The Second Generation.

To read about each person featured in this cover story, scroll to the bottom of this post.

“His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.” (Luke 1:50)

The Bible is filled with generations.

Hidden within the many genealogies and stories of parents and children is a two-fold purpose. People are called not only to follow God’s direction for their lives but also to pass on the Truth they learn to those who come behind them.

Abraham was given a promise, and Isaac and Jacob carried it until the nation of Israel formed. David was told by God that he was just generations away from seeing a Savior come from his line. The Israelites, for years and years, watched their children.

In the Bible, one generation is measured as 40 years. That same time frame — 40 years — also marked momentous eras in Jewish history, most notably the wandering in the desert, when an entire generation died away after dismissing God’s hope for entering a new land.

The lesson to be learned is that one generation can fail to continue what has come before — or one generation can turn away from unbelief and forge ahead by God’s leading.

But the best stories of generations in the Bible are those of blessing, where parents train their children according to sound teaching. One generation rises up to follow God, and their children rise up as well.

Last year marked the 40th anniversary of the Word of Life Bible Institute’s founding, meaning the school is officially in its second generation. For years, parents have been sending their children to Schroon Lake, Hudson, Owen Sound, or now Jeju Island. But in recent years, many of those parents aren’t just sending their kids to a school they heard was great. They are pointing their children to the campuses that once changed their own lives.

We’ve rounded up a few students attending the Bible Institute this year who have parents who are alumni — as well as some of the alumni who encouraged their children to go to Word of Life — and asked them to describe why they made the choice to come to the Bible Institute and what it has meant to them. Not surprisingly, many of the alumni whose children are now studying in the same system that began 40 years ago have fond memories of when they first came, and they can affirm why they wanted their children to follow.

These are just a few of their stories. We would love to tell more, and to hear from any alumni about their experiences at the Bible Institute and beyond.

But, most of all, we want to celebrate a new generation following Christ, as the generation before, which pursued truth and God’s guidance. May we all see another fruitful 40 years.

• John and Kimberly (Neve) Lingelbach; Taylor Lingelbach
• Debbie (Baker) Hobbs; John Hobbs, Julie Anne Hobbs
• Ruth (Nazarian) Zaharek; Michelle Zaharek
• Valerie J. (Schrack) Donley-Mure; Joanna Donley, Jay van den Akker
• Anne (Halbert) Wieder; Brad Wieder
• Kimberly Easton; Lake Alexandria Whitehead
• Kimberly Grocott
• Ryan Williamson; Kirsten Williamson
• Ben Knaus
• Wesley Monzon

If you want to share the story of where your life has gone since the Bible Institute, email alumni@wol.org, mikebush@wol.org, waynel@wol.org, or jenslothower@wol.org. You can also visit wolvictoryjournal.blogspot.com.

The Second Generation: Wesley John Monzon

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

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

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

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

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: Ben Knaus

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

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

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

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

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: Ryan Williamson

I came to the Bible Institute in my mid-20s as a married student when my daughter, Kirsten, who is now a Bible Institute student in Florida, was only three months old. I already had a college degree, but I wanted to spend a year immersed in the Word of God so I could grow more and prepare to serve the Lord.

Following my time at the Bible Institute, I served with Word of Life Local Church ministries in Indiana.  My training at Word of Life equipped me to be a lifelong student of the Word and to be active in ministry. Our children have known from an early age that their college career will begin at a Bible Institute, no matter what career path they choose. The year or more they spend immersed in the life-changing Word of God is a foundation for lifetime growth and service that is hard to duplicate anywhere else.

Click here to read about Ryan’s daughter, Kirsten, Class of 2013

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: Kirsten Williamson

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

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

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

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

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

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: Kimberly Grocott

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

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: Lake Alexandria Whitehead

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

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

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

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

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: Kimberly Easton

It was not until I took my daughter to the Bible Institute in Florida this fall that I realized Word of Life’s impact on my entire life.

Like my daughter, I was active in Teens Involved. My desire was only to sing, but God had a much different plan for my life. I really wanted to win the national competition for singing, but I ended up winning in Bible storytelling. It was then that God tapped me to be a storyteller, and I have been telling stories ever since.

I went to the Bible Institute in New York then transferred to Liberty University, where I studied telecommunications and journalism. I have since worked as a news reporter and anchor in Lynchburg, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. 

While attending Liberty University, I met Andre, my future husband and Lake’s father. I remember how excited he was to meet someone who attended the Bible Institute and how he had heard we knew everything there was to know about the Bible. Word of Life has such an impressive reputation.

