10.11.2013
Tours: More Locations.
The Magi production will also be taking a swing through Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Take a look at what's behind Magi, and check below to see if the Word Life group is coming to a church near you.
9.12.2013
A Great Way to Stay Involved: Superbowl Season.
Fall is right around the corner, and at Word of Life, that means Superbowl season. Whether you’re an alumnus who has just graduated from the Bible Institute or one who pulled the perennial pizza all-nighter many falls ago, we’d love to see you visit a Superbowl and get involved.
Here’s some easy ways you can be a part, no matter where you’re coming from:
*Bring your youth group
*Come and counsel at the rally
*Volunteer to serve all night
*Sponsor unsaved students to come
You can get more information, sign up or register students at superbowl.wol.org/, which has information for each city that will be hosting a Superbowl this year. We hope to see you there!
Cities: Orlando, Jacksonville, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Portland (Maine), Springfield (Massachusetts), Kalamazoo, Albany, Binghamton, Elmira, Glens Falls (New York), Rochester, Charlotte, Cleveland, Columbus, Johnstown (Pennsylvania), Philadelphia, Providence, Dallas, Lynchburg (Virginia)
Alumni News: 2010s.
We've received tons of responses from alumni who want to let us know what they're up to, so we're going to roll out some info on this blog as well as in the Victory Journal. Let us know what you're doing at alumni@wol.org.
Daniel (’10) and Sonia (Johnston) Bacon (’09) are moving to Northern Ireland and are expecting their first child. Sonia recently qualified as a phlebotomist but is not yet working.
Jay Sanders (’09, ’10) is the church and school relations coordinator for the Bible Institute’s Florida campus. He also works at summer camp in Florida. He would like to remind alumni that Jesus+Nothing=Everything.
Kyle Bush (’09, ’10) is a youth pastor at Faith Baptist Church. He is married to the “best woman” ever, Stefanie Paun (’09, ’10).
Nicholas Charlton (’09, ’10) is married to Rachel (Macey) Charlton (’09, ’10). Nicholas is an admissions representative for Baptist Bible Seminary. He teaches an adult Sunday School class at a small church plant in the area and preaches on occasion. He is interested in ministering in marriage and family counseling in the future. Rachel is a stay-at-home mom to their daughter, Marianne (7 months), and she loves it! She works in the nursery at the church.
Adam Davenport (’09, ’10) is in the Word of Life Intern Discipleship Program. He reminds alumni to have fun, make memories, and preach the Gospel.
Kevin O’Boyle (’09, Owen Sound; ’10, New York) is serving as the assistant dean of men at the Bible Institute’s Owen Sound campus. He would like to remind alumni to be excellent to each other. He recently joined the Bible Institute’s Alumni Council.
Daniel Bacon (’09, ’10) is moving with his wife, Sonya, to Northern Ireland.
Adam (’10) and Mana (Koyano) (’09) Yoder just welcomed Sho to their family. Adam is also a sales manager.
Michael Kilbride (’09, ’11) is a Local Church Ministries missionary with Word of Life in central Virginia.
Collis Bryant (’09, ’11) is doing as much acting as possible while studying theater at Baptist Bible College. He says his best year was 2009-2010, when he was on the Impact Team ministering, building relationships, and working in a variety of settings. He would like to remind alumni that “God’s got this.”
Tyler Anderson (’10) is co-director of The King's Players, a touring repertory theater company that focuses on Christian drama and ministry at Liberty University.
Diego Alvarez (’10) is the pastoral assistant at First Baptist Church and is working at a warehouse. He reminds alumni that they exist to spread a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all the peoples.
Brianna Anspach (’10) works at Hershey’s Chocolate World and will return to Word of Life for summer camp. She is studying online with Liberty University.
Josiah Brondyke (’10) is a discipleship coordinator at the Bible Institute’s Florida campus.
Kendra Burch (’10) is working to pay off loans and raising support to go back to Brazil.
Ben Garner (’10) is studying at Lancaster Bible College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He works as a taxidermist and is an excavator operator. He encourages alumni to get involved.
Sierra George (’10) is working and is a youth leader at her local church. She is hoping to go back to school, possibly to do second year at the Bible Institute.
Courtney Keller (’10) is working full time as a secretary at an optometrist’s office and helps in the youth ministry department at her local church. She reminds alumni that if God opens the door, go through it and trust Him to provide.
Hilary Kline (’10) is going to Uruguay with Avant Ministries to plant national churches.
Kyle Ierley (’10) is at Lancaster Bible College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, pursuing a master of theology.
Dave Nolan Jr. (10) is working toward being in full-time ministry in Asia using English and skateboarding.
Daniel Reed (’10) is working on a masters in divinity at Baptist Bible Seminary. He encourages alumni to pursue Jesus Christ above all else to be complete and totally satisfied.
Amber Richards (’10) is studying nursing at Pensacola Christian College in Pensacola, Florida. She encourages everyone to remember that in everything, God is good, and what He does is good.
Joshua Salinas (’10) is working a construction job in New Hampshire and preparing financially for future ministry in Argentina.
Amanda Stancavage (’10) is a missionary intern with Word of Life Japan.
Amber Roman (’10, ’11) is a resident leader at the Bible Institute’s Florida campus in the admissions department.
Amber Ruhstorfer (’10, ‘11) lives at home and is working at a home for mentally challenged adults. She is involved in the youth group and the nursery and is a gym leader in a kids’ program.
Rchel Petz (’10, ’11) is at Baptist Bible College, studying early childhood and elementary education. She hopes to head into missions after graduation.
Najara De Moura (’10, 11) is majoring in counseling at Baptist Bible College and hopes to use her education to help abused children in the United States or India.
Maggie Faulkner (’10, ’11) is graduating from Baptist Bible College with a bachelors in counseling in 2013. She is looking into missions in Berlin.
Brittany Fraedo (’10, ’11) is studying counseling at Baptist Bible College.
Morgan Garber (’10) is working as a mental health director support specialist at Community Service Group.
Elizabeth Gray (’10) is studying nursing at Liberty University.
Kristy Miller (’10, ’11) is a full-time student with Liberty University online and teaches preschool and AWANA Sparks at her local church.
Kristin Thompson (’10, ’11) is working in retail and graduating in 2013 with a degree in counseling from Baptist Bible College.
Ryan DeVoe (’10, ’11) is working and studying youth ministry at Liberty University. He is a Zumiez manager and is involved in youth ministry.
Jocelyn Toews (’10) is working at Liberty University and taking classes online. She is also volunteering at a horse farm.
Adam Young (’10, ’11) works at a meat company in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. He also serves with the youth group at Faith Bible Fellowship and got married this year.
Adam Kent (’10, 11) is studying at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and working security. His wife, Crystal (Knorpp) (’11, ’12), is studying online with Liberty University.
Virginia Johnson (’11) is a manager at McDonald’s. She’s working to be free of debt so she can go to the mission field full time.
Rachel Hope Knaus (’11) is teaching English as a second language while studying at Liberty University.
Josh Russo (’11) is a student at Liberty University. He is helping Dwight and Diana Willard with Local Church Ministries in Connecticut and New Hampshire.
Aaron Spoonhour (’11) is working full time and is a youth group leader.
Bethany Yeaton (’11) works at a nursing home in Concord, New Hampshire. She plans to start nursing school this fall and is a youth group leader at Epsom Bible Church. She was a unit leader at Word of Life Inn & Family Lodge this summer.
Gabby Baird (’11) is at Baptist Bible College. She cleans house for two ladies and finds this to be a great witnessing opportunity.
Nathan Barrett (’11, Owen Sound) is a second-year student at the Bible Institute’s New York campus. He encourages any alumni who haven’t done second year to do so.
Maria Berardelli (’11) works for the Sweet Frog Premium Frozen Yogurt Company.
Amanda Bogert (’11) is a student at Penn State University and is working as a nanny.
Andrea Boucher (’11) was recently engaged. She is serving as an intern in Mexico.
Brittany Burke (’11) is at Baptist Bible College, studying women’s ministry.
Meagan Eckhardt (’11) is a senior studying counseling at Baptist Bible College. She is working as a pharmacy technician and is pursuing a masters in counseling at Liberty University.
Naomie Dumas (’11, Quebec) is studying to be a nurse and is hoping to work as a missionary with the First Nations people in Quebec.
Nick Ford (’11) is a youth pastor and a paraprofessional (assistant teacher) at a local middle school.
Anna Grooms (’11) is studying elementary education at Baptist Bible College and this fall will be a resident assistant in the dorm. She is the ministry director at her local church. In the summer she was involved in Vacation Bible School.
Kelly Ionno (’11, Owen Sound) is studying nursing and will graduate in December 2013.
Noel Lee (’11) is a stock clerk.
Kody Ierly (’11) is at Lancaster Bible College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and he teaches children at his local church. He encourages alumni to keep on keeping on.
Brian Ley (‘11) is working and is involved in youth ministry.
James McGowan (’11) works as the site director at The Lion’s Den Youth Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. The center’s mission is to create a safe place for kids to encounter Christ. He married Amy Parks last November.
Sean Villanueva (’11) is the program director at The Lion’s Den. He says, “Ministry is so much different once you’re outside of Word of Life Bible Institute, but the foundation there makes you firm.”
Lynna Mull (’11) is in the Word of Life Intern Discipleship Program with Local Church Ministries.
Sheila Peterson (’11) reminds everyone that by God’s grace we can do it.
Elizabeth Sewall (’11) works at Word of Life in Hudson, Florida. She encourages alumni to stay faithful.
Carmen Sisson (’11, Owen Sound) is at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, working toward a bachelor of science in nursing.
Joshua Taylor (’11, Owen Sound) works at a dairy, bottling milk.
Nazhita D. Terrero (’11) is working at the Bible Institute’s Florida campus in the academic department.
Stephanie Voetberg (’11) is volunteering at an orphanage in Honduras for four months. She reminids alumni that living for Jesus is so worth it.
Matthew Wright (’11) is studying pastoral ministries at Baptist Bible College.
Zach Parks (’11, ’12) is involved in farm work.
Jonathan Poole (’11, ’12) is a landscaper and studying at Liberty University.
Brennan Bush (’11, 12) works at Access Control at Liberty University.
Dylan Hughes (’11, ’12) loves radio broadcasting and the local church. He works at Liberty University.
Alyssa Lough (’11, ’12) is studying elementary education at Baptist Bible College.
Jeong-Seok (Ryan) Shim (‘11, ’12) is a business major at Baptist Bible College.
Cassandra (Janieson) Oldrieve (’11, Owen Sound; ’12, New York) is a full-time missionary with her husband, Tyler, at the Bible Institute’s Owen Sound campus, where she is the admissions coordinator. She and Tyler were married in November 2011.
Audrey Hart (’11, ’12) is studying counseling at Baptist Bible College.
Maricela Navarrete (‘12) is living in California.
Jonathan Helm (’12) is a history major at Liberty University. He would like to become a prayer leader at Liberty this fall.
Sarah Hollar (’12) is attending Liberty University.
Benjamin Powell (’12) is involved in full-time vocational ministry.
Devin Olmedo (’12) is studying criminal justice at Liberty University.
Leah Reist (’12) is studying business and is involved in student leadership as a resident assistant at Liberty University.
Amanda Raub (’12) is studying psychology, counseling, and human development at Liberty University. She hopes to one day be a Christian counselor.
Jared Webb (’12) is studying at a community college.
Julia Amesbury (’12) is working while taking classes online. She is looking into attending Baptist Bible College, to study counseling. She encourages alumni to stay in the Word.
Alyssa Berardelli (’12) works for U.S. Aquatics.
Jerome Bosman (’10, Owen Sound; ’12 New York) is an intern at the Bible Institute’s Owen Sound campus, where he serves as an audio visual technician.
Rebecca Clark (’12) is a missionary intern with Word of Life Poland. She encourages alumni to stay in the Word.
Nathan Clock (’12, Owen Sound) serves with the Bible Institute’s Resonate ministry. He loves Word of Life.
Mercedes Conway (’12) is a missionary intern with Word of Life in Uganda.
Dominique Delva (’12) is at Cairn University in Philadelphia and is involved in youth ministry at her local church. She became an aunt of five in less than three years.
Hope Dillon (’12) is a resident leader at the Bible Institute’s Florida campus, working at the front desk. She is studying online and pouring into the ladies on campus.
Rachel Gallo (’12) is doing online studies.
Mickey Gonzalez (’12) is working at a photography studio. He is practicing the guitar in the hopes of soon performing. He makes videos for YouTube and is teaching himself video photography skills.
Evan Hinkel (’12) is attending Baptist Bible College and is active in ministry.
Chloe Hossann (’12) is at community college and is working. She asks for prayer as she works at encouraging a small group of teenagers to get together.
Jocelyn Levesque (’12) is studying cosmetology and working with the junior high youth group at her church. She reminds alumni to have good Christian friends who will build and encourage them.
Amber Liotus (’12) is a waitress and is studying online with Liberty University. She plans to receive a bachelor of science in religion by September. She is pursuing teaching English as a foreign language, as she wants to reach the Asian people via the English language. She encourages everyone to be a missionary in the workplace.
Cameron McLean (’12, Owen Sound) is working at an auto parts factory and is involved in youth work at his home church while saving up for training as a missionary. He would like to tell alumni from his year that he misses them all.
Jim Morrison (’12) is finishing up his degree at Baptist Bible College.
Amanda Ord (’12) is marrying the love of her life. She works and is involved in building relationships with the youth in her church.
Kisandra Pearson (’12, Owen Sound) serves as a secretarial intern at the Bible Institute’s Owen Sound campus. She reminds alumni to never give up anytime or anywhere, because God is always there.
Magalie Plante (’12) is studying languages at a college in Sherbrooke, Quebec, and is involved in Sunday School and the worship team at her local church.
Arielle Robson (’12) is studying zoology and creation at Liberty University and is involved in a special needs ministry.
