Word of Life Bible Institute Yearbook 2016

2016 Student Yearbook

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2 PETER 3:18

Dear Friends!

Congrats on completing a year or two in the WOLBI greenhouse! Greenhouses provide a start where plants can grow to flourish in new environments. That’s the kind of experience we’ve sought to offer. This year challenged us to sink our roots deep into the grace of God and the knowledge of Christ. There is no richer soil than Him. Always remember: the only way to continue growing up is to continue growing down. A fruit tree is only as solid and productive as the soil and the root system that sustains it. Pay attention to the roots that sustain your walk with God. There are voices that will invite you to sink your roots into pursuing God’s favor by your good works rather than by God’s essential grace, but that’s a toxic soil that will wither your walk with Christ. Rest in His worthiness, not yours. Many worldly pursuits will clamor for your attention and offer to entertain you your whole life, but These won’t nourish your walk with Christ. Avoid useless knowledge because knowing Him is what will fuel your growth. We enjoyed sharing the journey with you and pray that you keep Growing Deeper, always taking root downward and bearing fruit upward for

God’s glory! -Mark Strout Executive Dean

Dear Class of 2016:

Life is certainly a journey. It has been my prayer all along the way that you would experience much joy and growth as you traversed through this exciting year or two at the Word of Life Bible Institute. I am always amazed to see what God uses to bring about life change in each of us. Perhaps for you it was the experience of leading your first person to Christ, the Magi tour, a particular chapel or class, Snow or Summer Camp, the challenge of a friend in the dorm or even the Missions Conference. Whatever it was, do not stop growing and progressing in your relationship with the Lord! As you take steps toward whatever He has next, know that I am “confident of this t very thing, that He who ha^ begun a good work in you ' will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6).” Be assured of my ongoin^WMIMI friendship and prayers in the days ahead.

PrJd'ying for..you,

-Don Lough, Jr. Executive Director & Chancellor

l\jeuA yaiA Staff

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Evelyn LaBarr Matthew Layton Evelena Libbette Joe Lingelbach Matt Losee Shelby Maas

Daryl Jackson Heather Johnson Christa Jordan Zach Kaminkow Chris Knowlton Alyssa Korcipa

Carla Gray Marie Haffer Christy Henson Jim Henson Tricia Hood Taylor Hurlbert

Michelle Alexander Julia Amesbury Ryan Arnold Ray-Jeovannii Borja Bill Bowman Alan Cappella

Hope Dillon Chris Dreger Sam Frey Brittany Good Charlotte Good Bob Gray

Janelle Collins Nate Cousins Eric Cordis Randy Curtis Mike Daniels Tom Davis

Heidi Mahon Amanda Mank Kellie Marcum Scotty Matthews Micah Melville Sarah Mulhorn

Michael Parker Joshua Paulhamus Shirley Richards Sydney Schake Janessa Schuring Lauren Sink

Karen Smith Aaron Spoonhour Michael Steltz Mark Strout Anna Stursberg Caroline Tompkins

Chris Tompkins Micah Van Zant Jess Vaughan Austin Warden Jeff Welch

Rico Lopez Phil Martin Steve Roskidany Joe Schenke Wendy Williamson Nick Streble Hannah Trudell

Not Pictured: Alex Baird Kirbie Brakefield Mike Bush Adam Cook

Dick Dray Don Eger Justin Finn Kristen Finn Tom Headlee

Dhani Lewis Taylor Lightsey Ryder Lucas Jared Mackay Sarah Marchand

Rich Andrews Lynn Andrews Brandon Arnold Sarah Bubar

Donald Chandler Amanda Conrad Elaine Donnelly Daniel Fahning Lindsey Fahning

Greg Farrel Aaron Gerhart

Genet Mellaneo Ginny Newton Amy Odhner Pam Pemberton Lance Peterson

Gary Ingersoll Adam Ingvaldson Kelly Shaneika Savannah Kessler

Kyle Gray

David Ebrahim Cassidy Herrington Judy Jordan

Mary Carr Blu Chacon

Beth Hirzel Doug Hively

Andy Mater

Josh Proetti

Not Pictured: Mike Steinberger

Benjamin Young

Chris Vickery Kinga Vickery Ashley Warren Ethan Warren Marshall Wicks Verna Williams

Amber Roman Sam Sewall Stephen Sharp Sam Stohrer Stephen Nikita Thompson Hannah Tyson

Bill Bowman has served on the Word of Life staff as the Athletic Director and Men’s Basketball Coach since 2009. Coach Bowman came to Word of Life after previously serving as the founding headmaster at Mountainside Christian Academy for 28 years. While he was there he coached soccer and basketball. After retiring and having that coaching experience, he was asked to join the Word of Life staff as the Athletic Director. When asked about his heart for ministry, Coach responded, “to spread the Gospel.” Mark 16:15 says, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” He explained that Paul was always expanding the church and that he became many things to many people in order to get the gospel out. With that example, Coach believes that athletics is a great platform to witness to unbelievers.

As a coach, Bill Bowman’s desire is to use basketball to illustrate spiritual principles to his players.

“It is my goal to teach the players how to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ through athletics,” Bowman said.

