8Cover Story - Word of Life Bible Institute

The Victory Journal is apublication of the Wordof Life Bible Institute.The name “Victory Journal”comes from Jack Wyrtzen, theFounder of Word of Life, whoused to sign his letters with thephrase “on the victory side.”4200 Glendale RoadPottersville, NY 128601.800.331.9673wordoflife.eduChancellor: Don Lough, Jr.Executive Dean: Mark StroutAlumni Director: Wayne LewisCHANGE WE ALL NEEDHave you ever heard the phrase, “No one likes change except for a baby witha wet diaper?” Hardly a day has passed during this leadership transition fromDr. Joe Jordan’s time as Executive Director and Chancellor to mine on August19, 2011, without someone asking me, “So, what are you going to change?”While fresh and exciting ministry initiatives will certainly be unveiled in thecoming days, I can’t get away from the reality that change needs to happenevery single day in our own hearts and lives.I periodically ask myself the penetrating question, “Don, are you more likeChrist today than you were yesterday?” Let’s be honest — more often than not,our tendency is to fall back into old ways, muddy ruts and the status quo. Ilove Paul’s challenge to young Timothy in I Timothy 4:15, “Meditate on thesethings; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.”I believe God wants nothing less than the sparks of spiritual progress to fly inall of our lives. God expects change to happen at the personal level first.As for Word of Life, some new twists and turns will surface as we seek toexpand the reach of our evangelistic and discipleship ministries. I envisionus filling our camps and Bible Institutes to capacity around the world. I wantus to step up more than ever in our service to the local church. It is my heartto strengthen our ties with you, our alumni, and so many dear friends whoshare the vision to reach young people with the unchanging Gospel ofChrist. Moving forward will be an exciting process, and some positivechanges are inevitable. But the change we all really need begins with ourown hearts ... taking whatever steps are necessary to become more likeChrist today than we were yesterday.Abounding in His Grace,“Holding forththe Word of life.”Philippians 2:16Look for:Word of Life Bible Institute AlumniAlumni ProfileUpdate your alumni profile onlineat wordoflife.edu/alumniIdeas? Suggestions? Contributions?Connect with Victory Journal:For reprints, back issues, and otherinformation, please contact us at:alumni@wol.org or 1.518.494.6000© Copyright 2011— Word of Life Fellowship.All rights reserved. No part of this publication may bereproduced or transmitted in any form or by any meanswithout written permission from Word of Life Fellowship, Inc.To obtain permission, e-mail us at marketing@wol.org.Don Lough, Jr.2 VICTORY JOURNAL

Mission StatementJust as the Bible Institute provided aplace for you to learn about God,to grow in your spiritual walk, and toconnect with other Christians in truecommunity, we want the Victory Journalto be a place where you can continuethat journey. We want to build acommunity where you can find longtimefriends, share testimonies of whatGod has been doing, encourageothers with stories of change, andlearn how you, too, can be involvedwith the mission of Word of Life.Are you interested in beingpart of the Victory Journal?We want to hear from you! What isGod doing in your life? How has Heled, helped, or comforted you, evenin small ways, since your time at theBible Institute? If you have a story toshare, email us at alumni@wol.org.Whether you have a testimony to give,a story tip to pass on, or would liketo hear more about a part of Wordof Life, we are here to help. We wantto see you in the Victory Journal!CONTENTS678Q&A withDr. Dick DrayThe new onlineQuiet Time DiaryCLASSOF 1983Cover Story:Installation Weekend bringsa new era to Word of LifeWhat we’re looking forThe Victory Journal will feature allkinds of stories about Bible Institutealumni, whether you have short piecesof alumni news or ideas for longerarticles. Let us know if there’s somethingor someone you’d like to see. Fill usin on people or opportunities involvedwith alumni or Word of Life. Andfinally, tell us about yourself! If youhave a testimony, remember when,ministry update, or feature articleidea, please send it our way.Are you trying to connectwith other alumni?The Victory Journal will not only tellyou stories about other alumni butwill also help you connect with them.Periodically, we will let you knowabout different ways you can findold friends or classmates throughevents at Word of Life or perhapsin local church ministries around thecountry. But there’s also a place whereyou can always go when lookingfor fellow Bible Institute graduates.Check out our alumni website atwol.org and our Facebook group toconnect with other alumni right now.1214Alumnus ofthe Year:Don Lough, Jr.Summer CampReportEVERY ISSUE5671415RefreshTestimony CornerAlumni EventsOn CampusAlumni NewsCLASSOF 1984CLASSOF 2011VICTORY JOURNAL3