Sarah Rummenie (’12, Owen Sound) is a children’s ministry leader at her local church in Midland, Ontario. She would like to share with alumni that she feels that local church is where it’s at. She says that it’s hard but so needed in North America. She sees the importance of discipling children and said she never had someone disciple her until she was at the Bible Institute.
Reginald Russell (’12) works full time and is getting married.
Jasmine Smith (’12) is a sophomore studying pre-law at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island. She teaches Sunday School at her home church.
Caitlin Smith (’12) is missionary intern with Word of Life. She would like to remind everyone that the Lord is faithful, even when we stray from Him.
Sarah Smith (’12) just moved to Pennsylvania and is trying to get a job in a restaurant.
Caroline Stark (’12) is a resident leader at the command center on the Bible Institute’s New York campus.
Sam Sturgeon (’12) is teaching high school math.
Tim Sum (’12) is studying at Liberty University.
Hilary Taylor (’12) is finishing her degree at Cairn University in Philadelphia.
Sarah Thompson (’12) is working and learning French. She reminds alumni not to give up!
Micah Watkins (’12) is partnering in ministry with his parents.
Becky Ziegert (’12) is a Word of Life missionary intern in the Dominican Republic. She would like to encourage alumni to come back to missions conference every year, as there aren’t many other places where they can hear and meet men and women with such a huge passion for the Lord.
Ruth (Etchison) (’13) and Jacob Mosley were married in August. She is working as a nanny.
Daniel (’10) and Sonia (Johnston) Bacon (’09) are moving to Northern Ireland and are expecting their first child. Sonia recently qualified as a phlebotomist but is not yet working.
Jay Sanders (’09, ’10) is the church and school relations coordinator for the Bible Institute’s Florida campus. He also works at summer camp in Florida. He would like to remind alumni that Jesus+Nothing=Everything.
Kyle Bush (’09, ’10) is a youth pastor at Faith Baptist Church. He is married to the “best woman” ever, Stefanie Paun (’09, ’10).
Nicholas Charlton (’09, ’10) is married to Rachel (Macey) Charlton (’09, ’10). Nicholas is an admissions representative for Baptist Bible Seminary. He teaches an adult Sunday School class at a small church plant in the area and preaches on occasion. He is interested in ministering in marriage and family counseling in the future. Rachel is a stay-at-home mom to their daughter, Marianne (7 months), and she loves it! She works in the nursery at the church.
Adam Davenport (’09, ’10) is in the Word of Life Intern Discipleship Program. He reminds alumni to have fun, make memories, and preach the Gospel.
Kevin O’Boyle (’09, Owen Sound; ’10, New York) is serving as the assistant dean of men at the Bible Institute’s Owen Sound campus. He would like to remind alumni to be excellent to each other. He recently joined the Bible Institute’s Alumni Council.
Daniel Bacon (’09, ’10) is moving with his wife, Sonya, to Northern Ireland.
Adam (’10) and Mana (Koyano) (’09) Yoder just welcomed Sho to their family. Adam is also a sales manager.
Michael Kilbride (’09, ’11) is a Local Church Ministries missionary with Word of Life in central Virginia.
Collis Bryant (’09, ’11) is doing as much acting as possible while studying theater at Baptist Bible College. He says his best year was 2009-2010, when he was on the Impact Team ministering, building relationships, and working in a variety of settings. He would like to remind alumni that “God’s got this.”
Tyler Anderson (’10) is co-director of The King's Players, a touring repertory theater company that focuses on Christian drama and ministry at Liberty University.
Diego Alvarez (’10) is the pastoral assistant at First Baptist Church and is working at a warehouse. He reminds alumni that they exist to spread a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all the peoples.
Brianna Anspach (’10) works at Hershey’s Chocolate World and will return to Word of Life for summer camp. She is studying online with Liberty University.
Josiah Brondyke (’10) is a discipleship coordinator at the Bible Institute’s Florida campus.
Kendra Burch (’10) is working to pay off loans and raising support to go back to Brazil.
Ben Garner (’10) is studying at Lancaster Bible College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He works as a taxidermist and is an excavator operator. He encourages alumni to get involved.
Sierra George (’10) is working and is a youth leader at her local church. She is hoping to go back to school, possibly to do second year at the Bible Institute.
Courtney Keller (’10) is working full time as a secretary at an optometrist’s office and helps in the youth ministry department at her local church. She reminds alumni that if God opens the door, go through it and trust Him to provide.
Hilary Kline (’10) is going to Uruguay with Avant Ministries to plant national churches.
Kyle Ierley (’10) is at Lancaster Bible College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, pursuing a master of theology.
Dave Nolan Jr. (10) is working toward being in full-time ministry in Asia using English and skateboarding.
Daniel Reed (’10) is working on a masters in divinity at Baptist Bible Seminary. He encourages alumni to pursue Jesus Christ above all else to be complete and totally satisfied.
Amber Richards (’10) is studying nursing at Pensacola Christian College in Pensacola, Florida. She encourages everyone to remember that in everything, God is good, and what He does is good.
Joshua Salinas (’10) is working a construction job in New Hampshire and preparing financially for future ministry in Argentina.
Amanda Stancavage (’10) is a missionary intern with Word of Life Japan.
Amber Roman (’10, ’11) is a resident leader at the Bible Institute’s Florida campus in the admissions department.
Amber Ruhstorfer (’10, ‘11) lives at home and is working at a home for mentally challenged adults. She is involved in the youth group and the nursery and is a gym leader in a kids’ program.
Rchel Petz (’10, ’11) is at Baptist Bible College, studying early childhood and elementary education. She hopes to head into missions after graduation.
Najara De Moura (’10, 11) is majoring in counseling at Baptist Bible College and hopes to use her education to help abused children in the United States or India.
Maggie Faulkner (’10, ’11) is graduating from Baptist Bible College with a bachelors in counseling in 2013. She is looking into missions in Berlin.
Brittany Fraedo (’10, ’11) is studying counseling at Baptist Bible College.
Morgan Garber (’10) is working as a mental health director support specialist at Community Service Group.
Elizabeth Gray (’10) is studying nursing at Liberty University.
Kristy Miller (’10, ’11) is a full-time student with Liberty University online and teaches preschool and AWANA Sparks at her local church.
Kristin Thompson (’10, ’11) is working in retail and graduating in 2013 with a degree in counseling from Baptist Bible College.
Ryan DeVoe (’10, ’11) is working and studying youth ministry at Liberty University. He is a Zumiez manager and is involved in youth ministry.
Jocelyn Toews (’10) is working at Liberty University and taking classes online. She is also volunteering at a horse farm.
Adam Young (’10, ’11) works at a meat company in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. He also serves with the youth group at Faith Bible Fellowship and got married this year.
Adam Kent (’10, 11) is studying at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and working security. His wife, Crystal (Knorpp) (’11, ’12), is studying online with Liberty University.
Virginia Johnson (’11) is a manager at McDonald’s. She’s working to be free of debt so she can go to the mission field full time.
Rachel Hope Knaus (’11) is teaching English as a second language while studying at Liberty University.
Josh Russo (’11) is a student at Liberty University. He is helping Dwight and Diana Willard with Local Church Ministries in Connecticut and New Hampshire.
Aaron Spoonhour (’11) is working full time and is a youth group leader.
Bethany Yeaton (’11) works at a nursing home in Concord, New Hampshire. She plans to start nursing school this fall and is a youth group leader at Epsom Bible Church. She was a unit leader at Word of Life Inn & Family Lodge this summer.
Gabby Baird (’11) is at Baptist Bible College. She cleans house for two ladies and finds this to be a great witnessing opportunity.
Nathan Barrett (’11, Owen Sound) is a second-year student at the Bible Institute’s New York campus. He encourages any alumni who haven’t done second year to do so.
Maria Berardelli (’11) works for the Sweet Frog Premium Frozen Yogurt Company.
Amanda Bogert (’11) is a student at Penn State University and is working as a nanny.
Andrea Boucher (’11) was recently engaged. She is serving as an intern in Mexico.
Brittany Burke (’11) is at Baptist Bible College, studying women’s ministry.
Meagan Eckhardt (’11) is a senior studying counseling at Baptist Bible College. She is working as a pharmacy technician and is pursuing a masters in counseling at Liberty University.
Naomie Dumas (’11, Quebec) is studying to be a nurse and is hoping to work as a missionary with the First Nations people in Quebec.
Nick Ford (’11) is a youth pastor and a paraprofessional (assistant teacher) at a local middle school.
Anna Grooms (’11) is studying elementary education at Baptist Bible College and this fall will be a resident assistant in the dorm. She is the ministry director at her local church. In the summer she was involved in Vacation Bible School.
Kelly Ionno (’11, Owen Sound) is studying nursing and will graduate in December 2013.
Noel Lee (’11) is a stock clerk.
Kody Ierly (’11) is at Lancaster Bible College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and he teaches children at his local church. He encourages alumni to keep on keeping on.
Brian Ley (‘11) is working and is involved in youth ministry.
James McGowan (’11) works as the site director at The Lion’s Den Youth Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. The center’s mission is to create a safe place for kids to encounter Christ. He married Amy Parks last November.
Sean Villanueva (’11) is the program director at The Lion’s Den. He says, “Ministry is so much different once you’re outside of Word of Life Bible Institute, but the foundation there makes you firm.”
Lynna Mull (’11) is in the Word of Life Intern Discipleship Program with Local Church Ministries.
Sheila Peterson (’11) reminds everyone that by God’s grace we can do it.
Elizabeth Sewall (’11) works at Word of Life in Hudson, Florida. She encourages alumni to stay faithful.
Carmen Sisson (’11, Owen Sound) is at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, working toward a bachelor of science in nursing.
Joshua Taylor (’11, Owen Sound) works at a dairy, bottling milk.
Nazhita D. Terrero (’11) is working at the Bible Institute’s Florida campus in the academic department.
Stephanie Voetberg (’11) is volunteering at an orphanage in Honduras for four months. She reminids alumni that living for Jesus is so worth it.
Matthew Wright (’11) is studying pastoral ministries at Baptist Bible College.
Zach Parks (’11, ’12) is involved in farm work.
Jonathan Poole (’11, ’12) is a landscaper and studying at Liberty University.
Brennan Bush (’11, 12) works at Access Control at Liberty University.
Dylan Hughes (’11, ’12) loves radio broadcasting and the local church. He works at Liberty University.
Alyssa Lough (’11, ’12) is studying elementary education at Baptist Bible College.
Jeong-Seok (Ryan) Shim (‘11, ’12) is a business major at Baptist Bible College.
Cassandra (Janieson) Oldrieve (’11, Owen Sound; ’12, New York) is a full-time missionary with her husband, Tyler, at the Bible Institute’s Owen Sound campus, where she is the admissions coordinator. She and Tyler were married in November 2011.
Audrey Hart (’11, ’12) is studying counseling at Baptist Bible College.
Maricela Navarrete (‘12) is living in California.
Jonathan Helm (’12) is a history major at Liberty University. He would like to become a prayer leader at Liberty this fall.
Sarah Hollar (’12) is attending Liberty University.
Benjamin Powell (’12) is involved in full-time vocational ministry.
Devin Olmedo (’12) is studying criminal justice at Liberty University.
Leah Reist (’12) is studying business and is involved in student leadership as a resident assistant at Liberty University.
Amanda Raub (’12) is studying psychology, counseling, and human development at Liberty University. She hopes to one day be a Christian counselor.
Jared Webb (’12) is studying at a community college.
Julia Amesbury (’12) is working while taking classes online. She is looking into attending Baptist Bible College, to study counseling. She encourages alumni to stay in the Word.
Alyssa Berardelli (’12) works for U.S. Aquatics.
Jerome Bosman (’10, Owen Sound; ’12 New York) is an intern at the Bible Institute’s Owen Sound campus, where he serves as an audio visual technician.
Rebecca Clark (’12) is a missionary intern with Word of Life Poland. She encourages alumni to stay in the Word.
Nathan Clock (’12, Owen Sound) serves with the Bible Institute’s Resonate ministry. He loves Word of Life.
Mercedes Conway (’12) is a missionary intern with Word of Life in Uganda.
Dominique Delva (’12) is at Cairn University in Philadelphia and is involved in youth ministry at her local church. She became an aunt of five in less than three years.
Hope Dillon (’12) is a resident leader at the Bible Institute’s Florida campus, working at the front desk. She is studying online and pouring into the ladies on campus.
Rachel Gallo (’12) is doing online studies.
Mickey Gonzalez (’12) is working at a photography studio. He is practicing the guitar in the hopes of soon performing. He makes videos for YouTube and is teaching himself video photography skills.
Evan Hinkel (’12) is attending Baptist Bible College and is active in ministry.
Chloe Hossann (’12) is at community college and is working. She asks for prayer as she works at encouraging a small group of teenagers to get together.
Jocelyn Levesque (’12) is studying cosmetology and working with the junior high youth group at her church. She reminds alumni to have good Christian friends who will build and encourage them.
Amber Liotus (’12) is a waitress and is studying online with Liberty University. She plans to receive a bachelor of science in religion by September. She is pursuing teaching English as a foreign language, as she wants to reach the Asian people via the English language. She encourages everyone to be a missionary in the workplace.
Cameron McLean (’12, Owen Sound) is working at an auto parts factory and is involved in youth work at his home church while saving up for training as a missionary. He would like to tell alumni from his year that he misses them all.
Jim Morrison (’12) is finishing up his degree at Baptist Bible College.
Amanda Ord (’12) is marrying the love of her life. She works and is involved in building relationships with the youth in her church.
Kisandra Pearson (’12, Owen Sound) serves as a secretarial intern at the Bible Institute’s Owen Sound campus. She reminds alumni to never give up anytime or anywhere, because God is always there.
Magalie Plante (’12) is studying languages at a college in Sherbrooke, Quebec, and is involved in Sunday School and the worship team at her local church.
Arielle Robson (’12) is studying zoology and creation at Liberty University and is involved in a special needs ministry.
Sarah Rummenie (’12, Owen Sound) is a children’s ministry leader at her local church in Midland, Ontario. She would like to share with alumni that she feels that local church is where it’s at. She says that it’s hard but so needed in North America. She sees the importance of discipling children and said she never had someone disciple her until she was at the Bible Institute.