The number of players who have said to him, “I never knew we could use basketball as a ministry,” is a constant encouragement. As a coach, he places a lot of emphasis on passing the torch. This includes learning athletics as a ministry and passing on that ministry which relates to so many people. “Coach Bowman has really taught me the importance in showing others they matter and the giant encouragement that comes with treating people that way,” co-captain and second-year returning basketball player, Matt Landry said. Coach Bill Bowman is continually leaving a lasting impact on the ministry of Word of Life Athletics and the players he coaches. His heart for the gospel is what drives him to serve so passionately in the ministry.

A conversation with Mike Steinberger

What is a blessing of being a staff member here at Word of Life? M: I honestly have an excellent kitchen staff here; they are extremely helpful and supportive. The leadership here has always been very supportive, and even the students themselves when they come in for their service assignment. They are absolutely amazing and I love seeing them grow in the Lord. How has the ministry of Word of Life blessed you personally? M: Well, after 25 years here, Word of Life has really had an impact on my family. All of my sons love the Lord. It is probably the best thing we ever did as a family, just to be exposed to the tremendous ministry here. I know that my life has been personally impacted by the relationships I have formed here at Word of Life.

Mike Steinberger has been with Word of Life for 25 years, and serves as Executive Chef for Word of Life Florida.

A conversation with Daniel Fahning (a.k.a. “Dan Fahn”)

What is your heart for discipleship? D: Sharing with other people what I have experienced in understanding my identity in Jesus. So, because of what Jesus Christ has done to change my eternal destination, He’s changed my current perspective on life. When someone’s faith gets clearer and maybe elevated, because I don’t think faith is quantitative but rather qualitative, the quality of their faith helps them apply the gospel to their lives. How has discipleship changed your life? D: Reproducing reproducers so that they in turn share the truth with others is really cool. It’s helped solidify me in saying, “I actually believe what I’m saying and I have more confidence in what Christ has done for me.”

Dan is currently an Admissions Counselor, but Is preparing to finish his Master’s and Doctorates in order to work towards becoming the resident Theology Professor for the Florida Campus.

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Ashleigh Adams Garrett Agans Alexis Aiello Rachael Avllen Carolina Simionato Carla Almonte Grullon

Andreina Argueta Jonathan Armijo Samantha Baldwin Katelyn Barone Tyler Austin

Kayla Bateman Charles Beaty Luke Beaty

MacKenzie Bennett Rachael Berga Lindsay Bergeron Camryn Berna Amber Berry Carolyn Bidding

Janet Brower Nathan Brown Jacob Buhler Allyson Burtis Derice Butler Yancy Butler

Lauren Bidding Victoria Bigley Angela Bobe Rebekah Bove Seth Bracelin Amber Brayman

Jennifer Beauchamp Debora Behrends

Keila Bascur Bobadilla Ethan Bennett

Jennifer Byron Andrea Carbeck Zachary Carr Mitchel Carroll

Daniel Caton Allison Chai

Judy Cottier Ester Cunha

Lukas Davoll Chance Dawson Aaron Delbury Heidi Dennison Danae Dray Holly Dunaway

McKena Dunn Rebecca Dwinell Marcus Eaton Caleb Eckhart Collin Edwards

Jacob Eggert Jonathan Eggert Joyce Eleutheriou Heather Elliott

Christopher Carpio Julia Chamberlain Katelin Davis

Steven Chiriboga Max Davis

Emily Christian Amelia Clifford

Megan Davis Amanda Davoll

Benjamin Ely

Peter Cate

Meghan Edwards Travis Emmett

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Michael Escobar Ty Fabian Daniel Faitsch Samuel Fanus Karla Feliz Justo Madison Ferster

Angela Filieau Emily Filieau Derek Forry Matheus Franca Santiago Jennah Frazeur Emmy Freebern

Jillian Freeman MiKayla Freeman Chelsea Frye Zachary Gaudreau Madison Geremia Jordan Gilleo

Samuel Gomes Correa Jacob Good Malia Goodling Ainsley Gow

Amber Grayum Lindsay Greenlaw Breanne Guiles Ashlyn Gunn Christine Guzman Chrystina Flaldeman

Malachi Hall Sarah Hamblen Thomas Hamblen Hayle Hands Jens Hansen Nathanael Harker

David Gow Tyler Graef

Stephan Harness Jonathan Hayes Hannah Heald Kelsie Henderson Matthew Henton Elisabeth Hess

Caleb Hilsher London Hinderer Thomas Hopkins Quentin Hossann Geraldine Hughes Sarah Huneault

Kristin Hurley Paul Hussey Sarah Johnson Isaac Jones Laura Jones Tessa Jones

Lindsey Kent Abrianna Julue Tucker Kaminkow

Timothy Kitchen Bethany Knaus Jeremiah Knisley Emily Landgren Alex Landry

Hannah Landry Lindsay Lane Savanna Lane Caleb Larrabee Abigail Laudig Caroline Leake

Viktoriya Khvoyevskaya Riley Kopp Thomas Kilgore

Olivia King

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Donald Leipert Brittany Leverich Yan-Ru Li Alyssa Lindeman Adrianna Lomasney Cory Lukawitz

