Eternity 5 Million A Global Gospel Movement
A Life of Purpose and Stewardship Michael Goad, 2025 Alumnus of the Year
Issue 24
CONTENTS
A Note from Don Lough, Jr. In Colossians 3:23–24, we’re reminded: “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” This truth grounds us in the purpose behind our service – faithfully living for Christ, no matter the role we play. At Word of Life, we’ve witnessed time and again what God can do when His people come together in prayer, generosity, and service. One remarkable example is Eternity 5 Million (E5M), an April initiative to reach at least five million people with the gospel. Our global ministry team joined forces with local churches, Bible Institute students, youth groups, like- minded organizations, and faithful prayer and financial partners. The results were nothing short of astounding – and only make sense when we remember that the gospel of Christ “is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). In this issue of The Word of Life Experience, you’ll read about E5M and discover stories highlighting what happens when we unite around God’s mission. I pray you’ll be encouraged, inspired, and reminded of the deep joy and momentum that comes from serving Him – together.
A Note from Don Lough, Jr. Florida Building Update
02 04 06 14 18 20 23 24 27
Alumni Updates Eternity 5 Million Alumni Encouragement Award A Life of Purpose and Stewardship: Michael Goad, 2025 Alumnus of the Year Brazil Alumni Missions Trip Global Report Dedications
CONTRIBUTORS
Director of Word of Life Foundation – John Nelson Director of Communications – John Yarosh Alumni Director – Karen Rathbun '92 Alumni Engagement Manager – Rebecca Berga ‘15 & ‘16 Head Writer – Tricia Childs ‘14 & ‘15 Creative and Branding Manager – Teresa Stursberg '14 Alumni Relations – Ken Hayden ‘86 Advancement – Kay Gross International Marketing Coordinator – Joshua Paulhamus ‘14 & ‘15 Social Media Manager – Noah Haneman ‘18 The Word of Life Experience is a publication of Word of Life. We want to build a community where you can find longtime friends, share testimonies of what God has been doing, encourage others with stories of life change, and learn how you, too, can be involved with the mission of Word of Life. ©️ Copyright 2025 – Word of Life Fellowship. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission.
Thank you for being a valued part of our global family. To God be all the glory!
In His Service,
The perspectives of the author(s) in this magazine do not necessarily represent the perspectives of Word of Life Bible Institute and/or Word of Life Fellowship.
Don Lough, Jr. ’84 Chancellor, Word of Life Bible Institute President & CEO, Word of Life Fellowship, Inc.
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WORD OF LIFE WINTER CAMPS LIFELONG MEMORIES MADE IN JUST 44 HOURS! Winter camp weekends provide the thrill that winter so often lacks! Whether you're flying down a snow-covered hill, laughing with friends over hot chocolate, or being challenged by God’s Word in a powerful way – Winter Camp is 44 hours that leaves a lifelong impact on campers.
Open to students grades 6–12, this is more than just a break from routine – it’s a chance to grow deeper with Jesus, make real friendships, and see what the hype of following Jesus is all about!
Young Adults Weekend: Tailored for ages 18–28, Young Adults Weekend is your invitation to step away from the noise and recharge spiritually and through community!
INTERSECT (Miamisburg, OH Tustin, MI Alton, NH )
wol.is/intersect25
Special Alumni Offer for Young Adult Weekends:
PURSUIT CAMP (Hudson, FL)
WOLBI alumni currently in college can register for just $99! Not in college? You still receive your alumni discount of 25% off New York camps and 15% off all other U.S. locations.
wol.is/pursuit25
SNOWCAMP (Pottersville, NY)
wol.is/snowcamp25
wol.is/camps25
Learn more and register at
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The Word of Life Experience
Word of Life Bible Institute Florida New Dorm & Student Center
Construction is well underway on a much-needed addition to our Hudson, Florida campus. Ground broke in December 2024, and the project is on track for completion by January 2026. This new three-story facility will serve as both a dorm and a vibrant student center. The first floor will feature a welcoming student lounge, café, fitness center, mailroom, and library, along with office space for Bible Institute and camp staff. The second and third floors will house 160 student beds, complemented by additional lounge areas and laundry facilities.
Alumni visiting site at Florida Homecoming this past spring
Check out the building progress!
February 14, 2025
February 28, 2025
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Thanks to the generosity of faithful ministry partners and the success of the We Believe capital campaign, the project is fully funded and progressing on schedule and on budget.
Building site, June 17, 2025
March 12, 2025
May 5, 2025
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The Word of Life Experience
Alumni Updates All the latest news from our Bible Institute graduates! 1970s
Sarah (Hiller ’97) Berg and family
is also involved in junior church. They have two adult sons, John and Jared, and two grandsons who are twins. Brig “BJ” ’82 and Linda (Jones ’82) Hewitt live in California and are the parents of two adult children, Nolan (31) and Lisa (27). Brig, who works as an evangelist, and Linda, who works at Vons Supermarket, met at WOLBI and have been married for 41 years. David Winch (’82) and his wife, Genise, reside in New Jersey and have two adult children: Benjamin ’11, ’12, who is also an alumnus, and Brieanna. After a 31-year career as a police officer and 36 years as a youth pastor, David is now retired. He currently works as security for the Philadelphia Eagles, teaches at a college, and provides armed security at a high school. John Baird ’86 and his wife, Becky, live in Oklahoma, where John is the Lead Pastor at Wyandotte First Baptist Church. John and Becky have three adult children: Julia (36), John Jr. (33), and Daniel (29), as well as three grandchildren.
