Next Steps for the Class of 2014

This August, the Bible Institute’s alumni family will grow by about 521, as students from the teaching sites in New York, Florida, Owen Sound, and Jeju graduate and head to their next step. While much of the Victory Journal’s mission is connecting alumni who have been away from Word of Life for a bit, we also want to welcome the newest members of the group and look back on a great year of ministry and growth.

Click here to read or watch what a few of our soon-to-be alumni from the Class of 2014 had to say.

The Classroom Goes Digital

By Mark Strout, Bible Institute Executive Dean

“I wonder where all my Bible Institute notes ended up?” Have you ever asked yourself that question? Truth be told, many of us would find that our notes ended up in a box tucked away in some forgotten corner of the house — or worse! Well, we’d like to change that.

This September, Word of Life Bible Institute is taking a bold step to better equip students with 21st-century study tools they can use for years to come: We will be transitioning our first-year classrooms in New York and Florida from paper notes to computer-based note-taking. All incoming freshman students will receive a customized Logos Bible Study software package containing a digital library of more than 450 books, including nearly all their required textbooks. Resources will include multiple Bible versions, commentaries, encyclopedias, devotionals, reference works, Greek and Hebrew lexicons, and dozens of maps, photos, and media resources. The Logos package will be included in school fees, and students will have very minimal additional textbook expenses (paper notes will be an option for one more year at an additional cost). We anticipate making the same transition in the second-year classroom in fall 2015.

In addition to the Logos package, class notes will be delivered in a format that will allow students to fill in blank spaces and add their own notes using laptops or tablets in class. Upon completion of each course, the notes can be imported into Logos. Then, as students use Logos for future Bible study, their Bible Institute notes, including both the content provided to them and the notes they type in themselves, will be a fully searchable resource that is electronically linked to all other resources in their Logos package. For example, if former students search a particular Bible text or topic, relevant material from their class notes will appear alongside all similar material from the hundreds of books in their digital library. Bible references appearing in their course notes will be hyperlinked to their preferred Bible version, allowing them to be opened alongside their notes with a simple click. Other hyperlinks will be possible as well. Students also will be able to purchase hundreds of additional digital resources to add to their collection in the future.

As we transition to a digital classroom, we anticipate taking advantage of other potential benefits, including computerized testing, which would deliver different versions of the same exam to each laptop or tablet. We also could gather questions from students during class without having to interrupt the speaker. Professors could distribute additional notes, articles, or web links.

We are excited about this enhancement to the Bible Institute program and believe it will contribute to the fulfillment of our mission to educate 21st-century students within a rigorous academic and structured discipleship atmosphere, preparing them to live lives of maximum effectiveness for the Lord!

Where Are They Now? Dr. Joseph Stowell

Dr. Joseph Stowell is an internationally recognized conference speaker who has written several books and works with a variety of Christian organizations. His ministry began in the 1970s, though, when he not only pastored churches in the Midwest but also was an early guest lecturer at the newly founded Bible Institute in New York.

Dr. Stowell taught Philippians and Genesis, and he also gave special separate devotions for the guy and girl students on dating and personal relationships.

After 17 years pastoring in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan, Dr. Stowell served as the president of Moody Bible Institute from 1987 to 2005. He also preached at churches and conferences and wrote books, booklets, and magazine articles. He’s been the president of Cornerstone University (Grand Rapids, Michigan) since 2008 and also has an Internet ministry with Radio Bible Class Ministries. He and his wife, Martie, have three adult children and 10 grandchildren.

What was your first connection with Word of Life?
As a boy growing up in Hackensack, New Jersey, I would often go to the Word of Life meetings held in Times Square in New York City. Later, I asked my girlfriend to marry me on the beach in Schroon Lake. She was a waitress at the Inn.

What are some of your memories from teaching at the Bible Institute?
I loved the interaction with the students and the teaching atmosphere (in Council Hall).

Whose life has impacted yours the most spiritually, and why?
My father, my wife, Howard Hendricks, and Haddon Robinson. My dad, for his character and faithful service to Christ. My wife Martie’s godly life and wise perspectives. Howard Hendricks, for his love of God’s Word, and Haddon Robinson, for teaching me how to preach. Plus many others who have influenced me along my journey with Christ.

How do you want to be remembered?
As a faithful servant of Christ whose life and ministry reflected well on Jesus and brought glory to His name. As a good husband, loving father, and faithful friend.

What one thing would you like to communicate with our alumni?
Love God! Love others!

Dr. Stowell will be speaking at next spring’s Founder’s Conference (March 27-29).

Q&A: Lyle Hartwell

Director, Word of Life Inn & Family Lodge

Lyle Hartwell, Class of 1995, is in his second year as director of the Word of Life Inn & Family Lodge.

Lyle has been involved in ministry ever since his Bible Institute year. He spent his summers on Word of Life Island while attending Tennessee Temple University then returned to the Bible Institute to serve as the director of athletics (1999-2003) and assistant dean of men (2003-2005). Lyle and his wife, Becky (Chambers, Class of 2003), then served in local churches. Lyle was the ministry leader, college pastor, and ministries pastor at Eliot Baptist Church in Eliot, Maine, from 2005 to 2010, then served as the pastor of families and worship at Sonrise Bible Church in Rotterdam, New York, from 2010 to 2013.

Lyle was then asked to consider returning to Word of Life with his family as the Inn continued its transition to the Inn & Family Lodge, with a renewed focus on serving and strengthening families. Lyle and his family (including Austin, 7, and Olivia, 5), moved to Schroon Lake and are also involved in their local church, Mountainside Bible Chapel, where Lyle is a worship leader and helps with children’s ministry.

We caught up with Lyle to hear about his journey and vision for this new arena of ministry.

Whose life has impacted yours the most spiritually?
My parents truly were the greatest influencers in my life. Our journey with God is a faith walk, and no one has ever modeled that with more clarity than my parents.

My parents were church planters from the early 1970s until 1993, when my dad resigned from his last church. They were always bi-vocational (working jobs as well as being involved in ministry) and earnestly trusted in the gracious provision of God to meet our needs. My father was one of the most faithful laborers for Christ right until his death in 2002. As a widow, my mother continues to seek the Lord’s will in every area of her life despite the difficulty, trials, and circumstances that are out of her control. I strive each day to be as faithful as the example set before me by my parents, who truly loved God and loved others.

How did your year at the Bible Institute affect your life?
My year at the Bible Institute was a tremendous year of growth, as it is for most. I spent most of the year running from the Holy Spirit, Who was challenging me to surrender my life to full-time ministry. Trying to run from an omnipresent God is a foolish quest.

It was during the first week of summer ministry that I finally gave up the internal struggle of my will and surrendered to give “all that I am and all that I ever hope to be” to God for His glory. I was a counselor on the Island, and through the power of the Word of God, I watched seven of my nine campers put their faith in only Christ for their salvation. That was Week 1 of my new life, which has an unquenchable desire to come alongside people who need Jesus or need a clearer image of Who He is to see their lives changed.

What’s unique about the Word of Life Inn & Family Lodge?
Statistics show that a majority of families are unhealthy, struggling, and giving up at a staggering rate. At the same time, there is a significant trend in our culture toward families vacationing together. The Inn & Family Lodge must make the most of this opportunity to impact multiple generations of families.

We are a unique vacation destination that provides an exciting environment where kids, parents, and grandparents are challenged to grow closer to God and each other. Come and stay for a week in the summer or enjoy a weekend retreat in the fall or spring. No matter when you visit, you will be greeted by a wonderful staff eager to make your stay a refreshing one, complete with Adirondack adventures and world-renowned speakers. You also can schedule your own retreat for a church group or family reunion, and we’d be glad to work on tailoring the perfect retreat to meet your needs.