Stephen Marsh Ashley Martinez Joshua Mclvor Raymond Medina James Megna Abigail Melling

Matthew Miranda Zchary Morgan Kirsten Morrow

Adriana Nava Carleton Newell Nasir Newton Tori Nicktern Eleaya Oswald Emylie Pallotto

Jonathan Paolano Melissa Paris Tessa Parker Shane Peck Bianca Pennisi Abigail Peront

Josh Perry Jane Phelan Zachery Pippins Sarah Pittman Jacob Potter-Rivera Mia Quinones

Chelsea Muir Jordan Nash Grant Natalie

Daniel Saavedra Gomez Jerry Said Ted Salvador Vanessa Samayoa Ariel Santerelli

Tiara Rosales Meredith Rouse Jacob Rucquoi Dominique Ruiz Veronica Ruiz Kaylee Russell

Lindsay Risteen Sarah Roberts Deborah Rodriguez Joshua Rogers Sierra Rohrbaugh Emmanuel Rojas

Tyler Rhoda Jessica Rhodenizer Hannah Rice Charles Richardson Jade Ringleka Priscilla Rique Furtado

Arianna Reckner Mark Redmond Autumn Rees Andrew Reeser Daniel Reider Marcus Reyes

Breanna Randall Lara Ratschat Edina Ray Gabriella Ray Nathan Ray Sydney Rayder

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Franklin Shateney Brittany Sheridan Matthew Simme Joshua Simpson Elisabeth Skillman Taylor Smith

Harmony Stone Lauren Stone Sodie Stoner Caleb Stoudt Kaitlyn Streiff Elizabeth Sumpter

Emily Saunders Joshua Schneider Abbie Schrader Jesse Schuring John Sellers Sarah Senecal

Lynelle Thrush Elsa Tiemann Iraida Torres Maleigha Tremain Arlette Vidal Luciano Tyler Voland

Ethan Speechley Caleb Stephens Rebecca Stevens Tyler Stimson Mikaela Stiner Samantha Stirpe

Caleb Tanguay Amber Tanner Courtnie Teta Tiffany Thomas Julianna Thompson Olivia Thompson

Caleb Clark Matthew Dutton Chandara Him Christopher Page John Priest Wesley Shawver Ryan Smithey

Not Pictured: Shelbi Curry Brian Cummings Luiz De Carvalho Diniz Melo Joseph Masi Jacqueline Clark

Bret Zeiset James Zielinski Abby Zinn

Yekaterina Yakovleva Da-Eun Yang Fei Yang Jonathan Young Nathaniel Yount Jonathan Zaharek

Mishel Wight Taryn Williamson Ashley Worden Alison Wright Clayton Wright Jerry Wyatt

Jeremiah Walker Joshua Walsh Micah Walsh Benjamin Weaver Nicholas Webber Sophia Weiss

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Laura Adams Brian Allen Olivia Alsdorf Katherine Anderson Moses Anderson Jessica Baker

Terry Barrs Daniel Beam

Brian Brooks James Bryan Cara Bryant Brendan Burkett Sheila Burket Michelle Burman

Matthew Burnside Susanna Butler Keanu Callirgos Chelsie Carrier Cassandra Carroll Joy Cartwright

Melissa Champagne Ashley Cornett Grace Cruz

Daniel Dortch McKena Dunn Leisha Edwards Matthew Eldridge Mackenzie Estep Anna Everson

Rebecca Berga Timothy Bethard Dakota Brinkman Amber Brooks

Joseph Davis Noelle Davis Kylie Dawson

Noeru Ishikawa Hannah Jackson Sarah Jarrell Reginald Jean-Baptiste

RuthAnn Hostetler Abraham Howell Justine Huffer Peter Hughes Brittany Hutchins Megan Irizarry

Grace Harper Josiah Henderson Bailey Hendricks Luke Hendrix Kayla Holcomb Alissa Hood

Gregory Fowler Jennifer Freebern Phoebe Frick Martin Fuss Kristen Gabriele Edgar Gaona Cabrera

Kevin Garcia Ashlee Gormer Christopher Graham Clayton Graham Amber Greer Tara Hankinson

Dakota Falk Thomas Farmer Samuel Faust Julia Fernandez Benjamin Fink Katharina Fink

Chelsea Jenkins Woo-Sik Jeong

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Daniel Johnson Joey Johnson Tamara Johnson Hannah Jones Kortney Kirschner Zenichi Kishimoto

Micah Kitchen Nicole Kizer Robert Klinedinst Isaya Koike Douglas Land Matthew Landry

Destiny Lane Shi-ln Lee

Casey Locke

Vincent Ludovico Shelby Manchester Grace Marrah Devin Martin Matthew McGowan % Rachel McLean

Tyler Mebust Cameron Meldrim Erica Melgarejo Thiago Melgarejo Cheylan Messer Brittany Mickie

Benjamin Lonergan

Dorothy LeMaster Rachel Levesque

Daniel Long

Emmett Lorette Joseph Lingelbach Justin Lough Kimberly Lingelbach Amanda Luckner

Kayla Miller Benjamin Mock Daniel Mofardin

Rachel Morgan Samantha Murphy Rhoda Nakawungu Anna Nicholes Masaru Okonogi Jenna Osimo

Natalie Politoski . Kenberly Ralston Spencer Pomerleau Caroline Ramsland Rebecca Portillo Lyndsey Reck Stephen Puskas Alexis Reinig Asher Rabquer Kylee Reyes William Rabquer Josiah Rineer

Anna Osman Josiah Overly Eun-Hye Park Su-Hoon Park

Abdiel Peguero Castro Hannah Perry Garvey Peterson

Matthew Montenaro Samantha Moreno Cayla Morgan

Lyric Phillips Sara Pickett Daniel Pinckard

Rachel Patterson Nathaniel Peace

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Benjamin Robertson Kyle Rohrs Dakota Ryerson Troy Rynning Jonatan Saraiva Arriola Deanna Sarlo

Adele Schenk Chad Schmidt

Darshay Smith Benjamin Smyth Daniel Strauss Jeffrey Topping Jordan Tottle Zachariah Trimble

Nicholas Tuason Matthew Tyre Yoshizane Usami Danielle Van Den Akker

Cody Watson Collin Watson Aaron Wells Jacob Wheatley Micah Wildasin Mace Wilder

Ranita Seaman Cristopher Seeboth Daniel Skau Aaron Smith Christopher Smith Daniel Smith

Jacinda Schuring Stephen Schwarck Philip Scoles Cameron Scully

Kayla Ward Lois Watkins

Josiah Wildes

Timothy Zurita

Cameron Williamson Janae Williamson .Matthew Windnagle

Joshua Wines Samuel Zurita

Emily Akins Stony Akins Antonio Allman Joel An Ye Ji An Brandon Araya

Moriah Armstrong Benjamin Baca Rebekah Baca Stephanie Bennett Brock Bernard Jason Bertrand

Jenna Blount Charlie Bush Molly Campbell

Russell Comptor Matthew Connoll Danielle Dasilva Justin DaSilva Grant De La Paz Hannah Dennis

Angel Diaz Daniel Dortch

Lindsey Fahning Jacob Fairbairn Adam Farrell Tiffany Farrell Maya Feliciano Vanessa Gallian

Sommer Downes Morgan Downing Christian Dubey Austin Eubank

Daniel Carroll Ryan Christian Alexandra Christoforatos

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Emily Leach Haley Lunsford Abigail Lynch Laura Madsen Hope Marrah Sydne Marshall

Emma Johnson Ethan Johnson Jordan Johnson Jordan Jolly Kyrah Knell Hannah Lankford

Kevin Hutchins Austin Ingle Paloma Inoa Jacqueline Jimenez Alyssa Johnson Autumn Johnson

Brooke Hand Alexandria Hawkins Courtney Holliday

Kelsey Gregory Joshua Grubbs Caralina Gwartney Janaya Hall Ashley Hamrick Brittany Hand

Juliet Garwood Grant Gehlert Joshua Giaquinto Jerusha Gilbert

Hope Hooper Gavin Houts Tristan Huggins

Josiah Gilbert Nathan Gray

DeAnne Martin Sara Martin Brittany Mickie Johannah McClelland Damien Miller Levi Mckendree Corey Millett Malachi McLean Amy Mobley Cameron Meldrim Clayton Moore Jacob Mendez

Marie-Jade Munger Katie Needham Stephen Nichols

Juan Palacio Rachel Palermo Emily Parrish

Corey Powell Katelyn Powell

Grace Sanchez Christina Schilling Katie Schmittling Caleb Settje Darshay Smith Kayla Smith

Casey Pryor Christopher Parsons Rylie Rasberry Amy Pernicano Emma Ray Brandon Phillips Matthew Sammons

David Novak Haley Oligee Kayla Olsen

Basketball

Ultimate Frisbee

Word of Life Bible Institute students have the amazing opportunity to participate in various sports ranging from golf to soccer, to swimming for their Physical Education credit. Many students would go to classes that they weren’t even required to go to for fun and to get their cardio for the week. Two heavily attended classes were Ultimate Frisbee and Zumba. People from local churches would even come to participate in Ultimate Frisbee, and most of the girls on campus attended Zumba at least once throughout the year. The soccer team was able to go to games in Tampa, participate in a tournament, and take a Missions Trip to play soccer in Honduras. A few classes only lasted one semester such as running, Insanity, golf, and yoga. Other classes included volleyball, basketball, and weightlifting. The PE classes were not just part of the students’ grades; they were also an enjoyable part of the week that most students looked forward to.

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Although the age of technology continues to rise - the tradition of a handwritten, stamped and sealed letter has not disappeared. Therefore, it is a necessity to have a mailroom here at Word of Life. Behind each of our mailboxes, there was a group of girls who were daring enough to distrfBffl^our mail at 1 JW 1 0 fearlessly protected our packages... These were our mailroom girls.