I recommend anyone seeking to serve effectively in ministry to start with a solid, biblically intense focus that few institutions offer like WOLBI.” – John Baird ’86 David ’86 and Karen (Martin ’86) Tinsley live in New York, where they serve as missionaries with Biblical Ministries Worldwide, doing Open Air Evangelism in New York City. David ’86, ’87 and Michele (Fonseca ’86, ’87) Frazeur serve at White Mountain Camps in New Hampshire, where David is the Operations and Guest Services Director. Their five children are all alumni, and three have married alumni: Brandon ’09, ’10 & Ashley ’10; Bethany ’14, ’15 & Chris ’15, ’16 Seeboth; and Jennah ’16, ’17 & Dan ’15, ’16 Skau. Their other children are Evan ’24, ’25 and Andrew ’25, ’26. Pamela (Helm ’87) Keegan and her husband, Jeffrey, reside in Connecticut. Pamela is involved with women’s ministries with the Northeast District Association of the Evangelical Free Church of America (NEDA). She is a women’s Bible teacher and guest speaker and also serves as a board member for the NEDA. Rene (McGaffick ’88) Golden and her husband, Mark, live in Ohio, where Rene works for National General Insurance as an underwriter. They have a son, Joey (15). She also serves at church as a greeter.
Colleen (Johnson ’77) Pudwill and her husband, Jonathan, reside in Minnesota. A school nurse at a public middle school, Colleen is also active in women’s ministry in her church and volunteers to help a refugee family with resettlement in their community. Charlene (Johnson ’78) Kreider is retired and living in Georgia with her husband, Michael. They have an adult son, Derek, and four grandchildren. 1980s Jeffrey ’80 and Diane (Stafford ’80) Pike reside in Florida. Jeff is a senior customer service representative for a national company. Diane works part time at a Christian-owned RV park in Port Richey. At their church, Jeff participates in the choir, worship team, and men’s quartet. Jeff Rogers ’81 and his wife, Cathy, reside in Florida. Jeff is the Founder & CEO of Stewardship Legacy Coaching, LLC and Stewardship Advisory Group, LLC. He authored Create a Thriving Family Legacy – How to Share Your Wisdom and Wealth with Your Children and Grandchildren . Jeff also leads a Life Group Bible study, has a discipleship and mentoring ministry, and is involved with BaaM! (Business as a Ministry). Connie (Delp ’82) Landis and her husband, John, reside in Pennsylvania. Connie works as a school bus driver and
“The year I spent at WOLBI developed that 29-year-old preacher boy into who I
am today and readied me for real biblical ministry far more profoundly than the B.S. and M.A. I got later in life – not to mention a few lifelong friends and acquaintances.
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Faye (Oglesby ’88) Davis resides in Florida and works for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee as a quality/process improvement technician. She also serves on the board of Maranatha Village. Faye has two children, Talmadge (31) and Tucker (28), and three grandchildren.
Melissa (Marrale ’94, ’95) Flom is a Christian school principal at Naples Christian Academy in Florida. She and her husband, Matthew, have two children: Gabriella (22) and Daniella (19). Melinda (Brawner ’95) Litchford and her husband, Mitch, live in Virginia, where Melinda is a Title I reading specialist at an elementary school. They have three children: Dakota (24), Micah (22), and Ryan (19). Nellie (Morrison ’96) Levier lives in Maine, where she is a recreation director for a local municipality. She has five adult children: Seth and Sarah (25), Alivia (24), Autumn (23), and Nicholas (19), and five grandchildren. At church, she serves as a kids’ ministry coach. Sarah (Hiller ’97) Berg and her husband, Jared, reside in Montana. Sarah is a pastor’s wife, homemaker, and homeschools their six children: Akayla ’22 (21), Malachi (19), Levi (18), Hannah (16), Titus (14), and Weston (12). Akayla is a WOLBI–Florida alumna. Elizabeth (Michel ’98, ’99) DeNuke and her husband, Peter, reside in Nova Scotia, Canada, where they manage a third- generation dairy farm. Elizabeth is a stay- at-home mother to their six children: Alaura (16), Gavitt (15), Hugh (13), Eli (11), Carlene (10), and Edward (7). Sunshine (Racine ’99) Burkett lives in Florida with her husband, Dean, where she works in IT. They have five children: Cameron (23), Ethan (22), Elliot (20), LillyAnn (18), and Abby (18), as well as one grandchild. Andrew ’00 and Amber (Neild ’98, ’99) Peterson reside in Pennsylvania, where Andrew serves as the Pastor of Northbridge Church. They are parents to four children: Philip ’21 and Dori ’23 , and younger children Brayden (15) and Aaron (11). 2000s Megan (Roth ’00) Shetterly and her husband, Daniel, live in Pennsylvania, where she is an internet sales entrepreneur. They are raising three children. Amber (Kelley ’01) Fixler and her husband, Matt, live in New Hampshire. Amber is a homemaker and homeschools their three children: Maggie (15), Tate (12),
“My year at WOLBI was one of the most wonderful times of my life – growing stronger
in the Lord and learning to be flexible in any situation.” – Kelly Hayman ’92
David ’93 and Angela (Flack ’93) Freeman live in Michigan and have three adult children: WOLBI alumnus David ’18, ’19 (married to alumna Hannah [Bonifas ’19, ’21] ), Josiah, and Cree. They also have one grandchild. Angela is employed as a special education paraprofessional. Megan (Marshall ’93) Presbey and her husband, Eric, live in Texas. She is a mom to their three children: Fred (18), Lulu (16), and George (13). Steve ’93 and Faith (Newhart ’93) Peterson reside in Virginia. Steve is the president of Bluefield University, a private Baptist university, and has dedicated 30 years to Christian higher education. Faith currently works remotely as a course designer for Houston Christian University and supports Steve in his responsibilities at Bluefield. They are active in campus ministries and have five adult children: Steven (28), Zachary (26), Megan (25), Jonathan (22), and Mia (20). “One of the special memories was our trip to New York City for Eternity One Million. It was a great time of ministry and fellowship.” – Steve Peterson ’93 Michelle Weber ’93, ’94 is a billing specialist living in Tennessee. She also teaches a youth Sunday school class at her church. Lacy (Bailey ’94) Peacock and her husband, Trent, live in Georgia, where Lacy is a regional vice president with Corporate Chaplains of America. She and Trent have been in full-time ministry for 25 years. They have two adult children: John David (20) and Carson (18). “Word of Life was a life- changing year for me. I read through the Bible for the first time, learned to share my faith, and
“I grew up in the South and had only seen snow a few times in my life. The experi-
ence of it snowing and laying on the ground for months before melting was remarkable.” – Faye Davis ’88 Craig Stumpf ’88 and his wife, Stacey, reside in Tennessee. A senior manager at Accenture, Craig leads a Workday technology team throughout the Americas. Over his 33 years as a member of the same church, he has served in various roles and currently serves as a deacon, youth worker, Sunday school teacher, and altar worker. Craig and Stacey have four children and four grandchildren.