Reginald Russell (’12) works full time and is getting married.
Jasmine Smith (’12) is a sophomore studying pre-law at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island. She teaches Sunday School at her home church.
Caitlin Smith (’12) is missionary intern with Word of Life. She would like to remind everyone that the Lord is faithful, even when we stray from Him.
Sarah Smith (’12) just moved to Pennsylvania and is trying to get a job in a restaurant.
Caroline Stark (’12) is a resident leader at the command center on the Bible Institute’s New York campus.
Sam Sturgeon (’12) is teaching high school math.
Tim Sum (’12) is studying at Liberty University.
Hilary Taylor (’12) is finishing her degree at Cairn University in Philadelphia.
Sarah Thompson (’12) is working and learning French. She reminds alumni not to give up!
Micah Watkins (’12) is partnering in ministry with his parents.
Becky Ziegert (’12) is a Word of Life missionary intern in the Dominican Republic. She would like to encourage alumni to come back to missions conference every year, as there aren’t many other places where they can hear and meet men and women with such a huge passion for the Lord.
Ruth (Etchison) (’13) and Jacob Mosley were married in August. She is working as a nanny.
9.09.2013
Alumni News: 2000s.
We've received tons of responses from alumni who want to let us know what they're up to, so we're going to roll out some info on this blog as well as in the Victory Journal. Let us know what you're doing at alumni@wol.org.
Jordan (’99, ’00) and Bonnie (Colwell) (’99, ‘00) Wertz are with Word of Life Local Church Ministries in central Michigan. They have three children: Abigail (9), Emma (7), and Isabella (5).
Andrew (’99, ’00) and Tabitha (Anderson) (’02) Mater serve at the Bible Institute’s Florida campus, where Andrew is the dean of men and Tabitha is enjoying being a wife to Andrew and a mommy to their children, Novalie (6), and Eden (4).
Amber (Vidal) Baker (’00) is married to Shawn Baker (’98, ’99) and is a stay-at-home mom to their four children: Savannah, Austin, Sebastian, and Aurora.
Courtney (Bingman) Stephens (’00) is a stay-at-home mom planning a camp/family enrichment ministry for the future. She has a children’s book published and is working on a novel. She and her husband, Mackenzie, are talking about planting a church in central Ohio. They have two children: Bethsaida (3) and Rayah (18 months).
Adam Rushlow (’00, ’02) is working in Texas and serving with Christ Fellowship. He and his wife, Joanna (MacQueen) (’03), have three children: Maija (4), Zoe (2), and Dane (2 months).
Margaret A. Truxell (’01) is studying business administration and finances through Liberty University distance learning and is working as a chef at the Bible Institute’s Florida campus.
Joshua (’02) and Megan (Lefler) (’01, ‘02) Bean have two children: Matthew (5) and Malachi (2). Megan is a homemaker, homeschools their children, and is involved in women’s ministry. Joshua is a training coordinator for corrections, court security, and civil process at Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy. He is active in missions and children’s ministry at Forest Baptist Church in Forest, Virginia.
Jessalyn (Pitzer) Powell (’02, ’03) works at Hobby Lobby and is a features reporter at the Kokomo (Indiana) Herald.
Vincent (’02) and Joanna (Cameron) (’98, ’99) Sensenig are youth leaders in their local church. Vincent works as a painter. They have six children: Nichole (12), Bekah (10), Tori (9), Vince (7), Nathan (5), and Danielle (3).
Jordan Miller (’03, ’04) is married to Stephanie and works at Liberty University as an admissions counselor.
Joseph Pine (‘03, ‘04) is a youth pastor working toward a masters in theological studies. He is in the Army Reserves.
Sonia Jacot (’03, ’04) is married to Gary, who works as a customer service representative for a portable toilet company and serves however he can at his local church. Sonia is a stay-at-home wife, has a transportation ministry, and enjoys encouraging the women at her local church.
Josh (’04) and Amanda (Goodrow) Mellinger (’06) have a daughter, Evylyn (3). Josh works as a chef.
Rodrigo (’05) and Annie (Christ) Bender (’99) met at Word of Life. Rodrigo now serves as assistant pastor of Mountain Stream Baptist Church in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. They say that Word of Life was transforming and some of the best years of their lives. They have two children: Dominic (3) and Dylan (1½).
Nicole (Rank) Weidman (’05) is working at an immunology lab. She loves spending time with her husband, Phillip, and scrapbooking.
Jeremy Fogle (’06) works for a fire sprinkler design company.
Jason (’06) and Martine (Renaud) (’06, Quebec) Goudy are missionaries with Parole de Vie (Word of Life) in Sherbrooke, Quebec. Martine also works as a nurse at a local hospital.
Sarah Nippert (’06) is the assistant director of enrollment services at Baptist Bible College and Seminary. She would like to remind everyone to not give up, to keep going, and to keep serving.
Jacob Donald Smith (’06, ’08) is participating in the World Race in September. The race is a stretching journey into 11 countries in 11 months to serve “the least of these” among real and raw community. Jacob says, “Stepping out in faith for two years and being a missionary was the best thing ever.”
Sarah (Wilcken) Davis (’07) is married to Will Davis. They are pursuing ministry opportunities while serving at Roots Youth with Sparta Evangelical Free Church, which seeks to develop students who actively engage Christ in their world.
Laura Evison (’07) (Owen Sound) serves as a graphic design artist at the Bible Institute’s Owen Sound campus.
Caleb Hamm (’07) is working at Word of Life in the photography department.
Alex Smith (’07) worked as an intern at the Bible Institute’s Florida campus in 2012-2013.
Lindsey Young (‘07) is a discipleship coordinator at the Bible Institute’s Florida campus.
Joshua and Jennifer (Robbins) Brown (’07, ’08) are preparing to plant a church in the Northeast. Joshua is studying at Southwestern Baptist Seminary, and Jennifer works on campus.
Randy (’07, ’08) and Kylie (Leckrone) (’08, ’09) Curtis are both working at Meijer in Rockford, Michigan. They attend Calvary Baptist Church in Greenville, Michigan, and are looking to be missionaries with New Tribes Mission.
Janessa (Barrett) Skiles (’07, ’08) works at Gladney Center for Adoption, caring for birth mothers making an adoption plan. Her husband, Shaun, is preparing to be youth/associate pastor.
Derrick Wilson (’07, ’08) is attending Southwestern Theological Seminary and is working as a carpenter. His wife, Christina (Plantt) Wilson (’07, ’08), just graduated from Southwestern with a bachelors in humanities with a missions focus. She is helping teach seventh-grade girls in a youth group.
Jaime Goodrow (’08) graduated from Baptist Bible College with a bachelors in education. She is a fifth- and sixth-grade teacher at Mountainside Christian Academy and loves it!
Janelle (Pratt) Corrales (’08) is teaching at Grace Christian School and is involved at Grace Bible Church.
Brian Rosohac (’08) in an automotive technician and is married to Sarah.
Luke (’08) and Erin (Kelly) (’09) Lacey are Word of Life missionaries going to serve the Lord in South Africa. They encourage alumni to tell others about the Bible Institute.
Brian Berger (’08, ’09) is a youth pastor. He’s excited that three girls from the youth group were saved at Snow Camp this year.
Christie (Whitney) Davis (’08, ’09) graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a bachelors and is working fulltime on campus. Her husband, Michael, is the youth pastor at their local church.
Paige (Emond) Johnston (’08, ’09) is an event coordinator with Silver Fox Steakhouse and works closely with her husband, Tyler, who is a pastor with lifechurch.tv. She graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Kelsey (Holmes) Porter (’08, ’09) has almost completed her bachelors in business and is teaching high school Sunday School with her husband, Josiah.
David Rineer (’08, ’09) is doing an internship as a pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, and is a fulltime student at Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary in Lansdale.
Rachel (Boddie) Salinas (’08, ‘09) is traveling with her husband, Joshua (’08, ’10), as he does masonry/restoration for national parks and historical buildings. She works as a nanny and is involved in choir and senior youth group. She also teaches a 4-to-6-year-old Sunday School class.
William Travis McNeely (’08, ’10) is an intern at Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. He works as a waiter at a Mexican restaurant and is a student at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He would like to remind alumni that God is faithful, and Texas is the best state in the union.
Emily Arnett (’09) works as a nanny and in the photography business. She is a Sunday School teacher and a youth group leader, and she runs a Bible study for college-age girls.
Elizabeth Cox (’09, Brazil) is a junior allied health major at Cedarville University and plans to go to graduate school to study physical therapy. She is on the school soccer team.
Kurt Goglin (’09) and his wife, Amanda, along with their two sons, Elijah (8) and Ezekiel (4), were recently appointed missionaries with the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism to Lima, Peru, where they will minister through Biblical counseling, theological education, and church planting. They live in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, where they teach in the youth group, lead Bible study, and do biblical counseling.
Travis Smith (’09) is involved with the young people at his church and enjoys cycling. He spent three months volunteering at the Bible Institute’s Jeju campus.
Daniel (’10) and Sonia (Johnston) Bacon (’09) are moving to North Ireland and are expecting their first child. Sonia recently qualified as a phlebotomist but is not yet working.
Jay Sanders (’09, ’10) is the church and school relations coordinator for the Bible Institute’s Florida campus. He also works at summer camp in Florida. He would like to remind alumni that Jesus+Nothing=Everything.
Kyle Bush (’09, ’10) is a youth pastor at Faith Baptist Church. He is married to the “best woman” ever, Stefanie Paun (’09, ’10).
Nicholas Charlton (’09, ’10) is married to Rachel (Macey) Charlton (’09, ’10). Nicholas is an admissions representative for Baptist Bible Seminary. He teaches an adult Sunday School class at a small church plant in the area and preaches on occasion. He is interested in ministering in marriage and family counseling in the future. Rachel is a stay-at-home mom to their daughter, Marianne (7 months), and she loves it! She works in the nursery at the church.
Adam Davenport (’09, ’10) is in the Word of Life Intern Discipleship Program. He reminds alumni to have fun, make memories, and preach the Gospel.
Kevin O’Boyle (’09, Owen Sound; ’10, New York) is serving as the assistant dean of men at the Bible Institute’s Owen Sound campus. He would like to remind alumni to be excellent to each other. He recently joined the Bible Institute’s Alumni Council.
Daniel Bacon (’09, ’10) is moving with his wife, Sonya, to Northern Ireland.
Adam (’10) and Mana (Koyano) (’09) Yoder just welcomed Sho to their family. Adam is also a sales manager.
Michael Kilbride (’09, ’11) is a Local Church Ministries missionary with Word of Life in central Virginia.
Collis Bryant (’09, ’11) is doing as much acting as possible while studying theater at Baptist Bible College. He says his best year was 2009-2010, when he was on the Impact Team ministering, building relationships, and working in a variety of settings. He would like to remind alumni that “God’s got this.”
Jordan (’99, ’00) and Bonnie (Colwell) (’99, ‘00) Wertz are with Word of Life Local Church Ministries in central Michigan. They have three children: Abigail (9), Emma (7), and Isabella (5).
Andrew (’99, ’00) and Tabitha (Anderson) (’02) Mater serve at the Bible Institute’s Florida campus, where Andrew is the dean of men and Tabitha is enjoying being a wife to Andrew and a mommy to their children, Novalie (6), and Eden (4).
Amber (Vidal) Baker (’00) is married to Shawn Baker (’98, ’99) and is a stay-at-home mom to their four children: Savannah, Austin, Sebastian, and Aurora.
Courtney (Bingman) Stephens (’00) is a stay-at-home mom planning a camp/family enrichment ministry for the future. She has a children’s book published and is working on a novel. She and her husband, Mackenzie, are talking about planting a church in central Ohio. They have two children: Bethsaida (3) and Rayah (18 months).
Adam Rushlow (’00, ’02) is working in Texas and serving with Christ Fellowship. He and his wife, Joanna (MacQueen) (’03), have three children: Maija (4), Zoe (2), and Dane (2 months).
Margaret A. Truxell (’01) is studying business administration and finances through Liberty University distance learning and is working as a chef at the Bible Institute’s Florida campus.
Joshua (’02) and Megan (Lefler) (’01, ‘02) Bean have two children: Matthew (5) and Malachi (2). Megan is a homemaker, homeschools their children, and is involved in women’s ministry. Joshua is a training coordinator for corrections, court security, and civil process at Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy. He is active in missions and children’s ministry at Forest Baptist Church in Forest, Virginia.
Jessalyn (Pitzer) Powell (’02, ’03) works at Hobby Lobby and is a features reporter at the Kokomo (Indiana) Herald.
Vincent (’02) and Joanna (Cameron) (’98, ’99) Sensenig are youth leaders in their local church. Vincent works as a painter. They have six children: Nichole (12), Bekah (10), Tori (9), Vince (7), Nathan (5), and Danielle (3).
Jordan Miller (’03, ’04) is married to Stephanie and works at Liberty University as an admissions counselor.
Joseph Pine (‘03, ‘04) is a youth pastor working toward a masters in theological studies. He is in the Army Reserves.
Sonia Jacot (’03, ’04) is married to Gary, who works as a customer service representative for a portable toilet company and serves however he can at his local church. Sonia is a stay-at-home wife, has a transportation ministry, and enjoys encouraging the women at her local church.
Josh (’04) and Amanda (Goodrow) Mellinger (’06) have a daughter, Evylyn (3). Josh works as a chef.
Rodrigo (’05) and Annie (Christ) Bender (’99) met at Word of Life. Rodrigo now serves as assistant pastor of Mountain Stream Baptist Church in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. They say that Word of Life was transforming and some of the best years of their lives. They have two children: Dominic (3) and Dylan (1½).
Nicole (Rank) Weidman (’05) is working at an immunology lab. She loves spending time with her husband, Phillip, and scrapbooking.
Jeremy Fogle (’06) works for a fire sprinkler design company.