BEHIND THE BOXE

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What is your favorite part about working in the mailroo “I love getting to deliver papkages! People get so happy! I love to be a little part in adding joy to their day!” -Lyndsey Reck i| Do you think that “snail mail” ever stop? “No way! There is something personal about handwriting someone and the joy people get from receiving a letter should never stop!” -Kylie Dav\^n Do you prefer rao receive an email or a handwritten lettejj^™^ tter because it takes a lot of dedication and time. The handwriting means a lot to me prefer to receive a letter because it takes a lot of dedication and time. The haripwriting means a lot because the essence of the person is there and you can feel them much cfcser.” -Keila Bascur What is a ijindom fact of working in the mailroom? mailbox barely blocks any noise jSo we can hear everything, Even if the window isn’t open. It makes of laughable moments both for you and us! Thankfully I’ve never run into any awkward moments!” a I -Noelle Davis I

We believe that it is very important to be active in ministry, on top of actively learning about it. Putting your faith to practice in real time, with real people solidifies everything you learn at the Bible Institute. The Florida Campus class of 2016 has picked up one motto that is used toward everything they do: #thisismyplatform. “This is my platform” basically means that what they’re doing is their ministry. If you’re washing dishes so somebody can share the gospel, that is your platform. If your ministry is to sing your heart out to God so others can sing along with you, that’s your platform. Unifying under this one banner, we all understand that whatever we do to glorify Christ furthers the gospel.

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On Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings the three Local Church Ministry teams went to their churches to help out with youth groups and some other areas of ministry in the church? They were also able to accompany their youth groups to events such as Reverb and D-Now. *

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Word of Life’s drama team, self-named “Stage One, use their theatrical talents to present the gospel - _ i - ■ _ ■ _ ______ JtL.. \ I essage. They were able to serve locally,going to tacal churches and doing skits at __ L _ ■ ! / i Hw ^ a ^ ' mL

events, as well as travel to El Salvador to Word of Life Missionaries there. AL- a J

resent dramas with

Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) is a ministry working with kids all over America. Two CEF teams were able to work this year, running News Clubs in schools. Once a week, kids in kindergarten through 5th grade stayed behind after school to sing songs, learn a memory verse, play games, and listen to a Bible story.

The Overflow Band was able to go on tour in states such as Alabama, North Carolina, Florida, and the Magi South Tour. They were also able to perform at local events like Focus and Campus Days as well aSithe Sunwest Trunk or Treat.

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The Inner City Team would go and help run a program where come to play games and do other fun things. Whenever they a they were able to take a load off the people who were in chan the program, as well as give the kids there some much-ne attention. ®

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the year to help run events :the things, they were able louse at the Angelus, and

ADVANTAGE

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“All throughout high school, Igrew up attending Reverb with my youth group. I remember thinking to myself that the Bible Institute students out on the ice seem like the coolest people and when I attend the Bible Institute one day, I want to try my hardest to be one of those students. My time finally came to participate when I got the opportunity to go to the Rochester Reverb this school year. I got to interact with the teens that were there and to make sure that they were having a great time participating in the games and activities. At a venue later that night, a girl that played a game stopped me and told me that she had so much fun on the ice with me. That opened up a door for a great opportunity to share the gospel with her. That night I soon realized that the hour of games spent out on the ice is so much more than just a time to have fun with teenagers, but a time to break down walls to share the great news about my Savior!” - - Caitlyn Jarrell

“Reverb was absolutely INSANE. I went from acting crazy on tne ice to working at the admissions table. While I was there, I was able to encourage teens in their walk with the Lord and the possibility of coming to the Bible Institute. The best part of the entire night was seeing teens make a decision to trust in Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. I saw over 100 teens get up in response to the gospel. The whole experience was such a blessing!” on the - Matt Eldridge

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We are the church-

First year student, Mikaela Steiner, is one of the students who participated in OAE this school year. Follow along as Mikaela shares her journal entries from her personal experience on OAE and her newfound passion for evangelism. This school year, many participated in Open Air Evangelism (OAE). This is one of the many ways that we’re given to step outside of the classroom, step way outside of our comfort zones and learn how to take the gospel into the world, specifically the New York City streets. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Jesus didn't give us the Great Commission as a suggestion but as a command for us to make disciples. A common misconception to us is that it’s the church’s responsibility to share the gospel and to make disciples. We must shift our thinking that it’s not our responsibility. Who is the church? As a body of believers, we are the church. In that case, the Great Commission was given to every believer- to make disciples. In order to make closer followers of Christ or disciples, we must take the gospel out to the lost to first make followers.

October 29, 2015

Day 1

“That girl was so nice, Mommy. She told us about God!” Exiting alongside the hundreds of other individuals stumbling off the Staten Island Ferry, somehow managed to overhear this comment from a small voice speaking behind me. I looked over my shoulder to glimpse the speaker, a little African-American girl gripping her mother’s hand as they moved along with the crowd. “Why would Jesus want to die? Just because He loves us?” She inquired, turning her face up to her hurried mother. missed the response, but smiled to myself, knowing that it was likely one of the girls on my team who had spoken to this little girl and her mom. From what I could tell, a seed had certainly been planted. When turning around to see the little girl, I had locked eyes with Florinda, the Albanian-turned-New Yorker with whom I’d conversed for the past twenty-five minutes—the generous length of the ride from one dock to the other. She adamantly refused to speak about God when I initiated the conversation, but by the time the ride ended, she gave me a hug and willingly accepted the tract I gave her, promising to read it. Now, as we went our separate ways, she smiled widely as our eyes met for one last, quick moment. Ahead of me, Savannah walked beside Elaine, a Buddhist girl with whom she’d just had the opportunity to share the gospel. Their conversation continued even off the ferry; those passing by would probably assume that the girls were friends. The first day flew by slowly, dragging T in the long moments as we considered beginning a

in our mind over the necessity of sharing the where worries were forgotten and we spoke, within us. We were encouraged by the range of who eagerly placed their faith in Christ, joy of sharing the gospel and spurring one disappointment.