“Word of Life gave me a wonderful foundation in my Bible growth and under-
standing.” – Craig Stumpf ’88
Kelly (Wolff ’89) Straub lives in Ohio, where she is employed by Westfield Insurance. She has two adult children, Cassidy (25) and Cooper (20). She is actively involved in ministry as a ladies’ small group leader, LifeWise board member, and First Impression leader. John Helt ’89 and his wife, Tabitha, live in Tennessee, where John works as a cybersecurity leader. He is actively involved in his church, contributing to the children's, media, and disaster response ministries. 1990s Michelle (Holcomb ’91) McFadyen and her husband, David, live in Australia. Michelle is employed in the disability care sector. Kelly (Reynolds ’92) Hayman and her husband, David, reside in Ohio and have two adult daughters, Rebekah (28) and Shayna (25). Kelly works as a lunch lady at a local elementary school and is actively involved in her church, serving in the elementary Sunday school, choir, and marriage ministry.
met lifelong friends. – Lacy Peacock ’94
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The Word of Life Experience
David ’09 and Katie (Hoeft ’07) de Paredes are married and reside in Oregon. Katie works as a medical interpreter. Their paths crossed at the Bible Institute in Argentina, where David was also studying after Katie spent a year at WOLBI–Florida and then 2.5 years in Argentina. They have two children, Samuel (8) and Eleanor (3).
Emily (Dishmon ’12, ’13) Stiteler and her husband, Matt, reside in Pennsylvania with their children, Raymond (5) and Laura (3). Emily is a homeschooling stay-at- home mom and volunteers in the children’s Sunday school at church. Diane (Jobe ’13) Ebert and her husband, Maxwell, live in Indiana, where Diane co- owns two staffing agencies. They have a four-year-old daughter, Joanna. Diane has also served as a small group leader and nursery worker at her church. Kari Nordbye ’14 lives in Connecticut, where she works as a catering director at Chick-fil-A. Aurora (Adams ’14) Putnam resides in New York with her husband, Jeriah, and their children: Jedidiah (6), Elianna (4), and Ezekiel (2). A stay-at-home mom, Aurora recently began homeschooling their eldest. At church, she serves on the praise band, teaches Sunday school, and participates in Awana.
and Johnny (10). She also coordinates kids’ ministry at church and serves on the Family Ministry and Prayer Teams. Amy (Williams ’01) Long is a licensed professional counselor residing in Georgia with her husband, Robert. Natausha (Daigle ’01, ’02) Sampson resides in Maine with her husband, Riley, and their four children: Miles (10), Laney (9), Adeline (8), and Zander (6). A stay-at- home mom, Natausha is actively involved in hospitality, teen Bible study, ladies’ Bible study, Good News Club, and serves as a church day camp Bible teacher.
“Learning Spanish in Argentina and working with the people there was
an amazing experience. I use my language skills now as a medical interpreter and absolutely love it. They were years that changed my life and taught me to love serving and getting to know God.” – Katie Hoeft de Paredes ’07 Cherith Rioux ’08 resides in Florida and works as a travel coordinator. She also volunteers on the welcome team at her church. Katlin “Katie” (McClung ’09) Hicks and her husband, Zack, live in Georgia, where she is a stay-at-home mom and pastor’s wife. They have two children, Thomas (2) and John (3 months). “I always tell people how amazing my time was at WOLBI. I hope to one day send my own children there too.” – Katie Hicks ’09 2010s Tim ’10, ’11 and Alyssa (Urban ’08) Grocott reside in Pennsylvania with their three children: Jade (6), Tessa (4), and Summer (1). Tim works remotely as an online consultant for a tech company. Jared Webb ’12 lives in Ohio. He is employed at a daycare, where he serves as both a bus aide and program assistant for after-school care initiatives. Nic (’12) and Caitlin (Hubbard ’12) Franklin reside in Indiana with their children Madison (10), Eloise (7), and Charlotte (2). Nic serves as a youth leader, website manager, and general maintenance assistant at their church. Caitlin co-leads the children’s ministry, volunteers in the nursery, and helps with kitchen duties for church events.