What’s new for 2014?
This summer, every week had a special “artist of the week.” These artists ministered through music and as part of our worship team throughout the week.

One of the other changes for 2014 is the location of check-in and customer service. You will now be welcomed in the lobby of the conference center to enjoy arrival refreshments. Customer service representatives will be in the lobby to assist you with anything you need during your stay.

What unique conferences are planned?
We have several. Answers in Genesis, with both Ken and Steve Ham speaking together for the first time at Word of Life, was at the Inn & Family Lodge for Week 1 this summer.

This fall, Linda Dillow and Julie Slattery will be at the Women’s Retreat for the entire weekend. Special music guest Shannon Wexelberg will be leading worship. The speaker at our Fall Marriage Retreat will be Pastor Jerrod Jones, the lead pastor of Grace Community Church, a multicampus church in Washingtonville, New York.

How can we pray for your ministry?
Please pray for wisdom and discernment as we seek to only bring glory to God in meeting the needs of multiple generations of guests. It’s not an easy task, but the need for life change is so great that we must be excellent in all that God has called us to here at the Inn & Family Lodge.

Please pray for people to come as they are and have their needs met exactly where they are.

Victory Journal Issue 10: 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.

Tours: Send us your memories.

Were you ever a part of Word of Life Tours? We’d love to hear from you.

If you participated in a Bible Institute production, whether on the road or at the Florida campus, please consider sending some memories or photos along.

We’re looking for the following:
(1) Photos – Anything showing the experience, from the performances to backstage to going on the road
(2) Memories – What encouraged you? Who do you remember? Any funny stories?
(3) Encouragement for other alumni – Pass along whatever you’d like to share.

It doesn’t have to be long! We’d just love to hear from you and share your thoughts with other alumni. Even if it’s just a sentence or a grainy 3x5 photo, let us know how Tours touched you.

Thank you for your contribution!

Contact Mike Bush at mikebush@wol.org or send your photos or memories to alumni@wol.org.  

The King's Yomen: Adam Bottiglia, Class of 1998

When Adam Bottiglia, Class of 1998, graduated from high school, he had two choices: Study engineering, like his father, or study what his heart truly longed for. The answer, he says, was easy. “If you’re going to study anything your first year out of high school, why study anything but (the Bible)?” he asks.

Adam was no stranger to ministry at 18 years old. He’d found his own unique way to spread God’s Word three years earlier when preparing for a high school talent show. “I knew that if they were going to give me the chance to get up on stage, I was going to preach,” Adam says. But he knew his peers wouldn’t connect with the message unless he made it fun.

It was 1995. Adam’s solution? Yo-yos.

The skit he and a friend performed earned them first place at the talent show, and they eventually became a drama team known as The King’s Yomen — a ministry that Adam still continues with his wife, Crissy, 25 years later.

If water sustains life, then the yo-yo is The King’s Yomen’s well. It’s merely a tool for spreading the larger message of the Word of God.

In the play, a lonely, broken man discovers he has a special talent: yo-yoing. He meets the devil soon after his discovery and makes a deal to use his skill for evil. Once the man realizes what he’s done, he finds Christ and is set free when he learns he can still yo-yo — for the glory of God.

“Think of it as a sermon with a yo-yo mixed in,” Adam explains.

It’s an unusual twist, but one that seems to appeal to all audiences.

Adam says that’s because the toy is completely nonthreatening.

“No one takes the yo-yo seriously at first,” Adam says. “You shouldn’t — it’s a yo-yo.” But, he says, it’s a way for him to win people over, opening up a new avenue for discussion about Jesus Christ. “If people will truly hear me — really listen — when I have a yo-yo, then give it to me.”

Adam started his yo-yo ministry before attending the Bible Institute, and he kept right on going when he arrived on campus. In fact, fellow alumni may remember some of his halftime performances. After graduation, Adam says the training he received launched his ministry even further. Spreading the Word is something he’s never been able to get away from — skit writing is a “constant” for him and Crissy.

The two met in their high school’s youth group and attended the Bible Institute together, where Adam says they “lived and breathed” the Bible. Though they always knew the Bible Institute was an important part of their Christian foundation, Adam says they are just now starting to realize what a truly perfect fit it was.

He explains that the Bible Institute was the first time he’d been in an environment that encouraged the all-encompassing study of the Word — and he loved it. “Everyone else (at the Bible Institute) was on the same page. And still, to this day, when Crissy and I are around fellow alums, we fit in better than anywhere else.”

Maybe that’s because Bible Institute alums understand his mission, from which his biggest takeaway is a lesson in humility. He admits he never set out to have his legacy be tied to a yo-yo — it’s simply what God keeps asking him to do.

“(The yo-yo) has taught me to take whatever opportunity God gives you to minister, even if it’s humiliating,” he says. “I mean, why not put a yo-yo and the Gospel together?”

Testimony Corner: Dean Bruckner, Class of 1981

My year at Word of Life Bible Institute was one of the best three years of my life.

As a 17-year-old believer in Christ, I sensed a calling to the secular world as an engineer, military officer, or both. I asked God for wisdom. Our family friends David and Billy Giles (Class of 1978 and 1979, respectively) strongly recommended my brother Lee and I attend the Bible Institute. So we did, along with their sister, Victoria.

The three of us arrived in mid-September 1980 to picture-perfect chalets, hard benches, and the daily Quiet Time diary — the Word of Life experience. Thirty guys push-starting our 18-wheeler in Canada on Collegians winter tour, a missions conference that a hundred of us missed with the flu in the days before vaccinations, watching Dean of Men Ray Namie doing doughnuts in his van — with his family inside — on the frozen lake, and a two-week trip to Israel, Jordan, and Egypt all are indelibly stamped in my memory. But even more than those memories were the lifelong imprints made by the Word of God on the deepest part of who I am.

Life. The Word. That’s what Word of Life is all about. From where I stand, a more coherent, practical, comprehensive one-year presentation of the Bible, integrated into preparation for life, does not exist. For me, it came at exactly the right time, and it equipped me for all that was to come.

Since then, I’ve sailed the coasts of North America, from Nova Scotia to the Panama Canal, to Alaska’s farthest Aleutian Islands, and to the Arctic Circle. I’ve been to 20 foreign countries and studied five languages. I’ve lived a year abroad, earned a Ph.D in electrical engineering, and became a licensed professional engineer. I was the lead system integrator for flight tests of the GPS and inertial navigation systems of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. I got married and have three school-age children, served in eight churches and military chapels, and now teach industrial and systems engineering at Ohio University.

What does all this amount to? Absolutely nothing, in light of eternity, except what was done for Christ and His kingdom. That is the debt I owe to Word of Life. In that year, my spiritual navigation instruments and library of life charts were fitted for the long haul. If God’s hand has held my life on course during everything that’s followed, if He’s used it to touch others, if He and His Word are better known and loved in my wake, it will be due in great measure to what I received in the spiritual “shipyard” on the shores of Schroon Lake.

What amazes me is that it was such fun, too. It truly was one of the three most joyful years of my life, along with my honeymoon year of marriage and my year as a young commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard radio station near Istanbul, Turkey.

The Turks have a saying: “A tree can be shaped when it’s young.” That was Word of Life to me.

