officer Sanchez, and be led to safety at the Boathouse where they finished their tour with treats and a Gospel presentation. Just under 400 groups had great, seasonal fun, and it was a hit for all who went!
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Merry Chr i stmas w o l b i
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The cold December evening seemed to glow, and Christmas spirit hung in the air like ornaments on a tree. Dorm decorations had finally been judged, and everybody was ready for the main event: the Christmas Party! Group by group, students dashed to the Bollback, holiday spirit keeping them warm in the cold winter air. They were greeted by Christmas music drifting through the dining hall; the great Christmas tree adorned with wreaths and ornaments and radiating golden light. Tables were spread with trays of sugar cookies and icing, ready to be decorated. Everybody lined up for the photo booth, snagging props with their friends. The winners of the best-decorated dorm and the Ugly Sweater Contest claimed their prizes. Soon after, there came an announcement: “We’ll be having karaoke in ten minutes!”. Partners and groups lined up right away to ensure their spot. It was a hilarious show of talent. At the end of the night, the students were nestled all snug in their beds, dreaming of Christmas to come with their families and holding on to the fun memories made at the WOLBI Christmas Party.
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christmas p a r t y
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CONNECTED
reaching through relationships
“You did not choose me, but i chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, He may give it to you.” john 15:16
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MI SS IONS CONFERENCE
This year, dozens of missionaries came to represent their fields at the Word of Life Missions Conference. They gave presentations on the diverse areas of their ministry, which caused many students to consider future areas of service. Many who were in attendance were impacted by the powerful testimonies given by the missionaries. The Lord was faithful to provide Kris Stout as a translator in order to overcome the language barrier, so that glory could return to Him through the messages. Through the flag ceremony, students were able to witness the truth of God’s presence throughout all the earth. We were also privileged to hear joyful noises being made to the Lord in different languages from across the globe. With joyful hearts, we witnessed the graduation ceremony of this class of CCI interns, and then we prepared to send out those who were just beginning their internship journey. It was a reminder of the courage that God gives those who want to serve Him with their lives, as well as how He always sees a task to its end. Through this year’s Missions Conference, we were reminded that our Lord equips us with everything we need for the mission before us. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to
the Greek” Romans 1:16
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“Here I am Lord, I will go where ever you want. I will take your name where ever you want”
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The Cross Cultural Internship is a program where students who have graduated second year can spend two years of their life on the missions field, working hand-in-hand with full time missionaries. CCI interns gain insight into life on the missions field, including learning the language and gaining cultural insights. At Missions Conference, Bible Institute students had the great privilege of watching the current class of interns graduate, as well as experiencing the newest class’s dedication and sending service. It was a huge encouragement to meet the interns and learn a little more about CCI – who knows how many students in our class will be led in the same direction!
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C o n n e c t e d THROUGH AND THROUGH
Our theme for the year ‘19 - ‘20 was “Connected”. Every student was looking forward to a year to grow in their relationships with God and others, especially with that theme. We moved in and began life like any other year at the Bible Institute. We all counseled at Snowcamp together, rallied around our sports teams, spent all night at Reverb with a group of people we barely knew, poured into and encouraged one another. Being in this incredible and unique environment, we all became like a family very quickly. Strangers became my closest friends. Things changed suddenly and drastically after the second semester, when we weren’t able to finish out the year on campus. I know we were all devastated that we didn’t say ‘goodbye’ to a lot of our close friends, as we thought we would be returning after spring break. As life forcibly slowed down, and we became acquainted with online learning, and as we spent time in God’s word, each of us began to look at God’s faithfulness in a whole new light. I, personally, surrendered all of my expectations for the year and leaned back into the loving arms of a faithful Savior. I placed my hope in the only thing that can’t ever be taken away from me. The Lord, who is over all the sickness, death, separation and sadness. All of my plans that I was trying so desperately to hold on to slipped through my arms and I had nothing left but Him and His Word. Our daily routine at Word of Life may have changed in an unexpected way, but our ability to connect, share, encourage, hold and be held accountable, grow and change is not dependent on where we are or who we are with. Our tomorrow is not promised, but when we live for Jesus; eternity is! Two verses that have been very encouraging to me lately have been Psalms 73:23-28 and John 13:7. This year, although certainly did not end how any of us expected, is still effective for furthering Christ’s kingdom. I specifically want to encourage everyone to appreciate each moment you have in life, make the most of your time with people and never think for a second that anything is wasted. Our God redeems.
All for His Glory, Alana Jewers, Yearbook
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REMOTE STUDY LOCATIONS
Rebekah Carlson
Zachary Zimmerman
Anna Carl
Rosemarie Mallon
Emily Ray
Cory Sgambato
Hannah Goddard
Abigail Bone
Gracelyn Taylor
Jereniah Wilhelm
Allison Reda
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M i n i s t r y AT HOME
Carlos Almonte
I have been able to disciple four teenagers in my church and teach them effective ways to share the gospel to their friends. I have been able to see them get mesmerized by truth in the Bible and help them with their own doubts and trials.
Nathaniel MacLeod
My mom serves at a pregnancy center called Open Arms Pregnancy Center. My family and I were able to go over and exchange the winter clothes with spring/summer clothes. Also we were able to serve some elderly people and friends who were not able to yard work or get out the house much.