“I’m very thankful for my two years of Bible learning – still using that information and
skills today.” – Natausha Sampson ’01, ’02
Sam Meyer ’04, ’06 serves as the pastor of discipleship at Millcreek Community Church in Erie, Pennsylvania. He leads both the small group and men’s ministries and teaches a class at the Erie City Mission. Sam and his wife, Britney, have five children: Jack (8), Ruth (7), Layla (2), Charlie (1), and Brooklyn (6 months). Nathan Bryant ’05 is married to Jonila and resides in Nebraska, where he works as a merchant mariner. Dave ’05, ’06 and Melanie (Smith ’05, ’06) Lee live in Pennsylvania. Dave is the Connections Pastor at Grace Bible Church, where he leads small groups, oversees the first-time guest experience, and helps with preaching. Melanie is a pastor’s wife and mother to their four children. Danielle “Dani” (Belyea ’05, ’06) Grant and her husband, Jacob, live in Texas, where Dani is a stay-at-home homeschooling mom to their three children: Toby (8), Teddy (7), and Talia (1). She is a women’s Bible study teacher and coordinates women’s events at church. Jonathan ’06 and Jennifer (Young ’06) Randall live in New York. Jonathan works for Briggs & Stratton, and Jennifer is a substitute teacher. They have four children: Zayden (15), Genesis (14), RiverLilly (10), and Israel (7).
“I will never forget my first day in class – sitting in my chair and just being excited
about what was to come.” – Aurora Putnam ’14
Joshua Richards ’14 and his wife, Alaina, live in Ohio with their son, Silas. Joshua is employed at Summit Racing Equipment and serves as a youth pastor. Rebekah (Roughton ’14, ’15) Murphy and her husband, Nicholas, live in North Carolina. They have two children, Mordecai (4) and Gideon (2), and are expecting another in November. Rebekah, who has a degree in early childhood education, is currently a stay-at-home mom but plans to return to work once her children are in school. Tyler ’15, ’16 and RuthAnn (Hostetler ’15, ’16) Mebust live in Pennsylvania with their 3-year-old son, Killian. RuthAnn works as a billing specialist at WSP USA, while Tyler is employed as a butcher at Smucker’s Meats. Gavin ’16 and Kamryn (Stirsman ’19) Houts live in Virginia, where Kamryn works as an orthodontic assistant and wedding videographer. She is active in ministry
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Visit Our Website wol.is/alumni25
as a small group leader, summer camp counselor, and VBS instructor.
in digital communication and media. He works as a marketing videographer for the Wonder Project and directs their behind- the-scenes series, Inside the House , while filming in Greece. When home in Florida, he volunteers at Idlewild Church. Maria Fisher ’23 is the communications director and social media manager at Petra Church in Pennsylvania. She also freelances in graphic design for Word of Life and serves as an 8th-grade girls’ small group leader at her church.
Grant Delapaz ’16, ’17 and his wife, Paige, reside in Indiana with their two children: Zayn (6) and Eden (2). Grant is employed by the South Bend Fire Recruit Academy. Justin ’19 and Janessa (Kanagy ’19) Leatherman live in Ohio. Janessa works as a Montessori Guide for Toddler (0–3 years) and Primary (3–6 years) children. They have two daughters, Isla (5) and Maeve (1). Nathaniel ’21 and Ileana (Camilo ’15) Goad live in Virginia, where they own a café and general store (Natty B Café/Natural Bridge General Store). They serve in youth ministry and translation at their church.
“I met some of my best friends at WOLBI. The appli- cation process itself was a
big ‘trust God’ decision. Through it, I learned what inexplicable God-given peace feels like. I already knew I was saved, but at WOLBI I became sure of who my Father is and confident in my identity in Christ.” – Maria Fisher ’23 Caleb Lewis ’23, ’24 is currently interning at DFA Farm Supplies while completing his bachelor’s degree at Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, Iowa. He also serves by leading worship and reading Scripture at a small church.
“We love Word of Life! It changed my life completely.” – Ileana Goad ’15
Micah ’15, ’16 and Alyssa (Johnson ’16) Kitchen live in Alabama with their three (soon to be four) children: Zachary (9), Madison (7), and Eliza (3). Micah serves as the Youth/Associate pastor at Seddon Baptist Church, and Alyssa is a stay-at- home mom who actively supports him in ministry. Jeremiah ’16, ’21 and Chloe (Headings ’19, ’20) Knisley live in Kentucky. Chloe is a stay-at-home mom to their 2-year-old son, Oliver, and works as a professional photographer and videographer. Jeremiah works for Answers in Genesis as an AV manager for the Creation Museum. They both serve as high school youth leaders and are involved in worship ministry at their church. Breanna Morrow ’19, ’20 lives in Indiana and works as an ENL (English as a New Language) aide while studying online through Liberty University to become an ENL teacher. She is also a youth group leader for 9th and 10th graders and substitutes in the infant nursery at her church. 2020s Isaac ’20 and Caitlin (Muller ’20) Kitchen live in Kentucky, where Isaac works for Answers in Genesis as the location sound engineer in the video department.
“Making friends in the dorms, fishing on the dock, and having great conver-
sations about the Lord were all so meaningful. WOLBI taught me how to make lifelong friends and how to be honest and vulnerable. Second year really helped me form a daily habit of being in the Word.” – Caleb Lewis ’23, ’24
How to Enter: • Wear your WOLBI Alumni shirt somewhere fun! • Take a picture and post it on social media. • Use #WheresWOLBI in your post. • Tag one of our alumni accounts. Every quarter, we’ll draw a winner for WOLBI swag! To snag the new Alumni shirt, send us an update.
Follow
Us on Social Media
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@wordoflifealumni
Send Us an Update wol.is/alumniupdate25
@wolalumni
Matthew Black ’23 is currently a senior at Cedarville University, pursuing a degree
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The Word of Life Experience
Lacy Peacock '94 (top left)
Joshua Richards '14 (top center)
Isaac '20 & Caitlin '20 Kitchen (top right)
Diane Ebert '13 (second row left)
Elizabeth DeNuke '98 '99 (second row right)
Steve '93 & Faith '93 Peterson (left)
Tyler '15 '16 & RuthAnn '15 '16 Mebust (middle)
David '86 & Karen '86 Tinsley (3rd & 4th from left) with WOLBI students (right)
Matthew Black '23 (top left)
Emily Stiteler '12 '13 (top center)
Megan Shetterly '00 (top right)
Sam Meyer '04 '06 (bottom left)
Pamela Keegan '87 (bottom middle)
Craig Stumpf '88 (bottom right)
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Aurora Putnam '14 (top left)
Andrew '00 & Amber '98 '99 Peterson (top middle)
Jeremiah '16 '21 & Chloe '19 '20 Knisley (top right)
Breanna Morrow '19 '20 (second row left)
John Helt '89 (second row right)
Caleb Lewis '23 '24 (third row middle)
Dave '05 '06 & Melanie '05 '06 Lee (third row right)
Micah '15 '16 & Alyssa '16 Kitchen (below)
Katie Hicks '09 (above)
Natausha Sampson '01 '02 (far left)
Dani Grant '05 '06 (fourth row middle)
Rebekah Murphy '14 '15 (fourth row right)
Nic '12 & Caitlin '12 Franklin (bottom middle)
Nathaniel '21 & Ileana '15 Goad (bottom right)
11 The Word of Life Experience
Alumni Weddings
2024 May 25 Taylor ‘23 and Lindsey ( Neudeck ‘23) Allen July 20 Owen and Kristin (Hurley ‘16) Stout September 6 Derek ‘23 ‘24 and Sophia (Knell ‘23 ‘24) Lane October 26 Michael and Donna (Lambert ‘89 ‘90) Williams 2025 January 19 John and Melody (Antista ‘93) Rohrbaugh January 25 Brendan ‘18 ‘19 and Kimmy (Bone ‘21 ‘22) Doonan February 15 David '22 '23 and Kay (Andreola '22 '23) Singer February 22 Jack ‘24 and Abigail (Campbell ‘24) Mindrup
March 22 Tim ‘87 and Lisa Brotzman March 25 Joel ‘14 and Elpida Price
March 27 Noah and Lydia (Roberts ‘23) Harris April 12 Matthew and Kim (Barney ‘01) Jenks April 25 Jaron ‘23 ‘24 and Sophie (Gorman ‘23 ‘24) Williams April 26 Cole ‘21 ‘22 and Abigail Buchanan Caleb '18 and Erin Martelle April 27 Nicholas ‘21 ‘22 and Sarah (Smith ‘20 ‘21) Watson Noah '21 '22 and Lydia (Moynihan '21) Amet May 16 Jared '20 '21 and Katelyn (Reiter '20 '21) Maxwell May 18 Josue '22 '23 and Yvanna (De Los Santos Montas '22 '23) Vasquez May 23 Josh '20 and Lidia (Vickery '20) Bishop May 24 Matthew ‘21 ‘23 and Shelby Dembinski May 25 Justin "Spud" '18 '19 and Rebecca (Allard '20 '21) Dorough Alex '14 and Marley Rogers May 26 Micah ‘24 and Christina (Luton ‘24) Freebern May 31 Brody '15 and Maja Young June 2 Caleb '22 '23 and Isabel (Headings '22 '23) Eichelberger June 7 Aaron ‘23 ‘24 and Luisa (Pascual ‘23) Dalolio David ‘14 and Kaleigh (Martin ‘13) Augusta Hayden ‘18 and Jesslyn “Jess” (Webel ‘20 ‘21) Prescott June 8 Michael '18 '19 and Molly (Williams '19 '20) Emrick June 14 Hunter 19' and Michaela (Cheek '19) Elliott June 20 Daniel '22 '23 and Joy (Gentile '20 '22) Campbell June 21 Michael and Reese (Goldberg '24) McGinn June 29 Elijah '22 '23 and Rylee Yarosh July 4 Kevin and Caroline (Leake '16) Fisher July 5 Charles '24 and Kat (Somers '23 '24) Schneiderwind July 26 David '20 '21 and Leah Foreman Nathan ‘21 ‘22 and Grace (Johnson ‘21) Milliken
August 8 Ryan and Ava (McAdams ‘23) Donovan August 16 Andrew '23 '24 and Courtney Berry
August 23 Andrew "Fred" '23 '24 and Alexa (Witt '23 '24) Todd August 25 Cameron '24 and Olivia (Heffernan '24) Russell August 31 Malachi '23 '24 and Aveya (Rice '24) Kelly
names
Photo credit: name Nicholas ‘21 ‘22 and Sarah (Smith ‘20 ‘21) Watson
Arturo '21 '22 and Susanna "Suzie" (Petrossi '21 '22) Gaona
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YOU’RE INVITED!
October 10–12, 2025
Still Time to Celebrate 85 Years with Us! We’ve loved celebrating 85 years of God’s faithfulness with friends of the ministry at banquets across the country. What a joy it’s been to reflect on lives changed and look ahead to the future of Word of Life!
Join us on our New York campus for a memorable weekend featuring encouraging fellowship with our alumni family. We are also thrilled to present the Alumnus of the Year Award and interview this year’s recipient, Michael Goad, during the Friday night chapel. This exciting event is open to Bible Institute graduates, students, families, and friends.
Scan the QR code to learn more and register for Homecoming!
