A Note from Brian
Happy New Year! I hope and pray that you have had an amazing time on break with your son or daughter.
It is too quiet here at the Bible Institute, and we are excited to have students back on campus soon. We will be starting off the new semester with a Spiritual Emphasis Weekend, which will allow students to focus on growing in their relationship with the Lord as they enter a busy stretch of classes and winter camp. Please be praying as we look to minister to thousands of teens over the coming months. I am excited to share stories of life change that will come from this year’s winter camp ministry.
Latest News
New York
Students had quite a busy month of December. Last month, two open air evangelism teams went out to New York City and ministered to 2,650 people. Out of these, 29 came to know Christ as their Savior!
On December 14, we welcomed 50 Campus Preview Day guests and invited them to join us for our Christmas celebration.
December 15 was the student Christmas party, which featured a dorm decorating competition, an ugly sweater competition, cookie decorating, a scavenger hunt, and karaoke!
On December 18, we had a wonderful ceremony for our graduating spring students followed by a special lunch for graduates and their families.
Florida
We had about 25 visitors attend our Campus Preview Days November 30 – December 1. Our guests had the opportunity to enjoy Thursday night worship time outdoors on the basketball court and attend classes and chapel on Friday. We are praying many of these guests will decide to come to the Bible Institute.
The Student Christmas Party was on Monday, December 4. Our student body had fun making gingerbread houses and playing Family Feud! We enjoyed a great meal and a great message from the Word. Many wonderful memories were made.
Upcoming Events
New York
- Return from Christmas Break: January 12 by 7:00 PM
Note: If your student is on the basketball team, they will need to be back on January 8. - Spiritual Emphasis Weekend: January 12–14.
We will kick off the spring semester with a great weekend of spiritual emphasis sessions starting when students return on the 12. - Spring Student Registration and Orientation: January 12–14
We will be welcoming our new spring students for registration on January 12, 3:00–5:00 PM in the Huskies Health and Athletic Center. - Snowcamp Ministry
As a reminder, we have included a message from Snowcamp Director Tommy Sewall with packing tips for students as they return from break:- A wool or polyester base layer will be a lifesaver on cold days.
- Layers are better than one big parka. A parka might be nice for walking to class, but you’ll want some fleece layers for serving at the tube hill or ice rink.
- Waterproof gloves or mittens are a must! Your cute knit mittens will not keep your hands nearly as warm as a waterproof material.
- Everyone will need a pair of snow boots. Sneakers and snow are not a good combination, and your feet are one of the first things to get cold. Throw in a pair of wool socks, and your toes will thank you.
- You’ll want to pack a comfy winter facemask. Not only will it keep your face warm and free of windburn, but it will also help trap warm air inside your jacket.
- Don’t forget snow pants! Make sure you bring a pair that are at least water resistant if not waterproof. Blue jeans hold water, and water makes you cold. Here is the online store where I get all my outerwear for snowboarding: The-house.com
- If you are properly prepared, you will not just survive the winter season – you will thrive!
Florida
- Return from Christmas Break: January 3
Students return on Wednesday January 3 and have registration from 2:00–4:00 PM in the Bollback Performing Arts Center lobby. - Beginning of Spring Semester Classes: Thursday, January 4.
- Missions Conference: January 10–12
The theme of this year’s Missions Conference is “On the Victory Side,” which is the phrase Jack Wyrtzen used when he signed letters. Our theme verse is 2 Corinthians 2:14 – “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.” We are looking forward to hearing from several missionaries and being challenged to share God’s message of salvation around the world. - Pursuit Camp
We will have six weekends of Pursuit Camp from January 19 to February 23. Five weekends will be for junior and senior high students, and the last weekend will be geared toward college and career guests.
One of the unique activities we get to do during Pursuit Camp is our Penguin Slide! We fill the trough at the bottom of our large waterslide with 500 pounds of ice, and the students slide into it! We also have other games and tournaments, but the best part is getting to hear from great youth speakers and see young people turn to Christ and grow in their faith.
Encouragement Packs
If you have a student on our New York campus, you can use the link below to order them a care package for any occasion (birthday, laundry day, “chocolate craving” day, and more). Let your students know you are thinking of them by ordering an encouragement pack online: