Students Speak about the WOLBI staff

DISCLAIMER: No students were interrogated, forced, bribed or otherwise coerced in the obtaining of these quotes. Our staff are very blessed by the students God has brought to WOLBI this year!

"Even though it's only been 3 months, WOL and the staff members here have impacted my life so much.  They are so willing to talk, listen, and give their time and advice!"

"The Ward family have been a huge influence in the lives of us students.  If Mr. Ward isn't teaching us in class he is usually on the basketball court. He teaches us Bible Survey in class, biblical principles in chapels, and is a great example to us outside of class time in how to live a godly life. Mrs. Ward is my discipler and I have greatly enjoyed getting to know her better and the opportunity to meet with her once a week. She is a big encouragement to me and I learn a lot from just watching how she handles life situations and how she interacts with her kids. Their middle child, was my date to the banquet! I look forward to the rest of the year getting to know them more!"

"WOLBI has greatly ministered in my life thus far. The ministry of the staff, in particular the Reiders and the Wards , has greatly shown to me the love and devotion they have not only to God, but also to the students. My personal growth had been incredible under the discipleship provided and I can't wait to continue here in the New Year."

"For me I think the biggest blessing has been the opportunity to watch  and learn from godly women here at the BI. Being discipled in the kitchen and just interacting with the women here at the BI has challenged me to grow and has been such an encouragement to me! I really appreciate their desire to help me grow."

Students Speak about Chapels

DISCLAIMER: No students were interrogated, forced, bribed or otherwise coerced in the obtaining of these quotes. WOLBI very blessed by the students God has brought this year!

Each week we have 3 chapel services to look at God's Word in a more practical way than the academic environment of class. Wednesday is Director's Chapel with Gary Stairs, the Executive Director of Word of Life Canada and focuses on Encouraging students to commit all their lives to God. Thursday is a Guest Chapel Exposing students to personal testimonies of missionaries and pastors, missions and ministry opportunities around the world. Finally, Fridays are Deans' Chapels Exhorting students to practically apply the Bible truths they are learning throughout the week.
"A speaker was used by the Lord to change my life and I am daily reminded of the things I have been taught in chapel."

"The Deans' chapels have been on "when the pressure is on, what is on the inside comes out". Those chapels have been really encouraging to me and very applicable (especially having 3 roommates). The whole program at WOLBI gives lots of opportunities to put the things we have been learning in the chapels into practice."

"I really appreciated Mr. Stairs message on Matthew 15:32. The three tough questions Jesus asked His disciples. And it really touched my life when He said, "Little is much when God is with me". Thank you!"

"Chapel are great in teaching practical applications of scripture."

"Chapels are unforgettable!  I am permanently scared from Mr. Ward's "pressure is on" chapel!" (You'll just have to come and experience this one for yourself).

"Love wins. In one of our Deans' chapels, we learned that in order to be satisfied in relationships or marriage we must be satisfied now. Since this chapel I have shared this simple truth with many friends from home who are getting into relationships and it is changing their view on dating. It is awesome to see people respond to the truth we are being taught here."

Students Speak about Discipleship

DISCLAIMER: No students were interrogated, forced, bribed or otherwise coerced in the obtaining of these quotes. The Bible Institute is very blessed by the students God has brought this year!

Word of Life Bible Institute is not just about knowing the Bible but growing in our relationship with Jesus Christ. One of the ways we grow together here at WOLBI is personal discipleship. Whether you call it personal ministry, biblical counseling, mentoring or whatever, each student has the opportunity to volunteer to meet weekly with a staff member to talk, pray, and encourage each other in their faith. We currently have 31 of our 41 students involved in some form of weekly discipleship and accountability with staff members.

"Something that has been a big blessing for me so far in the year has been discipleship. There have been times where I feel like I am the only one struggling with the issue that I have. Through discipleship I have learned that this struggle is actually very common and the Bible has the exact answer for it. The more I get into God's Word the more I learn about the mighty God we serve."

Speaking of discipleship with a particular staff member, one student said, "He changed the way I used to think and taught me life-values from the Bible. He taught me how to make biblical principles for my life. He taught me how to act proper in the way I treat and act with my parents. He taught me how to deal with many bad situations."