If you weren’t able to attend, there’s two more banquets remaining!
Join us for a special evening of dinner, ministry updates, worship, and powerful teaching as we wrap up this milestone year. Upcoming Banquets: • Hawthorne, NJ – October 9, 2025 Music by Michael O’Brien • Tampa, FL – November 13, 2025 Music by Phil Stacey
wol.is/nyhomecoming25
Both events will feature a dynamic
message from Ray Pritchard.
Reserve your seat today:
wol.is/85th
13 The Word of Life Experience
A GLOBAL GOSPEL MOVEMENT In April 2025, Word of Life launched Eternity 5 Million – Word of Life’s boldest evangelistic initiative ever. This initiative set out to do the unthinkable: share the gospel with five million people in just one month – more than double our usual annual reach! With prayerful dependence on the Lord and global partnership, the body of Christ rose to the occasion in an incredible way. We share and rejoice over these numbers because we know they aren’t just statistics; each one represents a life impacted for eternity. All glory to God for what He accomplished through the faithfulness of His people!
72,366 people made salvation decisions.
6,805,430 people had been reached with the message of salvation.
31,261 made dedication decisions to follow Christ more closely.
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The Vision Behind E5M Eternity 5 Million was more than a number-driven campaign. It was a call to action for believers everywhere to step out in boldness and share the hope of the gospel. Launched as part of Word of Life’s THRIVE 2025 strategy, E5M equipped churches, youth groups, and individuals around the world to reach their communities through:
• Evangelism training • Strategic outreach events
• Creative digital tools • One-on-one gospel conversations
The success of E5M came from collaboration and faith that God would work in powerful ways. Word of Life empowered people at every level to take the gospel into their neighborhoods, cities, and digital spaces.
15 The Word of Life Experience
Let’s zoom in on the impact of E5M in Word of Life Uganda: Uganda’s bold E5M goal of 1 million gospel conversations culminated in over 528,000 reached – more than triple their annual target – and over 60,000 decisions for Christ. Though the numeric goal wasn’t met, the impact was undeniable. The initiative sparked incredible growth: 67 churches were connected across Uganda, including refugee communities. A new church plant is underway in a predominantly Muslim district, and access was granted to six prisons for ongoing outreach. Strategic partnerships blossomed – with Nkumba University, over 550 private schools, and local pastors – creating fresh avenues for evangelism and discipleship. Youth engagement surged, with some churches reporting a 35% increase in attendance. The ripple effects of E5M continue to shape ministry across Uganda, especially in new regions like Kitgum in the north. The mission moves forward, driven by God's faithfulness and a renewed passion to share the gospel.
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Thank You for Saying Yes! To everyone who joined the effort in sharing the gospel, we are deeply grateful. You were part of something eternal.
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” – Romans 10:15
17 The Word of Life Experience
As an alumnus of Word of Life Bible Institute, you’ve experienced the life-changing impact of a year or two immersed in God’s Word, surrounded by a Christ-centered community and equipped for ministry and life.
Now, you have the unique opportunity to help someone else take the same step.
Give the Alumni Encouragement Award – a $750 scholarship you can personally give to any student you want to encourage toward the Bible Institute. And the best part? You can give out as many as you like (one per student).
Need more? Visit wol.is/encourage25
Find the detachable Alumni Encouragement Award in this issue between pages 2 and 3. ALUMNI – DID YOU KNOW YOU HAVE AT LEAST $750 TO GIVE AWAY?
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They always say the same thing: 'I wish I had known about this sooner.’
THE IMPACT OF ONE ALUMNUS Jeremy Hurley (‘12) has seen firsthand how Word of Life (WOL) can trans- form lives. As the Student Director at Epic Church in Palm Coast, Florida, he’s led his It’s that kind of deep, spiritual impact that drives Jeremy to keep pointing students toward the Bible Institute.
“I’ve given out eight Alumni Encour- agement Awards in the past five years – and this fall, I’ll be giving five more to seniors heading to WOL New York. $750 may not sound like much, but it’s often just enough to get a student to say, ‘Maybe I can actually do this.’ Every one of them has thanked me.”
“What motivates me most is the expe- rience and the truth that WOL offers. In a world where AI is on the rise and truth feels harder to find, I’m confident that truth is taught at WOL. And as long as that’s happening, my students will always be encouraged to go.” The impact doesn’t end with camp. Jeremy has used the Alumni Encour- agement Award to help launch students into their next step with confidence.
youth group to WOL camps 13
And the students keep coming back changed.
times over the past five years.
“We’ve watched God use WOL camps to reveal Himself in powerful ways – healing, breaking, and even shattering students’ hearts (in the best way) so they can see who they are in His eyes and how He wants them to live.”
“WOL brings the hype – and students need to see that living for Jesus is full of it! On the way home, they always say the same thing: ‘I wish I had known about this sooner.’”
19 The Word of Life Experience
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24
A Life of Purpose and Stewardship:
Michael Goad, 2025 Alumnus of the Year
Michael Goad, our 2025 Alumnus of the Year, has continually leaned on the biblical grounding he received at Word of Life. His studies gave him a frame- work to live out his faith authentically in the business world and to strive to do everything with excellence.
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"When else will you get another 12-month period to go that deep into God’s Word?"