Q&A: Rich Andrews

Director of Ministries, Word of Life Florida

Ministry Timeline
Camper, Word of Life Ranch (1981, 1986-87)
Camper, Word of Life Island (1988-1991)
Bible Institute student: first year (1992), second year (1995)
Camp staff, Island (1992-1994, 2000)
Impact Singers (1992-1993)
Impact Team (1993-1998)
Camp director, Ranch (1995-1999)
Camp staff, Word of Life Florida (2001-2013)
Camp director, Florida (2005-present)
Director of Ministries, Florida (May 2013-present)

Family
Wife: Lynn Fahning Andrews (Class of 1994); married for 19 years
Children: Gavyn (15), Javen (13), Lynneah (11)

What was your first connection with Word of Life?
A Word of Life staff member brought a group of Bible Institute students to my home church, Bethany Baptist Church in Mount Clemens, Michigan, and did a Vacation Bible School-style event. I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior at that event.

Whose life has impacted yours the most spiritually, and why?
God has allowed me to be mentored by several great men, but the biggest impact was made by George Theis. Our relationship began on my first Collegian tour, when he confronted me about talking while he was talking and followed it up with this statement: “You and I are either going to be the best of friends when this tour is over or the worst of enemies.” I’m so glad I chose friendship! He and his wife, Joan, continue to be a great encouragement to me and my wife, Lynn.

How were you impacted as a camper?
My first week of camp was in 1981 at Word of Life Ranch, and I hated it, missed home, ate too much candy, and was just miserable. When I was 14, though, I dedicated my life to the Lord on Kenya Hill.

How were you impacted as a student?
My first year was 1991-1992, and God used that year to change the direction of my life. I was involved in Collegians and developed a love for the technical side of theater. Through that, I decided to stay for another year and travel with the Impact Singers.

What is unique about the Word of Life Florida Youth Camp?
One of the unique aspects of the Florida Youth Camp is the number of church groups that come. We have very few individuals, so there’s a great dynamic between the youth leaders and pastors and our staff. It’s been called the “best camp in the universe” by some, but I think what makes all the Word of Life camps unique are the Bible Institute students serving as counselors. It’s very unique in the Christian camping world to have so many trained young people as counselors.

What’s new for summer 2014?
In 2014, we’re working hard to grow the Bible Institute as well as the Youth Camp. We’ve had several projects take place over the last year that have added so much to the property, and now we’re working to get the word out about this incredible ministry.

What types of ministries are the Bible Institute students involved in?
The Bible Institute students are involved in children’s evangelism, drama, praise band, and ensemble as well as Open Air Evangelism and ministering to groups that come to the Youth Retreat Center. We also were part of the new traveling tour Magi. We had 20 of our students travel with us for the production during the Christmas break.

How can we pray for your ministry?
You can pray for me personally as I balance my time between my family and that God would continue to grow the ministry of Word of Life Florida. We believe there are great days ahead!

Victory Journal Issue 9: 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.

Alumni News: 2010s.

We've got more updates from our alumni family. See what your former classmates are up to here and in upcoming issues of the Victory Journal. Let us know what you're doing at alumni@wol.org.

Kyle Bush ('09, '10) works as a land surveyor and enjoys basketball. He and his wife, Stefanie (Paun, ’09, ’10), have one son, Emory. They attend Watermark Church in Tampa, Florida.

Patricia Williams (’09, ’10) is a stay-at-home mom with her daughter, Karis. She attends Everglades Baptist Church in Okeechobee, Florida.

Stephanie Borgia (’09, ’10) is studying to be a nurse with the hopes of serving on the mission field.  She attends Calvary Fellowship Church in Port Saint Lucie, Florida.

Jonathan Duckett (’09, ’10) is an intern at Crossroots City Church in Jacksonville, Florida, and involved in Media for Missions, a book business.

Derek Roberts ('10) is working at Lisbon Community Family Credit Union and Camp Good News in Livermore Falls while finishing his last year of college and serving as a teen youth leader at Lisbon Falls Baptist Church in Maine.

Mishaela Parker (’10, Hungary) is working on getting her teaching credential and on becoming an overseas missionary teacher.

Samuelle Champion (’10) is involved in student ministry and attends First Baptist Church of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida.

Dawn Brooks (’10) is a nurse at Cartersville Medical Center in Cartersville, Georgia. She attends North Point Baptist Church and has three children: Geovana, David, and Julissa.

Rebekah Larsen ('10, '11) is working full-time while studying full-time online with Grace Bible College. She also works with the youth and music teams at her church, First Baptist Church of Bath in Maine.

Leonard Van Essendelft, Jr. (’10, ’11) is the youth pastor at Middle Island Baptist Church in Selden, New York, and works for Terminix. He is planning on attending seminary school.

Bethany Rose (’10, ’11) is studying social work at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, New York. She attends Northridge Church in Rochester, New York.

Caleb Seibert (’10, ’11) works at Home Depot, is working on his bachelor’s degree online with Liberty University, and helps with the youth group at First Baptist Church of Philipsburg in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. He enjoys hiking, wood burning, and fellowshipping with friends.

Kristy Goodman (’10, ’11) is studying American sign language. She attends Temple Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Josiah Brondyke (’10, ’11) is serving the Lord in the Midwest. He attends Fish Lake Bible Church in Sherman, Michigan.

Brittany Tanedo (’10, ’12) is a full-time nanny and a youth leader at Russell Baptist Church in Green Cove Springs, Florida.

Graham Collins ('11) is on the ministry staff of Brainerd Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Tricia Figueroa (’11) just received her medical assistant-phlebotomist certification and is looking for work. She attends Christian Fellowship Church in Scotland, Connecticut.

Andrew Kirk (’11, Jeju) is studying Biblical counseling at The Masters College in Santa Clarita, California.

Ethan and Brittany Wofford (’11) are praying about long-term overseas missions. Ethan is self-employed and involved at Rockbridge Community Church.

Lindsay Harbourne (’11) is studying nursing. She attends Westside Baptist Church in Hamilton, Ontario.

Bethany Davoll (’11) is graduating in May 2014 from Trinity Baptist College in Jacksonville, Florida. She attends Trinity Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida, and La Conexión a la Esperanzo Una Iglesia Bautista in Ecuador.

Cameron Hoagland (’11) is living in Maryland and studying engineering with the goal of serving as a missionary. He attends Fredericktowne Baptist Church in Walkersville, Maryland.

Rebecca Chambers (’11, ’12) is interested in counseling and missions. She attends Trinity Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida.

Benjamin Young (’11, ’12) is a student at Trinity Baptist College in Jacksonville, Florida. He attends Crossroads Church in Middleburg, Florida.

Dale (’11, ’12) and Jennifer (Spiller) (’12) Williams were married on June 8, 2013. Dale works in residential construction, and Jennifer is a secretary at their local church, New Beginnings Baptist Church in Kennedy, New York.

Devin ('12) and Mollie (Burke) ('10) Graf were married October 20, 2014. Devin works for JetBlue and PrimeFlight Aviation Services at Greater Rochester International Airport. They both are coordinators at Connect, a teen outreach ministry at Open Door Baptist Church in Churchville, New York.

Abigail Barker (’12) is studying nursing. She met her fiancé at the Bible Institute. She attends Grace Brethren Church in Melbourne, Florida.

Alyssa Weigand (’12) is studying secondary history and English at Trinity Baptist College in Jacksonville, Florida. She attends Trinity Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida.

Alex Luedtke (’12) is working and studying at Trinity Bible College in Jacksonville, Florida. He is a youth leader at Crossroads Baptist Church in Middleburg, Florida.

Krista Schmidt (’12) is studying secondary education at Trinity Baptist College in Jacksonville, Florida. She attends Trinity Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida.

Heather Woolley (’12) is studying psychology and counseling. She attends First Baptist Church in Hobe Sound, Florida.

Lindsay Mixon (’12) is studying nursing and attends Lighthouse Baptist Church in Callahan, Florida.

Sarah Wagner (’12) is studying graphic design and working at Antro.