Dick DrayASSOCIATE EXECUTIVEDEAN, N.Y. CAMPUSAs the new Associate ExecutiveDean at the Bible Institute’sNew York campus, Dick Dray isgetting ready to be what he callsExecutive Dean Mark Strout’s“right-hand man” in Pottersville.For a man who has experiencedmany angles of Word of Life, it’sa new role in an old home — withthe same vision he found on theshores of Schroon Lake years ago.“Dick, who grew up in northwestern Bible. He found laundry money floatingOhio, was pursuing a career in the by the sewer plant. “The Lord is faithful,” On the changes at the Bible Institute:Coast Guard when he heard the Dick says, “and the Lord will provide.” Your message shouldn’t change, but theGospel. “It kind of turned my world upside Dick returned for second year in 1987 way things are done will change. It’sdown then,” Dick says. He began using as an Assistant Dean of Men. He spent like Paul said, ‘I’ve become all things tohis spare time volunteering as a youth two years at Cedarville University next, all people.’ We haven’t changed whoworker, which eventually put him in touch studied in Israel, and then went to Dallas we are or what we’re about. Somewith Word of Life Clubs. It wasn’t long Theological Seminary for his master’s of the methodology has to change,before he heard about the Bible Institute, work in theology and education. In the but the message doesn’t change.and in 1983, he headed east. “I thought summers, he returned to the Island and laterOn what Word of Life gives youth:everything in New York was like New was part of helping form the Bible InstituteIt’s that Biblical foundation combined withYork City, like downstate,” he admits. Ministries Department. Dick answeredthe disciplines. Not everyone is going toBut, standing down by the lake, he soon God’s call to move to Ohio in 1999 to be“fell in love with the area and knew this an administrator at Worthington Christiango into full-time Christian ministry, but everywas where the Lord wanted me to be.” Schools, where he served for 12 years.Christian is going to serve the Lord. ... ToDick’s year in New York was sometimes After several years of coming back to have a year that is totally focused on thea struggle, and often with finances. His Word of Life for vacation and wondering Word of God, and focused for that year onreading about George Mueller’s life if he would ever return, the pieces began the will of God … to develop the disciplinesbecame very real that year when, after to fall together a couple of years ago. and ministry as a way of life — that is whatdeciding he would just have to leave if This time, it was Dick’s family — wife of Word of Life teaches young people.no more money showed up, God began 19 years, Kendi, son J.J. (a sophomore On facilities at the Bible Institute:to provide. A couple slipped bills into his in high school), and daughter Danae Buildings don’t necessarily make a(a freshman) who fed the idea. “It wasprogram, but updates in the facilitiesinteresting because they prompted it,” Dickwill help provide a platform forsays. “I missed it, and I always wonderedstudents to study without distractions.if I’d ever be back.” For his children,who were both born in New York, it has On what he would like to leave withbeen almost a return home. For Dick, students and alumni: The principlewho is working on his Doctorate as he found in Matthew 6:33 teaches ustakes care of the New York campus, it’s … it doesn’t matter where you are,new faces and challenges, but the same but as long as you’re doing whatspirit of growth and opportunity as ever. God wants, He will provide.

Refresh.Transitions come our way all the time.But the most important ones are thosethat we make happen ourselves.By Mike CalhounTransition is a naturalpart of the life cycle. Ihave been with Wordof Life for 38 years andfind myself transitioningagain. We all begin theprocess of changing, growingand transitioning from onelife stage, position, sphere ofinfluence, circle of friendshipsand personal goals to anotherfrom the time of our birth.Your graduation from theBible Institute was one of thosetransitions. Depending on theamount of time since then, youhave gone through many othertransitions. Some have broughtjoy and some pain, but theyall have contributed to theformation of the person you aretoday. Some of life’s transitionsare intentional; some appearto be accidental, while othersjust seem to happen naturallywith the passing of time.It could be Post-Graduate work,getting a Bachelor’s, Master’s, oreven Doctorate. You may havemarried and raised a family,or even reached that gloriousstage of being a grandparent(Betsi and I love that one).Then there is that transitioncalled aging, with its novelaches, pains, and unwelcomerestrictions — gentle and notso-gentlereminders of our newlimitations. I am not trying todepress you; these are justsome of life’s realities.We can control some of thetransitions of life, but some arejust going to come into our livesuninvited, unannounced anduncontrollable. The uninvitedones usually capture most ofour attention and time. Theseare also the ones that tend todrain our physical, emotional,and spiritual strength.I want to suggest, though, thatinstead of being jolted by themany transitions we can’t foreseeor control, we put our energy into“intentional transitions.” This is notto say that we are going to beoblivious to the realities of life.It is simply that we are makinga choice as to the priorities ofour lives and how we will live.Here are a few concepts thatwill intentionally shape our lives,making them more meaningfuland productive while the normaltransitions are taking place.SPIRITUAL GROWTHNever stop growing spiritually.Our spiritual walk with Christshould be stronger today than itwas at this time last year. Weneed to build some intentionalpractices for spiritual growth intoour daily lives, creating spacefor Quiet Time, prayer, Biblestudy, or Scripture memory.I love the example of theApostle Peter in 2 Peter 1:5-9, where we find him at theend of his life, still growingin his faith. From the world’sperspective, he had gone throughmany positive and negativetransitions, but here we seehim living life intentionally.FRIENDSHIPSHave you developed friendshipsthat encourage you to moveforward in your faith? We allneed good friends who aregodly and willing to “stir usup” about our faith walk. In2 Peter 1:13 and 3:1, Peterspeaks of stirring up his friendsby reminding them of what isimportant. Living life intentionallyincludes friendships like this.PERSONAL WITNESSINGWe have all heard Jack Wyrtzenquoted as saying, “It is theresponsibility of every generationto reach their generation withthe Gospel of Christ.” Thatstatement is timeless. It is ourresponsibility. We all shouldbe sharing the Good News ofthe Gospel. Jack often quotedRomans 1:16, reminding usthat the Gospel is the powerof God and challenging usto intentionally share it.Mike Calhoun, SeniorVice President for Wordof Life Fellowship,speaks to thousands ofstudents, leaders andyouth pastors througha diversified ministry ofcamps, conferences andevangelistic events. Hehas a deep burden forevangelism, discipleshipand development of futureleadership. Mike haswritten several books andproduced DVDs for studentsand local church leaders.He makes his home inSchroon Lake, New York,with his wife, Betsi. Findmore of his writing onlineat mikecalhoun.wol.org/blog/blog.PERSONAL GOALSDo you still have a dream? Areyou still excited about life, orhave you given in to the world’s“treadmill existence” approachto life? Your life is going to keeptransitioning, but while it does, youcan continue to set new, intentionalpersonal goals. Don’t acceptthe status quo; reach for more!I love the spirit of Caleb inJoshua 14:11-12. At morethan eighty years old, he isexplaining to Joshua his futureplans and how he is ready tofight. Oh — and by the way,he still wants that mountain!Now that is intentional living…during a time of transition!VICTORY JOURNAL5