conversation, our fears and comforts gospel, and flying during the minutes pulses-racing, of the reason for the hope successes, from mildly receptive to those Discouragements were frequent, but the another on outweighed the rejection and

October 30, 20f5 “You girls, listen now, if I have one piece of advice for you-listen to me now-don’t talk to the guys around hei all of them; they’ll take your virginity and get you into drugs. You’ve gotta be smart.” She took a puff of the filt wrinkly fingers and then waved warningly. “You're not in a good area. I appreciate what you’re trying to do. But the no one should ever see. I’ve lived here all my life; I know. ’Lindsay and I stood, somewhat taken a back, nodd bject of before she steadily on her taped-together plastic walker. “Now you have a good day ladies,” she called as she crossed th longside the curb. Central Park was, in my heart at least, a battle and a frustration. Here, the people didn’t look desperate for th missing teeth and reek of smoke and scream with worn-out voices from one sidewalk to another. Instead, coupl other as they enjoyed the Russian man’s accordion music and the mild October weather. Men in suits am couples pushing strollers hurried past, and joggers with earbuds in ran by. These people didn’t seem to ne content and comfortable; they had enough in life. sat on a bench right outside of the park. I knew that down the row of benches, separated by trees, oth( praying for an opportunity to talk to someone—half-dreading, half-hoping. I tensed as a man, probably in his ea

-earbuds in, finger flicking across the screen of his phone.“People will take their prayed and thought and before I had worked up the courage to say anything, the

earbuds out,” I remember man was on his way again.

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We find it easier to approach people who we consider to be beneath us. What are my motives? Am I doing this because Jim and Aaron are watching, lost saved? In what ways would I actually serve the LORD if I didn’t have to? In each moment, am I serving myself or am I obeying the LORD?

because

Day 2

eThey’re nothing but trouble® | iigarette edged between two :they’ve seen things hanking the woman for r feet, leaning

e gospel. They didn’t have e: strolled, smiling to each d ec er A/ord of Life students sat, hirties, sat down next to me im telling us. I bit my lip and ed beautiful women and young anything. They looked

_ORD and desire to see the

How do you reach out to and engage the culture—or the many cultures contained in —when you have a headache, sore feet, and only a few minutes? You know your cough is bad when a homeless man interrupts you twenty minutes into conversation to suggest tea with honey and lemon when you get home. How can you sit by and simply watch a culture with no hope—the young post-modernist, sixty-year-old Catholic convinced that he’s finding favor with God through his works, the six year old girls giggling to each other as they sit on the subway but destined for an empty adulthood, lacking the purpose and contentment that only Christ brings?

“The Lord gave me the opportunity to go on the Live for More tour again this year as a part of the drama team. Our entire group consisted of a band, events team leaders, two awesome leaders, and, of course, the drama team. We traveled all over Maine for eight days performing at various school chapels and church events. The normal schedule consisted of the band separating from the drama and events teams for two separate events and then meeting back up at night to lead a church event together. One par ticular morning, we ended up missing our scheduled chapel be cause we drove two hours in the wrong direction! The entire team was really disappointed. The school was gracious to let us re schedule to the very next day. Since it was the next day, we were able to take the band with us! When we got to the school the fol lowing day, the students were so excited to sing and participate; definitely one of our most energetic groups. I am thankful it was the Lord’s plan for the band to come with us. Everyone was so blessed by them. I had an opportunity to stand in the back while the band led worship, and I was able to watch the students of all grades worship our Savior. And not just the students but the staff, too! It was so humbling and refreshing to my heart. This just goes to show God is always in control and has a perfect plan. I learned that you can either resist it and complain or you can trust God and experience the blessings.”

Lyndsey Reck

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This school year, a two-week trip called the ‘Live for More

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One of my favorite experiences of being on The Unseen would have to be

probably Snow Camp. It's really not about being on the stage, although

that is cool, but being able to just worship with the entire Jack

W yrtzen C enter being com pletely full. T here is nothing like it. Even

outside of Snow C am p it's just really cool to be able to w orship w ith

people young and old in about 11 states! Another

thing that has really been a blessing is the fact that m y

band has becom e family. Inever knew Icould

g et so close to a g ro u p of people. If w e

could travel the world together, I

^ think we would. It's been amazing

to grow as a team spiritually,

socially, and musically!

love them a lot!

was like. This year, we stayed in stops in Lakeland, Miami, Stuart, Coral, Tampa, and Inverness.