"I have greatly enjoyed getting to know my discipler better and the opportunity to meet with her once a week. She is a big encouragement to me and I learn a lot from just watching how she handles life situations and how she interacts with her kids." 

Learning the Word: Leviticus

From WOLBRANOS

Dr. Tom Davis has been teaching the Book of Leviticus this week. Dr. Davis received his BS in Bible from Lancaster Bible College, an MDiv from Grace Theological Seminary, took Advanced Studies at Jerusalem University College and obtained his PhD from Nova Southeastern University. He is our Academic Dean of WOLBI and a Professor at the Schroon Lake, New York campus.
Here is what Dr. Davis has to say about teaching here in Canada this year:

"I believe this is the 20th time I have taught through Leviticus as a guest lecturer at a Word of Life campus. I am increasingly impressed with how the 5 offerings in Leviticus 1-7 parallel the 5 paragraphs of the "Suffering Servant" passage in Isaiah 52:13-53:12. I also enjoy thinking about how the first five holidays in Leviticus 23-25 parallel events in Christ's First Coming and how the second five seem to parallel what we know about Christ's Second Coming.  Personally it is awesome to think that we don't have to sacrifice any animals today but in Hebrews 12 we are reminded that we are to offer the "sacrifice of praise"!!"

One student was impressed with how, "It's interesting how Dr. Davis incorporates Greek and Hebrew words into his teaching, and learning the significance of all the sacrifices." Another said, "Talking about the Passover, Jewish holidays, the many ceremonial laws and how so many things were fulfilled in Christ was cool. It was great to see the reason for all of them."

A night before Christmas...Wolbi style

It was an amazing, festive night on Friday the 3rd when we all gathered together in the cozy classroom which had been transformed into a Holiday wonderland for the annual WOLBI Christmas Banquet. 

From WOLBRANOS

There was joy to the Campus and we were all dressed in our finest fashions; the guys in their suits and Christmas ties, and the girls in their white dresses with blue satin sashes...and other variations of beautiful Christmas dresses.
The evening started out with pictures of couples and friends in the foyer which had been dressed in Christmas splendor just for the occasion.

From WOLBRANOS
Then a holly jolly meal followed of roasted lamb and chicken, with twice baked potatoes, asparagus with cheese, and carrots. The best part was by far the chocolate fountain for dessert with all types of fruit and cream puffs to shower in melted chocolate!
Not only were our tummies filled, and hearts warmed, but we were greatly entertained by our fellowship with each other, and the spectacular program that was put on during the night.

From WOLBRANOS

"It was really great to spend a whole meal together with the whole class and all the staff.  We could act like a goof at the banquet and not be embarrassed by it cause we have become that close within three short months."

Laughter and yuletide cheer filled the banquet hall as a slide show was presented depicting each guy student with their Super Hero alter-egos. The student ministry team Testify did their special rendition of 'Jingle Bells', a zany skit was performed by the guy RA's, and awards were presented to those special athletes who had participated in the recent WOLBI floor hockey tournament. Even though only a few received the first prize trophy, lots of the other players felt like winners as they were recognized with admiration and love.

From WOLBRANOS

Many a teary eye watched and students and staff waved their hands to the beat of a special performance of  "Can You Feel The Love". We aren't sure if the tears were an indication that the performance was touching, or amusing.
Finally, a student council member read us her special  revised version of  the poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas". The words had been changed to appeal to the WOLBI audience. Names of students and staff were mentioned along with funny things we are all known for throughout the WOLBI community. We cheered and laughed as special class jokes and memories were alluded to through out the poem.
"I liked the entertainment, it was something that everyone could enjoy!"
One of the favorite events of the evening was when we all discovered our "Secret Santa"s and got to open our Christmas gifts! Shouts of comfort and joy filled the air as we anxiously tore through the wrapping paper.
Students, staff, and friends left happy and satisfied, ready to go tell on the mountain the happy memories newly made at our Christmas Banquet.

"So much fun!!  Never a dull moment!  It was one of the most unique banquets yet!"

"An evening filled with joy and happiness!"