testimonycornerI am the youngest of three and didgo to church occasionally as a youngperson, but I was not raised in a Christianhome. Still, I see now that God wasdrawing me to Himself even then as I wasoften preoccupied with thoughts of Him.When I was 16, my parents bothbecame Christians. We immediatelybegan going to a new church. It was allvery different for me, but I was intriguedby these new friends and their joy. Soon,the pastor came to explain salvation tomy parents, and I listened in. That verynight, I recognized myself as a sinnerin need of a Savior and invited Jesusto come into my life and save me.Not much happened at first, but Idid feel loved and cared for by Godand this new church. Unfortunately,though, I was not discipled in the Bibleor taught how to live the Christian life.I continued living a self-focused life.I was introduced to the ministry of Wordof Life when I was 18, a few monthsbefore graduating from high school. Atthis point, I was quite rebellious. I skippedschool frequently, paid no attention to myschoolwork, and was heavily involvedwith an unsaved guy. My parents couldsee I was headed nowhere fast, andthe pastor of our little church suggestedI attend Word of Life Bible Institute fora year. Also aware that I had no realdirection for life after graduation, Ithought, “I can do anything for a year.”I went to Campus Days weekend thatspring, and I was surprised and excitedto find so many kids my age who wereChristians and happy. I often saw thempraying together and having fun. I hadnot really experienced this up to thatpoint. The counselors there encouragedme to not only attend the Bible Institute butalso to come and work STC that summer.I was hooked and took an application.Upon my return, my parents wonderedwho this kid was who looked liketheir child but had changed. I was so6 VICTORY JOURNALAngela Burtis, 1986-87eager to please God with my life andcouldn’t wait to get up there to Wordof Life and experience more. But, withina week or two of getting back to myregular routine of pursuing pleasureand hanging with the wrong people, Ichanged my mind. I told my parents thatI would attend the Bible Institute, but Iwas not going for the summer. After all,it was the summer of my senior year!Well, they stood their ground andbasically said, “You’regoing.” I was sure theycouldn’t make me, as I was18 and had a car and ajob. I was a grownup! ButI learned that, even then,my parents were in charge.I had declined morally andacademically so much inthose few months that I’msure we all wondered ifthere was any hope forme. I was not even sure Iwould graduate. I was ona crash course to ruin mylife. I was so miserable.I didn’t recognize it at thatpoint, but God was givingme a way out while I was trying to digmy heels in and get my own way.My parents decided tough love wasthe only answer. The very day after Igraduated from high school, they tookmy car keys from me, packed my clothes,and drove me to the Word of Life Inn,where I would spend my summer servingin the dining room. I was so mad andshocked that they would leave methere against my will. But they did.Thankfully, it only took a few hours forthe Holy Spirit to reveal to me that thiswas, in fact, a good thing, and it was theanswer to my prayers — really. I wanteddesperately to change and live for Godbut could not do it at home surroundedby such poor influences and the inabilityto make good decisions. So, that veryGod wasgiving mea way outwhile I wastrying to digmy heels inand get myown way.night after cabin devotions, I surrenderedmy heart to Christ for the last time.I had an amazing summer at the Innand year at the Bible Institute. Neverhave I had such an intense seasonof growing in my faith. I was taughtthe Word of God and how to serveHim. I was surrounded by other youngpeople who loved the Lord and wasable to make strong decisions forHim. It was during that year that Godput a calling in my life for ministry.A few years later, I married myhusband, Scott Burtis, who is a pastorat North Syracuse Baptist Church. Ilead the women’s ministry and lovebeing a part of the ministry staff.Fast-forwarding about 12 years, webegan sending our children to campat the Ranch and then the Island.My oldest son has worked STC fortwo summers on the Island and nowattends the Bible Institute.My heart is overwhelmedby that. What a sweet giftfrom God that my son couldhave similar experiencesand opportunities to growin his walk with the Lord. Ithank God that He is faithfulto His promise to changethe course of generations.Every year we camp atthe Family Campground asa family, which has becomea non-negotiable week ofour calendar year. It is ourvacation with a purpose. Werelax and enjoy the beautyof the Adirondack mountainswhile being refreshed by the Word ofGod each morning through awesomeBible preachers. Every time we go, weare overwhelmed with the powerfulpresence of the Holy Spirit. You can’tescape Him and the work He is doing.What an awesome experience! Welook forward to all three of our kids— Drew, Ben, and Ally — workingSTC and attending the Bible Institute.I thank God for the ministry of Wordof Life. Indeed, all the major life-alteringdecisions were made there in SchroonLake, N.Y. I would not be where Iam today without Word of Life.Angela now lives in Liverpool, N.Y.,and serves at North Syracuse BaptistChurch as the women’s ministry director.