Jason (’06) and Martine (Renaud) (’06, Quebec) Goudy are missionaries with Parole de Vie (Word of Life) in Sherbrooke, Quebec. Martine also works as a nurse at a local hospital.
Sarah Nippert (’06) is the assistant director of enrollment services at Baptist Bible College and Seminary. She would like to remind everyone to not give up, to keep going, and to keep serving.
Jacob Donald Smith (’06, ’08) is participating in the World Race in September. The race is a stretching journey into 11 countries in 11 months to serve “the least of these” among real and raw community. Jacob says, “Stepping out in faith for two years and being a missionary was the best thing ever.”
Sarah (Wilcken) Davis (’07) is married to Will Davis. They are pursuing ministry opportunities while serving at Roots Youth with Sparta Evangelical Free Church, which seeks to develop students who actively engage Christ in their world.
Laura Evison (’07) (Owen Sound) serves as a graphic design artist at the Bible Institute’s Owen Sound campus.
Caleb Hamm (’07) is working at Word of Life in the photography department.
Alex Smith (’07) worked as an intern at the Bible Institute’s Florida campus in 2012-2013.
Lindsey Young (‘07) is a discipleship coordinator at the Bible Institute’s Florida campus.
Joshua and Jennifer (Robbins) Brown (’07, ’08) are preparing to plant a church in the Northeast. Joshua is studying at Southwestern Baptist Seminary, and Jennifer works on campus.
Randy (’07, ’08) and Kylie (Leckrone) (’08, ’09) Curtis are both working at Meijer in Rockford, Michigan. They attend Calvary Baptist Church in Greenville, Michigan, and are looking to be missionaries with New Tribes Mission.
Janessa (Barrett) Skiles (’07, ’08) works at Gladney Center for Adoption, caring for birth mothers making an adoption plan. Her husband, Shaun, is preparing to be youth/associate pastor.
Derrick Wilson (’07, ’08) is attending Southwestern Theological Seminary and is working as a carpenter. His wife, Christina (Plantt) Wilson (’07, ’08), just graduated from Southwestern with a bachelors in humanities with a missions focus. She is helping teach seventh-grade girls in a youth group.
Jaime Goodrow (’08) graduated from Baptist Bible College with a bachelors in education. She is a fifth- and sixth-grade teacher at Mountainside Christian Academy and loves it!
Janelle (Pratt) Corrales (’08) is teaching at Grace Christian School and is involved at Grace Bible Church.
Brian Rosohac (’08) in an automotive technician and is married to Sarah.
Luke (’08) and Erin (Kelly) (’09) Lacey are Word of Life missionaries going to serve the Lord in South Africa. They encourage alumni to tell others about the Bible Institute.
Brian Berger (’08, ’09) is a youth pastor. He’s excited that three girls from the youth group were saved at Snow Camp this year.
Christie (Whitney) Davis (’08, ’09) graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a bachelors and is working fulltime on campus. Her husband, Michael, is the youth pastor at their local church.
Paige (Emond) Johnston (’08, ’09) is an event coordinator with Silver Fox Steakhouse and works closely with her husband, Tyler, who is a pastor with lifechurch.tv. She graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Kelsey (Holmes) Porter (’08, ’09) has almost completed her bachelors in business and is teaching high school Sunday School with her husband, Josiah.
David Rineer (’08, ’09) is doing an internship as a pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, and is a fulltime student at Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary in Lansdale.
Rachel (Boddie) Salinas (’08, ‘09) is traveling with her husband, Joshua (’08, ’10), as he does masonry/restoration for national parks and historical buildings. She works as a nanny and is involved in choir and senior youth group. She also teaches a 4-to-6-year-old Sunday School class.
William Travis McNeely (’08, ’10) is an intern at Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. He works as a waiter at a Mexican restaurant and is a student at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He would like to remind alumni that God is faithful, and Texas is the best state in the union.
Emily Arnett (’09) works as a nanny and in the photography business. She is a Sunday School teacher and a youth group leader, and she runs a Bible study for college-age girls.
Elizabeth Cox (’09, Brazil) is a junior allied health major at Cedarville University and plans to go to graduate school to study physical therapy. She is on the school soccer team.
Kurt Goglin (’09) and his wife, Amanda, along with their two sons, Elijah (8) and Ezekiel (4), were recently appointed missionaries with the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism to Lima, Peru, where they will minister through Biblical counseling, theological education, and church planting. They live in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, where they teach in the youth group, lead Bible study, and do biblical counseling.
Travis Smith (’09) is involved with the young people at his church and enjoys cycling. He spent three months volunteering at the Bible Institute’s Jeju campus.
Daniel (’10) and Sonia (Johnston) Bacon (’09) are moving to North Ireland and are expecting their first child. Sonia recently qualified as a phlebotomist but is not yet working.
Jay Sanders (’09, ’10) is the church and school relations coordinator for the Bible Institute’s Florida campus. He also works at summer camp in Florida. He would like to remind alumni that Jesus+Nothing=Everything.
Kyle Bush (’09, ’10) is a youth pastor at Faith Baptist Church. He is married to the “best woman” ever, Stefanie Paun (’09, ’10).
Nicholas Charlton (’09, ’10) is married to Rachel (Macey) Charlton (’09, ’10). Nicholas is an admissions representative for Baptist Bible Seminary. He teaches an adult Sunday School class at a small church plant in the area and preaches on occasion. He is interested in ministering in marriage and family counseling in the future. Rachel is a stay-at-home mom to their daughter, Marianne (7 months), and she loves it! She works in the nursery at the church.
Adam Davenport (’09, ’10) is in the Word of Life Intern Discipleship Program. He reminds alumni to have fun, make memories, and preach the Gospel.
Kevin O’Boyle (’09, Owen Sound; ’10, New York) is serving as the assistant dean of men at the Bible Institute’s Owen Sound campus. He would like to remind alumni to be excellent to each other. He recently joined the Bible Institute’s Alumni Council.
Daniel Bacon (’09, ’10) is moving with his wife, Sonya, to Northern Ireland.
Adam (’10) and Mana (Koyano) (’09) Yoder just welcomed Sho to their family. Adam is also a sales manager.
Michael Kilbride (’09, ’11) is a Local Church Ministries missionary with Word of Life in central Virginia.
Collis Bryant (’09, ’11) is doing as much acting as possible while studying theater at Baptist Bible College. He says his best year was 2009-2010, when he was on the Impact Team ministering, building relationships, and working in a variety of settings. He would like to remind alumni that “God’s got this.”
9.06.2013
Alumni News: 1990s.
We've received tons of responses from alumni who want to let us know what they're up to, so we're going to roll out some info on this blog as well as in the Victory Journal. Let us know what you're doing at alumni@wol.org.
Susan Kirby (’89, ’90) is a secretary at Lancaster Bible College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and is involved in church ministry.
Randall Scott (’89, ’90) and Donna (Goda) (’89) McKnight have three children: Lydia Goda (21), Chelsey McKnight (20), and Brandon McKnight (11). Randall is serving at Plainfield Bible Church and works at MSD Decatur Schools as the head custodian. Donna is a café manager at the school, teaches Sunday School, and works with the Word of Life Olympian program.
Patti (Norton) Christian (’90, ’91) is a full-time mom to Cole (11), Brett (9), Kaeli (7), and Luke (4).
Woodbury Davis III (‘90, ’92) works with young people at his church.
Jeffrey Dowling (’90, ‘92) is an amusement park mechanic in Ocean City, New Jersey, and is involved in children’s ministry in his church.
Lorri L. (Aguiar) Astillero (’91) has been a fulltime missionary in the Philippines since 2001.
Bruce Graham (’91) is married and lives in Epsom, New Hampshire. He is a craftsman in wood, leather, and stone and a weaving instructor at Jesse Remington High School, a small Christian high school in Candia, New Hampshire.
Albert (’91) and Marisa (Mosely) ('83) Irizarry have two children, Eric and Megan. Albert works in radiation protection at a nuclear power plant, and Marisa is a homemaker.
Helder Seabra (’91) is a software developer at Online Computer Library Center and enjoys basketball and golf. He and his wife, Kara, have four children: Kayla (14), Isaac (11), Ty (10), and Luke (3).
Laurie (Shoemaker) Tilson (’91, ’92) and her husband, Bill, have three children: Paul (13), Leah (12), and Hannah (10). Laurie, a homeschool mom, attends Southside Fellowship Abiding in Christ Church and supports those who have Lyme disease with information and the love of Christ.
Jerry Ledwell (’92) is self-employed and living in Welcome, North Carolina.
David (’92, ’93) and Julie (McCullough) Burch (’93) work for JandJ Carpet and Floor Covering and have two children, Ethan (11), and Kayla (7).
Steve (’93) and Tracy (Miklos) (’93) Cole have four children: Caleb (17), Elizabeth (16), Ben (14), and Kate (9). Steve works for Alex Lee Inc., and Tracy works at a pregnancy care center.
Jonathan Steel (’93) is a corrections officer, is involved in youth ministry, and has three children.
Bill and Joan (Mardis) Kline (’93) have three children: Keith, Colette, and William. Bill is the coordinator for Seasoned Saints Information Center at church, and Joan counseled at a detention center for six years.
Daniel (’93) and Sherri (Longnecker) (’94) Lethers are pre-field missionaries to Togo, West Africa, with the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism. They plan to work with Hope Radio, which broadcasts into four countries and reaches people in their homes in a way that few mediums can.
Robert Makin (’94) is a traffic and shipment coordinator at the warehouse for Ocean State Job Lot. He is a deacon and an AWANA director for the third- to sixth-grade boys.
Scott (’94) and Christy (Koonts) (’94) Benson met at Word of Life and have two children: Emma (12) and Maelynn (10). Christy works as a bookkeeper from home.
Brian (’94, ’95) and Lynn (Underhile) (’95) Baker serve with Word of Life Local Church Ministries and have three children: Courtney (11), Allison (7), and Corbin (7).
Krista (Abney) McGee (’94, ’95) is writing, serving in women’s and music ministries at church, and teaching English and musical theater at a Christian school. She is married to Dave McGee (’93, ’95).
Dawn (Wayson) Martin (’95) just married Phil Martin (’98, ’99) and works at the Word of Life Inn & Family Lodge.
Noelle (Gernert) McCusker (’95) and her husband, Michael, have four children: Melody (13), Abigail (11), Ian (9), and Maeghan (7). She is a stay-at-home mom who is homeschooling their children. She enjoys inductive Bible studies and is involved in the church choir.
Tom Atema, Jr. (’95) works at Atema Partners, which provides audio visual support for corporate meetings all around the world. He and his wife, Angie, have two children: John Thomas (7) and Lily (2). He often finds himself quoting someone or something that he learned at the Bible Institute and finds it amazing how God can bring something to mind that he heard or read just when he needs it most.
Peter McCusker (’96) works for Liberty Channel, the television station for Liberty University.
Peter (’96) and Bette Verkaik (’96) are Word of Life missionaries in Nigeria.
Scott B. Leger (’96) is a finish carpenter and father of four.
Joel (’97) and Jamie (Spearman) (’97) Banister met at the Bible Institute and have four children: Maggie (8), Mary Jane (6), William (3), and Nathan (almost 1 year). Joel is an auditor, and Jamie is a stay-at-home mom.
Brent Manuel (’97) works in software training. He enjoys computer programming, traveling, golf, basketball, and softball.
Joshua Snyder (’97) is an elder, a praise team leader, a keyboard player, and a youth leader at his local church. He is also a city carrier for the United States Postal Service. He enjoys camping and fishing. This winter was his first time back on campus in 15 years. He says it is still a great place, centered on God’s Word, with the exciting atmosphere he remembers.
Melanie McGibbon (’97, ’98) works at Walmart and is a Word of Life missionary to Argentina.
Adam (’98) Bottiglia is working on a doctorate in philosophy, and Christina (Ramey) (’00) Bottiglia is a dean’s assistant at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
Michael Lechleitner (’98) works for Lifeway Christian Stores as a store manager. He graduated from Liberty University in 2011. He and his wife, Holly, have four children: Adam (12), Nathan (11), Abigail (9) and Alyssa (7).
Tyler Woznek (’98) is the lead pastor at Life Fellowship Chapel in Davison, Michigan.
Andy Anderson (’98) is an area missionary with Word of Life.
Micah Durling (’98, ’99) is teaching Adult Bible Fellowship at his local church. He and his wife, Rebecca, (Miller) have four children: Noah (7), Josiah (4), Chloe (3), and Arie (almost 1 year). They attend conferences at Word of Life Family Campground.
Beth Gallant (’99) works at Sunshine Corners Day Care as the prekindergarten teacher. She codirects the 2- and 3-year-olds at Calvary Monument Bible Church.
Jordan (’99, ’00) and Bonnie (Colwell) (’99, ‘00) Wertz are with Word of Life Local Church Ministries in central Michigan. They have three children: Abigail (9), Emma (7), and Isabella (5).
Andrew (’99, ’00) and Tabitha (Anderson) (’02) Mater serve at the Bible Institute’s Florida campus, where Andrew is the dean of men and Tabitha is enjoying being a wife to Andrew and a mommy to their children, Novalie (6), and Eden (4).
Amber (Vidal) Baker (’00) is married to Shawn Baker (’98, ’99) and is a stay-at-home mom to her three children: Savannah, Austin, and Sebastian.
Susan Kirby (’89, ’90) is a secretary at Lancaster Bible College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and is involved in church ministry.
Randall Scott (’89, ’90) and Donna (Goda) (’89) McKnight have three children: Lydia Goda (21), Chelsey McKnight (20), and Brandon McKnight (11). Randall is serving at Plainfield Bible Church and works at MSD Decatur Schools as the head custodian. Donna is a café manager at the school, teaches Sunday School, and works with the Word of Life Olympian program.
Patti (Norton) Christian (’90, ’91) is a full-time mom to Cole (11), Brett (9), Kaeli (7), and Luke (4).
Woodbury Davis III (‘90, ’92) works with young people at his church.
Jeffrey Dowling (’90, ‘92) is an amusement park mechanic in Ocean City, New Jersey, and is involved in children’s ministry in his church.
