Investing in the bank of Heaven: A message from the chancellor.

Walking down an airport jetway recently, I noticed a man carelessly dropping money ahead of me. Trying to get his attention, I called after him. His flippant response caught me off-guard. He yelled, “Keep it. Where I am going it has no value!”

While I am not sure if this man was headed to the moon or to the Amazon jungle, his statement reminded me of what should be foundational for every Christian. Philippians 3:20 says, “For our citizenship is in Heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” You and I are literally just passing through this world on our way to Heaven. As temporary residents, any earthly treasures accumulated have no value where we are ultimately headed. Do not forget Jesus Christ’s challenge to His disciples in Matthew 6:20: “Lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven.”

In other words, make your deposits in the “Bank of Heaven.” Invest in the things that last forever. From chapels and classes at the Bible Institute, you know well that only two things will last for all eternity: the Word of God and the souls of men. Any future studies, your life’s work, and your resources should all be passionately leveraged for Heaven. So while you serve God with everything you have on this planet, remember where you are headed. You are just passing through. The only treasures you can take with you into eternity are the Scriptures and souls.

Campus Update: Bible Institute moves across U.S., into Africa

By Dick Dray, Associate Executive Dean, New York campus

For many years, Jack Wyrtzen would introduce Word of Life’s radio program as being from high, high, high in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. He also would say at times that Word of Life was reaching youth both around the corner and around the world. This past December, through the Bible Institute, we saw exactly that happen.

In the last issue of The Victory Journal, Bible Institute Chancellor Don Lough, Jr. talked about student groups heading to New England and the southeastern United States for various music and drama tours, including the new original presentation Magi as well as a Collegian group and the ensemble Redemption.

During the nearly two weeks these groups were out, they shared the message of God’s Word through music and drama in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Ohio, West Virginia, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine. We saw God work in bringing in more than 18,000 people in attendance. More than 100 people made decisions for Christ, and we made many great contacts with alumni and potential future Bible Institute students.

At the same, we saw God working “around the world.”

Bible Institute Executive Dean Mark Strout headed to Uganda to connect with Thomas Obunde (Class of 1995, 2000) and David Kirabira (2005, 2007) to work on plans to open another Bible Institute campus there, on the continent of Africa, this fall. At this time, a one-year program is planned, with 25 students anticipated to start the inaugural school year this September, although the campus as is can hold up to 50 students.

Teaching will be provided by resident lecturers from Uganda and surrounding countries, as well as some professors from the U.S. campuses, and additional options will be considered for ongoing training at the school as the Bible Institute looks to train up future leaders for Africa.

It’s been a packed fall and winter so far, but we’re only get started as we continue to watch God work both here around the corner and out around the world.

Resembling our Father: A message from the chancellor.

“Excuse me, sir... but do you know who you look like?” I hear it all the time — in airports, restaurants, and malls. Much to my chagrin, I am often mistaken for a well-known movie star. While I prefer to leave this person’s identity to your imagination, I must confess that I have been tempted to sign autographs on his behalf on more than a few occasions. Regardless of what people might think, my life is far removed from Hollywood stardom.

On the other hand, what a delight and encouragement it is when I am told that I resemble my father. My appearance, walk, and words are all strikingly similar to his. This is certainly no surprise, because from my childhood I learned from him and aspired to be like him in every way. Today, I consider it the highest compliment when a person identifies me with my dear dad.

In Ephesians 5:1, the Apostle Paul challenges the Ephesian believers with the command, “Be imitators of God as dear children.” Just like a child mimics his earthly father, Christians should strive to imitate their Heavenly Father in every way. This means learning how to walk in love as Jesus Christ did (5:2). It involves despising the darkness of this decaying and sinful world (5:3-14). It requires living wisely and leveraging every opportunity to serve and represent Him (5:15-21).

So ... who do you look like, anyway? Do people clearly see an unmistakable resemblance to your Heavenly Father? Live out your true identity as a child of God.

Homecoming • Founders Conference • Alumni Reunions • Memorial Day

May 23-26, 2014

We anticipate alumni from all over the country joining us in Schroon Lake for Homecoming this spring during Founders Conference on Memorial Day weekend. Speakers for the conference are Don Lough, Jr., Harry Bollback, and our special guest speaker, Dr. Paul Dixon, chancellor of Cedarville University. The featured speaker at our Memorial Day patriotic rally is Lt. Col. and Texas state Sen. Brian Birdwell. Brian was severely injured on 9/11 at the Pentagon.

Activities for the weekend include a reception Friday night after the opening session, a camp tour, a golf outing (Saturday afternoon), family fun time (Sunday afternoon), and the introduction of the Alumnus of the Year. Accommodations are available at the Word of Life Inn & Family Lodge, and meals are available at the Inn and Bible Institute. We look forward to seeing you there!