Shane Felices (’12) is working as a barista at Starbucks and serves on the praise team at East Pointe Church in Jacksonville, Florida.

Belen Aleman (’12 Argentina) is studying at The Masters College in Santa Clarita, California, and preparing to serve the Lord full-time on the mission field.

Rachel Anderson ('12) is studying online while working.

Kimberly Smith (’12) is a youth leader, nanny, and hostess at Sonny’s. She enjoys hiking and camping. She attends First Baptist Church of New Port Richey in Florida.

Kathryn Wright (’12, ’13) helps out with Awana and the nursery at New Testament Baptist Church in Largo, Florida.

Hsin Hui Huang (Serena) (’12, ’13) is studying at Trinity Baptist College in Jacksonville, Florida. She attends Crossroads Baptist Church in Middleburg, Florida.

Jessica Klaus (’12, ’13) is a student at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, and is involved in on-campus ministry.

Paul Kittelstad (’12, ’13) is working in construction and pursuing a career in acting. He attends Heritage Baptist Church in Lakeland, Florida.

Aleta Dodge ('12, '13) is working as a missionary intern for Word of Life.

Jennifer Perry (’12, ’13) is working full-time. She attends Bethany Assembly of God in Agawam, Massachusetts.

Jeremiah Chapman (’13) and his wife, Leah, have three children: Arriah, Noah, and Hannah. They attend Woodstock Church in Jasper, Georgia. Jeremiah is studying for a pastorate position and is a student minister and a house parent at a group home.

Katherine Joseph (’13) is working and helps with child care at the Word of Life Olympians program at Heritage Baptist Church in Kentwood, Michigan.

Michael Carrel (’13) is working and helping with youth group at Heritage Baptist Church in Kentwood, Michigan.

Miranda Marie Dodge ('13) works at Tim Hortons, Clean Bee Laundry, and baby sits. At her church, West Rockport Baptist Church in Maine, she is involved in the youth group, evangelism, and Word of Life Superbowls. She enjoys ice skating, singing, writing, and Bible studies.

Alumni News: 1970s
Alumni News: 1980s
Alumni News: 1990s
Alumni News: 2000s

Alumni News: 2000s.

We've got more updates from our alumni family. See what your former classmates are up to here and in upcoming issues of the Victory Journal. Let us know what you're doing at alumni@wol.org.

Brad Smith (’99, ’00) is a student pastor at First Baptist Church of New Port Richey in Florida. He and his wife, Shallon, have two children: Emma (10) and Keirna (7).

Nathan Miles (’99, ’00) is a pastor at Potter Hollow Union Church in New York. He and his wife, Kristy, have four children: Lillian (8), Nathan (5), Hedia (2), and Asher (1).

Christopher Smith (’99, ’00) spent about 11 years in ministry, 5½ of them with Word of Life Local Church Ministries. He has four children: Jaxon (11), Conor (9), Lincoln (6), and Gracie (5).

Amanda (Steele) Leckvold (’00) teaches first grade. She and her husband, Stephen, have a newborn son, Isaiah.

Deborah Berruti ('00) is an occupational therapist working in a village-based hospital on the south side of the Sahara Desert with SIM, a missions organization, making a huge impact in the lives of the patients she treats.

Tanna (Kiahd) Bettle (’00, ’01) works as a customer service representative at a health insurance company. She is married to Brandon.

Karine (Radermaker) Cruse (’01) (Quebec) worked at a local rescue mission and is very involved in music ministry with the children’s choir at Westfield Evangelical Free Church in Westfield, Massachusetts. She owns a piano studio and teaches full-time. Her husband, John, is a pastor.

William Anthony ('01) and his wife, Ceressa, have three children: Zoe (7), Drew (4), and Lola (2). They attend Riverstone Community Church in Jacksonville, Florida.

Isaac and Bethany (Gray) Brohinsky (’01, ’02) have two children: Elijah (6) and Benjamin (3). Isaac is a partner at a certified public accountant firm and a deacon. Bethany is a stay-at-home mom, a church secretary and treasurer, a photographer, and a reseller on eBay. They attend Westside Chapel in Jacksonville, Florida.

Austin and Nicole (Davis) Green (’01, ’02) attend First Baptist Church in Lakeland, Florida. Austin is a youth and fundraising consultant for Christian schools. Nicole owns a freelance writing business and enjoys filming, theatre, and public speaking. They have three children: Alea, Caeden, and Sophia.

Debbie Frisbey (’01, ’02) is the founder and director of The Youth Center of White Cloud in White Cloud, Michigan, and a substitute teacher. She attends Aetna Calvary Church in White Cloud, Michigan.

John Melcon (’01, 02) is the director of enrollment at The Master’s College in Santa Clarita, California. He and his wife, Kelly, have two children: Mark (3) and Lyola (1).

Kelly (’01, ’03) and Kimberly (Nolan) (’10) Smith have been accepted as Word of Life missionaries to Japan and are raising support and building their prayer team. Kelly is working at Verizon Wireless and Kimberly is a stay-at-home mom to Lucas (1). They attend Calvary Bible Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Jeff Nuckols (’02) is a pastor at Landmark Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida. He and his wife, Therese, have four children: Gabriel (8), Anna (6), Josiah (3), and Elijah (1).

Ken and Amanda (Williams) Marl (’02) have a son, Harper, who is almost 3 years old. Ken works at Bobs Red Mill in Oregon, and Amanda works for Life and Style Photography.

Melissa Maynard (’02) works in emergency medical services and attends Crossroads Community Church in Amsterdam, New York.

Kurt King (’02, ’03) does landscape maintenance, loves golf, and is involved in the young married ministry at Hibernia Baptist Church in Flemming Island, Florida. He and his wife, Karina, have four children: Jaden (7), Seth (6), Lydia (2), and Erik (2).

Faith (Wilkins) Torsey (’02, ’03) is working at Walmart and interested in photography. She attends Ashland Baptist Church in Ashland, New Hampshire.

Seth Heydinger (’02, ’03) is a missionary with Word of Life in Poland.

Rebecca Thompson (’02, ’04) is a neonatal intensive care registered nurse.

Jonathan Steele (’03) and his wife, Emily, attend First Baptist Church of Rhinebeck in Rhinebeck, New York.

Shirley (Davis) O’Neill (’03) is a middle school teacher and works with high schoolers at North River Community Church in Pembroke, Massachusetts. She is married to Patrick.

Cindi (Warken) Schubert ('03) is a stay-at-home mom and enjoys doing crafts. She and her husband, Kurt, have twins: Mae and Luke (2).

Jacklyn (Feltz) (’03) and Clint Lain attend McKinney Memorial Bible Church in Fort Worth, Texas, and have three children: Tori (11), Dylan (8), and Andrew (newborn).

Michael Seal (’03, ’04) is working full-time and is a seminary student at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He and his wife, Katie, have three children: Jonathan (5), Haddon (4), and Annabelle (1). They attend Meadow Springs Community Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Rebekah (Becky) Moman (’03, ’05) is living, working, and playing in Fairbanks, Alaska, and attends Friends Community Church in Fairbanks, Alaska. She is engaged to be married to Corey Sobah in spring 2014.

Alec and Jennifer (Headlee) Regalado (’04) have a daughter, Lydia (3). Alec works in construction and contracting. Jennifer is a supervisor at Starbucks and mentors other moms.

David McGinley (’04) serves as a minister of discipleship at Old Plank Road Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida.

Joshua and Julie (Stromberg) Ely (’04, ’05) attend First Baptist Church of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida. Joshua is a student director, and Julie is a stay-at-home mom to Logan (4), Muriah (3), and Ava (2).

Leonna Elam ('04, '05) is the programs manager at Ironworks Taekwondo Academy Inc. in Dunmore, Pennsylvania.

