Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are looking forward to Missions Conference this weekend! What an encouragement it has been to see the students’ dedication as they refocus their hearts during this Spiritual Emphasis Week. Will you commit to intentionally praying for them this weekend? Missions Conference is often a pivotal time during the year here at WOLBI, and we know God will work in the hearts of our students as they seek to be obedient to Him.
Keep reading for updates on academics, conferences, Pursuit Camp, and campus updates.
 
Academics
Guest Lecturers
During the week of 2/9-12, Dr. Doug Bookman will be teaching Passion Week to the freshman students, and Dr. Ben Gutierrez will be teaching the book of Philippians to our sophomore class.

• Dr. Doug Bookman graduated from Pillsbury Baptist Bible College and earned his M.Div. and Th.M. at Central Theological Seminary, and his Th.D. in Bible Exposition from Dallas Theological Seminary. Dr. Bookman served with the Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry as their National Ministries Representative from 1998-2009. Currently, he is on the faculty at Shepherds Theological Seminary in NC and serves as Professor of Biblical Exposition and Director of Recruitment.
• Dr. Ben Gutierrez serves as the Senior Pastor/Lead Servant of Grove Avenue Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. He is a frequent lecturer at Word of Life Bible Institute and has authored, co-authored, or edited over 12 books with Lifeway/Broadman & Holman, including Essence of the New Testament: A Survey, Learning How to Read the Greek New Testament Workbook, Everyday Bible Study, Ministry Is…, Be Encouraged, Thinking Like Jesus: Understanding the Mind of Christ. Six books have been translated into Spanish and one into Portuguese.

 
During the week of 2/16-19, the freshman class will study the book of Acts with Dr. Wendell Calder, while Messrs. John Collins and Brian Baker will be teaching the sophomore class Philosophy of Youth Ministry.

• Dr. Wendell Calder is a graduate of New Brunswick Bible Institute and Founder of Living Waters Bible Conference He is a well-known evangelist and camp speaker. He served in the pastorate for 16 years and began his present ministry of Local Church Evangelism in 1975.
• John Collins is the National Director of Word of Life Youth Ministries. He has been in leadership roles for over 20 years and has traveled across the United States and to numerous countries to speak in conferences and churches.
• Brian Baker is the Northeast Regional Coordinator of Word of Life Youth Ministries. He has served with Word of Life for over 22 years. Brian is passionate about preaching, teaching, and training leaders, and he speaks frequently at youth camps, conferences, and events.

 
Resident Lecturers
Dr. Tom Davis will continue teaching Systematic Theology and Dispensationalism to the freshman and sophomore classes, respectively.
Dr. Paul Weaver will continue teaching Hermeneutics I to the freshman class as well as the well-received “Writings of C.S. Lewis” elective class.
 
Pursuit Camp
It’s Pursuit Camp season on our Florida campus! We have five weekends scheduled this year. Thus far, we have welcomed 326 campers, 27 of whom have made professions of faith in Christ. At least 200 others publicly committed themselves to share the gospel with friends and to forgive others who have hurt them in the past. Following the closing meeting each week, campers wrote the names of specific friends they intended to reach out to on a large billboard just outside the auditorium. Each day, staff and students pray for these people during class breaks or when just passing by.
It’s amazing to think that in just one short weekend, students are crossing from death to life as they put their faith in Jesus Christ.  Believers are being discipled, youth leaders are being refreshed, and our Bible Institute students are right in the middle of it all! Please pray for them as they run the race with passion and enthusiasm to see “Every Life Reached and Changed for Eternity!” Pray as well for safety as we continue to take precautions to ensure a safe camp experience.
 
Missions Conference
Missions Conference will take place this weekend, beginning tonight  (2/12) at 7:30 pm. The conference will feature Dr. George W. Murray as the keynote speaker, Kris Stout, who serves as Word of Life’s Executive Vice President of International and Local Church Ministries, and Word of Life’s President and CEO, Don Lough, Jr. We appreciate your prayers during this pivotal time of decision making on our campus!
If you would like to join us for Missions Conference, you can do so online.
Click here to join: wol.is/missionscon
 
RISE Pastor’s Conference
We are excited to offer RISE Pastor’s Conference again this year! Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to make this a virtual event, but the conference will still feature incredible worship and dynamic speakers that will challenge and encourage your leadership team. The theme this year is “Staying the Course,” from 1 Corinthians 15:57-58. RISE will feature keynote speakers Dr. Richard Blackaby, a well-known author and international speaker, and Dr. Corey Abney, lead pastor of Bell Shoals Baptist Church. Please let your pastor know about this free conference! We would love to encourage as many pastors and leadership teams as we can during this season.
RISE Pastor’s Conference will take place on March 16-18. Get all the info on the conference at wol.is/risecon.
 
Campus Project Updates
2021 is off to a great start, with a full slate of current and upcoming projects on our New York campus. We are wrapping up the full renovation of Korea Hall, which is a 22-bed residence hall with a lounge and laundry. Korea Hall is located at the top of Kenya Hill on the north end of campus, and boasts beautiful views of Schroon Lake. We anticipate receiving our certificate of occupancy on Friday, February 12.
We are currently in the planning phase of a full renovation of Council Hall, which is the classroom for our Second Year (sophomore) students. The renovation will bring the facility up to current building code, accessibility standards, and life safety elements. We will be taking advantage of the building’s prime location facing Schroon Lake to maximize lake views and bring in natural light. The stage will be enlarged and all-new auditorium seating will be installed.
We are constantly looking to create indoor and outdoor environments that encourage our students to grow closer to the Lord and each other. In conjunction with that goal, we will make some updates to the center quad on campus this spring. We are planning hammock pergolas, fire pits, patios, and a field turf outdoor volleyball court!
During Summer 2021, we are looking to make some updates in the Wyrtzen Center auditorium to enhance our students’ academic experience. The current seats will be replaced with new powered auditorium seating with nesting tablet arms. This will make the classroom more comfortable and conducive for learning. Access control will be increased for the safety of our students.
Another key focus for us as we make development on campus is to make our students feel safe walking the campus. We have installed numerous walkways, lights, and crosswalks for students. Part of safely walking campus is ensuring that the walks are ice-free to reduce the risk of slip and fall injuries. This spring, we are erecting a timber structure over the Ryrie Library steps near the Welcome Center to help students safely walk that area.
 
We’re excited about all the changes coming to campus as we seek to serve our students better!