Lorri L. (Aguiar) Astillero (’91) has been a fulltime missionary in the Philippines since 2001.
Bruce Graham (’91) is married and lives in Epsom, New Hampshire. He is a craftsman in wood, leather, and stone and a weaving instructor at Jesse Remington High School, a small Christian high school in Candia, New Hampshire.
Albert (’91) and Marisa (Mosely) ('83) Irizarry have two children, Eric and Megan. Albert works in radiation protection at a nuclear power plant, and Marisa is a homemaker.
Helder Seabra (’91) is a software developer at Online Computer Library Center and enjoys basketball and golf. He and his wife, Kara, have four children: Kayla (14), Isaac (11), Ty (10), and Luke (3).
Laurie (Shoemaker) Tilson (’91, ’92) and her husband, Bill, have three children: Paul (13), Leah (12), and Hannah (10). Laurie, a homeschool mom, attends Southside Fellowship Abiding in Christ Church and supports those who have Lyme disease with information and the love of Christ.
Jerry Ledwell (’92) is self-employed and living in Welcome, North Carolina.
David (’92, ’93) and Julie (McCullough) Burch (’93) work for JandJ Carpet and Floor Covering and have two children, Ethan (11), and Kayla (7).
Steve (’93) and Tracy (Miklos) (’93) Cole have four children: Caleb (17), Elizabeth (16), Ben (14), and Kate (9). Steve works for Alex Lee Inc., and Tracy works at a pregnancy care center.
Jonathan Steel (’93) is a corrections officer, is involved in youth ministry, and has three children.
Bill and Joan (Mardis) Kline (’93) have three children: Keith, Colette, and William. Bill is the coordinator for Seasoned Saints Information Center at church, and Joan counseled at a detention center for six years.
Daniel (’93) and Sherri (Longnecker) (’94) Lethers are pre-field missionaries to Togo, West Africa, with the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism. They plan to work with Hope Radio, which broadcasts into four countries and reaches people in their homes in a way that few mediums can.
Robert Makin (’94) is a traffic and shipment coordinator at the warehouse for Ocean State Job Lot. He is a deacon and an AWANA director for the third- to sixth-grade boys.
Scott (’94) and Christy (Koonts) (’94) Benson met at Word of Life and have two children: Emma (12) and Maelynn (10). Christy works as a bookkeeper from home.
Brian (’94, ’95) and Lynn (Underhile) (’95) Baker serve with Word of Life Local Church Ministries and have three children: Courtney (11), Allison (7), and Corbin (7).
Krista (Abney) McGee (’94, ’95) is writing, serving in women’s and music ministries at church, and teaching English and musical theater at a Christian school. She is married to Dave McGee (’93, ’95).
Dawn (Wayson) Martin (’95) just married Phil Martin (’98, ’99) and works at the Word of Life Inn & Family Lodge.
Noelle (Gernert) McCusker (’95) and her husband, Michael, have four children: Melody (13), Abigail (11), Ian (9), and Maeghan (7). She is a stay-at-home mom who is homeschooling their children. She enjoys inductive Bible studies and is involved in the church choir.
Tom Atema, Jr. (’95) works at Atema Partners, which provides audio visual support for corporate meetings all around the world. He and his wife, Angie, have two children: John Thomas (7) and Lily (2). He often finds himself quoting someone or something that he learned at the Bible Institute and finds it amazing how God can bring something to mind that he heard or read just when he needs it most.
Peter McCusker (’96) works for Liberty Channel, the television station for Liberty University.
Peter (’96) and Bette Verkaik (’96) are Word of Life missionaries in Nigeria.
Scott B. Leger (’96) is a finish carpenter and father of four.
Joel (’97) and Jamie (Spearman) (’97) Banister met at the Bible Institute and have four children: Maggie (8), Mary Jane (6), William (3), and Nathan (almost 1 year). Joel is an auditor, and Jamie is a stay-at-home mom.
Brent Manuel (’97) works in software training. He enjoys computer programming, traveling, golf, basketball, and softball.
Joshua Snyder (’97) is an elder, a praise team leader, a keyboard player, and a youth leader at his local church. He is also a city carrier for the United States Postal Service. He enjoys camping and fishing. This winter was his first time back on campus in 15 years. He says it is still a great place, centered on God’s Word, with the exciting atmosphere he remembers.
Melanie McGibbon (’97, ’98) works at Walmart and is a Word of Life missionary to Argentina.
Adam (’98) Bottiglia is working on a doctorate in philosophy, and Christina (Ramey) (’00) Bottiglia is a dean’s assistant at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
Michael Lechleitner (’98) works for Lifeway Christian Stores as a store manager. He graduated from Liberty University in 2011. He and his wife, Holly, have four children: Adam (12), Nathan (11), Abigail (9) and Alyssa (7).
Tyler Woznek (’98) is the lead pastor at Life Fellowship Chapel in Davison, Michigan.
Andy Anderson (’98) is an area missionary with Word of Life.
Micah Durling (’98, ’99) is teaching Adult Bible Fellowship at his local church. He and his wife, Rebecca, (Miller) have four children: Noah (7), Josiah (4), Chloe (3), and Arie (almost 1 year). They attend conferences at Word of Life Family Campground.
Beth Gallant (’99) works at Sunshine Corners Day Care as the prekindergarten teacher. She codirects the 2- and 3-year-olds at Calvary Monument Bible Church.
Jordan (’99, ’00) and Bonnie (Colwell) (’99, ‘00) Wertz are with Word of Life Local Church Ministries in central Michigan. They have three children: Abigail (9), Emma (7), and Isabella (5).
Andrew (’99, ’00) and Tabitha (Anderson) (’02) Mater serve at the Bible Institute’s Florida campus, where Andrew is the dean of men and Tabitha is enjoying being a wife to Andrew and a mommy to their children, Novalie (6), and Eden (4).
Amber (Vidal) Baker (’00) is married to Shawn Baker (’98, ’99) and is a stay-at-home mom to her three children: Savannah, Austin, and Sebastian.
9.03.2013
Alumni News: 1980s.
We've received tons of responses from alumni who want to let us know what they're up to, so we're going to roll out some info on this blog as well as in the Victory Journal. Let us know what you're doing at alumni@wol.org.
Diane (Boyer) Dorman (’80) and her husband, David (’78, ’80), have three children: Katie, Laura, and Andrew. Diane works in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and for United Road Services and Insagenix. She volunteers in her community.
Tammy Brown (’80) is a professor at Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania. She has four children: Sarah (28), Heather (24), Erin (21), and Elysabethe (21).
Melody (Urban) Harper (’80) is a registered nurse. She and her husband, Ronald, have five children: Joshua (25), Rebekah (23), Zachariah (22), Josiah (20), and Melody Joy (18).
Paul and Kim (Eshelman) Barreca (’80) live in Vineland, New Jersey, where Paul has been the teaching pastor at Faith Bible Church for the past 11 years. They have three married children and four grandchildren. They are thankful for the opportunities God has given them to frequently go to Word of Life Philippines, where Paul is blessed to teach at the Bible Institute.
Jackie (Laub) Osborn (’80) has seven children: Joy (30), Kristi (27), Dana (25), Ben (19) Joel (18), David (15), and Julia (11). Joy went to the Bible Institute in 2002, and Kristi in 2006 and 2007.
Deb (Grube) Garner (’81) is involved at her church with the women’s committee. She and her husband, Keith, are involved in the young adult Sunday School class. She enjoys Bible study and being available for friends.
Tracey (Kaufman) Patterson (’81) is a sports fanatic raising three children with her husband, Tim: Casey (24), Trenton (22), and Caitlyn (19). She graduated from Liberty University in 1989, where she met Tim, who played football there from 1986-1988. They lived in Indiana for 20 years before moving back to Lynchburg in 2009.
Keith Taylor (’81) works as a youth director in his church. He and his wife, Carol, have four children: Tricia (24), Luke (22), Jessica (21), and Kimberly (19).
Mark (’82) and Janell (Murray) (’81, 82) Frazier met at the Bible Institute. Mark is an engineering draftsman, and Janell is an accountant.
Dwight (’82) and Ruby (Murphy) (’82) Stone have two children: Aimee (26) and Amanda Everett (23). Dwight is a youth worker at Heritage Baptist Church and is a self-employed home improvement contractor. Ruby is a teacher’s assistant for special needs students at a local elementary school and is involved in children’s ministry at her local church.
David (’82, ’84) and Becky (Wood) (’82) Wing have two children: Courtney (Wing) Wing (27) and Hanna (21). David is working as a glass manufacturer. Becky works part time for a local chiropractor and has also spent time in a county group home as a house parent, serving at-risk kids. David and Becky love spending time with their grandson.
Naomi (Janho) Etchison (’83) is an international student coordinator at Aurora Christian School. She and her husband, Scott, have four children: Ruth (19), Kelly, (17), Mary (16), and Noah (13).
Jonathan Price ('83) and his wife, Diane, have four children: Natalie (24), Amy (22), Jack (20), and Molly (17).
Chris and Roxanne (Tibbetts) Young (‘83) have three children: Lindsey (26), Bethany (26), and Aaron (22). Chris is involved in youth ministry and enjoys the outdoors and hunting. Roxanne is involved with the eighth-grade girls at church and works with the elderly. Together they counsel young couples getting married (Marriage Savers).
Glenn Parke (’83, 84) is an audio technician.
Ron Glessner (’84, ’85) is an executive for Zook Molasses/Good Food Inc./L and S Sweeteners. At his home church, he is involved in teaching young people and adults and is part of church leadership. His interests are his family, leadership, motorcycling, and the outdoors. He and his wife, Lisa, have four children: Taylor (17), Ben (15), Kaylee (11), and Josh (9).
Phil Moser (’86) is serving at Fellowship Bible Church. He is married to Kym, and they have four children: Ashlyn (20), Adam (16), Anna (14), and Asa (7).
Deron (’86) and Beth (Burke) (’88) Peterson have three children: Samuel (15), Isaiah (9), and Anastasia (5).
Karen Taylor (’86) has worked in food services for the Pennsylvania Turnpike for 25 years. She likes to travel and does volunteer work at her home church.
Karen (Norton) Warren (’86, ’87) and her husband, Nick, have two children: Kyra (13) and Troy (6).
Anne (Halbert) Wieder (’87) has a large private piano studio where she teaches children piano lessons. She is involved with worship ministry, ladies ministry, and teaching ladies Bible study each week.
Thomas (’87) and Shannon (Snell) (’87) Carroll have two children: Daniel (16) and Jessica (12). Shannon is homeschooling their children and is an AWANA leader.
Mary (Price) Homoelle (’87) and her husband, David, have five children: Mary Jo (19), George (17), Sam (15), Benjy (12), and Davis (10).
Abby (Winkler) Rettstatt (’87) and her husband, Doug, have six children: Luke (18), Shirley (16), Mark (13), David (11), Tommy (10), and Annie (6). Abby homeschools and teaches first through fourth grade Sunday School at her church.
Laura (Snyder) Parke (’88) is working as a secretary and with the children’s ministry at her church. She and her husband, Gary (’84, ’88), have three children: Emily (15), Eric (15), and Kaylee (10).
Kelly Lanette Easton (’88) is involved in her local church, singing in the choir and helping with the Word of Life Gopher Buddies program. She has two children, Andrew (18) and Keagan (4), whom she leads and teaches with the Word of God.
Burt Powell (’88) is involved in jail ministry.
Linda (Norton) Kennedy (’88, ’89) is a motor vehicle clerk in Hamilton County. She enjoys going to Camp of the Woods in Speculator, New York. She has two children: Chelsea and Shane.
Troy (’88, ’89) and Stephanie (Moyer) (’88, ’89) Good have five children. Troy owns and operates Troy Good Contracting LLC in Boyertown, Pennsylvania. He enjoys hunting and any activities with his family. He encourages alumni to take full advantage of opportunities and not to get sidetracked by a rule or two they don’t like.
Gerry Horton (’89) and his wife, Kimberly, have three children: Andrew (17), Ethan (15), and Emily (12). He works as a children’s pastor at First Baptist Church in Keystone Heights, Florida.
Susan Kirby (’89, ’90) is a secretary at Lancaster Bible College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and is involved in church ministry.
Randall Scott (’89, ’90) and Donna (Goda) (’89) McKnight have three children: Lydia Goda (21), Chelsey McKnight (20), and Brandon McKnight (11). Randall is serving at Plainfield Bible Church and works at MSD Decatur Schools as the head custodian. Donna is a café manager at the school, teaches Sunday School, and works with the Word of Life Olympian program.
Diane (Boyer) Dorman (’80) and her husband, David (’78, ’80), have three children: Katie, Laura, and Andrew. Diane works in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and for United Road Services and Insagenix. She volunteers in her community.
Tammy Brown (’80) is a professor at Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania. She has four children: Sarah (28), Heather (24), Erin (21), and Elysabethe (21).
Melody (Urban) Harper (’80) is a registered nurse. She and her husband, Ronald, have five children: Joshua (25), Rebekah (23), Zachariah (22), Josiah (20), and Melody Joy (18).
Paul and Kim (Eshelman) Barreca (’80) live in Vineland, New Jersey, where Paul has been the teaching pastor at Faith Bible Church for the past 11 years. They have three married children and four grandchildren. They are thankful for the opportunities God has given them to frequently go to Word of Life Philippines, where Paul is blessed to teach at the Bible Institute.
Jackie (Laub) Osborn (’80) has seven children: Joy (30), Kristi (27), Dana (25), Ben (19) Joel (18), David (15), and Julia (11). Joy went to the Bible Institute in 2002, and Kristi in 2006 and 2007.
Deb (Grube) Garner (’81) is involved at her church with the women’s committee. She and her husband, Keith, are involved in the young adult Sunday School class. She enjoys Bible study and being available for friends.
Tracey (Kaufman) Patterson (’81) is a sports fanatic raising three children with her husband, Tim: Casey (24), Trenton (22), and Caitlyn (19). She graduated from Liberty University in 1989, where she met Tim, who played football there from 1986-1988. They lived in Indiana for 20 years before moving back to Lynchburg in 2009.