Miriam Ritchie (’04, ’05) is a freelance graphic designer, is involved at Calvary Bible Church in Hanover, Pennsylvania, and is marrying Wayne Miller on July 12, 2014.

Andrea (Jennings) Nazarie (’05) and her husband, Claudiu, are Word of Life area missionaries in northwest Georgia. They have three children: Elliot (5), Micah (4), and Caleb (1). They attend First Baptist Church in Woodstock, Georgia.

Jaclyn (Faisst) Quintero (’05, ’06) and her husband, Ramon, serve at Northbridge Church in Kalamazoo Township, Michigan with Hispanics, and teenagers. They have two children: Isabella (2) and Natalie (4).

Jennifer Gray (’05, ’06) is a part-time teller. She recently joined Quabbin Valley Pro Musica, a mixed-voice choral ensemble in Western Massachusetts. She attends Mission Covenant Church in Orange, Massachusetts.

Charles Love (’06) is studying teaching at Trinity Baptist College in Jacksonville, Florida, and is working at Panera Bread. He attends Old Plank Road Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida.

Christopher Harris (’06) works as a pipefitter and coaches baseball, using it to spread Jesus. He and his wife, Shanna, have two children: Gage (6) and Bentlee (3). They attend First Baptist Church of Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Florida.

Lindsey Ramirez (’06) is a case manager for a court and a leader for the 12th-grade small group at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Jasper, Georgia.

Krista (Samson) Seybolt (’06) is a student ministry secretary. She and her husband, Tim, have one daughter, Lily (2). They attend First Baptist Church in New Port Richey, Florida.

Rebecca Milliron (’06, ’07) is a teacher at Temple Christian School and attends Temple Baptist Church in Titusville, Florida.

Hillary Ellis (’06, ’08) runs the sound system for her church and helps with a youth program at another church.

Nash Purcell (’07, ’08) is working in construction with his dad. He attends Heritage Baptist Church in Lakeland, Florida.

Stephen Gerhart (’07, ’08) is an associate pastor at First Baptist Church of Hudson in Florida. He and his wife, Sandra, have four children: James, Maegan, Emily, and Aaron.

James Thomas (’08) is an artist.

Kellie (Gelo) Paczok (’08) is a pharmacy technician. She and her husband, Joshua, attend First Baptist Church in Weymouth, Massachusetts.

Loren Smith (’08) is a registered nurse at Tampa General Hospital and is a youth group leader at First Baptist Church of New Port Richey in Florida.

Dwayne Johnson (’08) is working on a degree in counseling. He is a youth leader at Faith Baptist Church in New Port Richey, Florida. He and his wife, Sheila, have four children: Anne, Mason, Axel, and Dylan.

Ryan Arnold (’08) is the music coordinator at the Bible Institute’s New York campus.

James Presley (’08, ’09) is a full-time teacher and chef at a Christian school in Okeechobee, Florida. He attends Cornerstone Baptist Church in Okeechobee, Florida.

Justin Herron (’08, ’09) is a youth pastor. He’s pursuing a masters in divinity at Reformed Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Megan (Livingston), attend Crosswalk Community Church in Titusville, Florida.

Michael (’08, ’09) and Jennifer (King) (’09) Torres are involved in the young married ministry at Hibernia Baptist Church in Flemming Island, Florida, and are interested in returning to full-time ministry. They have two children: Michael and Lucas.

Eric Feenaughty (’09) works in information technology at Tampa General Hospital. He and his wife, Jessica (Strout) (’08, ’09), attend South Tampa Fellowship.

Kevin Case (’09) is working with teenagers.

Joy Edwards (’09) attends Spring Hill Baptist Church in Spring Hill, Florida, and helps in the nursery.

Bryanne Elliot ('09) works for Wells Fargo in Colonie, New York, and attends Northway Church in Clifton Park, New York.

Katherine (Ewing) Jackson ('09) works for a safety and industrial supply company.

Marques Pauley (’09) works at Chick-fil-A and is interning as a youth pastor at First Baptist Church of New Port Richey in Florida. He graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, and is now looking for a job as a pastor.

Andrew Anderson (’09) is a worship leader at Heritage Baptist Church in Tampa, Florida.

Kyle Bush ('09, '10) works as a land surveyor and enjoys basketball. He and his wife, Stefanie (Paun, ’09, ’10), have one son, Emory. They attend Watermark Church in Tampa, Florida.

Patricia Williams (’09, ’10) is a stay-at-home mom with her daughter, Karis. She attends Everglades Baptist Church in Okeechobee, Florida.

Stephanie Borgia (’09, ’10) is studying to be a nurse with the hopes of serving on the mission field.  She attends Calvary Fellowship Church in Port Saint Lucie, Florida.

Jonathan Duckett (’09, ’10) is an intern at Crossroots City Church in Jacksonville, Florida, and involved in Media for Missions, a book business.

Alumni News: 1970s
Alumni News: 1980s
Alumni News: 1990s
Alumni News: 2010s

Alumni News: 1990s.

We've got more updates from our alumni family. See what your former classmates are up to here and in upcoming issues of the Victory Journal. Let us know what you're doing at alumni@wol.org.

Jonathan Bubar ('89, '90) works in medical device sales. He and his wife, Cheryl, work with African refugees and have three children: Daniel (16), Drew (12), and Eloise (4). They attend First Baptist Church of Waldoboro in Waldoboro, Maine.

Ann (Towle) Jones ('89, '90) works for the United States Postal Service, is very involved in her church, and participates in missions trips to third-world countries. She is married to Michael and attends Bradford Baptist Church in Bradford, Maine.

Brent Parschauer (’90) enjoys reading, writing, and speaking. He and his wife, Shelly, have three children: Titus (16), Silas (13), and Lukas (8). They attend First Baptist Church of New Smyrna in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

Shawn Morrow (’90, ’91) is a manager at a local supermarket. He and his wife, Sara, have six children: Ashton, Breanna, Kristen, Jordan, Joshua, and Sydney. They attend Crossroads Evangelical Free Church in Plymouth, Indiana.

Gordon Loop (’90, ’91) is a pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Dedham, Massachusetts. He and his wife, Beth-Eden, have three children: Micayla, Justin, and Wesley.

Dawn (Bach) Hartill ('91) is an information technology auditor for TD Bank. She and her husband, Daniel, have three children: Russell (17), Ryan (14), and Reagan (12). They attend East Auburn Baptist Church in Auburn, Maine.

Laurie (Shoemaker) Tilson (’91) and her husband, Bill, attend Southside Fellowship Abiding in Christ Church in West Henrietta, New York. Laurie homeschools their three children: Paul (14), Leah (12), and Hannah (10).

Wade and Kimberly (Morris) Peterson (’91) have two children: Rachel (19) and Abigail (10). Wade sings on the worship team at Community Bible Church in Cooperstown, New York.

James Smith (’91, ’92) is a bus driver for Hertz. He and his wife, Lynn, attend Praise Christian Fellowship in Pleasant Valley, Connecticut.

Stephen Janho (’92) works in real estate and is involved in his local church. He and his wife, Deborah, have five children: Abigail (11), Isabella (11), Boaz (9), Jacob (8), and Sophia (5).

Chris Chapman ('93) works at the Duke Energy Catawba Nuclear Plant, is a media director at Sisk Memorial Baptist Church, and owns an audio/video business called coMEDIAn Productions. He and his wife, Brandi, have two children: Devin (11) and Ayla (7).

Jonathan Anna ('93) is a police officer for the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office in Syracuse, New York. He is a full-time single dad to Ethan (5). He attends Grace Evangelical Covenant Church in Clay, New York.