Ryder Harling
One cool thing, a camper of mine from the summer has started his own ministry using TikTok. He had over a hundred people a week with Zoom meetings and has had 10 people get saved! So it has been a blessing to hear and Word of Life Camp gave him a passion for the Word and the gospel!
Casey Holt
My parents are on decent speaking terms, and my dad has come over like 3 times in the past week. There is still a lot of healing and change that needs to happen between them, but considering how ready they both were to give up a few weeks ago, it amazes me to see how they’re interacting now.
Maverick Wade
I helped some people move out of their house during the Covid-19 crisis. They were in a really weird situation with their parents and spouses and such. Through my actions, I was able to demonstrate a Christlike demeanor that made them question what made me different from the rest of the world. I explained to them that I was not like the world, and began to share the gospel.
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Molly Williams
Getting to help homeschool some kids in my friend’s family was not only so much fun, but such an opportunity to show them life on life what it looks like to know the Lord and how that changes you. I loved all of the little conversations or actions that God allowed through the various things I got to do with the kiddos! It’s also been such a unique time to get to share truth with my family by word in the opportunities God gives and by action in walking day by day with God.
Myleena Norton
A lot of people right now are seeking peace from the unknown and that has opened a lot of really cool ways that my family and I can reach our community! The one day we took cookies around with an April Bible reading plan to older people in out town that can’t leave their homes right now and you could tell that something as simple as cookies made their day!
Anna Van Beveren
Currently, pretty much everything where I live is shut down so I had to find a way to help my community without leaving my house. My mom is an incredible seamstress, and I have been helping her make cloth masks for healthcare workers and other essential workers in the community. We have been bagging each mask individually, and attaching a handwritten thank-you note with an encouraging Bible verse. And then we drop them off at hospitals, and because my mom works for the city government she has been distributing them as needed. It has been such a fun way to connect with my mom these past few weeks! I have seen God working through my church - currently, we are completely online and isolated yet still the community has been overflowing! It has been so encouraging to see how the body of Christ is truly connected not by similarities but a shared devotion to Christ. I have had some sweet sweet fellowship these past few weeks. It is different and strange for sure, but it has been good and is making me thirst for in-person fellowship again soon!
Helen Imbrosci
I have seen the Lord give me opportunities to talk with people I don’t know all that well, like neighbors from up the road and the postal office woman who drops off the mail. Starting those conversations gives me the opportunity to expound on conversations and hopefully be able to share the Gospel.
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Christina Ditmer
I have recently been in contact with an old high school friend, and they have been asking more and more questions about God. I have shared the gospel with them before, and I thought they had made a decision, but I hope to share it again sometime soon and keep answering their questions. What an answered prayer! I have also been able to share the gospel through social media!
Brandon Aponte
I have had the chance to go on runs with a friend from high school. I’ve encouraged him to read Romans and John, and he has been very receptive. I am praying he will come to a saving faith soon!
Grace Long
I was able to share my testimony and the gospel on my Instagram, and around 200 people watched it. A couple of girls reached out to me after I gave my testimony, and they have been asking a lot of questions about the Bible and life as a Christian, and I have been able to encourage/work with them about it, and kind of see where they’re at in their faith.
Lindsay Lankford
My brother and I have been going around to people’s houses (whether our neighbors or people in our church family) and we sing/play guitar for them outside their home. We choose all worship music. This has been a blessing because we are able to say “hello and we miss you”, and to see their smiles is encouraging. Sometimes people are even brought to tears which is touching for me and my brother. We love music and thought this would be a great way to use that for the Lord in this time! I was able to reach out to my old boss (unsaved, has a Catholic background and has made known to me that she isn’t interested in my faith), and encourage her because they had to close down their business due to COVID. In my text, I shared that I would be praying and for her to know that God is in control and will take care of her while the business is shut down. She responded positively and with thankfulness for me reaching out! Thought this was cool because I got to point her to Jesus.
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Jenna Hollinger
At the Bible study that I started with my little sister, some of the kids (middle school) were asking lots of questions and very engaged. It was clear that they were looking to know more about God and what the Bible actually says.
Julianna Hurley
We went out and helped feed the homeless, we made lunches and passed them out along with tracts. we were also able to share the gospel with some of them and sang songs.
Mandy Randazzo
The other day, I was doing my Quiet Time with my 13-year-old sister. She was on FaceTime with her friend, and her friend asked her “What is Quiet Time?”. My younger sister looked at me and asked if I could explain. So of course I did just that, but the Lord really placed it on my heart to share the gospel through this question, so I did. Shortly after I shared and prayed with her, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior! Praise God, it was extremely encouraging because my family doesn’t have a relationship with the Lord – only my sister and I do- so that has been a struggle.
Kathryn McDonald
I have been making masks for our local hospital and individuals that I know. Doing so has opened doors for me to talk to different people about what I believe. I have made almost 100 masks and distributed them. I have seen God work as those to whom I have reached out respond with questions about why I’m so willing to sacrifice and serve. My response has been the gospel, and even if people don’t end up believing, they now have a comprehensive knowledge of the truth.
Jessica Hulsey
God has been showing me that my mission work is needed at home at the moment. God has shown me that people need something as simple as getting groceries because they cannot get out or encouraging someone who is battling mental health with a letter. It’s in the little things and little moments that I have seen the Lord work, it’s truly really cool to see that in my home town.
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