The Bridge: October 11, 2024

A Note from Brian 
It has been a great first month here at the Bible Institute. I have conversations every day with students who are excited about what they are learning in the classroom, the relationships they are building, and the ministry opportunities they are having. Recently, we’ve been reading the Gospel of John in our Quiet Time, focusing on the love of God. God truly loves us so much. It is awesome to see our students grasp this truth and live it out daily. Thank you for your prayers and the support you give your child while they are here at Word of Life! 

Latest News: 
 

New York 

We Are Currently Welcoming Homecoming Guests! 

We are excited for a weekend packed with fellowship, reunions, sports games, and much more!  

Parent Housing
When you’re picking up your student for breaks or if you would like to visit, we have a property called The Pines at Lakeside where you can book a room by calling 518-494-6000 (option 1). We also have a partnership with The Lodge at Schroon Lake that gives guests of Word of Life a 20% discount by calling 518-987-0708. 

 

Florida 

Open Air Evangelism 
It’s been an exciting first month of school! Our students have laid a strong foundation in God’s Word, diving into the books of Genesis, Galatians, and learning about Creationism. They’ve also received Evangelism training, and many of our ministry teams have already gone out to share the gospel—whether on the beach, in city streets, or at a local flea market with a prayer station. In total, over 1,400 people had meaningful interactions with our students, and we rejoice that 36 individuals made the decision to trust Christ as their Savior! 

Upcoming Events: 

New York 

Campus Preview Days: We will be hosting our first Campus Preview Days on October 17-18. If you have a junior or senior who might be interested in the Bible Institute, they can sign up at the link below: 

Missions Conference: We are hosting Missions Conference on October 25–27. If you are interested, you can attend in person or watch online. More information can be found at the link below:

Florida Fly-In and Missions Conference: From October 19-28, our Florida students will be traveling to the New York campus for a week of classes, culminating in an exciting Missions Conference (October 25-27). They’ll join students from New York, as well as from our two Canadian campuses, Quebec and Owen Sound, for an unforgettable experience! The best part? The trip is fully covered! During their time on campus, our students will also have the opportunity to sit in on a few Second Year classes to get a feel for what’s ahead. Additionally, eleven staff members will be accompanying them to New York.

Thanksgiving and Christmas Breaks  

Please see the following information on when breaks start and end to help you plan transportation: 

• NY & FL Thanksgiving Break starts November 26 AFTER classes (1 PM). The return date is December 2 by 11 PM. 

• NY Christmas Break starts on December 19 AFTER classes (1 PM). The return date is January 10 by 7 PM. 

Florida 

Fall Festival and Campus Preview Days: Due to Hurricane Milton, we had to cancel our Fall Festival and postpone our Campus Preview Days. The Bollback Performing Arts Center and the Conference Center buildings are rated as private hurricane shelters, so our students who decide to stay will be staying in those buildings. We are equipped with generators, plenty of food, water and paper supplies. 

Campus Previews Days are postponed to November 14–15. 

Thanksgiving Break   

NY & FL Thanksgiving Break starts November 26 AFTER classes (1 PM). The return date is Monday, December 2 by 11 PM. 

Christmas Break   

FL Christmas Break starts on December 13 AFTER the 8 AM exam. The return date is January 7 by 1 PM for Spring Registration 

New York Student Life Introduction: 

• Julia Lough – Student Life Administrative Assistant (julialough@wol.org). Julia helps parents with school break dates, campus visits, or any other general questions about the Bible Institute. Students often visit her for lost dorm or mailroom keys, overnight guest permissions, or to see a staff member at the Page Center. 

• Karen Smith – Dean of Women (KarenSmith@wol.org). Karen oversees the female resident directors and meets with students throughout the year for discipleship or guidance when student life issues arise. 

• Justin Cousins– Dean of Men (jtcousins@wol.org). Justin works directly with male students and the Resident Directors/Assistants. He provides guidance on dorm-related issues and discipleship. 

• Drew Burtis – Dean of Students (dburtis@wol.org). Drew oversees the Student Life Department and is a resident professor. He loves connecting with students (especially over coffee or on the golf course) and is passionate about helping them grow in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

• Resident Directors – Isabel Cate, Stephanie Magana, Jess Webel, Justin (Spud) Dorough, and Jackson Springthorpe. The RDs serve students in specific dorm areas, assisting with dorm matters and spiritual life throughout the year. 

Florida Student Life Introduction: 

• Ben Young – Dean of Students (BenYoung@wol.org). Ben served as Dean of Men for several years before moving into his current role last fall. 

• Riley Winter – Dean of Men (rwinter@wol.org). Riley worked as a Discipleship Coordinator and in the Ministries Department before taking on his current role. 

• Michele Jones – Dean of Women (mrjones@wol.org). Michele moved from NY last fall and has a heart for discipleship, meeting with students for counseling and guidance. 

Discipleship Coordinators (DCs): 

• Josie Ganawah – Men’s Discipleship Coordinator. 

• Ashlyn Lough – Women’s Discipleship Coordinator. 

Both New York and Florida: 

When booking flights, please keep in mind that several hours will be needed after the time listed to travel to the airport. TSA recommends arriving at the airport two hours before a domestic flight. 

We have loved serving you through the enrollment process this year and would appreciate your feedback. Please take a moment to complete this short survey by October 18.

Parent Connect

We’re excited to introduce Parent Connect, a series of livestream events designed to answer parents’ questions and guide them through the admissions process. These sessions will give all the details on admissions, financial aid, and more. 
 
Don’t forget to spread the word to other parents who might be interested in Word of Life Bible Institute for their student!