I fondly remember our dating days and how Andre would call me “Lake,” referring to me being from the Bible Institute in Schroon Lake. Andre would call me “Lake” so much that people would compliment me and say my name was unique. I would respond, “Kimberly is a common name.” They would say, “No — I mean ‘Lake.’ Isn’t that your name?”

After Andre and I got married and found out we were having a girl, we named her “Lake.”

Now, I must admit it did not take long for Andre to realize I did not know everything there was to know about the Bible. What ended up impacting me the most were the life skills I acquired while attending Word of Life.

The discipline of reading my Bible and praying every day, scheduling my day and ministering to others were skills that helped propel me to success in life.

Unfortunately, my marriage dissolved, but God’s presence remains in all of our lives. My journey with Christ has come with unexpected challenges, but I have always been assured of one thing: Christ is my all in all.

Now, to see God send my daughter Lake to Word of Life is amazing. God really does design our paths. I am so excited to see the plans He has in store for her and others who have the privilege, as I did, to attend the Bible Institute.

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

Click here to read about Kimberly's daughter, Lake, Class of 2013.

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: Brad Wieder

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

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

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

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: Anne (Halbert) Wieder

I was a fairly new believer and a recent high school graduate when a godly Christian family told me about the Word of Life Bible Institute. I had very little knowledge about the Bible and was convicted that I needed to know more and learn how to apply God’s Word to daily living.

Life at the Bible Institute was so different than anything I had ever experienced. As I look back over the past 25 years, I am so thankful that God led me there. I learned so much through the daily studies and disciplines as well as the invaluable experience of traveling with the Collegians. To this day, I still remember many of the lessons the professors taught us, and I am thankful for the godly staff.

I have been married to my best friend for the past 20 years and have three amazing children. As our oldest son heard my husband and I talking about our experiences at Word of Life (my husband was a camper on the Island), he began asking questions. God soon made it very clear that the Bible Institute was the place for him.

Interestingly enough, our diplomas will have the same graduation date of 2012. Due to illness, I was unable to complete the program. Twenty-five years later, it has become official, and we shared the year 2012 as our finishing date. To God be the glory!

Word of Life Bible Institute has prepared me for real life and real ministry. It is not just book learning but practical, hands-on experience that equips believers to live in today’s world, enabling us to make godly choices.

I teach piano lessons each day and have the privilege to serve God in my local church in worship ministry, women’s ministry, and ladies small group Bible studies. The education I received at Word of Life has helped shape who I am and has a direct impact on the way I teach my students and relate to others.

Click here to read about Anne's son, Brad, Class of 2013.

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: Joseph (Jay) van den Akker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: Joanna Donley

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: Valerie J. (Schrack) Donley-Mure

In spring 1982, my parents attended their regional Child Evangelism Fellowship directors conference, which was at the Word of Life Inn. During the announcements one evening, the director of the Inn, Don Lough, Sr., talked about the ministry of Word of Life and said that just nine miles down the road was a Bible Institute where young people could learn the Bible in one year.

This was less than two months before my high school graduation. I was scheduled to leave the day after for two months of ministry with Child Evangelism Fellowship in western Germany, and I was planning to get home just in time to pack and leave for Liberty Baptist College, which I had dreamed of attending since I was 10 years old.

When my parents returned home, my dad said, “I know you have your heart set on going to Liberty, but while we were in New York, we heard about a one-year Bible Institute. You don’t have to go, but I would really like you to consider going there for one year first.”

I dismissed the thought, graduated, and went to Germany. But throughout the summer, I couldn’t get the Bible Institute out of my mind and prayed about what I should do. I decided to honor my father and go there for one year.

I had been involved in music, choir, band, and ministry my whole life, but I did not try out at the Bible Institute because I had no clue what “the Collegians” was. Then, the Collegians performed “Revelation” for the incoming student body. I said, “If that’s what the Collegians are, I want to be a Collegian! Too bad the tryouts are over.”

But my roommate said the choir director was “really nice,” and she said she would ask him if I could try out. Well, as they say, the rest is history. I was part of the Christmas musical and stayed to do tours the next year.

I would call home each week and tell my parents all about the visiting professors and what they were teaching. By the time I returned after the Christmas break, my younger sister, Merrilea, wanted to come for the next year.

After graduation, I went on tour with Word of Life, and that “really nice” music teacher and my friend, Brian Donley, asked me go to the banquet with him. We were married less than two years later and raised our six daughters across the street from the Word of Life Ranch.

Brian had a great love for the Bible Institute and the ministry of his beloved Collegians. We involved the girls any way we could. We wanted them to love the ministry of Word of Life as much as we did.