Keith Taylor (’81) works as a youth director in his church. He and his wife, Carol, have four children: Tricia (24), Luke (22), Jessica (21), and Kimberly (19).
Mark (’82) and Janell (Murray) (’81, 82) Frazier met at the Bible Institute. Mark is an engineering draftsman, and Janell is an accountant.
Dwight (’82) and Ruby (Murphy) (’82) Stone have two children: Aimee (26) and Amanda Everett (23). Dwight is a youth worker at Heritage Baptist Church and is a self-employed home improvement contractor. Ruby is a teacher’s assistant for special needs students at a local elementary school and is involved in children’s ministry at her local church.
David (’82, ’84) and Becky (Wood) (’82) Wing have two children: Courtney (Wing) Wing (27) and Hanna (21). David is working as a glass manufacturer. Becky works part time for a local chiropractor and has also spent time in a county group home as a house parent, serving at-risk kids. David and Becky love spending time with their grandson.
Naomi (Janho) Etchison (’83) is an international student coordinator at Aurora Christian School. She and her husband, Scott, have four children: Ruth (19), Kelly, (17), Mary (16), and Noah (13).
Jonathan Price ('83) and his wife, Diane, have four children: Natalie (24), Amy (22), Jack (20), and Molly (17).
Chris and Roxanne (Tibbetts) Young (‘83) have three children: Lindsey (26), Bethany (26), and Aaron (22). Chris is involved in youth ministry and enjoys the outdoors and hunting. Roxanne is involved with the eighth-grade girls at church and works with the elderly. Together they counsel young couples getting married (Marriage Savers).
Glenn Parke (’83, 84) is an audio technician.
Ron Glessner (’84, ’85) is an executive for Zook Molasses/Good Food Inc./L and S Sweeteners. At his home church, he is involved in teaching young people and adults and is part of church leadership. His interests are his family, leadership, motorcycling, and the outdoors. He and his wife, Lisa, have four children: Taylor (17), Ben (15), Kaylee (11), and Josh (9).
Phil Moser (’86) is serving at Fellowship Bible Church. He is married to Kym, and they have four children: Ashlyn (20), Adam (16), Anna (14), and Asa (7).
Deron (’86) and Beth (Burke) (’88) Peterson have three children: Samuel (15), Isaiah (9), and Anastasia (5).
Karen Taylor (’86) has worked in food services for the Pennsylvania Turnpike for 25 years. She likes to travel and does volunteer work at her home church.
Karen (Norton) Warren (’86, ’87) and her husband, Nick, have two children: Kyra (13) and Troy (6).
Anne (Halbert) Wieder (’87) has a large private piano studio where she teaches children piano lessons. She is involved with worship ministry, ladies ministry, and teaching ladies Bible study each week.
Thomas (’87) and Shannon (Snell) (’87) Carroll have two children: Daniel (16) and Jessica (12). Shannon is homeschooling their children and is an AWANA leader.
Mary (Price) Homoelle (’87) and her husband, David, have five children: Mary Jo (19), George (17), Sam (15), Benjy (12), and Davis (10).
Abby (Winkler) Rettstatt (’87) and her husband, Doug, have six children: Luke (18), Shirley (16), Mark (13), David (11), Tommy (10), and Annie (6). Abby homeschools and teaches first through fourth grade Sunday School at her church.
Laura (Snyder) Parke (’88) is working as a secretary and with the children’s ministry at her church. She and her husband, Gary (’84, ’88), have three children: Emily (15), Eric (15), and Kaylee (10).
Kelly Lanette Easton (’88) is involved in her local church, singing in the choir and helping with the Word of Life Gopher Buddies program. She has two children, Andrew (18) and Keagan (4), whom she leads and teaches with the Word of God.
Burt Powell (’88) is involved in jail ministry.
Linda (Norton) Kennedy (’88, ’89) is a motor vehicle clerk in Hamilton County. She enjoys going to Camp of the Woods in Speculator, New York. She has two children: Chelsea and Shane.
Troy (’88, ’89) and Stephanie (Moyer) (’88, ’89) Good have five children. Troy owns and operates Troy Good Contracting LLC in Boyertown, Pennsylvania. He enjoys hunting and any activities with his family. He encourages alumni to take full advantage of opportunities and not to get sidetracked by a rule or two they don’t like.
Gerry Horton (’89) and his wife, Kimberly, have three children: Andrew (17), Ethan (15), and Emily (12). He works as a children’s pastor at First Baptist Church in Keystone Heights, Florida.
Susan Kirby (’89, ’90) is a secretary at Lancaster Bible College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and is involved in church ministry.
Randall Scott (’89, ’90) and Donna (Goda) (’89) McKnight have three children: Lydia Goda (21), Chelsey McKnight (20), and Brandon McKnight (11). Randall is serving at Plainfield Bible Church and works at MSD Decatur Schools as the head custodian. Donna is a café manager at the school, teaches Sunday School, and works with the Word of Life Olympian program.
8.30.2013
Alumni News: 1970s.
We've received tons of responses from alumni who want to let us know what they're up to, so we're going to roll out some info on this blog as well as in the Victory Journal. Let us know what you're doing at alumni@wol.org.
Michael Jessee (’71) and his wife, Carrie, have three children: Rachel, Matthew, and Robin. He loves golf, ministers through financial counseling, and is self-employed.
Ann (Mound) Wood (’72) has been a Hudson Falls (New York) school bus attendant for 13 years. She makes wordless books, wordless bracelets, cross stitch bookmarks, and wordless cross pins for missionaries. She is involved with Gideon’s International.
Ginny Newton (’73) is working in the academics department at the Bible Institute’s Florida campus. She is excited to meet alumni when they come through.
Carla Gray (’74) is the assistant dean of women at the Bible Institute’s New York campus. She is thankful the Bible Institute taught her to schedule her Quiet Time each day, which has changed her life.
Hal J. Russell (’74) is a pastor at Fellowship Bible Church in Sewell, New Jersey. He and his wife, Cindy, have one daughter, Shawna (27).
Marshall Wicks (’74) is a resident professor at the Bible Institute’s Florida campus. He encourages alumni to send students.
Rick (’74) and Linda (Bollback) Warken (’75) have served with Word of Life for 37 years. Their recent interests involve grandchildren and family!
Nathan Myers (’75) is retired and working in the sound room at church. He is married to Joyce.
Dave Rich (’75) is a part-time staff member with Missions International, a missions agency that focuses on Eastern Europe and Central Asia. He partners with a church in Nadvira, Ukraine, and helps with summer camp, remodeling the church, and assisting in evangelism with their church plant. He is also an investor and an adult Sunday School teacher at his local church. He and his wife, Cheryl, have two children: Jennifer Clark (28) and Jonathan Rich (25).
David King (’76) works at Walmart. He and his wife, Cyndi, have three children: Elizabeth (24), Stephen (22), and Phillip (20).
Joanne (Chamberlain) Carver (’76) and her husband, David, have three children: David, Daniel, and Debra. Joanne, a retired school nurse teacher, has been a hospice volunteer for 10 years, sings in a community chorus, and teaches ladies Bible study at Grace Bible Fellowship.
Caroline (Sims) Jones (’76) is married to David, and she just finished 17 years of homeschooling their four daughters. Their third daughter, Olivia, graduated from the Bible Institute in 2012. Daughter No. 4, Caroline, will attend the Bible Institute this fall. David is a Navy psychologist and became the executive officer of the James Lovell Federal Health Care Center in Chicago this summer.
Dana Towle (‘78) is a youth pastor at Midway Bible Church.
Sharon (Ulrich) Avila (’78) is working part time in food services at a retirement community and is active in her local church. She and her husband, Jorge, have one child, Daniel (21).
Christian Kendig (’78) graduated from Capital Bible Seminary in 1996 with a masters of divinity. He is now retired after working 25 years at a retirement community. He is a chaplain for Campsite Evangelism and is a Lancaster County Aquarium Club member.
Glenda Martin (’78) is a wife, mom, grandmother, and registered nurse. She is involved in women’s ministry. She and her husband, Wayne, have two grown daughters: Stephanie Orlowski and Kristin Buird.
Tamera (Champlin) Buffington (’79) works in accounts receivable at the Step Lively Foot and Ankle Center. She and her husband, Scott, have two children: Levi (14) and Jesse (10).
Linda (Miller) Davenport (’79) and her husband, David, a pastor, have three children: Amber (28), Craig (27), and Ryan (25). She teaches children’s church and serves with AWANA. The Lord laid on her heart to organize outreach at the fair, where they have seen many come to Christ.
Mark Trostle (’79) is a missionary with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Papua New Guinea. He and his wife, Estella, have two children: Tim (16) and Micah (13).
Dennis Ulrich (’79) and his wife, Joyce, have three children: Brian (25), Lynne (24), and Emily (21).
Linda (Ramsey) Wollbrink (’79) and her husband, Larry, have two children: Joseph (20) and Chris (18). She is an instructor at Centra College of Nursing.
Diane (Boyer) Dorman (’80) and her husband, David (’78, ’80), have three children: Katie, Laura, and Andrew. Diane works in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and for United Road Services and Insagenix. She volunteers in her community.
Michael Jessee (’71) and his wife, Carrie, have three children: Rachel, Matthew, and Robin. He loves golf, ministers through financial counseling, and is self-employed.
Ann (Mound) Wood (’72) has been a Hudson Falls (New York) school bus attendant for 13 years. She makes wordless books, wordless bracelets, cross stitch bookmarks, and wordless cross pins for missionaries. She is involved with Gideon’s International.
Ginny Newton (’73) is working in the academics department at the Bible Institute’s Florida campus. She is excited to meet alumni when they come through.
Carla Gray (’74) is the assistant dean of women at the Bible Institute’s New York campus. She is thankful the Bible Institute taught her to schedule her Quiet Time each day, which has changed her life.
Hal J. Russell (’74) is a pastor at Fellowship Bible Church in Sewell, New Jersey. He and his wife, Cindy, have one daughter, Shawna (27).
Marshall Wicks (’74) is a resident professor at the Bible Institute’s Florida campus. He encourages alumni to send students.
Rick (’74) and Linda (Bollback) Warken (’75) have served with Word of Life for 37 years. Their recent interests involve grandchildren and family!
Nathan Myers (’75) is retired and working in the sound room at church. He is married to Joyce.
Dave Rich (’75) is a part-time staff member with Missions International, a missions agency that focuses on Eastern Europe and Central Asia. He partners with a church in Nadvira, Ukraine, and helps with summer camp, remodeling the church, and assisting in evangelism with their church plant. He is also an investor and an adult Sunday School teacher at his local church. He and his wife, Cheryl, have two children: Jennifer Clark (28) and Jonathan Rich (25).
David King (’76) works at Walmart. He and his wife, Cyndi, have three children: Elizabeth (24), Stephen (22), and Phillip (20).
Joanne (Chamberlain) Carver (’76) and her husband, David, have three children: David, Daniel, and Debra. Joanne, a retired school nurse teacher, has been a hospice volunteer for 10 years, sings in a community chorus, and teaches ladies Bible study at Grace Bible Fellowship.
Caroline (Sims) Jones (’76) is married to David, and she just finished 17 years of homeschooling their four daughters. Their third daughter, Olivia, graduated from the Bible Institute in 2012. Daughter No. 4, Caroline, will attend the Bible Institute this fall. David is a Navy psychologist and became the executive officer of the James Lovell Federal Health Care Center in Chicago this summer.
Dana Towle (‘78) is a youth pastor at Midway Bible Church.
Sharon (Ulrich) Avila (’78) is working part time in food services at a retirement community and is active in her local church. She and her husband, Jorge, have one child, Daniel (21).
Christian Kendig (’78) graduated from Capital Bible Seminary in 1996 with a masters of divinity. He is now retired after working 25 years at a retirement community. He is a chaplain for Campsite Evangelism and is a Lancaster County Aquarium Club member.
Glenda Martin (’78) is a wife, mom, grandmother, and registered nurse. She is involved in women’s ministry. She and her husband, Wayne, have two grown daughters: Stephanie Orlowski and Kristin Buird.
Tamera (Champlin) Buffington (’79) works in accounts receivable at the Step Lively Foot and Ankle Center. She and her husband, Scott, have two children: Levi (14) and Jesse (10).
Linda (Miller) Davenport (’79) and her husband, David, a pastor, have three children: Amber (28), Craig (27), and Ryan (25). She teaches children’s church and serves with AWANA. The Lord laid on her heart to organize outreach at the fair, where they have seen many come to Christ.
Mark Trostle (’79) is a missionary with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Papua New Guinea. He and his wife, Estella, have two children: Tim (16) and Micah (13).
Dennis Ulrich (’79) and his wife, Joyce, have three children: Brian (25), Lynne (24), and Emily (21).
Linda (Ramsey) Wollbrink (’79) and her husband, Larry, have two children: Joseph (20) and Chris (18). She is an instructor at Centra College of Nursing.
Diane (Boyer) Dorman (’80) and her husband, David (’78, ’80), have three children: Katie, Laura, and Andrew. Diane works in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and for United Road Services and Insagenix. She volunteers in her community.
8.14.2013
Tours: Harry Bollback remembers the beginning.
Word of Life has been involved in a variety of musical groups and dramatic productions over the years, including Tours around the country and Gospel Productions, based at the Florida campus. This year the ministry is moving away from hosting productions solely at the Florida location, and Bible Institute students will instead be touring several cities with a production called Magi.
Don Lough, Jr. and Harry Bollback sat down with Mike Calhoun, executive assistant to the president, to talk about this new time for Word of Life.
Mike: When did the tour idea originally come to you?
Harry: In 1975, Jack Wyrtzen asked me to take a group of Collegians out. He took one group, and I took the other. We called it The Living Christmas Tree. Basically, the students stood on risers and held a string of lights that one of the guys would plug in every once in a while. When I got back, Jack said, “What do you think?” I said, “Jack, it was terrible. Honestly, it doesn’t look like Word of Life — no class.” That’s when Jack said to me, “Why don’t you do something about it?” I said, “I’ve never done anything like this.”