Learning the Word - The Pastoral Epistles

From WOLBRANOS

Dave James is a co-founder and the ministry coordinator for The Alliance for Biblical Integrity. Dave served with Word of Life for 22 years and for 16 of those years as the founding director of the Word of Life Bible Institute in Hungary. He received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in 1980. He received a Diploma in Biblical Studies from the Word of Life Bible Institute in 1986 and a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (MABS) from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1991.  He has been here for two weeks teaching the pastoral epistles.

Here are a few comments from the students and how they are enjoying the class this week:

"He is a very caring person; you can see that in the way he teaches."

"I learned that godly leaders are always looking for the next generation of godly leaders.  That is a reason to live lives qualified for those opportunities of leadership.  Its been encouraging to keep striving to potentially be a godly leader."

"I really appreciate his approach to doctrine and his conviction for others to see the right way to be living.  Its teaching us how to search for the truth and not just our personal opinion."

WOLBI's Got Talent!

It was our Second Annual "WOLBI's Got Talent", November 23, from 7-8 organized by our very own Associate Dean of Ministry, Richard Heppner.
We gathered in the gym to see our classmates and staff perform some of the different talents that God has graciously lavished on us. The stage was decorated with streamers, balloons, and flashing lights to set the mood. Act after act was performed in a variety of categories. Singing, drama, a djembe performance, stand-up comedy, and many, many more from serious to insane.
The student Praise Team kicked off the night by leading their audience in a praise chorus, followed up by special music. 
One of the student ministry teams called Testify did their very own rendition of "My Girl", every so slightly changing the lyrics to direct it at their "My WOLBI" audience.
Two very funny skits were presented, one by students about a hypochondriac doctor.
The Grand Finale skit was performed by some of the guy students and our very own Dean of Men, Jon Ward (Check out his blog here)! This skit depicted a zealous not-so-synchronized swim team performing their acrobatics (literally) to the cheerfully poetic music of Beethoven's "Blue Danube". There is no pool in the gym, but they did manage to get wet!
We laughed, we cried, we cheered our hearts out as our souls were blessed by the talent that we hadn't even realized had been under our very noses during our time here at WOLBI.

Mark your calendar to join us next year for the 3rd Annual WOLBI's Got Talent night Tuesday, November 22, 2011.

From the Desk of President Tyson...

A Message from the President:

Since the beginning of my reign as class president, I have been heavily burdened with my vision for this Campus. I believe in one Campus united under God. I believe in a wide variety of students, from provinces all across Canada, along with some from other countries like Brazil, USA, Germany, and Holland, banding together in love and unity. We are really all honorary Canadians, after all!
I believe we can put aside our differences, like height, hair color, and tongue size.
I believe we can learn to respect each others' opinions, like whether or not growing a mustache in November is really a good idea.
I believe we can look out for each other, and warn each other about not eating month old lasagna from the leftover fridge. I believe that we can put a stop to communicable diseases this way and promote better health.
I believe in settling disputes by Nerf gun wars. This is fun, and less painful and emotionally scarring than just throwing rocks, food, napkins, or even soap suds at each other.
I believe in singing "A Whole New World" from Disney's "Aladdin" at every meal, to promote class unity.
I believe in celebrating Birthdays by singing in Polish, regardless of whether it is actually someone's Birthday or whether they are Polish. If anything, people will see how talented we are because we know Polish.
I believe that everyone deserves their own pet Narwhal, or other exotic animal.
I believe that Monday basketball should be a place where everyone can discover their inner Michael Jackson....I mean Jordan.
I have a dream and you may call me a dreamer, but I hope one day you will join me and the campus can live as one. Ask not what your campus can do for you but what you can do for your campus.

The Right Honourable, His Majesty, WOLBI Student Council President Tyson Persall

From WOLBRANOS

"My name is Tyson Persall and I approve this message."

Learning the Word: Acts

From WOLBRANOS

Rev. Frank Roe is teaching us the book of Acts for two weeks. Mr. Roe was born and raised in Miami, Florida. He worked with Word of Life for nearly 17 years and since 1995 he has been with ABWE (Across Borders for World Evangelism) where he is now Ministry Director for Canada. He has taught Acts at WOLBI in the Philippines, Germany, and New York. He and his wife, Tamara, have four children and two dogs.
Here is a comment from Mr. Roe and how God is continuing to teach him through the class and how he enjoys coming to WOLBI each year:

"Every time I teach Acts I learn something new that has to be added to the material the next time through. This time I think I learned not to give away so much chocolate! Actually, this has been a great class and I have enjoyed our time together."