Darrell Black ('94) is a house parent at The Joy House, a ministry dedicated to restoring teenagers and families through Christ, in Jasper, Georgia, along with his wife, Elizabeth. They have two children: Matthew (9) and Lauren (7). They attend Foothills Community Church in Marble Hills, Georgia.

Paul Harbourne (’94) is a pastor at Fellowship Baptist Church in Collingwood, Ontario, and teaches at the Bible Institute in Owen Sound. He and his wife, Kim, have three children: Tyler, Lindsay, and Brendan.

Dan Saxton (’94, ’95) just graduated from Westminster Seminary California in Escondido, California, with a masters in historical theology. He is helping with a church plant and working at a local publishing company.

Sarah Bubar (’94, ’95) is the dean of women at Word of Life Bible Institute in Hudson, Florida, and attends Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, Florida.

Jonathan Stansel ('94, '96) works in customer service for a web company. He is involved in children's and family ministry, the orchestra, and is a deacon at Open Door Baptist Church in Churchville, New York. He and his wife, Beth (Hannah, ’00), have four children with a fifth on the way in the summer of 2014: Madison (7), Logan (5), Payten (4), and Jaxin (3).

Valerie (Chase) Burton (’95) met her husband, Luke, at Liberty University. She currently homeschools seven of their 10 children.

Neil B. Nicholson (’96) is an attorney in Concord, New Hampshire, and is watching his children, ages 10 and 5, grow up too fast. Neil and his family are active members at Manchester Christian Church.

Tanya (Stewart) Monts (’96) teaches third and fourth grade and is involved at Madeira Baptist Church in Middleburg, Florida. She and her husband, Michael, have three children: Chandler (13), Dawson (8) and Lauren (5).

Melissa (Presciutti) Patrick ('96) and her husband, Jason, attend First Bible Baptist Church in Rochester, New York. She homeschools their three children: Andrew (11), Tyler (7), and Leanna (5).

Daniel Fauth (’96, 97) and his wife, Cheryl, have four children: Lydia (8), Jacob (4), Abigail (2), and James (infant). They attend Bible Baptist Church of Shiremanstown in Shiremanstown, Pennsylvania.

Kari Ferguson (’97) is an educational instructional coach. She and her husband, Richard, have two children: Lydia (8) and Noah (6).

Ralph Wilson, Jr. (‘97, ’98) is a pastor at Liberty Baptist Church in St. Petersburg, Florida. He and his wife, Sally, have two children: Emmalee (8) and Landon (5).

Tim ('97, '98) and Bethany (Wittmer) ('98, '99) Raymond have four children: Benjamin, Noah, Ethan, and Leah. Bethany is a full-time wife, mom, and home educator. She is very involved at Trinity Baptist Church in Muncie, Indiana, where Tim has been the senior pastor since 2006. Tim is also an editor and occasional blogger for the Christian magazine Credo (credomag.com).

Casey Jebens (’98) is a head driver and trainer for Sherwood School District Transportation. He enjoys music and radio. He is married to Rachel.

Rachael (Zaicek) Macht (’98) is a teacher at EASTCONN, an organization that works with parents, communities, and schools to ensure all children are prepared for school success. She and her husband, Jeremiah, have one daughter, Grace, and attend Baptist Fellowship of Columbia in Columbia, Connecticut.

Melissa (Alan) Smith (’98) is a stay-at-home mom to Aubrey (3) and teaches Sunday School. She is married to Shawn.

C.W. Andy Anderson (’98) and his wife, Nancy, are area missionaries with Word of Life in Tampa, Florida. They attend South Tampa Fellowship in Tampa, Florida.

Brian and Valerie (Sharratt) Earl (’98) have three children: Timothy (11), Chloe (10), and Jeremiah (5). Brian enjoys basketball and football. He works in information technology support and is the worship leader at Christ Community Church in Tampa, Florida. Valerie is involved in children’s ministry at the church.

Jackie (Williams) Carver (’98) works at a bank and is involved in children’s ministry at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Jasper, Georgia. She and her husband, Mickey, have three children: Austin (18), Bethany (12), and Caroline (11).

Peter O. Ogilvie (’98) is a bereavement chaplain. He and his wife have five children: Peter G., Johan, Andrew, Hannah, and Mark. They attend Hope Community Church in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania.

James and Stacy (Laird) Mindrup (’99) attend Faith Baptist Church in New Port Richey, Florida, and have three children: Charles (10), Jack (7), and Mekayla (6). James works in information technology.

Amanda (Fisher) Langworthy (’99) is a stay-at-home mom and a director with Thirty-One Gifts. Aaron (’99) plans to open a nonprofit deli and is the pastor of a house church.

Brad Smith (’99, ’00) is a student pastor at First Baptist Church of New Port Richey in Florida. He and his wife, Shallon, have two children: Emma (10) and Keirna (7).

Nathan Miles (’99, ’00) is a pastor at Potter Hollow Union Church in New York. He and his wife, Kristy, have four children: Lillian (8), Nathan (5), Hedia (2), and Asher (1).

Christopher Smith (’99, ’00) spent about 11 years in ministry, 5½ of them with Word of Life Local Church Ministries. He has four children: Jaxon (11), Conor (9), Lincoln (6), and Gracie (5).

Alumni News: 1970s
Alumni News: 1980s
Alumni News: 2000s
Alumni News: 2010s

Alumni News: 1980s.

We've got more updates from our alumni family. See what your former classmates are up to here and in upcoming issues of the Victory Journal. Let us know what you're doing at alumni@wol.org.

Angela (Visserman) Cernilli (’80) works as a registered nurse in a doctor’s office. Her husband, Gene, is an engineer. They are involved in ministry at Colonial Baptist Church in Cary, North Carolina. They have three children: Elise Martin, Michael, and Kristen.

John Carrel (’80) designs houses and has ministered for 28 years with Word of Life Olympians. He attends Heritage Baptist Church in Kentwood, Michigan. He has four children: Shaina (Shukee), Garren, Michael, and Brent.

Jane (Fawley) Slusher (’80) and her husband, David, have two children: Nathan and Adam. They attend Grace Community Church in Hudsonville, Michigan.

Penny (Relyea) Schlueter (’80) is a dental claims specialist for Aetna. She ministers at Baptist Church of Northville in Northville, New York, in music and in the nursery. She and her husband, Bob (Chip), have two children: Erin and Matthew.

Deborah (Anderson) Tingley (’80) works as a medical claims examiner, serves with the Gideons, and is on the finance committee at Living Stone Community Church in Standish, Maine. She and her husband, Lee, have two children: Erika (Smith) and Michael.

David Bailey (’81) is a business development manager for an international engineering and steel detailing company. He enjoys racing and bicycling. He and his wife, Melissa (Warner) (’81), have two children: Jonathan and Arianna.

John Maynard ('81) and his wife, Linda, are in their 34th year of ministry with Word of Life Local Church Ministries in Amsterdam, New York. They have three children: Aaron, Shaun, and Melissa. They attend Emmanuel Baptist Church in Gloversville, New York.

David and Amy (Niccum) Sciacca (’81) have a son, Charles. David is a truck driver, and Amy is involved in missions, helping others use the skills and abilities God has given them.

Pam (Smith) Kryger (’81) is a dental hygienist, a cancer patient counselor, and a cook for all events that happen at Berean Baptist Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She and her husband, John, have five children: Mandy, Like, Erika, Jared, and Emily.

James McMahon (’83) is an Army pilot who travels to “interesting” places. He and his wife, Tammy (’86), attend Garden Chapel in Middletown, Pennsylvania, and have three children: Joshua, Kaylee, and Kelsey.