Mike: That’s when Let Freedom Ring was born, right?
Harry: Yes. I had the advantage in that 1976 was a big year, and the story of Let Freedom Ring was a very patriotic story. Jack traveled with me and did a 10-minute Gospel message at the end. We started out on spring break in 1976. The response was overwhelming. We had taken a giant step of faith. We were in every giant theater you could think of and filled them. We had more than 90,000 people come to see it. There were hundreds of decisions. I decided while I was on that tour to write Ring the Bells.
Mike: How many nights in a row would you tour?
Harry: The full tour would be about 40 days.
Mike: About how many nights were you and Millie on the road?
Harry: I think about 120 days a year.
Mike: Over the course of all your tours — I have heard you talk about the numbers....
Harry: Leander Chute was on the tour with me and would count the tickets every night. He was very precise, so believe me when I tell you that he counted more than two million tickets of those who attended all of our presentations.
Mike: What was the largest audience you ever had?
Harry: I think the largest audience we had was at Madison Square Garden — not in the big Garden, but in the smaller, 7,500-seat auditorium. We did three Christmas programs. We had about 21,000 people that day. We did it just like this: We opened the back door and let everybody out and then would bring them in by a different door.
Mike: Would you do it again?
Harry: Definitely! But remember, I did not do it by myself. I had a great team!
Were you involved in Tours or Gospel Productions in any way? We want your stories and your photos! Send them along to alumni@wol.org or post on our Facebook group. We are hoping to tell many stories from throughout Word of Life’s years of productions in an upcoming issue. Please send your memories, even if you only have a few words to say.
Click here to read what Don Lough Jr. has to say about the new production.
Click here to see when and where Magi will be headed.
Tours: Don Lough, Jr. shares his vision.
Word of Life has been involved in a variety of musical groups and dramatic productions over the years, including Tours around the country and Gospel Productions, based at the Florida campus. This year the ministry is moving away from hosting productions solely at the Florida location, and Bible Institute students will instead be touring several cities with a production called Magi.
Don Lough, Jr. and Harry Bollback sat down with Mike Calhoun, executive assistant to the president, to talk about this new time for Word of Life.
Mike: Tell me about your passion for getting Bible Institute students into churches and communities with the new Christmas presentation Magi.
Don: It is important to me that we build close relationships with churches. As a ministry, Word of Life desires to serve the local church, and I believe this is one of the ways we can assist churches in reaching their communities.
Mike: Is this presentation a tool for evangelism?
Don: Yes. This program will be a great blessing to believers of all ages. However, it will also afford an opportunity for believers to bring friends to a quality Christmas program where they will see and hear a clear Gospel presentation. We are building specific aspects into the program just to keep children engaged. This is a family experience, and it was created with the family in mind.
Mike: I know another goal you have is for us to reconnect with our Bible Institute alumni.
Don: We are serious about reaching out to our alumni and reconnecting with them. We have asked Mike and Amy Bush to oversee this area for us, and they are aggressively reestablishing contact. I want to do more of this as we are on the road with this presentation.
Mike: I understand you have some history with Tours even as a child.
Don: Starting when I was about 10 years old, my father directed the Collegians, and I had the privilege of traveling on Tours such as Ring the Bells and His Truth Goes Marching On. It was an amazing experience to be up close and personal with Bible Institute students and Uncle Harry and Aunt Millie. What a joy it was to see so many come to Christ night after night. The periodic rides in the Chutes' green RV were a bonus!
Mike: Where do you anticipate taking the Christmas presentation?
Don: We will begin this year with one group in New York and New England and another in Florida and Georgia. However, I foresee us covering much of the East Coast and the Midwest as we move forward. Even this year, there will be a second Bible Institute ensemble going to the Midwest during the same timeframe. They will just not be doing the Magi presentation.
Were you involved in Tours or Gospel Productions in any way? We want your stories and your photos! Send them along to alumni@wol.org or post on our Facebook group. We are hoping to tell many stories from throughout Word of Life’s years of productions in an upcoming issue. Please send your memories, even if you only have a few words to say.
Click here to read what Harry Bollback had to say about the beginning of Tours.
Click here to see when and where Magi will be headed.
Tours: A New Frontier.
Word of Life is hitting the road again, this time for a special Christmas production called Magi. With a cast and crew made up of Bible Institute students and Word of Life staff, come experience a unique blend of music, drama and multimedia with one purpose in mind: to share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Magi will be reconnecting with local churches with these special presentations this Christmas season. For more information, visit wol.org/Christmas.
Dates and Locations:
Dec. 6: Chicopee, Massachusetts
Dec. 7: Springfield, Massachusetts
Dec. 8: Worcester, Massachusetts
Dec. 9: Weymouth, Massachusetts
Dec. 10: Providence, Rhode Island
Dec. 11: Scotland, Connecticut
Dec. 12: Hartford, Connecticut
Dec. 13: Clinton, Connecticut
2014 Tour: Northern New England, western Pennsylvania
2015 Tour: Western New York, northern Pennsylvania, Indiana/Michigan
Were you involved in Tours or Gospel Productions in any way? We want your stories and your photos! Send them along to alumni@wol.org or post on our Facebook group. We are hoping to tell many stories from throughout Word of Life’s years of productions in an upcoming issue. Please send your memories, even if you only have a few words to say.
Click here to read what Don Lough, Jr. and Harry Bollback have to say about this new production.
Dates and Locations:
Dec. 6: Chicopee, Massachusetts
Dec. 7: Springfield, Massachusetts
Dec. 8: Worcester, Massachusetts
Dec. 9: Weymouth, Massachusetts
Dec. 10: Providence, Rhode Island
Dec. 11: Scotland, Connecticut
Dec. 12: Hartford, Connecticut
Dec. 13: Clinton, Connecticut
2014 Tour: Northern New England, western Pennsylvania
2015 Tour: Western New York, northern Pennsylvania, Indiana/Michigan
Were you involved in Tours or Gospel Productions in any way? We want your stories and your photos! Send them along to alumni@wol.org or post on our Facebook group. We are hoping to tell many stories from throughout Word of Life’s years of productions in an upcoming issue. Please send your memories, even if you only have a few words to say.
Click here to read what Don Lough, Jr. and Harry Bollback have to say about this new production.
8.12.2013
Victory Journal Issue 7: Online.
You can find all the articles from the latest Victory Journal on this blog, but if you'd like to see a PDF version of the actual magazine, click here.
Also, if you are not receiving the print copy, please send us your updated contact info at alumni@wol.org, and we'll get you on our mailing list.
Also, if you are not receiving the print copy, please send us your updated contact info at alumni@wol.org, and we'll get you on our mailing list.
IIlustrating the Ultimate Superhero: Jay Fabok, Class of 2008
It makes sense for Christians to be drawn to the moral goodness of superheroes. It’s hard not to be attracted to their strength, bravery, and life-saving feats as well. As Sergio Cariello, 2012 Bible Institute Alumnus of the Year and comic book illustrator, put it: “Jesus is the ultimate superhero.”
Jay Fabok, Class of 2008, another skilled graphic artist and Bible Institute alumnus, has found that his connection to fictional superheroes — Batman, specifically — also helps him spread truth about the one true Savior.
Jay was raised in a Christian home in Ontario and was saved at a very young age. But like so many teenagers, he says he was eventually swayed by the world and drawn into partying. Even as he was walking away from God, though, God was still pulling on his heart and working in his life to lead him in the right direction.
Jay had been a fan of a Christian music group since he was a kid. At age 20, just a few months away from completing a three-year computer animation program, he went to a concert in London, Ontario, and listened to one of the band members share his testimony.
“I felt the Lord tugging on me,” Jay remembers. “He knew my dreams, and He said, ‘Jay, you can either continue down your own path and maybe you’ll have success or maybe you won’t. Or, you can give your life to Christ and follow me. I may lead you to different places, but I promise you’ll have a really great adventure. You’ve just got to trust me.’”That night, Jay accepted Christ as his Savior and turned away from his sinful life. God used the band he’d loved since childhood to bring Jay home.
After rededicating his life to Christ, Jay felt led to go to Bible college. His youth pastor had gone to the Bible Institute at Owen Sound and encouraged Jay to apply.
“I took a leap of faith and went, and I loved it,” he says. “Going to the Bible Institute, for me, turned out to be the best year of my life.”
Attending the Bible Institute strengthened Jay’s relationship with God. But he also learned discipline and structure, which helped put him back on the right track to achieve his goals. Jay says every minute of every day he spent at Word of Life was used efficiently, and the time management skills he learned guide his work today as an artist with DC Comics, where he has strict deadlines and is expected to produce the highest quality work.
Another part of Jay’s job involves visiting schools and conventions and speaking with young people about his art. Through the experience of Open Air Evangelism in Toronto, Jay became comfortable sharing his testimony and teaching the Gospel. Jay’s work gives him a unique avenue to the hearts of colleagues who respect him and young people who look up to him.
“It doesn’t matter where you are in life — if you work in entertainment, at a factory, or in ministry — you have to give your job to the Lord and allow Him to work through it,” Jay says.
Jay and his wife of three years, Sarah, Class of 2008, whom he met at the Bible Institute, live in southwestern Ontario and recently found a new church family at Emmanuel Baptist in Windsor. Jay is excited to become more involved in the ministry, specifically working with youth. His fondest memories of Word of Life involve the staff and fellow students who poured into him, discipled him, and encouraged him in his walk with God. He’s paying that gift forward now through discipleship with a young person at his church who dreams of being a comic artist.
The true blessing Jay sees in sketching Batman is the connection the character gives him to young people. He recognizes that his talent was given to him by God, and like the music group did for him, Jay feels compelled to use his art to touch youth who have strayed from or have never met God.
“Through my time at Snow Camp and summer camp, the Bible Institute put a burden on my heart for today’s youth,” he says. “My industry is about messaging toward youth, so I’m able to meet them face-to-face. I’m able to use my art as an ‘in’ to reach young people with the Gospel and grow them in their relationship with the Lord.”
Photos courtesy of DC Comics
8.10.2013
Alumnus of the Year: Chris Gnanakan.
In last summer’s edition of the Victory Journal, we told you about Dr. Chris Gnanakan’s journey. He went from being a technician in Bangalore, India, to a church-planter on fire for God, thanks in part to the vision of Jack Wyrtzen and Wendell Calder and a scholarship to the Bible Institute in New York.
Chris is busy blazing new paths for contemporary global missions as the recently named executive director of Outreach to Asia Nationals (OTAN), an international organization dedicated to bringing the Gospel to restricted countries by training nationals in evangelism.
This past spring, Chris was given another distinction: 2013 Word of Life Bible Institute Alumnus of the Year.
“First and foremost, I feel humbled as a street kid from India receiving this honor from an international organization on the cutting edge of church and life,” he says of the recognition.
When studying at the Bible Institute, Chris says he gained a deep biblical knowledge as well as intensive training in evangelism, which he used to take the hope of the Gospel back to India. Through OTAN, he says he’s able to return the blessing given to him so many years ago by expanding the reach of the message of Christ in limited-access nations, including North Korea, Butan, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
The thousands of churches Chris has helped plant through both his own efforts and his training of others will carry his influence into the future. He wants his legacy to be his teaching — Chris encourages the nationals he disciples to have a sense of urgency about their faith because he believes work ethic is the heartbeat of evangelism. But, while there is what he calls “prosperity in posterity,” he says he is also forever indebted to Jack Wyrtzen and Wendell Calder and his former mentor, Gene Tozer, for kindling his fire for the Lord and preparing to shine that light in the darkest corners of the world.
“The heritage I’ve received through Word of Life was so foundational and formative in shaping me and giving me the impetus for global missions,” Chris says. “I feel equipped.”
A Message to Fellow Alumni from Chris Gnanakan
Dr. Chris Gnanakan says he lives by three questions that he learned at Word of Life. He has passed this advice on to hundreds of thousands of other disciples in 91 countries through curriculum he has developed. He encourages fellow alumni to apply these questions to their own lives and to reflect on them each day.
1. Is God’s Word well used in my life?
“Is my strategy biblical? Is my vision Jesus’ vision for the church? Word of Life gave me the acquisition of truth and the application of truth in real life. Through the habit of daily Quiet Time I have learned how to use the knowledge of God’s Word in my life each day.”
2. Is God’s work well done?
“At the Bible Institute, I learned that work is divine. Nobody died of hard work! There is value in being a workaholic for God. You’ve got to give it all you’ve got! Integrity should characterize your work. It makes people respect you. Aesthetics and truth go together — people are attracted to it.”
3. Is my Lord well pleased?
“Like Paul the apostle, my ambition is to please the Lord, the One who called me. Word of Life taught me to live for the pleasure of God. When I go to bed at night, can I see him raise his thumbs? I think of Galatians 1:9-10 — like a conductor with an orchestra, sometimes you must turn your back on the world.”
8.08.2013
Where Are They Now? Dr. Tom Taylor.
Church History teacher Dr. Tom Taylor was a Bible Institute favorite for years, and countless alumni have their own stories to tell about the always-entertaining instructor. Shirley Richards from the Bible Institute’s New York campus checked in with Dr. Taylor and his wife, Ruth, to see how the Taylors are doing and to collect some memories for alumni to enjoy. Dr. Taylor has had an uphill climb this year as he recuperates from breaking his hip in October. Please join us in praying for Dr. Taylor’s recovery as we remember what made him one of the best.
Dr. Taylor was a guest lecturer at the Bible Institute from 1971 to 2010, including trips to the Florida and Owen Sound campuses once they started. That meant up to six weeks of teaching each spring, sometimes finishing in Canada on a Friday and driving all the way to Florida for the next week’s classes.
Dr. Taylor took on the nearly impossible task of teaching 2,000 years of Church History in 20 class hours. He had a gift for making all the details about people, places, and various “things” interesting by adding his sense of humor to the lectures. He was also known to give a harmonica concert or two during the class week, which students always enjoyed.