We are really enjoying the class this week, and last weeks as well.  Here are a few comments from some of the students:

"He gave a very descriptive explanation of stoning and I never really thought about how cruel it was."

"The history makes me feel very educated.  It is neat to see that even with so much persecution, they were still sharing the Gospel."

"Mr. Roe brought in actual coins and other artifacts from Biblical times."

 

Super-Bowl! (not the football kind)

From Superbowl

SUPER-BOWL
So there isn't actually bowling that is super, and it really has nothing to do with the football game you may be thinking of.  It is however, a great event that youth leaders and teens in local churches look forward to every year! An evangelistic "all-nighter" for youth coordinated by Charlie Lyons and the Word of Life Local Church Ministry Department.  Church groups get to start off the night with a hockey game at 7pm, followed by an on-ice rally where the gospel is presented. Tom D.Phillips, from our WOLBI campus in sunny Florida, preached the gospel message and many believed the message that Jesus died and rose again to pay for their sins.  There were about 700 teens and leaders in attendance.  We praise God for the 45 salvation decisions that were made.  There were also about 16 people who made the decision to commit their lives to Christ. 
The night started off watching the Mississauga St. Michael's Major's battle the Brampton Battalion at the incredible Hershey Centre.  Then the on-ice rally of games, prizes, and the gospel were followed by sports and all kinds of activities until 3am when everyone boarded the buses and headed over to Playdium, a giant arcade complete with batting cages.  Churches started loading up their sleepy teens to go home at 6am.  The whole night was a blast!  It was a tiring night but totally amazing to see the gospel shared so clearly and people receiving Christ.  The Admissions team also spoke with over 20 high school students interested in pursuing studies at WOLBI and received 7 Bible Institute applications!

Students involved in this ministry event said,  

"It was really great, I think the teens enjoyed it a lot!"

"It was fantastical! The teens dedicated their lives to Christ and it was amazing to see God work in the lives of young people."

"It was sweet to see so many Christians in the same place, and so many people hearing the Word of God."

"I survived the whole night on energy drinks :) but it was totally worth it to see what God did."

Learning the Word: Hosea

From WOLBRANOS

Todd Kinzer is an alumnus of WOLBI. He graduated from the BI in 1998-99 before finishing his Bachelors degree at Baptist Bible College. He has an MDiv and ThM from Capital Bible Seminary. In 2006, Mr. Kinzer became Dean of Men at the NY campus. In addition, he has also taught Bible electives in Personal Disciple Making and Hosea as well as periodically filling in for resident lecturers in Bible Survey. This is his second year teaching Hosea here at WOLBI Owen Sound.

Mr. Kinzer was reminded as he taught last week that,  "Chapter 11 is one of my favorite sections of Hosea. I identify personally with it as God demonstrates His unrequited love for His people. I so often fail to appreciate and live in light of God's love for and faithfulness to me. Yet despite Israel's consistent rejection of God's love, He responds by saying,

"How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel?...My heart churns within me; My sympathy is stirred. I will not execute the fierceness of My anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim for I am God and not man., the Holy One in your midst..." (11:8-9).

God does not give up on His people even if His love takes on harsh, disciplinary tones to bring His people back to Him. Hosea portrays both the dark, depths of sin to which Israel had stumbled and simultaneously God's unswerving love and faithfulness to His promises and to His people. Each time I am in Hosea, I unfortunately see myself but also find myself in awe of a God who would be so holy and just but also so loving and merciful to those who deserve only condemnation. Father, guard me against a hardened and calloused heart and by your grace, spur me on to faithfulness that you so tenaciously model for me!"

Nerd Nite - The Coolest Uncool Evening in WOLBI History!