They knew they had to eat three meals a day, breathe air to live, and attend the Bible Institute when they graduated from high school. Although Brian passed away one month before our oldest daughter’s graduation and did not have his own daughters as Collegians, they all kept our desire for them to attend.

Word of Life Bible Institute is one of the best places for a person to set aside one year of his or her life to dig deep into God’s Word under the ministry of many top-notch Bible teachers. The impact lasts for eternity.

Click here to read about Valerie's daughter, Joanna, Class of 2013.

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: Michelle Zaharek

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

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

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

FUN FACTS:

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

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

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: Ruth (Nazarian) Zaharek

Word of Life has had a huge impact on my life. When I was a teenager, a couple of counselors on the Island convinced me I needed a year at the Bible Institute, and they were so right! I had no clear direction and needed discipline. During my year there I met my husband, and we’ve been married 27 years.

Once my husband and I had children, I wanted them to experience Word of Life camps. Even though we lived 11 hours away, God made it possible. Each year my children went was a life-changing experience. My oldest daughter, Kristyna, decided that the Bible Institute was where she needed to go, and we were thrilled. Now my second daughter, Michelle, is there, and it’s been an amazing year so far. My son is hoping to work at Word of Life this summer, too. So each of us has been impacted by this fantastic place! I just can’t imagine where I’d be without the influence of Word of Life.

FUN FACTS:

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

Click here to read about Ruth's daughter, Michelle, Class of 2013.

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: John and Julie Ann Hobbs

John Hobbs

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

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

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

Julie Ann Hobbs

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

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

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

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: Debbie (Baker) Hobbs

I attended the Word of Life Bible Institute in 1985 on a recommendation from my father to know the Word of God in depth. As many graduates say, it was the best year of my life. I gained friendships, was trained for ministry, studied the Bible, acquired godly mentors, and learned where God was leading my life. I was also blessed to meet my husband at Word of Life, which I was not expecting. I can see from life experience how the Lord used that year to help me have a bolder witness in reaching out to others.

Our three children all agreed to attend the Bible Institute before beginning their careers. This was a blessing to our hearts, as we well knew the impact it would have in their lives.

In 2006, my husband was diagnosed with cancer, and we endured the anguish of this disease for four and a half years. He went home to be with his Savior on June 12, 2011. Our “Word of Life” foundation kept us always trusting, remaining strong, and staying steady in this path of suffering God chose for us. Mike’s testimony was a bold witness to everyone he met, but most of all, God’s Word comforted our hearts throughout the journey. Our children were strengthened to see the faith of their father and how his love for his Lord never wavered.

To God be the glory for His working in our lives, and we are grateful to Word of Life for its ministry to many. It is far-reaching, and we will know in eternal celebrations the impact we have had on others.

Click here to read about Debbie's children, John and Julie Ann, Class of 2013.

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: Taylor Lingelbach

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

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

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

For more second generation stories, click here.

The Second Generation: John and Kimberly (Neve) Lingelbach

Little did we know that a short conversation on a dreary October afternoon in Pottersville, New York, would forever change our lives.

We had both come to the Word of Life Bible Institute from similar backgrounds and for the same purpose. We had both grown up in Christian homes, but as we came to the end of our time in high school, we were weary of nominal Christianity. Our relationships with God were fractured by compromise and disobedience. Tired of “churchianity,” we were starving for God’s truth and came to the Bible Institute to find it — not in the teachings of men, but in the pages of Scripture. Just “good enough” was no longer good enough — we wanted to live for more.

During that introductory conversation after lunch, we became instant friends, and within two months, we were dating. After graduating from the Bible Institute, we knew we wanted to be together for the rest of our lives. We married in 1989, determined to put God at the center of our relationship and implement the principles we had learned at the Bible Institute.

Fast forward through 23 years of marriage, three children, and a career as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. We have seen God’s faithfulness all along despite our shortcomings. Time and time again we hearken back to what we learned 25 years ago at the Bible Institute, and those principles remain applicable today, perhaps more than ever before.

Because we saw what God had done for us, and because we believe so strongly in what God is doing at and through Word of Life, we insisted that all of our children attend the Bible Institute before starting their own families and careers. Consequently, each of our children has attended the Bible Institute, and currently our youngest daughter, Taylor, attends the Florida campus.

No, little did we know that a short conversation on a dreary autumn afternoon would forever change our lives. But at the time, we also lacked an understanding of how God is at work through the ministry of the Word of Life Bible Institute. When we first left after graduation, we were inexperienced at life, but we believed that if we would follow God’s Word, He would do amazing things through us. He has. And after all these years we are even more excited about what He has yet to do. We still believe.

Click here to read about the Lingelbachs' daughter, Taylor, Class of 2013.

For more second generation stories, click here.