ALUMNIEVENTSBIBLE STUDY ANDCOMMUNITY FORTHE INTERNET AGEWith the advent of the new onlineQuiet Time Diary comes the opportunityto take your friendships to a new level.Jack Wyrtzen was always asking,“What did you get from your QuietTime today?” That sharing andaccountability adds a greater dimensionto the time we spend alone with God.One of the new features of the onlineQuiet Time is a great social networkingcomponent that allows friends toshare what they have posted in theirstudies. Many are now experiencingthe blessing of seeing what theirfriends are learning through theQuiet Time. This may be one ofits most meaningful features as itencourages us to practice the “oneanother” commands of Scripture.If you want to experience this,you now have a chance. Word ofLife is offering four (yes, four!) 90-day platinum-level trials to sharewith your friends. That means youcan get the Quiet Time online andalso access all of its great features,including commentaries and thesocial networking options.Just e-mail waynel@wol.org for fourcomplimentary access codes. You canfind the Quiet Time online at:quiettimediary.com/content/home.Be sure to share with someone whatyou learned in your Quiet Time today.— Wayne Lewis“Kristin Ashley Elie,Class of 2009, on thenew online Quiet TimeEver since I left Word of Life, thedeep connection I used to feel withother believers is not as strong,and Quiet Times are harder tohave with the hustle and bustleof life. Don’t get me wrong —life has been good. I love myhusband (of a year and a half)so very much, he loves God, andwe go to a good church. God hastruly blessed us, but it makes mecry when I think about how lifewas at Word of Life, how muchpassion I had for ministry and allthe great opportunities there wereto get involved, how closely knitthe other students and I were. Istill have a burning passion forChrist, and I want to serve Him,but it is just a different kind ofservice when we are living thedaily life in a worldly worldwith fewer good friends. I believethat this Quiet Time will helpkeep me connected. Thank you.“REFLECTIONS ON OUR40TH REUNIONBy Bill Shuman, Class of 19714+4=40. Four days (Memorial DayWeekend) plus four couples (Mosesand Carolyn Colon, Steve and RachelHind, Mike and Carrie Jesse, and Billand Linda Shuman) equals 40 years.It all started when one of the couples sawa small article about the 2010 AlumniReunion, to be held on Memorial DayWeekend. The math was done (noneof us could believe it was 40 yearsago), the phone calls made, and thissmall group from Pennsylvania, NorthCarolina, and Michigan came together.It was so good to see each other again— for some of us, it had been 40 years.Hours were spent catching up andlistening to how faithful God has beento each of us through both the goodand difficult times. Laughter and tearswere shared as we talked for hours.We all enjoyed the hospitality of theWord of Life staff, which went aboveand beyond to make this a weekendthat would not be soon forgotten. Acouple of special moments stuck out:We realized that many of the rules thestudents “enjoy” today were designedbecause of our class shenanigans! Wetraveled to the Island and went to “the rock”where Moses led Steve to the Lord in 1970.Another special moment was when MillieBollback was honored for her faithful servantleadership over the years. Millie was likea “Mom” to us and continues to hold aspecial place in the hearts of this almost60-year-old group of rather “mature” adults.As we said our goodbyes, we leftwith a renewed thankfulness for therole Word of Life had in shaping ourlives and helping us become fullydevoted followers of Jesus Christ.Look for information on howyou can be a part of this year’sreunion on the back page!VICTORY JOURNAL7

A SEASONof changeFive years ago Word of Life’ssenior leadership and Board ofDirectors quietly began planningfor a transition to the leader who wouldbecome the ministry’s next ExecutiveDirector.A transition in leadership is a time tolook forward with new excitement anda time to look back and rejoice in thegoodness of God. This was the spirit thatwas prevalent throughout the weekend ofAugust 19-20 at Word of Life.The weekend began on Friday eveningwith the Installation of Don Lough, Jr. asExecutive Director. It was a God-honoringservice filled with moments of laughter aswell as solemn moments as godly menshared their insights and challenges toDon. Dr. Mark Bailey, President of DallasSeminary, recalled his memories of Donas a student and graduate assistantand spoke about his firm commitment tothe Word of God. Dr. David Wyrtzenshared his perspective as Don’s pastorand as the son of Word of Life’s Founder,Jack Wyrtzen, to keep evangelism andedification as the focus of theministry.Dr. Wendell Calder, Word of Life Boardmember and frequent speaker, madereference to Don’s childhood and theinfluence of his parents as factors thathelped shape his life. Dr. Ray Pritchard,President of Keep Believing Ministries,gave special encouragement to theWord of Life staff around the world tofollow Don’s leadership and to continueto make an impact on this generation forthe sake of the Gospel.Challenges were also given to Donby his personal friend, Dr. John Barnett,Pastor of Calvary Bible Church andby outgoing Executive Director, Dr.Joe Jordan. After a time of prayer andan Installation address from Don, theevening concluded with special musicby Rich Andrews, Annie Phillips and theCollegians as well as a song written andsung by Don’s sister, Mrs. Jodi Ries.The next evening the Word of LifeBible Institute Baccalaureate serviceconcluded with a time of looking backand recognizing the leadership ofDr. Joe Jordan. For morethan 40 years, Joe and his wife, Melva,served in the ministries of Word of Life.They founded Word of Life Argentinain 1970 and were used of God totouch the lives of leaders who wouldgo into every Spanish-speaking countryin Latin America as well as manyother countries around the world. Afterbecoming Executive Director of Wordof Life Fellowship, Joe’s leadership wasinstrumental in the expansion of Wordof Life’s International Ministries into19 new countries, and more than 1.6million people trusted Christ through theministry’s outreach during his tenure.God has blessed Word of Life throughthe provision of wonderful men of Godwho have led the ministry for more thanseventy years ... To God be the Glory,Great things He has Done!John NelsonExecutive Vice President8 VICTORY JOURNAL