 Some of us may jokingly call ourselves nerds when describing our passion for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, our secret love for wearing suspenders, or when discussing the fact that we do math problems for fun, but this past Friday was a chance for all students at WOLBI to really show the world their inner geek. 
The Deans of the Student Life Department hosted the first ever "Nerd Nite" on Friday, October 29. It was a chance to dress like a nerd, eat like a nerd, and play nerdy games like a nerd. Needless to say, most students were almost naturals at being "geeky." "I decided that being a nerd is way more fun than being a normal person." 



Dressing like a nerd involved showing up for the event clothed in garb worthy of a true Chess Champion. Students sported their suspenders, bow-ties, taped glasses, retainers, pig-tails and yes, most importantly, fanny packs! Even the Deans looked their nerdiest with their pants pulled to their armpits and socks and sandals. 

From WOLBRANOS

Imaginations ran rampant as some students showed up with interesting props like puppets, comic books, traffic cones, puffers, and pool cues. "The costumes were awesome!" Not only were the students dressed like nerds, they also each came with their own distinct alternate personalities. Laughter (and snorts) filled the gymnasium. There was even a special "Rick Astley" tribute during the evening.
Eating like a nerd involved such tasty morsels as "Mr. Noodles" and party mix. The nerdy students munched contentedly on their snacks, being careful to remove their retainers before partaking. 
Most exciting was playing the nerdy games. The event was a battle of the sexes, which was fought over dweeb-like games. Students could sign up to play Chess, Chinese Checkers, Table Hockey, Hop-Scotch, Mario Kart, all three Lord of the Rings Official Movie Board games, and others. The war got fierce as the nerds competed in "The WOLBI First Annual Doug Reider Invitational Table Tennis Championship."  A few students were even blessed to paddle against Dean Doug Reider himself.  

From WOLBRANOS

"It was a rockin' good time. I liked the costumes, ping pong, and playing darts!"

 Points were only awarded for playing against members of the opposite sex. 
At the end of the night, when all the scores were tallied, the guys proved to be "Most Nerdy," winning by one point over the girls (seriously, no recount necessary). "It was a spectacular time. I don't even know what to say, it was so good!"

Overall, staff and students alike found the evening to be "swell!"

Heres looking at you campus

From WOLBRANOS

In past years Campus Days has stuck out in the minds of students who have attended them.  For many of last year's 'campus day-ers', it really challenged them to think seriously about how WOLBI could fit in with their education, and finalized their decision of coming here.  Here is what some students have to say about attending Campus Days before they enrolled:

"Campus Days was awesome! When I was in the dorm with the guys, it made me really excited to live in a dorm too! I also liked how things were organized."

"It was cool to study the Bible in depth, it wasn't just like going to a church service on Sunday. I liked to to see how the students and professors were really living out what they were learning. It wasn't fake to them."

"I really liked the games and the food and meeting the students. It was neat-o!"

"Campus Days helped me to see how studying the Bible was important to my education and life."

Campus Days is coming up soon and is an exciting day where you can see what it is like to be a student here!  You get to live like a student, go to classes like a student, and eat like a student (which doesn't involve just throwing the whole meal out on the table and eating it with your hands, though this may be what you thought it was like). You get to go to Chapel, soak in teaching from our on-campus professors and a guest lecturer, meet our student body, and have lots and lots of fun!  Come find out how you can get to know God more intimately through His Word.
So now that you are coming, you may be wondering about a few minor details like when, where, etc.  Well here is some more information so you know exactly when to be here!  We look forward as the student body and staff to seeing you here!

When?  November 11-12, 2010   -Registration starts at 6:30pm
Where?  Word of Life Bible Institute
How Much?  $20 per person, if you drive a full car load, then you come free!
Questions? Or for more info call Allie at (800)461-3503

From WOLBRANOS

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Learning the Word: Galatians

From WOLBRANOS

Pastor Ken Fillmore is a graduate of New Brunswick Bible Institute and has been a pastor for 24 years. Pastor Fillmore is currently serving as Senior Pastor at Peoples Church in Truro, Nova Scotia and is a great man of God. What a blessing to have him here every year to teach us this class.

