NorthWord
A Publication of Alaska Bible College Fall 2010
ach May, Alaska Bible College celebrates the commencement ABC’s current involvement in Anchorage includes a Eof students who have worked diligently toward a goal of growing extension site at Grace Christian School, where Mr. obtaining Bible degrees. This fall, the college marked its own Ringger and Kevin Newman offer two classes each semester. “graduation”. ABC President Nick Ringger explains: Twenty-eight students were enrolled in the fall of 2010, and “I am pleased to announce that after several years and a that number is expected to grow as word spreads about Bible great deal of planning, together with SEND North, we have class offerings in Anchorage. The ABC board is actively accomplished the independence of Alaska Bible College. This, searching for an appropriate and affordable building in hopes of by design, will enable both institutions to more fully and freely setting up a campus in Anchorage or the Mat-Su Valley with pursue their unique purpose and calling. Our administration full degree offerings. and board of directors have worked diligently over the past two The future of the Glennallen campus also is exciting as the years to bring this to fruition.” college looks to expand the use of the unique facilities in a rural The ABC board of directors expects very little change in setting. Administrators are the day-to-day operations of the school. The most prominent planning a series of summer changes that the transition will afford is the transfer to ABC courses coupled with a of the 80 acres of land on which the school sits, and financial wilderness format. freedom allowing for fundraising and sale of assets without “We believe that we seeking permission of a parent organization. can maximize the unique Having obtained independence, the board of directors is outdoor opportunities that now looking ahead to the future of the college, Alaska, and the Copper River Valley a new generation provides through a summer program,” Mr. Ringger said. “Many places in Alaska still of ministry-minded They anticipate a Bible certificate program that integrates don’t know Christ. If we can believers seeking outdoor activities for use in ministry opportunities. reach more people by making Bible education. Mr. Online education is another area of growth into which adjustments, that’s a price I’m Ringger and the board ABC is delving. Stay tuned for future announcements about believe that God is the capability of taking classes from home through the use of committed to paying.” providing tremendous technology. — President Nick Ringger opportunities for The state of Alaska and the entire world are changing teaching and ministry rapidly. Forty-four years after Alaska Bible College first opened in more populated areas such as Anchorage and the Mat-Su its doors, the leadership is confident that the answer to the Valley. questions of life are still only found in Christ Jesus and His “Students trained in urban ministry and rural ministry Word. ABC will make the most of every opportunity to train are better equipped for future in Alaska as villages decrease in men and women to take the message of the gospel in every population and cities grow,” Mr. Ringger said. “Wisdom is being possible way to Alaska and the world. able to see further down the road. Ministry in 10 years will be “Many places in Alaska still don’t know Christ,” Mr. much different than it is today. My job is to prepare people for Ringger said. “If we can reach more people by making that ministry.” adjustments, that’s a price I’m committed to paying.” Northword • Fall 2010 1 AlumNews Gene Horst: Learning through adversity On Feb. 6, 2010, Prof. Gene Horst was on his handle being a Jon & MaryAnna Casey (‘05) welcomed roof when he fell and fractured his skull. His miracle. I had the their fourth child, Todd Clayton, on Sept. hospitalization and continuing recovery have opportunity to 12, 2010. He weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce been a testimony to all who meet him. Here is meet and tell my and was 21 inches long. The Caseys serve an update on his progress in his own words. story to dozens of with SEND International in Tok, Alaska. I want to thank the ABC alumni for medical people. ministering to my family and me during My neck surgeon, Dave (‘05) & Jackie Cohen (‘98) stay our time of need. Also, thanks for visiting who didn’t believe busy at their home in Glacier View, me in the hospital even if I don’t know who in miracles, knew Alaska. They finalized the adoption you were. The nursing staff were amazed he was looking of Malachi, 12, and Brooke, 7, last that so many young men visited me. That at one, and commented that we should December, and continue to open their group usually doesn’t do hospital visitations. thank the people who had been praying for home and hearts to numerous foster What a great testimony, guys! I have a me before the fall, because that’s the only children. better appreciation for the Body of Christ reason I am here and in such good shape. since I experienced it meeting my needs My life has been changed forever, but my Ryan Radford (‘05) and his wife, Rachel, even when I couldn’t quite understand what faith is growing in new ways. are expecting their first child next June. all was going on. I am still going to Anchorage for two They live in Glennallen, Alaska. Some things are only—or best— days of therapy almost every week. At learned though adversity. My fall was some point I will begin a yearlong process Dan (‘77) & Lillian Hoobyar (‘79) a humbling experience. Instantly, my life of grafting bone and putting implants in work at the home office