Kay (Dave ‘76) McFarlane,on the Installation Weekend“The weekend of August 19-21 was awhirlwind! Our son, Andy, graduatedthe morning of the 21st, and mydaughter, Kelly, and I represented ourfamily not only at Andy’s graduation butat the Installation Service as well. ThatSaturday night service when Joe Jordanpassed the baton to Don Lough, Jr.was chock-full of people and memories,both on the screen/stage and off. Havingworked at Word of Life in the early1980’s, it was a blessing again to seeHarry and Millie and others who haveinvested their lives in ministry with Wordof Life. It was an added blessing to seepeople we met while volunteering duringthis past summer as well as friends andacquaintances we had not seen in manyyears. There is a God-given bond betweenpeople who, whether or not close friends,love the Lord and His work (Colossians3:14). What an encouragement to seeWord of Life going strong as the leadershipcontinues to seek the Lord and honorHim. Best wishes to Executive DirectorDon Lough, Jr., his family, and all of theWord of Life family and friends as they(we) carry on with the Word... of Life.VICTORY JOURNAL9

ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR DON LOUGH, JR.“God has strategically placed us in the darknessto reach the world.” — Don Lough, Jr.WIFE DARLA, CHILDREN (ORDERED IN PHOTO ABOVE) JONATHAN, JUSTIN, ALYSSA, ASHLYN1984 graduated from Wordof Life Bible Institute1987 graduated fromCedarville University1992 graduated fromDallas TheologicalSeminary1992 joined Word of Lifestaff as Assistant to theDirector of InternationalMinistries1997 became Vice Presidentof International Ministries2006 appointed Director ofWord of Life Fellowship2011 named ExecutiveDirector of Word of Life10 VICTORY JOURNAL[Q & A]Did you ever imagine you would bewhere you are now? No. Becomingthe Executive Director was not somethingI ever really planned on or aspired to.We have seen God’s hand over theyears and now better understand whatHe was pointing us toward. My wifeand I are excited to serve. We embracethis opportunity, knowing this is clearlywhat God wants.What went through your mind whenyou were asked to pray about beingWord of Life’s Executive Director?When I was asked to be Director,my first reaction was to think back tothose who have led the ministry overthe years: Jack, Harry, George, andJoe. To be honest, I felt like I had nobusiness being on that list. It wasn’t untilI got some encouragement from a dearfriend, and he reminded me, “Just beClass of 1984Don Lough, Jr., who became Word of Life’s fifth Executive Director in August, is the2011 Alumnus of the Year. As Don enters this new era of leadership and looks backat his journey through Word of Life, he brings a distinct vision for the ministry andwhere he hopes God will take it. Here is some of what he had to say about the BibleInstitute, new goals and changes at home and overseas, and his heart for the ministryand people involved as Word of Life continues to strengthen the body of Christ andtake the Gospel around the world.yourself. Just be Don Lough. God hasn’tcreated you to be anyone else.”Dr. Howard Hendricks ended a letter hewrote to me with the words, “Lie low.Exalt Christ.” The message to me wasloud and clear: “Don, it’s not about youanyway. It’s about Christ.”What are some next steps for theministry? I believe that relationships arekey to ministry, and we’re looking atways to expand those relationships. Wehave a team of men who are now goingout and praying with pastors and churchleadership here in the U.S.We’re going to work really hard toincrease awareness of the Word of Lifeministry. It is critical that we get the wordout about all that God is doing aroundthe world. It has been encouraging tosee how people are getting engaged