When I worked with Dr. Taylor and other guest lecturers, he would write “story tests” in which the test questions were embedded in the storyline. One line from a story test had a sentence that read, “The pastor knew that his church was being persecuted by the neighborhood when he found a cactus leaf on the pulpit chair.”
Ruth Taylor says her husband always found their weeks at the Bible Institute exciting and profitable, with both of them blessed by the students and faculty, their dependence on the Lord, and their happy spirit. One memory she mentioned is of the time Dr. Taylor said in a lecture that he always picked up pennies when he saw them on the street. The next morning, there were pennies all over the platform.
The 2002 yearbook for the New York campus, which was dedicated to Dr. Taylor, had more to say about the man it called “everyone’s favorite Church History teacher.”
The dedication also noted, “He warns future students that he is in the process of making new tests and says that they should probably begin studying immediately.”
Dr. Taylor left those students with some words of wisdom: “Always take advantage of the time God has given you to study His Word, and always remember to set our minds on the things above.”
Dr. Taylor also spoke at many Word of Life conferences and banquets, and he enjoyed fishing and gardening in his free time. (It’s an exciting day when the seed catalogs arrive!) He has also written a book, Your Old Testament Tool Box.
I am thankful for the ministry of the Taylors over the years, and I’m sure students have great memories of his classes, too.
Feel free to share your memories of Dr. Taylor on our alumni Facebook group, or send them to alumni@wol.org if you want to be an encouragement to Dr. Taylor at this time.
8.06.2013
Refresh: Reaching the next generation for Christ.
Jack Wyrtzen often made this statement when he preached. Growing up in Word of Life, I always assumed ministering to young people was normal — everyone did that, didn’t they? That seemed to be part of the core DNA of any ministry: the next generation.
But as I’ve grown and become actively involved in different ministries, I can’t help but notice an absence of young people — not only sitting in our pews but also involved in life-changing discipleship in our churches. It begs the question: Have we, as believers, lost sight of this goal? Does ministering to this next generation seem like a lost cause because young people’s hearts are so hard from the world’s influence? Or, maybe, have we forgotten how to minister to them?
What does it look like to reach this next generation for Christ? Here are some specific ways we should approach today’s young people if we want to be effective in sharing truth in their everyday lives.
1. Talk to them! Don’t assume that young Christians are immune to the influence of the world.
This next generation is being exposed to adult content at a younger age than ever before, and it’s not just in public schools. This is the world in which this generation has to live, and we must prepare them to do so successfully. We can’t assume they’re OK because they seem like “good Christian kids.” We must help them by actively building relationships and talking with them about real issues. We need to put the iPhones and iPads down, get off Facebook, and interact with the next generation. This way, they won’t choose to reveal their secrets to a stranger but rather to a trusted guide.
2. Show them the difference between acceptance and approval.
There is a big difference between acceptance and approval, but so often our world confuses the two. In their minds, if you don’t approve of their choices, you’re rejecting them because their identity is wrapped up in the decisions they make. But we must teach this generation that God alone has the right to define them (Genesis 2; Ephesians 1). Acceptance and approval are very different — though we accept people because we love and care for them, we do not approve of some of their actions. When young people admit to doing something, remind them that you are there for them, you want them to be successful in life, and you accept them always. But also tell them that you cannot approve of the choices they are making because there is a difference between acceptance and approval.
3. Give them love with leadership.
No one made this point better than Jesus Christ! When dealing with the woman caught in adultery, first Jesus loved her, and then He led her (John 8:1-11). Titus 2 talks about how the older generation should protect, love, and lead this next generation by example for the sake of the Gospel. What are we doing to fulfill this?
4. Don’t give up on them.
Tenacity is key when working with this next generation. We must be more stubborn about their growth than they are about their own way. Paul encourages us in Galatians 6:9 not to give up! This next generation needs us to be persistent. We must teach them and guide them, but most importantly, we need to pray for them. We can’t afford to give up.
The young people of the next generation may seem like they’re chock full of challenges, and they are. But they aren’t without hope, because they aren’t without an older generation to teach them.
How are you reaching the next generation for Christ?
Sarah Bubar, Class of 1995, is the dean of women at the Bible Institute’s Florida campus. She recently graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Texas, where she received her masters of divinity in women’s studies. While there, Sarah and her friends started an online resource ministry called UnlockingFemininity.com and co-authored a book called Radical Dating: When God Takes Control of Your Love Life. Her passion includes discipleship and teaching the Word of God to women.
8.04.2013
We Still Believe: Alumni Roundtable.
As we looked ahead to sending a new class of graduates across the stage this summer, we thought it would be great to gather some of our current students together with alumni from throughout the years to see what everyone has in common. Some parts of the Bible Institute have changed, and some remain the same — and who better to give us a perspective on that than those who have been there for a year or two?
New Alumni Director Mike Bush, Class of 1981, hosted a roundtable at Homecoming Weekend. Click here to read the entire conversation.
Q&A: Tom Phillips
Tom Phillips has ministered with Word of Life for 39 years, 22 of them in Florida. This May, he began a transition from director of Word of Life Florida to a new role that includes leading music teams from the New York and Florida campuses, advising the Florida ministry (now under the direction of Rich Andrews) and serving as camp director for the Island and Snow Camp. He sat down with Wayne Lewis this spring to talk about some of the changes and what he’s looking forward to.
Check out the complete interview here.
From the Editor: Issue 7.
by Jen Slothower
Happy summer, everyone! This issue marks one of the best times of the year, as we welcome a whole new class into our alumni family.
As we put together each Victory Journal, we always have many areas we want to cover. We want to encourage all our alumni, regardless of calling, class year, or location, and we want to keep you updated on what Word of Life is doing. We also want to tell many of your unique stories. It’s hard to find space to do it all!
That’s why we’re so excited about this issue. We get to hear from two people who are deeply instrumental in ministering to our Florida campus (Tom Phillips and Sarah Bubar). A recent Owen Sound graduate will tell us how God is using his vocation in art and comic book drawing to reach youth for Christ. We’ll send off a new class of graduates while getting some advice from alumni who have been there before. We’ll also see how one Word of Life institution — Tours — is developing into a whole new kind of ministry. As someone who toured with her grandparents on Word of Life’s big coach as a 6-year-old, I’m excited to see Bible Institute students back on the road.
That’s just the beginning. I hope all of you will find a little something inside to encourage you on your way. Enjoy!
Happy summer, everyone! This issue marks one of the best times of the year, as we welcome a whole new class into our alumni family.
As we put together each Victory Journal, we always have many areas we want to cover. We want to encourage all our alumni, regardless of calling, class year, or location, and we want to keep you updated on what Word of Life is doing. We also want to tell many of your unique stories. It’s hard to find space to do it all!
That’s why we’re so excited about this issue. We get to hear from two people who are deeply instrumental in ministering to our Florida campus (Tom Phillips and Sarah Bubar). A recent Owen Sound graduate will tell us how God is using his vocation in art and comic book drawing to reach youth for Christ. We’ll send off a new class of graduates while getting some advice from alumni who have been there before. We’ll also see how one Word of Life institution — Tours — is developing into a whole new kind of ministry. As someone who toured with her grandparents on Word of Life’s big coach as a 6-year-old, I’m excited to see Bible Institute students back on the road.
That’s just the beginning. I hope all of you will find a little something inside to encourage you on your way. Enjoy!
God at the controls: A message from the chancellor.
It was another trip to remember. As my plane taxied out to the runway a few days ago, a man suddenly threw off his seatbelt and rushed up the aisle. Through tears he expressed that he was feeling anxious and needed to get off the airplane. As you might imagine, passengers around me reacted with disbelief and disgust as our already-delayed plane returned to the gate. What’s wrong with this guy?
The truth is that this man is far from alone in dealing with the problem of anxiety. While unwilling to admit it, many people are deeply troubled with job insecurity, a volatile stock market, North Korean missile threats, and gun violence. Anxious thoughts have an incredible way of dominating our minds.
We live in a worried world, and I do not need to remind you that we as Christians are certainly not exempt from hard times and turbulence. However, Philippians 4:6 makes it crystal clear how God expects us to respond. Paul writes, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Easier said than done, right?
Whether you are a recent graduate of the Bible Institute or an alumnus from years past, God expects your total trust and obedience. You may not fully see it now, but He holds the controls and has an incredible plan for your life. When faced with the cares and uncertainties of life, God wants you to trust Him by taking your seatbelt off and rushing to Him. With complete confidence in His sovereignty and love, you can throw “all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
I am thrilled with all that God is doing in and through your life. Be sure to let me know how I can pray for you in the days ahead.
The truth is that this man is far from alone in dealing with the problem of anxiety. While unwilling to admit it, many people are deeply troubled with job insecurity, a volatile stock market, North Korean missile threats, and gun violence. Anxious thoughts have an incredible way of dominating our minds.We live in a worried world, and I do not need to remind you that we as Christians are certainly not exempt from hard times and turbulence. However, Philippians 4:6 makes it crystal clear how God expects us to respond. Paul writes, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Easier said than done, right?
Whether you are a recent graduate of the Bible Institute or an alumnus from years past, God expects your total trust and obedience. You may not fully see it now, but He holds the controls and has an incredible plan for your life. When faced with the cares and uncertainties of life, God wants you to trust Him by taking your seatbelt off and rushing to Him. With complete confidence in His sovereignty and love, you can throw “all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
I am thrilled with all that God is doing in and through your life. Be sure to let me know how I can pray for you in the days ahead.
8.02.2013
Staff News: Euanna Pigford.
Euanna started with Word of Life in the summer of 1965, when she first attended the Island as a camper. She has been involved with Word of Life ever since. She sang in the Word of Life ensemble and was a counselor on the Island for several summers before helping lead the counselor program.
Euanna loved music since she was a little girl. She wanted to take piano lessons, so for her seventh birthday, her parents bought her a piano and arranged for lessons. In eighth grade, all her friends started to quit playing the piano, so she thought she should do that, too. Her father told her that wasn’t an option, so she stuck to it.
After becoming a school teacher and teaching young people of all ages, Euanna also served in several churches, leading choirs. She accepted a position teaching voice at Adirondack Community College and assumed she would be doing that for the rest of her working career, but when her friend, Brian Donley, the music director at the Bible Institute, became ill, she was asked to help out and led the program after Brian went home to be with the Lord.
Euanna has loved working with the students at the Bible Institute. She says, “My job is to prepare students for service after the Bible Institute.” She knows that God has placed us where we are for a reason, and that we never know how He will use us. She has had an incredible influence in the lives of thousands of young people.
“What a model of faithfulness Euanna has been over the years. Words hardly express what she means to all of us here at Word of Life. I have so many incredible memories of serving with her on the Island, enjoying her piano and organ talents at the Inn, and watching her love and lead the Bible Institute Collegians. She’s like a sister to me and, of course, my favorite piano teacher!” — Don Lough, Jr.
“I have known Euanna for more than 35 years. Her servant’s spirit combined with her outstanding skills in music and leadership have made an indelible impact in the lives of thousands of young people. Her service is a reminder that God uses people who make themselves available to Him, for His use, and for His glory!” — John Nelson
“Euanna always had a passion for musical excellence. She never would settle for merely OK or good, because she strives for the best. Combine that with her incredible loving spirit for her students, and she was not only a great teacher, but also a good friend.” — Michael Kilbride, Class of 2009 and 2011
“Miss Pigford is one of the greatest encouragers I have ever met. Her inspiring optimism and love for people came from a desire to please her Savior. By modeling this, she taught us to have a passion for service and ministry for an audience of One.” — Rachel Mallory, Class of 2010 and 2011
7.31.2013
Staff News: Sharon Wagoner.
Sharon was also active in her local church, Mountainside Bible Chapel, where she served as the church clerk and in the ladies missionary fellowship. Sharon is now heading to Sarasota, Florida.
"Sharon was an encourager to me as a co-worker. She enjoyed the academic process and took the administrative load off of me so I could focus on the classroom. She was serious when it came to accuracy in office procedures but personable to staff and students as the job was being accomplished. We will miss her pleasant efficiency and crafty comments!” — Dr. Tom Davis
“Sharon had the office right across from mine and typically got in very early most mornings. Sometimes I would try to slip by her door and into the office unnoticed, but invariably I would hear a cheery voice say, ‘Good morning.’ It was always a good reminder to me that we were a team at the Bible Institute, and keeping to ourselves was not an option.” — Dr. Marshall Wicks
7.29.2013
Home With the Lord: Dr. Sumner Wemp
When he was 17, Dr. Wemp accepted Christ as his Savior and, as he said many times, “He never got over it.” He was called to ministry and embarked on a long scholastic career that included many degrees, with stops at Bryan College, Samford University (then called Howard College), Dallas Theological Seminary, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, California Graduate School of Theology, and Liberty University.
While at Dallas Theological Seminary in 1946, he met Celeste Magee Zimmerman at Scofield Memorial Church. The two were married for 63 years, ministering together until Celeste died in July 2010 at 86.
After pastoring in Florida, Alabama, and Illinois for several years, Dr. Wemp joined the faculty at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago in 1961 as the director of practical Christian work. Nine years later, he moved on to Southeastern Bible College in Birmingham, Alabama, where he was president. In 1973, he helped Jerry Falwell at the newly established Lynchburg Bible College (now Liberty University), serving as vice president of spiritual affairs. He and Celeste were active in mentoring students and developing leaders, and they shared their love for missions around the world.
Dr. Wemp taught personal evangelism at the Bible Institute in 1988, 1990-1992, 1996, and 1998-2002. He wrote several books and many Gospel tracts, the most well-known being his tract Your Ticket to Heaven.
Even in retirement, Dr. Wemp was active in encouraging and mentoring, and the same passion he showed in ministry was evident in his daily life, where he cared for friends and caretakers and regularly shared the Gospel.
Watch a video from September 2012, where Sumner Wemp shows that he not only still had a zest for life and Jesus but was also busy trying to convert whomever would enter his home.
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