Two reunions are in the works, but alumni from all years are welcome:

40th Reunion (Class of 1974)
Hosts: Dave Feltz, Joanne Scurlock Feltz, Elizabeth Bollback Nelson
Honored Guest: Dr. John and Janet Master

35th Reunion (Class of 1979)
Host: Daryl Bollinger

Preliminary Schedule:
Friday (May 23), 7 p.m.: General Session (Dr. Paul Dixon)
Saturday (May 24), 9:45 a.m.: General Session (Dr. Paul Dixon)
Saturday (May 24), 11:15 a.m.: General Session (Dr. Paul Dixon)
Saturday (May 24), 7 p.m.: General Session (Harry Bollback)
Sunday (May 25), 9:45 a.m.: General Session (Dr. Paul Dixon)
Sunday (May 25), 11:15 a.m.: General Session (Don Lough, Jr.)
Monday (May 26), 11 a.m.: Memorial Day Concert and Rally (Lt. Col. Brian Birdwell)

A special alumni event: The Creation Museum.

The Word of Life Bible Institute alumni association is sponsoring a Word of Life event April 25-27 at the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky, just across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio.

Arrive Friday evening and spend Saturday (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m. to 6 p.m.) at the museum. Word of Life is planning a special time for alumni on Saturday at 6:15 p.m. Alumni are welcome to enjoy dinner and time with Word of Life Executive Director Don Lough, Jr. and Redemption, a music group made up of alumni. A worship time is also being planned for Sunday morning at Calvary Baptist Church in Covington, Kentucky.

Special Feature: Anyone registering as part of the Word of Life group will be invited to a behind-the-scenes tour of the amazing new Noah’s Ark project. The cost for a two-day pass (Saturday and Sunday) and dinner Saturday night is $15 for anyone 13 years and older, and free for those 12 and under. Register now by clicking here.

We have negotiated special rates for accommodations. Contact them directly to make reservations.

Country Inn and Suites
759 Petersburg Rd.
Hebron, KY 41068
859.689.0700
Daily Rate: $85 — standard room (two queens or a king)
Daily Rate: $100 — suite (one bedroom, two queens or one king, pullout sofa)
countryinns.com/hebron-hotel-ky-41048/ohcinprt

Indian Springs Campground
3306 State Line Rd.
North Bend, OH 45052
888.550.9244 or 513.353.9244
Daily rate (Good Sam Club or AAA member):
30 amp: $36
50 amp: $41
Daily rate (no discount):
30 amp: $40
50 amp: $45
http://indianspringscampground.com/contact.html

Plan now to bring the whole family, friends, or your church youth group. Pass the word to other churches and make this exciting weekend a highlight of your year.

Check out the Creation Museum at creationmuseum.org.

On the road again: A message from the chancellor.

Remember the words from the popular 1980s song, “On the road again — I just can’t wait to get on the road again?” While this song came long after the Apostle Paul’s time, he certainly would have identified with the lyrics. If such a thing existed, Paul would have qualified as a charter member of AAA or even as a platinum frequent flyer.

Paul covered more than 9,000 miles on his missionary journeys. Venues like synagogues, markets, and even Mars Hill provided him with a platform to reach people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He did not wait for people to come to him — he went to them.

Following Paul’s example, Word of Life is increasing our road presence. Our goal is to leverage new opportunities to join with you and with local churches across America in getting the Gospel out. If you attended Word of Life rallies or traveled on tours with Jack and Harry, you know the value and impact of “hitting the road” and reaching people where they live.

This December we launched our brand-new Christmas production Magi.

Also, after a wildly successful pilot phase, Intersect Camps are now preparing for a new season of impacting thousands of young people in major cities across the Northeast. These one-day events are designed to take Word of Life camp to the cities of America. We have already seen more than 160 people trust Christ at these events. Check our website for more details and dates on these road initiatives. Get involved with us!

As we take some big steps forward, we can hardly wait to see you “on the road again.” In the meantime, thank you for your faithful prayers and friendship.

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.

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.

Confidence in the Gospel: A message from the Chancellor.

By Don Lough, Jr.

We live in a world where it is unpopular to take a stand for what is right and true. The message of the cross is considered nonsense to many. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are often labeled as exclusive, intolerant, and backward. Faced with this kind of pressure, it might appear attractive at times to simply take the path of least resistance and to assume a stealth mode.

The Apostle Paul’s declaration in Romans 1:16 jolts us back to the reality of where we really need to be as Christians: “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” If there was ever a place for Paul to be timid and ashamed of the Gospel, it was in Rome. Rome was an arrogant city, a home to every conceivable idol as well as the center of intellectualism and philosophy. Here was Paul, a tentmaker by trade, proclaiming a message about a Jewish carpenter named Jesus who died a criminal’s death on a cross. Regardless, Paul affirms, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel....”

Where does this kind of confidence come from? Here are a few truths to consider. First, Paul believed that the Gospel is superior — not some fairy tale or story fabricated in the mind of man. The Gospel is from God and is about His Son, Jesus Christ. It is superior to any religious idea or philosophy. Nothing compares to the Gospel. Second, Paul believed the Gospel was sufficient. Don’t ever forget that the Gospel does not contain the power of God. Instead, the Gospel “is the power of God unto salvation.” Finally, the apostle also knew that the Gospel is simple. “It is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes.” Many cling to the idea that salvation requires good works or special requirements. No — the Gospel calls for simple faith and trust in God’s Son, Jesus Christ, as the One who can save from sin.