with us in the work of the ministry.Many of them are alumni from theBible Institute.Where do you hope and dream theministry will be a few decades fromnow? I would love to see us reachingmillions of people a year with theGospel. I can envision the Word ofLife ministry in just about every countryaround the world. (For more, seesidebar: Vision for Word of Life)What would you like to see at theBible Institute? As far as the BibleInstitute and what we’re looking atfor the years ahead, we’re reallypraying about taking steps to continueupgrading the campus and maybeeven adding a couple of new dorms.We are dreaming about a new studentcenter complex that would includea gymnasium, student lounge, anddining room in the years ahead.I see a growing student population.We’re asking the Lord for 800students or more a year in New York,with an additional 300 in Florida.I would really like to see all of ourBible Institutes around the world atfull capacity, training up the nextgeneration.What do you remember from yourtime at the Bible Institute? Growingup in the ministry of Word of Life, myyear at the Bible Institute was like icingon the cake. It was an incredible yearof growth and learning. As a youngman, my goal was to be a medicaldoctor. It was at the Bible Institutewhere I really began to wonder,“What does God really want for me?”My year at the Bible Institute was animpacting time of total immersion in theWord of God. In a fresh way, I beganto really come to grips with the factthat God had a plan for my life andthat His Word is relevant and shouldbe fleshed out in my life every day.Do you have any funny memoriesyou would like to share from yourBible Institute year? I was pretty goodat arguing my case against demerits.How will you be involved as theBible Institute’s Chancellor? I’ll beregularly speaking in chapel, and Iwant to keep meeting with students —having meals, inviting them into ourhome. Darla and I see it as a privilegeto open up our lives and home to ourstudent body as a whole.How has your family been involved?My family is very supportive and veryengaged in the ministry with me. Weaim to do things together. Growingup as a member of the staff family, myparents made it very clear early on thatthis was not just Dad’s ministry, but ourfamily’s ministry. My dad’s ministry wasvalidated by our clear testimony, godlyattitude, and joyful involvement. ByGod’s grace, my family has continued tocarry that on.When each of my children has turned14 years old, we planned a specialministry trip overseas together. For eachof them, it has opened up a whole newworld before them. I’ve heard from them,“Hey, we see that God can use us.”What makes the ministry of Wordof Life unique? I think evangelism isbecoming less and less a priority inChristian circles today, so that’s whyI think Word of Life is unique today…and discipleship, getting into lives.There are many ministries that do oneor the other, but I think it’s unique thatwe do both. Word of Life is a ministryof multiplication: seeing people come toChrist and then discipling them to reachtheir world for Christ.What are your thoughts on gettingyoung people into ministry? Thatwas really Jack Wyrtzen’s heartbeat.When I was a young man, he wouldperiodically say to me, “Don, let no mandespise your youth!” Jack believed thatyoung people are capable of doingso much for the Lord. Years later, ourheartbeat remains the same to challengeyoung men and women to really stepup to serve the Lord and to get out themessage of the Gospel.What would you like to leave with ouralumni? My challenge to you is to bethe person God made you to be. Don’tgive in to the temptation to try to besomeone else. Reach your full potential. Ijust recently preached a message on thistheme. We’ve all heard it before, butyou eventually need to reach a point inyour life where your potential is realized.It’s time for all of us to step up. JesusChrist is coming back at any moment,and the world desperately needs to hearthe Good News about Him. Get goingfor God!“Vision for Word of LifeDon and his leadership team arestill developing many of the newgoals for Word of Life for the nextfew years. But he had a few mainareas where his vision is startingright now, and some examples ofwhat that looks like. Be sure tovisit wol.org or check future issuesof the Victory Journal to see moreways you can be involved in thesestrategic goals.As I look at the days ahead, I canenvision our camps and conferenceministries completely full with awaiting list.Our Bible Institutes are so strategicto the entire ministry. Simply put,there’s really no greater place for astudent to study God’s Word. Mygoal is to see all of our institutes atfull capacity.Internationally, I can envision theministry expanding further acrossAfrica and Asia where over seventyfivepercent (75%) of our world’spopulation lives today.We love the local church here atWord of Life. It remains ourcommitment to serve and buildup local churches here and aroundthe world. I am challenging ourLocal Church Ministries team tobe creative as we seek to double ouroutreach and impact here in theUnited States.“VICTORY JOURNAL11

& youThis is the second in a series... on the many waysto maximize God’s provisions using gift planning.This time: Charitable gift annuities let you helpreach youth with your (tax-deductible) donationwhile providing income security for yourself.The charitable gift annuity is an arrangementwhere you can make a contribution to Word ofLife and receive, in turn, guaranteed paymentsfor life. Just like someone would use a regularannuity to set aside money they draw from later,the charitable gift annuity provides guaranteedincome—but with your investment going tohelp Word of Life reach young people with theGospel! It’s a way of stewarding that allows youto make a substantial gift even though you mayneed ongoing income from your assets.What are the benefits?• Guaranteed payments each year• A portion of the payment is tax free• Charitable deduction in the year ofthe gift• An annuity rate significantly higherthan the interest paid on currentfixed investments• Capital gains tax savings onappreciated assets• Satisfaction of helping Word of Lifein reaching youth with the GospelSome examples of how a charitable giftannuity can work:Peter and Norma, both age 75, contribute$10,000 cash to Word of Life for a gift annuity,naming themselves as beneficiaries. They willreceive payments from the annuity of $570 ayear (an annuity rate of 5.7%). $438.33 of thosepayments will be tax free (making the effectiverate 7.74%). They will also receive a charitablededuction of $2,983 this year for their gift.Mildred, who is 80 years old, contributed$20,000 of securities (with an original costof $8,000) to charity for a gift annuity. Withan annuity rate of 7.5%, she receives fixed,guaranteed payments of $1,500 a year aslong as she lives. $489.60 of her annualpayments will be tax free (effective rate 9.9%),$734.40 of the payment will be taxed as capitalgain, and the rest of the payment is taxed asordinary income. She also receives a charitablededuction of $8,984. (rates subject to change)Gift annuities are a popular way for peopleto make a gift and at the same time providefor their future financial security. For moreinformation, please visit wollegacy.org/cga orcontact Howard Leach at 518.494.6214 orhowardleach@wol.org.Be sure to visit Facebook forthe Word of Life Bible InstituteAlumni group and page aswell as some alumni events!WE ARE HERETO SERVE YOU.How can Word of Life helpyou as an alumnus? Feel freeto tell us at alumni@wol.org.12 VICTORY JOURNAL

