A Note from Brian
Our school year is off to a great start! Students are settling into their service and ministry assignments while learning to balance their schedules. For many, it’s been a challenging adjustment—but we are already seeing tremendous growth in the student body.
I’m reminded of Philippians 1:6: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
God has begun a good work in your student. As they continue to walk with Him, He will be faithful to grow and guide them. Your encouragement and prayers are vital this year. Be your student’s greatest prayer warrior, not only this year but for years to come!
Latest News
New York
Sports Ministry
Our Men’s and Women’s Soccer teams and Women’s Volleyball team have started their seasons strong! After each game, our athletes gather with the opposing team as one of our players shares a short testimony about how God has worked in their life.
These Gospel conversations are making a real impact. We’ve already seen one salvation decision at a Men’s Soccer game, and last year’s outreach is still bearing fruit! A player from another school told our coaches that because of the conversations he had with our team last season, he decided to take the next step in his walk with Christ and get baptized. Praise the Lord!
Upcoming Events
Homecoming – October 10–12
Homecoming Weekend is almost here! If you’re an alumnus of Word of Life Bible Institute—or just looking for a reason to visit your student—join us for a fun, fellowship-filled weekend
Campus Preview Days – October 16–17
Our first New York Campus Preview Days are coming soon! This is a great opportunity for high school students to experience the Bible Institute firsthand. Help us spread the word!
Meet the Student Life Team
- Drew Burtis – Dean of Students – Drew and his wife, Brittany, have a deep love for our students. They regularly open their home, cheer students on at games, and welcome tough questions. Their kids, Addie and Judah, are a joy to our community. Drew’s leadership and care for the student body are a true blessing. Email: dburtis@wol.org
- Karen Smith – Dean of Women – For the past decade, Karen has been faithfully serving the young women of our campus. She leads with compassion and a strong desire to help students grow in their relationship with Christ. Karen oversees our women’s Resident Directors, Chelsea Cunningham and Isabel Cate. Email: karensmith@wol.org
- Justin Cousins – Dean of Men – Justin challenges our young men to step boldly into God’s calling for their lives. He and his wife, Alicia, along with their children Hudson and Harper, set a beautiful example of a family pursuing the Lord together. Justin leads our men’s Resident Directors, Alex Walker and Jackson Springthorpe. Email: jtcousins@wol.org
- Gaby Hackett – International Student Care Coordinator – As a former international student herself, Gaby understands the unique challenges of studying in another country. She and her husband, Alex, often serve as “adoptive parents” to our international students, helping them navigate life at the Bible Institute and set them up for success. Email: ghackett@wol.org
Florida
September Highlights
Our students have been busy this fall, diving into ministry and campus life.
- Evangelism Training: Students completed both Personal Evangelism and Open Air Evangelism training. Over two weekends, they went out in teams to places like flea markets, Clearwater Beach, and local parks. Together, they engaged in over 275 Gospel conversations and saw 15 salvation decisions. Praise God!
- Spirit Week: From Twin Tuesday to Fancy Friday, our students celebrated Spirit Week with fun dress-up days and a great time of campus bonding.
Upcoming Events – October
Fall Festival – October 2
Students enjoyed a day of fun at The Grove, with friendly competitions like cornhole and three-legged races, pumpkin painting, and a cookout near the pickleball courts.
Campus Preview Days – October 9-10
We’re expecting around 35 visitors and their parents for our Florida Campus Preview Days. Thursday evening includes activities, devotions, and worship. On Friday, guests will sit in on classes, enjoy lunch with our students, and have time to ask questions and apply. Please pray for God’s direction as they consider attending the Bible Institute.
Meet Our Florida Student Life Team!
- Jeremy Long – Dean of Men – Jeremy attended the Florida Bible Institute from 2009–2012 and has served in a variety of roles, including the Impact Team, Maintenance Team, and seven summers on Word of Life Island. He and his wife, Haley, along with their children June, Henry, and Summer, are a wonderful addition to our team. Email: jylong@wol.org
- Michele Jones – Dean of Women – Michele has a heart for discipleship and faithfully meets with students for counseling and spiritual guidance. She and her husband, Jeff, live nearby and are active in the campus community. Email: mrjones@wol.org
- Resident Directors:
- Josie Ganawah – Men’s Discipleship Coordinator
- Ashlyn Lough – Women’s Discipleship Coordinator