Ed Henderson (’84) is involved in music and children’s ministry at Huber Heights First Baptist Church in Dayton, Ohio. He and his wife, Lori, have three children: Alyssa, Kelsie, and Molly.
 
Sherrie (Dickinson) Farnsworth (’84) homeschools two of her children, leads a ladies Bible study, and is a Bible quizzing coordinator. She and her husband, James, have four children: Donnie, Kelsey, Caleb, and Savannah. They attend Calvary Baptist Church in Covington, Kentucky.

Tara (Goheens) Bubar ('84) works as a school lunch aide. She and her husband, David (’84), have two children: Brittney (17) and Ashley (15).

Barbara Thurlow (’84) attends Calvary Chapel of Canterbury in Scotland, Connecticut, and has two children: Danielle and Cynthia.

Cheryle Wight (’84) is a single mom working at a school for children with autism. She attends Christian Fellowship Church in Scotland, Connecticut, and has three children: Mishel, Amanda, and Matthew.

James Hardy ('85) is an airline mechanic at LaGuardia Airport in New York and is studying online with Liberty University. He attends Latham Bible Baptist Church in Latham, New York.

Bethany (Cline) Gordon (’85, ’86) and her husband, Dean, have five children: Laura, Hollie, Emily, Jillian, and Shannon. They attend Christian Fellowship Church in Scotland, Connecticut.

Bruce Wagner (‘86) teaches English at Nautilus Middle School in Miami Beach, Florida, and is an adjunct professor at South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary in Deerfield Beach, Florida. He and his wife, Margaret, have five children: Sherry (Toonder), Rebekah (Hoskins), Leah, Elizabeth (Wright), and Sarah. They attend First Baptist Church of Westwood Lake.

John Jacobs (’86) is a civil engineer. He and his wife, Karen, attend Orchard Avenue Baptist Church in Vacaville, California. They have two children: Andrew and Amanda.

Karen (Bremmer) Ouellette (’86) is a registered nurse. She and her husband, Mel, have two children (both of whom have graduated from the Bible Institute): Monique and Michael. They attend Heritage Baptist Church in Kentwood, Michigan.

Peter and Debbie (Witherbee) Wallace (’86) are involved at Fredericktowne Baptist Church in Walkersville, Maryland, where Debbie is a piano teacher, youth leader, and director of music. Peter is involved in evangelism and discipleship.

Suzanna (Flowers) Adams (’86) and her husband, Nelson, have four children. They attend Clermont Baptists Church in Clermont, Florida.

Vonda (Kenyon) Cranfield (’86, ’87) works with special needs children and volunteers at a pregnancy care center. She and her husband, David, have two children: Joel and Courtney. They attend Grace Fellowship Church in Latham, New York.

Lee (’87) and Diane (Moore) (’86) Hamblen have six children: Peter, Sarah, Rebecca, Thomas, Anna, and Abigail. Lee is a children’s pastor at Island Christian Church in Northport, Long Island, New York.

Ashley (Gardner) Allen (’87) and her husband, Garth, a pastor at Loudonville Community Church in Loudonville, New York, have three children: Amanda (19), Cassidy (18), and Garth, Jr. (15).

Ken Mortensen ('87) and his wife, Vanessa, have three children: Ashely, Evan, and Brittany. They attend Life Church Jensen Beach in Jensen Beach, Florida.

Beth (Schermer) Ferguson (’87) works in graphic design and serves on the worship team at CrossWay Community Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is married to Kevin.

Kim Overholt (’87, ’88) is a public school teacher and works at Word of Life Ranch in the summer. She attends Heritage Baptist Church in Lakeland, Florida.

Shawn and Travis (Ray) DeGraff ('88) are involved at their church, East Auburn Baptist Church in Auburn, Maine. They have three children: Cody, Peyton, and Megan.

RoJean (Paddock) Hayden (’88) is a custodian at First Baptist Church in Pavilion, New York. She and her husband, Kendall, have three children: Kyle, Kirk, and Kayli. RoJean homeschools two of them.

Dave and Denise (Rhoads) Richard (’88, ’89) attend First Baptist Church of Winter Garden in Winter Garden, Florida, and have three children: Brittany, Dan, and Samantha. Dave is a business owner and director of operations for Shiloh Adventure Camp. Denise is a full-time mom and has worked with teens for 20-plus years.

Gerry Horton (’89) is a children’s pastor at First Baptist Church in Keystone Heights, Florida. He and his wife, Kim, have three children: Andrew (18), Ethan (16), and Emily (13).

Robin (Navaretta) Macary (’89) and her husband, Peter, have three children: Hannah (13), Josiah (10), and Jordan (7).

Robert Stoudt ('89) works for a government contractor inspecting military trucks and helps with the youth group at Fellowship Baptist Church in Watertown, New York. He and his wife, Tammy, have six children: Micah (20), Sharayah (19), Dominic (18), Caleb (16), Noah (14), and Savannah (12).

Jonathan Bubar ('89, '90) works in medical device sales. He and his wife, Cheryl, work with African refugees and have three children: Daniel (16), Drew (12), and Eloise (4). They attend First Baptist Church of Waldoboro in Waldoboro, Maine.

Ann (Towle) Jones ('89, '90) works for the United States Postal Service, is very involved in her church, and participates in missions trips to third-world countries. She is married to Michael and attends Bradford Baptist Church in Bradford, Maine.

Alumni News: 1970s
Alumni News: 1990s
Alumni News: 2000s
Alumni News: 2010s

Alumni News: 1970s.

We've got more updates from our alumni family. See what your former classmates are up to here and in upcoming issues of the Victory Journal. Let us know what you're doing at alumni@wol.org.

Deborah (Andes) Edwards ('71) and her husband, Jonathan, have one son, J. Richie. They attend Heritage Baptist Church in Lakeland, Florida.

Lee (’72) and Pat (Van Prooyen) (’71) Siemens are newly retired. They have three children: Corie, Joel, and Molly. They attend Heritage Baptist Church in Kentwood, Michigan.

Lorraine (Calder) Mahan (’72) and her husband, Ken, have three children: Shawn, Jeremy, and Jason. Ken is a leader at Above and Beyond Ministries. They attend Above and Beyond Community Church in Boca Raton, Florida.

Judy (Parschauer) (’73) is a musician at First Baptist Church in LaGrange, Ohio, and a music teacher. She and her husband, Charles, have three children: Aaron, Rebecca, and Charles.

Charlene Capron (’76) is working as an administrator for an insurance company. At her church, Calvary Baptist Church in Waterbury, Connecticut, she plays the keyboard, is the church clerk, and is on the missions committee. She is engaged to be married to a fellow student from her Word of Life Bible Institute year!

Arthur and Elaine (Kingman) Johnson (’76) have greenhouses and raise bedding plants, hanging plants, perennials, Christmas trees, etc., and have a ministry with the Amish. They have five adult children: Edward, BJ Charbonneau, Linda Anema, Marilyn Montesano, and John. They attend Hamburg Bible Church in Hamburg, Pennsylvania.

Rebecca (Baker) Raffo (’77) is a nursery director. She and her husband, David, have three children: Micah, Rachel, and Tabitha.

Chris Brown (’78) is a certified public accountant, owns his own business, and is an elder at Maranatha Bible Church in Comstock Park, Michigan. He and his wife, Gloria, have two children and are grandparents, too!

Francis and Patricia Welch (’78) are involved in a grief ministry and teach a life group. Patricia is a women’s speaker and writes ladies Bible studies. They attend Northcliffe Baptist Church in Spring Hill, Florida.

Tammy Hicks (’79) is an executive assistant at Raymond James in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Thomas and Ruthie Becker (’79) attend Grace Fellowship Church in Latham, New York. They have two children: Matthew and Joshua. Ruthie enjoys gardening, nursing, singing, and decorating.