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One thing we learned during setup was to “haze out” the auditorium before each performance. We did this to make sure the venue’s fire alarms wouldn’t go off during the performance. 79

Missions Conference was an uplifting weekend full of stories from missionaries, messages from leaders, and an overwhelming cry to join the laborers in the harvest, a call from Matthew 9:37. The simple truth for Christians is that we are all called to missions, whether as a laborer or a sender, foreign missions or local missions, missions training or recruiting. This year, we hosted missions organizations including, Baptist Mid-Missions, Pioneers, New Tribes Mission, Missionary Aviation Fellowship, The Friends of Israel,

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Child Evengelism Fellowship, Wycliffe Bible Translators, Biblical Ministries Worldwide, and Baptists for Israel. No matter where their focus was specifically, they all had one goal: to spread the gospel to all the world. At the end of the conference, a large portion of the student body made a commitment to missions in some form; a commitment to follow God’s leading wherever He would take them.

“You only have 44 hours with these campers.” These are the words that ran through our minds as we would put on our snow boots, zip up our jackets, and put on lanyards to begin a Snow Camp weekend. Looking back, the campers had 44 hours of impact, but as staff we had 7 weeks of allowing God to work through and in us. What will we do with the time and memories we have had of learning, growing & being challenged while serving at Snow Camp? Will we let them permanently shape the way we love & serve people or will it be left behind on Word of Life property? Although Snow Camp is over, ministry doesn’t end. Life is a collection of experiences and lessons learned over a period of time. Living with the mindset that 44 hours can shape a lifetime, let’s choose to use those experiences and lessons from Snow Camp to impact our personal ministries and lives from now until e t e r n i t y .

Aaron Wells- It’s all about the love, honestly! You have such a short amount of time, and the one thing that the kids will remember is how you touched their heart by caring for them, and really wanting to dig into their lives. The way that this will affect me after Word Of Life is by simply showing love to people at home, and recognizing that I may only have a short amount of time to do that. With only 44 hours of Snow Camp, you want to show as much love as possible to campers, because that is what changes lives, but imagine if you did that all the time! My goal when I get home is to show love to people, like all the time, but in the same amount that I do over Snow Camp, because I don't know how much time I have left, and in the end, the only thing that is going to survive and last is that which we did for Jesus’ name!

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Why are they always complaining about the cold?

In South America, especially in Brazil, it is a very tropical climate. The winter months in Brazil are equivalent to the summer months in some American states. And for the most part the snow is nonexistent. When Brazilians come to the colder states of America, it takes them a while to get used to the white and icy landscape like the winters of upstate New York. ■

W hy is it so hard for them to understand us?

For Koreans, language is the biggest cultural barrier that they find in America. The pronunciation and phonetics of American language is opposite to Korean. The way we speak a few words does not have the same sound as our single letters that form the words, so it's a little bit confusing to understand some conversations, especially when we talk too fast.

Why do they always look so nice?

In Europe, people tend to dress nicely even on casual days. A leather jacket, boots, necklaces and sweaters are part of everyday life. Even when they are just going for a walk, dressing well is still essential for them. Casual Friday is no excuse to leave a great look in the closet. Sweatpants or a more relaxed look are not very common as it is for us.

In Chile, as well as m uch of South America, it is normal to greet people with hugs and kisses, even when you don't know them. Chileans are more affectionate and seek to demonstrate it with everyone. However, for us a handshake and a quick hug isenough. So sometimes when Chileans greet Americans in their traditional way, it comes off a little awkward for us. But now we understand why.

MORE THAN JUST SPORTS Spring Break is usually recognized as a time accompanied by many negative connotations, especially toward college students. Our college students are a little bit different, though. Instead of taking their Spring Break for themselves, they use it to serve others. Every year at that time, we have a team of students that flies out on a missions trip. This team consists mostly of athletes from our sports teams, as well as a few of our staff members. This year, our team flew to Honduras. Our students used the gifts and abilities that God has gifted them with as a way to break down walls and make a way for the gospel to reach soft hearts. They played basketball and soccer as a way to earn an audience with the many school and college groups the Lord blessed them with the opportunity to speak with. This is just another way that God uses the many parts of the church body to further the gospel and reach the lost with the Good News of what Christ has done for us on the Cross.

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Over spring break, we sent a group of students to work at Word of Life El Salvador. The group was mostly the drama team along with a couple of other students and staff members. They used their drama talents to perform skits about the gospel to the local people. They were then able to connect with people in smaller groups to discuss what they had seen on stage and how it could be applied to their lives. They were able to share the gospel with over 1,000 people and about 420 of them made salvation decisions.

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Jeremiah 1:7... But the Lord said to me,“Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak.” In this verse, the Lord is commanding Jeremiah to go where He was sending him and to speak what He was commanding him to speak. Spain, Peru, Romania, United States, Guatemala, Quebec, and Chile are countries that the Lord commanded us to go to and we went! The languages were different, but we spoke. Missions Reality was an experience that we will remember for the rest of our lives. The classes began in September but the trips began when we sent out the first support letters. We to studied that God’s heart is for the lost to be saved and His people to obey. The gospel was the mission of each missions trip, sharing the hope that we have because of God s Son, Jesus. We learned what it looks like to surrender all of the comforts of our homes and serve God in foreign lands. We worked right alongside Word of Life missionaries and saw firsthand what it looks like to serve, sacrifice and surrender everything to the Lord.

