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.

The Second Generation: Wesley John Monzon

I decided to study at the Bible Institute because of the way my dad lived his life after his year at the Bible Institute in Brazil. God showed him what He wanted him to do with his life, and I really want God to show me what to do.

Since I have been at the Bible Institute, God has taught me a lot about humility and really trusting Him with everything, especially my future.

My dad always told me, “Go to the Bible Institute. It’s the best decision you can make. God will show you through this year what He wants you to do with your life, and He will use you in many ways.”

I really hope God will use me in the area of being an example and being able to stand up for my faith. I hope He will point me in the right direction always.

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: Ben Knaus

I love the Word of Life program. My church in Lynchburg, Virginia, had always used Word of Life’s books for youth, and that is how I first heard of the school. But two other factors also influenced me to go to the Bible Institute.

The first was my father. I have had the unusual pleasure of growing up with a dad who knew his theology and always had a ready answer for all the questions I had. He learned a lot of what he knew from personal study, but he always gave credit to Word of Life for helping set that fire in him.

The second reason is because of my friends. In Lynchburg, the home of Liberty University, I got to observe thousands of college-age Christians. The students from Word of Life campuses always showed more integrity and passion for ministry. I wanted to have a testimony like theirs.

I want to give credit to my mom and dad for helping me get here. Without their encouragement, advice, time, and prayer I do not know if I could have done it … or could do it.

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: Kirsten Williamson

As a daughter of a Word of Life staff member and Bible Institute graduate, I grew up knowing I would go to the Bible Institute. People used to joke with me that there’s an unwritten rule about staff kids having to go to the Bible Institute, and I hated that. I used to be set against coming to the Bible Institute — and I didn’t have a reason other than wanting to do the exact opposite of what everyone expected me to. I remember having many different conversations with my mom about coming to the Bible Institute, and she explained the importance of being grounded in the Word before I went out into the “real world.”

When I was 14, I went to Missions Conference, and I’ll never forget the last night. After seeing the students’ passion for what they were learning and how the Lord had worked in their lives that weekend, I knew the Bible Institute was a special place, and I couldn’t wait to graduate to go!

I wanted to take a couple of years to really focus on growing deeper in my relationship with the Lord and to study the Word intensively. I’m convinced there’s no better place to do that than at Word of Life! I am so excited to be in a place that limits distractions and really encourages growth.

I am so thankful that God has been faithfully stretching and strengthening me this year. Right now, He’s teaching me the importance of trusting Him in every situation and waiting patiently on His perfect timing. I cannot wait to look back at all He has done in and through our class on graduation day.

Click here to read about Kirsten’s dad, Ryan, Class of 1995

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: Kimberly Grocott

Both of my parents went to the Bible Institute, and they played a big part in my decision to come. They were constantly telling me how the Bible Institute helped them develop a deeper relationship with God. My dad said that setting aside one year to focus on building a better relationship with God would be well worth it and would change my life. Today, I am so thankful for the love they have for Christ, and that they strongly encouraged me to come to Word of Life. I have learned so much about God’s unconditional love, His forgiveness, the need to trust fully in Him, and the importance of being in His Word every day.

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: Lake Alexandria Whitehead

I decided to come to the Bible Institute after I went to camp in New York. I found the love of God for the first time and decided to give Him my all. I wanted to learn more about God’s Word and build a stronger relationship with Him, and I’ve already learned so much! I’ve grown much closer to God than I ever imagined I could. God has given me an eternal perspective for everything. All I need to do is follow Him and His will in obedience.

Part of the reason I’m here is because of my parents’ influence. I was so blessed to have parents who love the Lord. My mom went to the Bible Institute, and she’s just been a living testimony of God’s faithfulness. I saw the love of God and skills she learned at the Bible Institute, and I wanted to be that strong, organized, and disciplined woman in Christ.

FUN FACT: Both mom and daughter were in Collegians and ensembles and sang as soloists. “It is almost like a repeat ... a twin 30 years later,” Kimberly says.

Click here to read about Lake's mom, Kimberly, Class of 1984.

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: Brad Wieder

I became aware of the Word of Life Bible Institute from my family. My mom and aunt went there and said they liked it, so I decided to check it out. My parents thought the Bible Institute would be a good foundation and would give me direction for my future.

I have made friends with people who really love the Lord and who have been an encouragement to me. One thing I really like is how close you get to your roommates and dorm-mates as well as many other students. They are like your second family. You can talk to them about anything, and they are always there for you. I have really learned a lot about God’s Word and how to apply it to my life.