Here are a few things that he is getting out of Galatians and some reasons why he loves coming to WOLBI after 8 years of teaching here:

"First, because the Bible is a living book it is always fresh and new.  Every year when I begin to study for Galatians I discover new things that my God wants to teach me.  Things that apply to my personal life, both in my past and for my present walk with Him.  To me, Galatians is a letter that is alive and applicable to my own life situations.  Second, I love coming to be here with the students and staff at WOLBI.  This is a wonderful atmosphere and there are plenty of opportunities to invest something in these young lives.  I leave here feeling refreshed and recharged by the young men and women of this place.  Beyond that, the food is excellent, the guest lecturer's apartment is great, the opportunity to reacquaint with old friends is wonderful!"

One of the students who was here 3 years ago and is finishing up her last semester here this fall, mentions how she still remembers parts of the class:

"What we learned is not just the facts, three years later I can still remember and apply to my life the things Pastor Fillmore taught from Galatians!"  

Thanks so much Pastor for your incredible ministry to us!

And the results are....

Today was an exciting day as the new WOLBI student council was selected!  The votes are in!  Nerves were running rampant this morning in Dean's chapel.  Sweat was dripping down the brows of the voters as they anxiously made their crucial decision.  A decision that would effect their entire year.  The Dean of Women carefully explained the instructions for the voters ballots so that they would not be thrown out when they were counted.  It was a long hard wait through Dean's Chapel until the end, and our patience was tested.  But finally after counting the ballots, Dean Mac walked to the front of the room to announce the results (I myself was feeling sick to my stomach with nerves)....  And who is the new student council you are wondering?

Here they are:

Missions-Jamie Hauer
Treasurer- Maggie Bishop
Secretary- Cheryl Wilts
Vice President- Josh Taylor (he is British)
And for President.....Tyson Persall!!

May you all have a long and happy reign!

From WOLBRANOS

Learning the Word: 2 Peter and Jude

From WOLBRANOS

"2 Peter 1:5-10 has really stood out to me this week and is showing me that on top of faith in Christ we are supposed to act out our faith and bear fruit." -student (2010-11)

This week at WOLBI students are really enjoying 2 Peter and Jude with Matt Little.  Mr. Little graduated from New Brunswick Bible Institute in the spring of 1998 after completing four years of training. Along with his wife and three children, he has enjoyed ten years of pastoral ministry in the provinces of Ontario and New Brunswick. He serves on the Canadian Board of Biblical Ministries Worldwide and has been involved in hospital chaplaincy ministry. After teaching in a part time capacity at NBBI the Littles joined the faculty full time in May 2008.

One student comments about an example that Mr. Little used in class:

"Charles Templeton is an excellent example of how we can know about God and still not have a saving faith."  Another said, "It has really stood out to me how I can know what's in the Bible and discern if what someone is teaching is false."  We can only get our facts from God's Word and take literally what He says.

Matt Little is also learning as he teaches:

"As I am nearing the end of my second year teaching at WOLBI, 2 Peter and Jude continue to take on a deeper meaning for me.  These small epistles form the bedrock of truth concerning apostasy, and are becoming that much more important as we edge closer to the return of Christ.  I have especially come to appreciate more the culmination of Peter's teaching on apostasy, "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (3:18)."  Nothing shines the light on error any more then a whole lot of people that are living for Christ."

Oh The Suspense!

Student council elections are underway!

"I think it's important for those of us who have never voted before to have a chance to let our voices be heard."


Tensions are running high and we are all busy printing posters and tidying up the rough edges of our speeches.  There are many nominations this year for the various offices so it is going to be a close race.  There is a plethora of candidates for each category.  We can run for President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Missions Representative.  There are around 5 students running for each office.  Whoa Nellie that's a lot!

"I think its a great way to find true leadership in our class."

Today in Director's Chapel, there were a few brief speeches seeking to sway the masses.  After Chapel we were treated to a special 'old-school musical' endorsement for a particular candidate.  We head to the polls and the new student council will be announced on Friday.  In the mean time the race is fierce as many of us are in the midst of choosing our allegiances.  
Those elected for student council will have the great honor of putting together banquets and planning other special events for us to take part in and enjoy.

"I want student council to be able to organize a lot of events.  You don't want boring people."

Suspense is gathering, hearts are pounding, butterflies are fluttering in the depths of inner reaches...
Please stay tuned for the "Results Show" this Friday as we present Student Council 2010-11!