Today, God has strategically placed you on this planet not simply to exist, but to make Him known. Do not ever be ashamed to share the Good News about Jesus Christ.

Miracle stories: A message from the chancellor.

By Don Lough, Jr.

The Word of Life story is a miracle story. Who would ever believe that a tiny island in the middle of Schroon Lake would become a Word of Life teen camp eventually impacting tens of thousands of young lives? Or that a communist trade union in Hungary would lease a priceless castle property to us with the stipulation that we let their unsaved children come to camp for free? We could never have imagined that God would entrust us with a Bible Institute campus in a visa-free zone in South Korea, allowing us to train students from all over Asia.

These stories are just the “tip of the iceberg” and a constant reminder that the Word of Life story is all about God. This ministry belongs entirely to Him. As we launch into a fresh season of reaching youth with the Gospel, we are claiming the truth of Ephesians 3:20: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us.” What an encouragement to know that the God of our Founders, Jack Wyrtzen and Harry Bollback, remains our powerful and miracle-working God today. Even though we live in a world full of uncertainty, we still believe He is able to do far beyond whatever we ask or dream.

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

Making the most of youth: A message from the chancellor.

By Don Lough, Jr.

Young people have enormous potential to make a difference for Jesus Christ. At Word of Life, we believe in challenging children and teenagers with early opportunities to share their faith and to step up in serving the Lord. I’ll never forget Jack Wyrtzen’s periodic challenge to me as a young man: “Donald, let no one despise your youth.” He was basically telling me, “I believe in you – don’t let your young age hold you back from living out God’s Word.”

Several weeks ago, I had the privilege of meeting a young man from Mexico who recently joined our missionary team. His testimony was anything but ordinary. When he was 20 years old and a sales manager for the Ford Motor Company, he met an 8-year-old boy who boldly shared the Gospel with him and led him to Christ. No, this is not a misprint, nor is it the end of the story. After the young sales manager was disowned by his family for his newfound faith, the little boy swung into action and began personally discipling him. He assigned him 10 chapters of Bible reading every day and then took the initiative to connect him with Christian families and a local church. Today, the fruit of his ministry is a full-time missionary!

We need to be so careful not to allow negativity or low expectations to seep into our interaction with the younger generation. The reality is that it doesn’t take much to discourage a child or a teenager. What are you doing to encourage and motivate the young people in your sphere of influence to step up for Christ? Just think of the possibilities.

Thanks for standing with us as we challenge young people to “know, grow, and show” all over the world.

Why am I here? A message from the chancellor.

By Don Lough, Jr.

In the rush of life, it’s all too easy to lose sight of the fact that God has placed us on this earth for a purpose. Philippians 2:15 reminds us that God has strategically placed us “in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation” and that we are to “shine as lights in the world.” We are not here simply to exist. Our lives should be all about taking every opportunity to show and share the difference that Christ can make in life.

I was reminded of this truth while waiting for a flight a few months ago. I couldn’t help but notice a businessman just a few seats away. He was sobbing uncontrollably as he talked on the phone. It was clear that he was coming to terms with some very difficult news. To be honest, my first instinct was to find another place to sit. After all, this man really needed some privacy, right?

Then I was reminded, “Why am I here?” I knew this had to be a divine appointment. With my heart pounding, I slid next to the man and asked, “Sir, are you going to be okay? Would you mind if I pray for you?” His hostile response caught me off guard: “No — I don’t believe in God!” I said, “Excuse me, sir, I don’t know what you are going through, but God does exist, whether you believe in Him or not. Matter of fact, God loves you, and it’s pretty obvious that you need Him right now.” With words punctuated with profanity and sobbing, he began to unfold his story. He was highly educated and a successful robotics engineer. He admitted to me, “Until today, I thought I was God.” The devastating phone call had come from his son, his pride and joy, who was a professional athlete in the National Hockey League. He had called to tell his dad that his career was likely over and that he was on his way to rehab and prison for possession and use of drugs.

I responded, “Sir, I have some more bad news for you. God, in His Word, says that not only are you not God, but you are not even good” (Romans 3). I continued, “You said you don’t believe in God, right? Has it occurred to you that God put us together today? I could’ve sat in any number of seats in this airport. My being here at this exact moment is no accident. God has to exist!” He nodded affirmatively and replied, “You got me.” I prayed for him and his son and gave him a Gospel tract before we parted ways. While I’ve not been able to reconnect with this man, there’s no doubt that this was an assignment from God.

Of course, we all have work to do, places to go, and people to meet. But the primary reason we are here is to represent Christ and to “hold forth the Word of Life” to this world that so desperately needs Him. I’m convinced that God puts divine appointments on our calendars every day. Our responsibility is to recognize and seize these opportunities to share what Christ has done in our lives.