Click here to read about Brad's mom, Anne, Class of 1987 and 2012.

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: Joseph (Jay) van den Akker

The first reason I decided to go to the Bible Institute was that my mom had decided before I was born that I was going. She loved it, and it was great for her to get a firm foundation in the Bible before going out into the world.

I also thought it was a good idea to go to Word of Life because I’ve had a sheltered missionary kid life. (Jay has been in India for the past 12 and a half years.) I wanted to get a foundation and get closer to God before going to scary America, which is just really different than what I’m used to.

Right before I left for the Bible Institute in Jeju, my mom asked me if I was going because she wanted me to or because God wanted me to, and I definitely felt that God wanted me to go.

I chose Jeju because I love Asia and I love Korea. I have so many amazing Korean friends, and I saw it as an opportunity to travel more with the trip to Israel that the school takes. I’m really looking forward to that.

The main thing God is teaching me now is about relationships with other people, having an authentic relationship with Him, and how these two areas affect each other. Here, we are always together. We are in classes together; we are living together. We see how we really, truly are. People can say to me, "You probably need to work on this." I can see how people handle situations and watch and learn from that.

The Bible Institute is awesome. I’m so glad I came. I was scared of D points when I came, but once you’re here, it’s just fun. I’m so glad my mom told me about the Bible Institute and influenced my decision.

(Jay’s older sister, Maria, also graduated from the Bible Institute in Jeju in August.) Maria couldn’t stop talking about what she was learning, the community, the teachers. That had a huge part in my coming here. I was psyched to learn more about God.

Click here to read about Jay's cousin, Joanna, Class of 2013.

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: Joanna Donley

When I was born, I was destined to come to the Bible Institute because I was a staff kid.

I remember being in fifth grade and having to diagram sentences, and I didn’t like it. So, when Bible Institute students would come to my house and they were diagramming verses, I thought, “I do not want to go to the Bible Institute and diagram verses!” But I got over that. I wanted a biblical education before going to a secular school so I would have a solid foundation. And I really wanted to come because my dad really wanted me to.

I always wanted to go to the Bible Institute in Brazil or Hungary, where they teach in English, but I heard about Jeju in a newsletter, and it sounded different. It was in Korea, and on an island, and the community (of students and staff) was smaller.

One major thing I’m learning is about running the race set before you. God has called us to run a race, and we need to be trained and equipped to do that. People who run marathons train for years and years, and people who are in the Olympics train their whole lives. God told us to run our race, and I just need to stay focused and remember that this year is training for the rest of my life. What I learn here will affect the course of my life, and I need to run and not give up.

I love it here. It has exceeded all of my expectations. I was really nervous because I thought everyone would be Korean and I was American, but it has worked out well.

Click here to read about Joanna's mom, Valerie, Class of 1983, and her cousin, Jay van den Akker, Class of 2013.

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: Michelle Zaharek

The Bible Institute was always there for me as an option, but being as rebellious as I was, there was no way I ever wanted to end up going. Lucky for me, I decided to do Summer Training Corps on the Island, and during my junior summer, my life completely changed. I rededicated my life to Christ, and during that time, I realized how much God wanted me to go to the Bible Institute. My life needed a major change, so I knew that was where I was meant to go.

I knew I was in for an adventure. God taught me that there are real people in this world who won’t treat you like trash — people who will show you love. I’ve been given such a support group that half the time I’m not sure how to respond to it.

My parents didn’t really influence my decision to come, but they did open the window of opportunity. I’ve always been somewhat of a hopeless romantic, and the fact that my mom met my dad here was the little push I needed to remain patient for a love that could actually last.

FUN FACTS:

• The Zahareks have been involved with Word of Life for three generations. Ruth’s dad would fly Jack Wyrtzen to rallies
• Ruth (mom) and Michelle (daughter) both roomed in South America dorm
• All three Zaharek girls were involved on the Island, and all three were part of the Collegians, though Ruth’s Collegians went on tour.

Click here to read about Michelle's mom, Ruth, Class of 1984.

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: John and Julie Ann Hobbs

John Hobbs

As a child, I went to many of Word of Life’s camps and loved them. I always learned so much while I was there and drew closer to the Lord every year. Because of that, I always planned to go to the Bible Institute.

Now that I’m here, God has taught me so much, and I love it.