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“The impact that Romania has left on the team is undeniable. We went with the sole purpose of sharing the gospel and we definitely did that countless times, every day! Romania was not what any of us expected; the people were not closed off to the gospel and against Evangelical Christians. We found quite the opposite! The Romanians were so open to talking with us about the gospel and they honestly just craved truth from God’s Word! God not only renewed the joy of OUR salvation in so many ways; He brought the joy of salvation to so many in Romania for the first time. It is so true that the harvest is plentiful there and the workers are few. It was amazing to see how God can work among people who are willing and how He chooses to use us in spite of ourselves. He is so good." - Grace Marrah

Our team went to the country of Chile. While there we were involved in 2 youth groups, and helped out with some projects on the property. We visited two orphanages, sharing the gospel and playing with the kids. And we went to a public school and helped the missionaries put on the “Born Again to a Living Hope” drama. God broke my heart while I was there just to see how faithful God is to those who are willing to serve Him. For the first time I had the opportunity to preach at a youth group. It was beyond eye-opening, it showed me that in my weakness God is most seen. When I am willing to be used, God will do great things! Definitely a life-changing experience!” - Moses Anderson

“Through the trip, God taught me a lot about what it means to work as a team and serve others. So much of what we did seemed like small tasks, but they were ministry nevertheless. I learned that sharing the gospel is more than telling people things; it is also about showing people the gospel by serving them in a loving way. I can easily get caught up in myself or doing things that seem “big”. This missions trip reminded me that serving and the gospel have nothing to do with me or what I can do; the ultimate goal is for Jesus to get the glory. I was able to be a small part of that in Quebec.” - Caroline Ramsland

“Peru was an experience I’ll never forget! We started in Lima, Peru where we helped 2 different church plants hand out flyers! It was a great opportunity and open door to be able to talk to the local people about Christ. We then went to the Word of Life property in “Canete.” We then took the gospel to public schools, parks and a hospital. I really enjoyed doing the rope trip with the DTC girls and being able to talk with the people. Something that stuck out to me was how open and receptive the Peruvian people were to the gospel. We handed out Gospels of John and you could immediately see people around the park reading them. What the Lord taught me on this trip was to be faithful to the work that the Lord puts before you no matter the circumstances! Most of our team got really sick, but serving Him is not always easy. It’s not about being comfortable or even seeing the immediate results of our labor; we just need to be faithful to what God calls us to do. At the end of the day, it’s not our ministry; it’s the LORD’S ministry! He just chooses to use us!” - Julia Fernandez

“I had the awesome opportunity to go to Guatemala for my Missions Reality trip. It was hard knowing that I would be in a different country, culture and language. There were many anxious moments before leaving. God really opened my heart up to the idea of missions through this trip. Even though we were all out of our comfort zones, God used the abilities we had to glorify Him and spread His Gospel. He really taught me the importance of relying on Him daily and that it’s not about us, but ultimately all about Him. God is faithful and He calls us to serve where He puts us.l- Katie Anderson

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“I learned that Spain has a tremendous need. Throughout our missions trip we participated in a program called “Go-Play-Mas”. We went into public schools, interacting with teenagers ranging mostly from ages 11-19. Our mission was to build relationships with the teenagers, schools, and communities through fun games, mufa pufas, song singing, and using our English to promote values such as teamwork, unity, and listening skills. Though it was illegal to openly share the gospel in public schools, we lived the gospel in an effort to “break down walls” so that rapport may be built with Word of Life Spain’s ministry and the local church. Each time we left an area, the people would ask the local missionary the next time we would return. Sadly we weren’t returning in that same capacity; however, I was encouraged that the people saw something different in us. We had joy spending our time and resources with the Spanish people; we served them with genuine love. Though hearts are hard now, the gospel is and will come forth and change lives there. I look forward to seeing more fruit come from the faithful ministry in Spain.” - Ben Lonergan

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“When I thought of Florida, I imagined the beaches and the warm weather, overlooking the need for the Gospel. For ten days I had the opportunity to shadow an LCM Missionary, Andy Anderson, who covers the Tampa area for WOL. Not only does an LCM missionary help churches get curriculum to better their youth and kids’ groups, but they are there to encourage youth pastors and pastors. It amazed me to see that these pastors just want someone to listen to them and encourage them because most of the time they are doing everything themselves and have no one to go to. When they meet with a new pastor they think the missionary is trying to get something from them, but when they realize that the missionary just wants to help, their guard goes down and they open up about their ministry and how hard it is. Local churches don’t just need curriculum, but pastors need encouragement. WOL has a passion to not only help the local church but to listen and to encourage pastors!” - David Gaona

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“This trip has completely revolutionized how I view the gospel. This was my first time ever seeing New York City. I come from a small town in GA, and to say was culture shocked would be an understatement. I am so thankful for that fact, because there was no other way I would have had the nerve to share the gospel with strangers on the street without the Holy Spirit giving me the boldness to get over myself and realize that people are on their way to hell without the gospel. It was so awesome to be an instrument of the living God. Wayumi was AMAZING! I learned so much and my heart broke for the tribal people that have no Bible in their native language. The Lord has definitely given me a burden to help that ministry in any way I can in the future.” - Ashlee Gormer

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