Karen (Jesser) Zitta (’79) works at the WYMC as a swim instructor and is interested in real estate. She and her husband, Franklin, Jr., have four children: Hannah, Faith, Franklin III, and Joseph. They attend Grace Baptist Church in North Dinwiddie, Virginia.

Alumni News: 1980s
Alumni News: 1990s
Alumni News: 2000s
Alumni News: 2010s

Be Praying: May Ministries Schedule.

See where the New York students are headed this spring, and pray along.

May 1-4
Spanish Ministry Team 1 to Brooklyn, New York

May 2
Travel team to Paul Smith’s College

May 2-4
Intersect event in Springfield, Massachusetts
Ministry team to Word of Life Inn & Family Lodge for Women’s Retreat
Ministry team to Lighthouse Mission in Long Island, New York

May 3
Students to help with Whitewater Derby in North Creek, New York

May 5
Basketball clinic at Mountainside Christian Academy, Schroon Lake, New York
Ministry teams to Sacandaga Bible Conference (Broadalbin, New York) for a work day
Ministry team to Schroon Lake Historical Society for a work day

May 7
Ministry team to Capital City Rescue Mission in Albany, New York

May 8-11
Spanish Ministry Team 2 to Perth, New York

May 9-11
Intersect event in Newburgh, New York

May 14-17
Soccer team to Brooklyn, New York

May 16-18
Intersect event in Waldwick, New Jersey
Ministry team to Word of Life Inn & Family Lodge for Women’s Retreat
Springfield ministry

May 17-18
Collegians to New Durham Chapel, Piscataway, New Jersey
Drama team to Woodlawn Baptist Church (Pawtucket, Rhode Island) and Ellington Baptist Church (Ellington, Connecticut)

May 19
Ministry teams to Sacandaga Bible Conference for a work day
Ministry team to Schroon Lake Historical Society for a work day

May 20
Ministry team to Capital City Rescue Mission in Albany, New York

In addition, most Mondays a team helps the Open Door Soup Kitchen in Glens Falls, New York, and most Wednesdays, a team works with Washington Correctional Facility near Fort Ann, New York.

Click here to read what's behind some of the Bible Institute's newer ministries, including GenReal, Redemption, Student Fusion, and Camp Intersect.

Student Fusion, GenReal, Redemption, Camp Intersect: Bible Institute Ministries, Explained.

Most Bible Institute graduates know exactly what we're talking about when we mention Snow Camp or OAE. But what about the Bible Institute's newer ministries?

Check out some of the Bible Institute's newest ventures below, then visit our ministries schedules to see when and where these groups are headed next.

Student Fusion

Each Student Fusion team takes students, puts them through a week of intense training, and launches them out to a foreign country.

Different language. Different food. Different everything! Each team has the awesome task of sharing Christ with people who are lost and likely haven't had many chances to hear the Gospel.

GenReal

GenReal aims to use God's Word to provide answers to girl-specific issues in an arena where women, mothers, and daughters can be of one mind. These conferences are for girls who want to know genuine and women who want to impart real.

GenReal looks to:

• Stimulate spiritual growth.
• Create a venue where friends, moms, and daughters can find answers in a safe atmosphere.
• Encourage women, mothers, and daughters to get into each other's worlds.
• Equip moms and women leaders in the local church to help girls effectively.

Redemption

The mission of Redemption is to influence students in schools and youth groups throughout the nation, making a difference in today’s youth culture through music, drama, and worship that glorifies God and brings people to the cross.

Camp Intersect

Click here to see Tom Phillips describe the new ministry.

Be Praying: April Ministries Schedule.

Pray along with us during this season of ministry.

April 2-6
Open Air Evangelism trip to New York City
GenReal in Akron, Ohio

April 4-6
Student Fusion at New Hope Bible Church, Irasburg, Vermont
Springfield ministry

April 4-13
Voice of Victory tour (churches visited: First Baptist, Goshen, Indiana; Calvary Baptist Church, Kalamazoo, Michigan; Mayfair Baptist Church, Flushing, Michigan; Fish Lake Bible Church, Sturgis, Michigan; Calvary Baptist Church, Ypsilanti, Michigan; Alfred Almond Bible Church, Almond, New York; alumni events in Getzville, New York, and McMurray, Pennsylvania)

April 5-7
Drama team at Lowville Mennonite Church, Lowville, New York

April 5-13
Collegian tour (churches visited: Seneca Gospel Mission, Buffalo, New York; Centerpointe Community Church, Lancaster, New York; Bailey Road Baptist Church, North Jackson, Ohio; Delaware Bible Church, Delaware, Ohio; Delaware Christian School, Delaware, Ohio; Olmsted Performing Arts Center, Olmsted Falls, Ohio; First Baptist Church-Glen Este, Batavia, Ohio; Bethel Baptist Temple, Cincinnati, Ohio; Colonial Baptist Church, Wintersville, Ohio)

April 6-9
Open Air Evangelism trip to New York City

April 9
Ministry team to Capital City Rescue Mission in Albany, New York

April 9-13
Open Air Evangelism trip to New York City

April 11-13
Student Fusion at North Pownal Congregational Church, North Pownal, Vermont
Praise team and travel team at Syracuse Teens Involved

April 21
Ministry team to Capital City Rescue Mission in Albany, New York

April 25-27
Intersect event in Albany, New York
Ministry team at Word of Life Inn & Family Lodge for Mother-Daughter Retreat
Ministry team to Lighthouse Mission in Long Island, New York

Click here to read what's behind some of the Bible Institute's newer ministries, including GenReal, Redemption, Student Fusion, and Camp Intersect.

Be Praying: March Ministries Schedule.

Spring is coming, and new ministries along with it. Pray with us this month.

Snow Camp
March 7-9: Snow Camp Weekend 8

Spring Break Trip
March 14-23: Panama Missions Trip

Other Ministries
March 28-29: Praise Team 2, Travel Team, Volunteer Team to Perth Bible Church in Amsterdam, N.Y., for lock-in
March 28-30: Ministry Team to Word of Life Inn & Family Lodge for Law Enforcement and Military Retreat
March 28-30: Springfield Ministry Team to Lion’s Den Outreach in Springfield, Mass.
March 29-31: Collegian Group 1 to Life Source Church in Cherry Valley, Mass., and Twin City Christian School in Lunenburg, Mass.
March 29-30: Drama Team to Calvary Baptist Church in Norwich, N.Y.
March 29-30: Praise Team 1 to Lake Champlain Bible Fellowship in Port Henry, N.Y.

All the Church Support Ministries have started for the spring. About 30 students go to 13 churches on a weekly basis.

Alumni Gatherings: Spring 2014.

We're still locking down the details, but pencil in the dates and locations for these alumni gatherings this spring.

March 21: Capital City Baptist Church (Columbia, South Carolina)
March 22: The Summit Church, Brier Creek campus (Durham, North Carolina)
April 10: The Chapel (Goetzville, New York)
April 11: The Bible Chapel, South Hills campus (McMurray, Pennsylvania)
April 22: Bridgewater Baptist Church (Montrose, Pennsylvania)
April 26-27: The Creation Museum (Petersburg, Kentucky)
April 29: North Royalton Baptist Church (North Royalton,Ohio)
May 9: Faith Community Church (Gambrills, Maryland)
May 10: Fellowship Bible Church (Sewell, New Jersey)
May 16-17: Bible Institute's Owen Sound campus
May 23-26: Homecoming/Founders Conference/Alumni Reunions/Memorial Day (Bible Institute's New York campus)

For a complete list of alumni gatherings, visit wordoflife.edu/alumnigatherings.