Goad on Registration Day at Word of Life Bible Institute, 1982
Goad yearbook photo
Michael Goad first encountered Word of Life at just seven years old, when his father, a pastor, helped host a local rally in the Washington, D.C. area. From that moment on, Word of Life Camps became a recurring and formative part of his summers. It was through the influence of a high school friend, Scott Mayson (class of 1981), telling him about his expe- rience at the Bible Institute, that Michael decided to attend Word of Life Bible Institute himself. He enrolled and graduated with the Class of 1983. Reflecting on his time at the Bible Institute, Michael points to the depth of spiritual community as the most impactful part of his experience. “Everyone there was serious about Christ,” he recalls. “When else will you get another 12-month period to go that deep into God’s Word?” The structured study of Scripture, both book-by-book and from a theo- logical perspective, was foundational. Surrounded by like-minded peers and immersed in truth, he developed a greater understanding of God’s Word that would shape not only his personal life but also his professional path. Though Michael didn’t enter full-time ministry, he has continually leaned on the biblical grounding he received at Word of Life. His studies gave him a framework for decision-making, a deeper sense of purpose, and the conviction to live out his faith authentically in the business world.
When asked how Word of Life influenced his journey, Michael was quick to point out that it wasn’t only his time at Word of Life – it was the combination of a strong Christian high school, a year at the Bible Institute, and his time at Bryan College that laid a solid foundation for his life. That is exactly what we hope every student comes to understand: Word of Life Bible Institute is meant to be a launchpad, not a finish line. Whether a student is heading into ministry or the corporate world, transferring to a university, or entering a trade, the Bible Institute is a foundation to build the rest of their life. Professionally, Michael has made a significant impact in the financial sector. After graduating from the Bible Institute, he earned his B.A. from Bryan College and an MBA from Grand Valley State University. His career spans several major leader- ship roles in the financial industry, including serving as Chief Financial Officer at The Bank of Holland, Cornerstone University, Notre Dame Federal Credit Union, and Dow Credit Union. Today, he serves as the CEO and President of Dow Credit Union. He has also taught corporate financial management as an adjunct professor at the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. Beyond his professional achievements, Michael’s life is marked by generous service and mean- ingful community involvement. He has served on
21 The Word of Life Experience
Goad and family
multiple boards, current ones including Ten16 Recovery Network, The Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra, The CAN Council, and The Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance, using his leadership and financial insight to strengthen these causes. Michael and his wife, Claudia, who is originally from Guatemala, have three children: George (married to Donielle), Katina, and Giselle. Michael and Claudia live in Midland, Michigan, but their hearts extend far beyond. They actively support missionary work in Guatemala, including financially supporting a Word of Life missionary couple and helping fund the Medical Center Project, where staff and volunteers will be able to serve both the spiritual and physical needs of their local commu- nity in Guatemala. Their love for global ministry and passion for the gospel continue to reflect the foun- dation that was laid decades ago at the Bible Insti- tute. Michael and Claudia encountered Word of Life in a new way six years ago. Due to some medical chal- lenges, they were looking for a way for Claudia to spend part of the winter in Florida. After learning that the Florida Bible Institute location had RV sites, they were able to place their camper there and join the Word of Life Palm Grove community. Claudia now spends two to
When asked what advice he would give to current or prospective students, Michael urges them to stay engaged with their community and absorb as much knowledge as possible. Given that we live in an age where we’re glued to our phones and screens, Michael encourages students to prioritize living and learning face-to-face. His encourage- ment resonates with his own story – one shaped by genuine relationships, deep biblical study, and a heart surrendered to Christ, ensuring that every- thing he does is marked by excellence. Today, Michael and Claudia continue to cham- pion the mission of Word of Life. “We love this ministry and are so happy to see it thriving around the world,” he says. Through their generosity, leadership, and unwavering faith, the Goads are an example of lives anchored in truth, lived with purpose, and stewarded for God’s glory.
three months of the winter there, and Michael is able to visit a few times each winter and also engage with the residents and all the activities of Palm Grove.
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São Paulo, Brazil Missions Trip April 20–26, 2026 The Alumni team is heading to São Paulo, Brazil for our first-ever alumni missions trip! This is an amazing chance to see where the Bible Institute began and to serve others through meaningful ministry. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details coming soon! If you are interested, fill out the form for trip updates by visiting wol.is/brazil25 .
23 The Word of Life Experience
Picture this: Every Word of Life country coming together in one spot, testifying to the goodness of God.
Word of Life World Leadership Conference This year’s World Leadership Conference was a powerful time of worship, equipping, and connection as Word of Life Field Leaders and their families gathered in attendance. The theme, Heart of a Leader, challenged each attendee to prioritize intimacy with Christ, spiritual integrity, and a renewed focus on people over projects. Notable guests included Dr. Mark Yarbrough, Pastor Phil Moser, and Dr. Joe Stowell, whose messages on leader- ship, expectations, and Christ-centered vision left a deep and lasting impact. “Making it my first and most important expec- tation every day to glorify Christ was the most life-changing
challenge I took home,” shared John Reimer, our Regional Director in Brazil.
This year’s conference also marked major milestones and transitions. Several missionaries were honored for decades of faithful service, while others stepped into new callings – including Matias Radziwiluk, who is transitioning into a new ministry role with the military in Ukraine serving as a Chap- lain. We also welcomed new country leaders attending for the first time, including Richard (Togo), the Thompsons (Vanuatu), and Chungo (Cuba). Chungo marked his first-ever trip to the United States at World Leadership Conference!
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Significant global ministry updates included the expansion of MultiplyU – our leadership training initia- tive – with new resources launching soon in Arabic, Chinese, and more. Strategic partnerships with minis- tries like Dare 2 Share and Here2There were also introduced to better equip churches and missionaries in evangelism and sustainable discipleship. Children and teens participated in exciting excursions to Universal Studios, Legoland, and more, led in part by former World Leadership Conference “kids” like Melanie Paulhamus, now investing in the next gener- ation. World Leadership Conference reminded every leader that the mission is urgent, but so is rest, health, and a heart that abides in Christ. As one attendee reflected, “My daily time with God and loved ones is the bedrock of developing into the kind of leader this world truly needs.”