Learning the Word: Deuteronomy

From WOLBRANOS

This past week at WOLBI Pastor Steve Hobbs taught through the book of Deuteronomy.  Pastor Hobbs received his BS from Liberty University and an MDiv from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. Pastor Hobbs later served as the Dean of Men and on the teaching faculty at the Word of Life Bible Institute in Schroon Lake, NY. He is currently the pastor at Vincent Baptist Church in Pennsylvania.
 The students had a lot of great things to say about the class.  Here are a few comments:

 "It really stood out to me just how powerful God is, and that He really can do anything.  We are here to glorify Him."

 "The book of Deuteronomy is so interesting.  I have heard it a lot before but I find it amazing how God illustrates His love for us in so many ways, and it was cool to see how He uses marriage as an illustration for His love for us."

"It really stood out to me that we should do everything for the glory of God.  Even the mundane tasks are for His glory."

"It is a challenging book but great because there are so many things you can apply to your life and future.  Pastor Hobbs gives a lot of challenges from the book."

For more from Pastor Hobbs remember to check out his blog.

Open Air Evangelism

    Last week students and staff of WOLBI were out on the streets of Toronto and Hamilton sharing our faith with anyone who would listen.  Sam Frey, Word of Life's Open Air Evangelist, trained us and ministered with us all week.  We were all nervous but 'pumped up' to share God's incredible message of the gospel.

It was amazing to see God work through us and help us realize that we need to be obedient to God's call to share our faith and then let God work through us.  Every year students fear it and love it.  This is the real purpose we are all here; to tell others about what Christ has done for us.

"I loved open air...It was amazing to see the life change when people got saved...I was tired every night but excited for the next day knowing that we were going to share the most important truth people need to know and believe.  It was one of the most valuable experiences of my life. Open Air did many things in my life, just in the short week. Most of all Open Air Week made me not ashamed of the Gospel, realizing that it is all God, all we do is give the message. It has made me bolder in witnessing and has made my relationship with Christ a lot more serious." Alumni (Grad 2010)

Students this year said:

"People were shutting me down and I was so discouraged so I began to pray.  I looked up and there was a guy on a park bench so I went over to talk to him and he ended up getting saved.  It was such a good reminder that God has a plan and that even when we don’t see it, He is always working."

"I have been considering ministry in this area and it stood out to me that there are so many Christians who are struggling and it's so important to minister and pray and encourage other believers."

"I loved it.  I loved the challenge.  I loved doing what I didn’t think I ever could."

                                                 

Learning the Word: Hebrews

        This week at WOLBI Reverend Paul Harbourne is teaching the book of Hebrews. 

From Drop Box

Pastor Harbourne was born and raised in Toronto. After working in the computer industry for over a decade, Pastor Harbourne and his wife, Kim, decided to attend Word of Life Bible Institute in 1993. After graduation in 1994, he obeyed God’s call to come to Owen Sound and minister with Word of Life Canada. Later, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Prairie Bible College. In July 2008, Pastor Harbourne accepted the call to be pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church in Collingwood, ON. He and Kim live in Collingwood with their three children, Tyler (WOLBI '09), Lindsay (WOLBI ’11), and Brendan.

            One student commented on the academics, "Pastor Harbourne is very thorough with the outline given, and he makes it easy to follow along.  I never really thought about God lowering Himself below the angels while He was here on earth, and it's really amazing." A fellow classmate found the application encouraging, "I thought it was cool how Pastor Harbourne really brought out the application of Hebrews and how we can exhort each other daily in love." While another has appreciated both the challenge to know and do the Word of God remarking, "Hebrews has been a big reminder of Christ's superiority: He can make anything; He can do anything; and the angels even bow down to Him.  It really showed me why we should be praising Him every day, and after reading it how could one not praise God".
                One of the best things about WOLBI is that the professors are humbly learning and growing too. Pastor Harbourne shares, "As I studied Hebrews again this year I was faced with the awesome person of Jesus Christ. He came as the language God was using to reveal Himself to mankind. He provided the once, for all sacrifice for sin. Being reminded of how He has completed the work of redemption means there is nothing to be done by me but to place my faith in it. He is seated at God’s right hand and consistently intercedes for me. That is awesome!"