the Son risesWord of Life students, missionaries, and alumni arecarrying physical and spiritual help throughout Japan.After the March 11 disasters spread death, destruction,and uncertainty across Japan, Christians in the islandnation have found new ways to reach people with Christ’shope. Missionaries have teamed up with the local government,national defense forces, and even the U.S. Navy to take help topeople all over the country. Other believers are strengtheningthose around them. Here are just a few in the Word of Lifefamily who are sharing Christ during Japan’s long recovery.Jodi Davisto help:wol.org/givingKARUIZAWAWord of Life JapanDirector Yoshito Kato,Jodi Davis (Class of1987), and other staff andmissionaries were at theSYME campus when theearthquake struck. They’vesince been taking studentsnorth, and providinghot meals and God’sWord for those in need.The KatosSENDAITomoo (Class of1990) and Kaori(Wada) Koike (‘88),who have a ministrywith Word of Life inSendai, the city at thecenter of much of thetsunami’s destruction,have connectedwith the localgovernment as theyhelp their church andcommunity recover.The KoikesTOKYOKazu (Class of 1996) and Amy (Ketchum) Kato(‘04), who have been working in the capital citywith Fellowship International Ministries, collectedfood, clothes, and supplies within their churchto send to the disaster site while ministering tothe people affected by the earthquake in the city.Learn more about their ministry at fimtokyo.com.prayer requests• Wisdom in approaching people with the Gospel as they struggle with physical needs• Yoshito Kato, as he leads the ministry without his wife, Hisako, who went to be with the Lord this spring• Continual thoughts, prayer, and support for the country’s long recovery, includingencouragement for ministry teams and financial giving for “Hope for Japan”• Kazu Kato, who is recovering from serious leg injuries after a bike accident this summer• This fall’s SYME class, as well as those moving on to the Bible Institute in New York or Korea▲ A student from Word of Life Japan’s School of Youth Ministries in English helps prepare a meal for tsunami victimsVICTORY JOURNAL13

OnCampusWhat Bible Institute studentsfrom the four campuseshave to say about theirsummer experiencesNEW YORKA counselor’s testimony from one week:One camper I had this summer showedme what it means to truly hate what welove in comparison to our love for Christ.David didn’t seem that different when hefirst arrived, but I soon found out he hada dissociative identity disorder, previouslycalled multiple personality disorder. Davidand I talked about this, and he shared hisjournals with me. I started recruiting prayersupport and wisdom to see how to helphim. As I talked to him throughout the week,he showed a real desire to know Christ.After the campfire service, he told me thathe realized that if he was ever going tohave joy in his life, he needed to give hislife to Christ. This was huge for him. Hecontinued to hear God’s Word throughoutthe week and knew he had to “put todeath” this other part of him. It was so hardfor him, but when he saw this other life asan idol, he wanted to obey God. I feel thatas he continues to grow, God will workin him. David’s obedience to Christ wasa blessing and challenge to me. I rejoicethat “He Who has begun a good workin us will perform it until the day of JesusChrist” (Philippians 1:6). – Name WithheldJejuFrom left,Jeju studentAlyson Donley,staff memberCheryl Gredlein,and studentsEvelyn Kimand JessicaKim stand atQumran, wherethe Dead SeaScrolls werefound, duringthe students’summer tripto Israel.▲“This place has a great history, and it has a great future.Just being here and studying where everything happenedhas been a great experience. It was awesome to be on theMount of Olives and to see the Eastern Gate, and seeing thisis the place (where Jesus will return). This is for real.”— Justin Smith, on the Jeju students’ trip to Israel this summerFLORIDAMy Scripture for this summer hasbeen 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My graceis sufficient for you, for My poweris made perfect in weakness.”Seeing new campers each week hasbeen exhausting, yet it has challengedme to lean on Christ more than ever.Although it seems to be physicallyand spiritually weakening, Christhas been teaching me somethingeach week that I can always usewith the next week of campers. TheGospel is what keeps me going!Not having the opportunity to spendas much personal time with God asI had during the school year, eachword I get from Him this summer hasbeen what I needed to get through.My hunger for his Word is a constantreminder that God is using myweakness this summer for His glory.How powerful to see His hand at workin each camper’s life. — Camilla ByrdOWENSOUND14 VICTORY JOURNALMy year at the Bible Institute has beensuch a learning experience! I’ve learnedabout God’s Word and, through trials andchallenges, have realized how practical itis for dealing with everyday life. Throughthese struggles, God teaches us andproduces endurance in our lives. Now,during summer camp at the Owen Soundcampus, I am so thankful for my year oflearning what God says in His Word.During the year, we heard so much abouthow we as Christians are to live to reflectChrist. We also learned what God thinks,what His Word teaches about so manydifferent areas, and how to deal with them.This training has really prepared me forsummer camp as so many campers comewith such baggage and issues they don’tknow how to deal with them. I can bringthem to the Bible and show them God’sways and give them some encouragementthis way. — Carmen Sisson