World Leadership Conference Group Photo
Field Leaders spend time in prayer together
Kris Stout with Isaias Rocha and Juan Lella (current and former directors of WOL Bolivia)
Children enjoy some time outside alongside Melissa Paris
25 The Word of Life Experience
Decisions That Make a Difference What hopes and dreams do you have for your chil- dren? What kind of legacy do you want to leave for your family? What if the decisions you make today about your resources could impact the lives of your children, grandchildren, and generations to come? Through the thoughtful, orderly process of creating a will and/or trust, PhilanthroCorp – a trusted ministry partner of Word of Life – will walk with you to ensure you leave the legacy you desire. Since 1997, PhilanthroCorp has helped Christian families navigate stewardship and estate planning from a biblical worldview. They will help you identify the key relationships and resources in your life and recommend the most effective tools to care for your family and establish a lasting legacy. The process begins with a phone interview, during which PhilanthroCorp learns your story – your values, your wishes, and your hopes for the future. From there, they provide tools to guide your deci- sions in the privacy of your own home. Based on those decisions, they design a customized plan that can be implemented by your personal advisors or by an attorney within their trusted network, often at a reduced rate. PhilanthroCorp’s services are provided to you at no cost, and there is no obligation. Your only expense would be any legal fees incurred to finalize your documents. Whether your estate is large or small, PhilanthroCorp can help you create or update a plan that reflects your faith and priorities.
We Thank God for You! At Word of Life, we deeply appreciate your dedication to guiding young people to take their next step with Jesus. Your faithful prayers and support play a vital role in helping us reach the next generation with the life-changing message of the gospel. If you’d like to explore more ways to partner with Word of Life, please feel
free to reach out to our Ministry Advancement Team at 518.494.6000 or advancement@wol.org .
To get started, contact Susan Wylie at PhilanthroCorp: 800.876.7958 ext. 2125.
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In Memory of: Jerry Albeck Mary Hawley
Mirko Delibasich Jason Gleason
Robert Liffland Rick and Vi Brooks
Elaine Neverly Snider Carol Dight Heather Hayes Judy Neverly Sanna Riikka Salonen
Delmar F. Benner Beverly Babcock
Dan Durkee Kimberly Bunyan
Dottie Manthorne Jeanne Smart
Daryl and Debra Brubaker Harold and Lisa Brubaker Jim and Mary Clough James and Jacqueline Ford Gary and Virginia Hoffman Wilbur Kline Ken and Cecelia Long John and Amy Powley Richfield Life Ministries Officers and Members of Rocky Acres Lodge Ted and Debbie Shemella Larry and Mary Taylor Paulette Walker Mark and Bonnie Weaver
Evelyn Emr Patricia Bonomolo Erica Dean Glenn Kienz Philip and Lenore Ochs
Sue Merriam Marjorie Greene
Harold Sproul Karen Faulkner
Ronald W. Ortquist Mr. and Mrs. Anderson Robert and Patricia Bradshaw Dorothy Clair John and Kathleen Ensley Louis and Doris Herlein, Jr. John and Kathryn Hughes Duane and Elaine Ingraham Daniel and Lois Luytjes Andrea Nobles Ruth Olson Janet Ortquist
Galen and Hilda Woodard Doug and Joyce Steele
Jim Garber Bob and Sue Brown
Jack Wyrtzen Mark Rao
Daniel Glassmire, VI Norman and Lori King
Uncle Richard “Dick” Ellis Yeskoo Dona Yeskoo
Deborah Griggs Jane Seeland
Kenneth Berens Ryan and Melissa Williamson
Everett and Marilyn Hardy Diane Whitacre
Jack Pattan Bob and Sue Brown
Harry Bollback Mark Rao
Leslie Hawley Mary Hawley
William “Bill” Price Bob and Sue Brown Bob and Paula Bulmer
Paul Bubar Mark Rao
Wendy Heavner Steve and Cathey Hare
Jonathan and Robin Jewell Michael and Cynthia Menzer Ruth Olson Janet Ortquist
Shirley Bubar Robin Brooks Bob and Sue Brown Steve and Cathey Hare
JayCee Hoffman Max Sweeny
Harold Kline Stephanie Spina
Justin Michael Sadler Craig and Cindy Corey
Wendell Calder Mark and Susan Berardelli Bob and Paula Bulmer Roger and Shirley Burdick Mike and Amy Bush Austin and Souhila Calder George and Charlene Chesley Jonathan and Robin Jewell Brenda Lord Stuart and Bette Page Mary Jo Price Nancy Self Mark and Elaine Shannon
Samuel Joseph Kounnas Charles Kline Kenneth Kline Jerry and Lorrie Skidmore
David Slusher Bob and Sue Brown Mike and Amy Bush Loretta McDonald Crider Lynn Howie Wayne and Linda Koster Karen Metzner Chris Miller Todd Setsma
Matt Evans Lane Dr. Ethel Drayton-Craig
Carol Le Gary Light Susan Lily
In Honor of: Dad’s 96th Birthday Craig and Cindy Corey
Cynthia Goodman Jason Goodman
David Bardes 96th Birthday Charles and Aubrey Carey
George Klueg Steven Kennaugh
27 The Word of Life Experience
THE BEST EVANGELISTIC ALL-NIGHTER ON THE PLANET
For the latest Reverb dates and locations, scan the QR code or visit wol.is/reverb25.
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