Both of my parents went to the Bible Institute in New York, and by the way they talked about it, it sounds like it was the time of their lives. They are both very strong in the Lord, and they were my role models growing up. I wanted to do the same thing they did — to be able to learn and grow in the Lord like they did.

Julie Ann Hobbs

My parents gleaned so much knowledge from the Word and gained such an intimate relationship with the Lord at the Bible Institute that they made attending a mandatory suggestion for us three kids. I loved the idea of gaining a strong Biblical foundation before going to college to live among people who were searching for answers, so I gladly accepted my parents’ wishes to come.

After this year, I plan to attend Liberty University to study nursing. I hope God will use this year and my ministry experiences to help the sick and injured I will be working with in hospitals. That way, I can share my love, hope, and joy for Christ when people are at their lowest points.

Click here to read about John and Julie Ann's parents, Mike and Debbie, Class of 1985.

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: Taylor Lingelbach

I learned about the Bible Institute at a very young age, considering my parents met each other there. They wanted me to come for at least one year to have a firm foundation in the Word of God before diving into a secular university.
Since I’ve been at the Bible Institute, I’ve realized that every little thing we do is part of God’s plan. He knows what is best for us, and we should trust Him more than anything or anyone.

By the time I graduate next year, I hope God will set out the direction He wants me to go. I will be attending the University of South Florida, and with the Biblical foundation that I will be gaining here, I plan on living for God in all things, especially in a non-Christian environment.

Click here to read about Taylor's parents, John and Kimberly, Class of 1988.

For more second generation stories, click here.

Missions Conference: Florida.

Thanks to all of you who came to New York last week for the Bible Institute Missions Conference. More than 100 alumni showed up and had a great time connecting with each other as well as hearing about what God is doing around the world.

For those of you who couldn’t make it to snowy New York, you have another chance this week in Hudson, Florida. The Missions Conference there begins this Friday, with the theme “Outspoken,” following Acts 4:20: “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”

If you can't be with us in person at the Harry Bollback Performing Arts Center, follow a live stream at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/word-of-life-bible-institute---florida-campus.

Here’s the schedule for the weekend:

Friday, January 11:
7 p.m.: “Breath of Life” with Rev. Calvin Varlack
9:15 p.m.: Missionary Mixer, Conference Center lobby

Saturday, January 12:
10 a.m.: “Ancient Words” with Rev. Calvin Varlack
7 p.m.: “Never Silent” with Dr. Harry Bollback
9:15 p.m.: Missionary Mixer, Conference Center, with T.T. McGhee

Sunday, January 13:
10 a.m.: “With One Voice” with Rev. Calvin Varlack
7 p.m.: “Outspoken” with Don Lough, Jr.
9:15 p.m.: Prayer Time

Recruit the next generation … and celebrate yours.

By Alumni Director Wayne Lewis

Another class has just enrolled in Word of Life Bible Institutes around the world, and a great year is under way.  Students are showing an eager anticipation for studying the Word.

As always, it is thrilling to see alumni returning with their children, and parents bringing siblings of their older children who are now alumni. As an alumnus, you are the greatest resource for new students, and I want to encourage you to start recruiting now for next year.

Please pray for all the staff as they teach, train, and disciple these students, many of whom have high expectations for what the Lord is going to do in their lives.

The Bible Institute isn’t just training a new generation, though — it’s also celebrating and continuing to encourage those who have walked through its doors in past years.

The biggest way we do that at Word of Life is through our Memorial Day and Founder’s Conference weekend. We are already making plans for May 24-27, 2013, when we welcome all alumni to enjoy Word of Life, reconnect with each other, and grow anew in Christ.

We have specific reunions planned for certain classes, too. Every class that has done a reunion in the past has been blessed beyond measure. In fact, most are planning to gather more frequently.

We want to encourage five-year reunions this year as well as 10-year reunions. So, Classes of 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, and 2008, come and join us!

If you graduated one of these years, get on Facebook, the phone, email, or whatever, and get your class together.  You will not be sorry you did!

Click here to learn more about how you can help plan a reunion.

Here are some of the details about who will be speaking:

• Friday, May 25, 7 p.m.: George Murray
• Saturday, May 26, 9 a.m.: Stanley Toussaint
• Saturday, May 26, 10:45 a.m.: George Murray
• Saturday, May 26, 7 p.m.: Harry Bollback
• Sunday, May 27, 9 a.m.: Stanley Toussaint
• Sunday, May 27, 10:45 a.m.: Don Lough, Jr.
• Monday, May 28, 11 a.m.: Memorial Day rally: Jeff Struecker