ALUMNI NEWSalumni @ wol.orgWe talked with some alumni atour Memorial Day class reunionsand at our Lynchburg picnic inJune. Here’s some news fromthem and others who have letus know how they are doing.More alumni news, includingthose of you who contributedover the summer, will be in thenext issue of the Victory Journal.1970sMike Jessee (’71) is a salesmandistributing material handling andstorage equipment products.Norman Bailey (’73) ispreaching, teaching, counseling,and performing marriages.Ginny Newton (’73) is enjoying hernew role as the Academic Secretaryat the Bible Institute in Florida.Rick Warken (’74) celebrated his 36thwedding anniversary with Linda (Bollback)Warken in August and their 36th anniversaryas missionaries with Word of Life in June.Carla (Jacobsma) Gray (’74) isthe Assistant Dean of Women at theWord of Life Bible Institute, and BobGray (’78) is the Business Manager.Rick Heffner (’78) works in lawenforcement at Lynchburg General Hospitaland has been a member of Hyland HeightsBaptist Church in Rustburg, Virginia, since1989. Margaret Stone Heffner (’79)works for Medical Associates of CentralVirginia as a hospital service coordinator.She is a member of Hyland HeightsBaptist Church in Rustburg, Virginia.Linda (Ramsey) Wollbrink (’79)is married to Larry Wollbrink, a pastor.They have two children: Joseph,18, and Chris, 16. Linda works as anursing instructor at Lynchburg GeneralHospital School of Nursing.1980sLinda (Jones) Francois (’81)works at Areva in Lynchburg, Virginia,and is married with four children.Mark A. Frazier (’82) is anengineering draftsman for High SteelStructures Inc. in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.Janell (Murray) Frazier (’82) is asenior accountant for High CompaniesLLC in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.Philip Uy (’81) works for Corning as anengineer product leader and is married toLisa Kelly Uy (’82). They have sevenchildren — homeschooled by Lisa for morethan 23 years — and three grandchildren.They live in New Hampshire, where Lisateaches an adult ladies Sunday Schoolclass and is writing her first book.Lori Horton (’83) has been servingin Asia for 20 years with a café thatreaches out to university studentsthrough English, leadership classes,board games, and baking classes.Cindy (Thoin) Ketterling (’83) ismarried to Ed Ketterling (’85) and hasfour children: Josiah, 21, Annie, 17, Matthew,15, and Michelle, 13. She graduatedfrom Liberty University in 1990 and isnow a part-time bookkeeper at HeritageBaptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia.Jeff (’84) and Hope (Davies)Palonen (’84) live in the Roanoke,Virginia, area and attend a local churchin Troutville. Jeff worked for Word of Lifefrom 1986 to 2004 and then moved toOrlando, Florida, to work for Pioneers.Daniel Mortenson (’82) and hiswife, Becky, have two children, Grant andAutumn. Daniel is a professor at DakotaState University in Madison, South Dakota,teaching audio production and music withinthe digital arts and design major. They aremembers of the First Church of the Nazareneand are involved with West Center Baptist.David (’84) and Tara Bubar (’84)were married in 1995 and have sinceadopted two daughters, Brittney andAshley, 13 and 14, after welcoming theminto their home through foster care.Wesley A. Yerkes (’86) who lives inRoanoke, Virginia, is a program director ofa Salvation Army men’s homeless shelter.Tim Lindblad (’87) is working atHoneywell in Northford, Connecticut,and is teaching third and fourth gradeSunday School for the 21st year. He’s alsoplaying bass guitar for the praise teamand playing piano at Brigade Boys.Tom (’87) and Shannon Carroll(’87) have two children: Daniel, 14, andJessica, 10. They live in Lynchburg, Virginia,and attend Heritage Baptist Church.Shannon, who graduated from LibertyUniversity in 1990 with an elementaryeducation degree, is a homemaker, andTom is a data services manager.Michelle Alexander (’88) is workingfor the Bible Institute in New York in theAcademics Department. In the summer,she works at the Family Campground, andduring the school year, she drives the coachto New York City for Open Air Evangelismand to Florida for the Collegians.1990sGretchen (Lewis) Popp (’91) is servingalongside her pastor husband Brett Popp(’02) in a country church near Albany, NewYork. Brett is entering his 10th year as apastor.Scott Eberhardt (’92) has three children:Stephan, 13, Samuel, 11, and Shiloh, 7.Dave and Nicole (Raimondi)Shanton (’93) live in the Lynchburg,Virginia, area with their son Andrew, 12,and daughters Sarah, 10, and Emma, 7.Dave is a computer programmer, and Nicoledoes adult special needs caregiving.Jana (Spence) Whitney (’93) is marriedto Ted Whitney (’91) and has four children:Benjamin, 14, Rebekah, 12, and Bethany, 11.She has worked with teenagers in a psychiatricsetting and has been a substitute teacher inpublic schools. She is now a home educator.Robert Makin (’94) is a deacon andan Awana director for third to sixth gradeboys. He works as a traffic clerk for OceanState Job Lot, a distribution center thatdistributes freight throughout the Northeast.Dawn Wayson (’95) is working atthe Word of Life Inn and ConferenceCenter as the office manager.Dusty Sarrge (’99) is studying for aMaster’s in professional counseling atLiberty University, with the goal of starting aprivate or group licensed counseling practiceto possibly work with adult survivors ofchildhood abuse or other complex trauma.2000sEric Roginski (’04) works at Wordof Life in the Information TechnologyDepartment. He and his wife, Heidi(Davis) (‘00) have a son, AlexanderNicholas, who will turn 2 in November.Carrie (Mossop) (’07) and KevinMcGinn (’07) were married in August2008 and now attend Bedrock CommunityChurch in Bedford, Virginia. Kevin is attendingLiberty University and works at UPS.The Victory Journal is hereto keep you up to dateon alumni weddings, births,ministry opportunities,or other life changes.VICTORY JOURNAL15

Word of Life Bible Institute4200 Glendale Rd.Pottersville, NY 12860Non-Profit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDWord of Life2012 ALUMNI REUNION WEEKEND& FOUNDER’S CONFERENCEA Time to Reconnect May 25-28WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS:• Alumni/Staff/Student Golf Tournament• Alumni Reunions for the classes of 1972, 1982, 1992, & 2002• Alumnus of the Year Presentation• Bible Teaching with John Barnett• Island, Ranch and Bible Institute ToursWord of Life Bible Institute Alumni are important to us, so we´ve decidedto open up our rooms just for you at a huge discount! You can stay atthe Word of Life Inn with meals for as little as $30.15 a day, per person!CALL 1-800-965-7177 TO REGISTER TODAY!