of CrossWorld was out of my control and in the hands my upper jaw to repair my missing teeth in Kansas City, Missouri. Dan is of others. God showed me that He is and jaw. Please pray that my neck will turn International Director for Brazil, Mexico indeed sovereign and when I am weak He enough that I could drive again. After that and West Asia, and Lillian is an appointee is strong. I was humbled by the prayers we can start work on my jaw and teeth. coach for new members of CrossWorld. mentioned above, my dependence on You can also pray for me as I get back into After serving for 12 years in Boa Vista, others, hallucinations, hunger & thirst, the classroom next semester; teaching Brazil, “[we] have come to see an even a stomach tube, personality changes and Doctrines II and team teaching Integrated bigger picture of what God is doing in the M word—“miracle”. In my four years Theological Seminar. Praise the Lord! the world through His servants. We feel of Bible college and another four years In His sovereign grip, very privileged to be serving the servers... of seminary, I never was taught how to Gene Horst encouraging the downhearted, running alongside the swift and strong, lifting up the arms of the weak and generally being Wedding bells ring for former ABC staff a listening ear.” d Anne Bennett (Staff ‘06- Darlene & John Lee Windsor (‘90-‘92 ’10) married Noah Sherman & ‘01-‘03) are happy to announce the Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010, in release of John’s third CD. He describes Athens, Mich. it as a “rockin’ country album I believe you will love.” You can get in touch with Karla Letellier (Staff c him through his Facebook artist page. The ’03-’04) is engaged to Windsors have one daughter and live in Bob Klooz. Their wedding was Texas. Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010, in Pierre, SD. They will reside in Sargent, Neb.
We need your help! Alaska Bible College admits qualified students We would like to keep in contact with our of any race, sex, color, and ethnic origin. alumni. Please send your e-mail address and NorthWord is a publication of news to [email protected] so we can add you to our upcoming alumni e-letter! If you’d like to spread the word about ABC and want brochures to hand out, please let us know. We
John Lee Windsor and his band just will soon be unveiling a redesigned website, P.O. Box 289 • Glennallen, AK 99588 released the single “Boots on the Ground”,and you can join us on Facebook, so there are (907) 822-3201 • 800-478-7884 • Fax (907) 822-5027 a tribute to the men and women serving plenty of ways to find out what’s going on at [email protected] • www.akbible.edu in our military. your alma mater! Editor: Michelle Eastty, [email protected] 2 Alaska Bible College New staff members join the ABC team Scott Yahr Christy Fletcher summer mission trip. Scott is our Christy comes to “I came for a summer and never resident sci-fi us from Houston, looked back,” she said. “I love working fanatic and new Texas. She is with the people of the Copper River dean of men. serving as the Valley.” His passion for assistant librarian. Locally she is involved in the proclaiming After visiting planning of the Copper Basin 300 sled the gospel to the ABC campus dog race. She comes from a long line of Alaskans is this summer on a Detroit sports fans, and has been known rivaled only by church missions to stand out in subzero temperatures his desire to prepare students for the trip, Christy felt a calling to pursue cheering on the Glennallen and Kenny ministries into which God is calling them. long-term missions. She is taking classes Lake high school hockey teams - and Scott spent more than 20 years part-time and seeking God’s direction for hasn’t lost any toes to frostbite yet! building relationships with the people her future. of the Copper River Valley as a radio “They don’t spoon-feed you here,” she announcer and station manager. Now he said. “The classes are challenging!” Meet Michelle brings that experience to ABC, where he She is fascinated with flying, and is Education: B.A. in Journalism from the will develop broadcasting classes to give working toward getting her pilot’s license University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2001 students another avenue of ministry and to use in mission work. show students how important radio can be She left her parents and brother in Fan of: books byTed Dekker, snow, in touching people’s lives for Christ. the metropolis of Houston, and does not country music, Sarah Palin, palm trees “God has promised to give me a hope regret the contrasting lifestyle of rural Likes to: bake rhubarb muffins; camp; and a future,” Scott said. “I look forward to Alaska. experiment in her greenhouse; kayak seeing how He will use me here at ABC to “I love it here,” she said. “I can’t wait reach our community for Christ through to see what God is going to do.” the students I mentor and teach.” Jeanette Noonkesser His family includes his wife of 24 Meet Christy Jeanette is the years, Elizabeth, and their three kids: Education: B.S. in Elementary Education newest member Scotty, a sophomore at Bethel University from the University of Houston, Texas of the ABC in Minnesota; Tabitha, a senior at family, manning Glennallen High School; and Celeste, Fan of: the Chronicles ofNarnia, Janette the front desk and a freshman at GHS. They are actively Oke, Ravi Zacharias, Corrie ten Boom answering phones. involved at Glennallen Community Likes to: be on the move! As in walking, She is Alaskan- Chapel. jogging, skiing, and flying born and raised From supporting his kids’ sports and has lived teams to assisting the student body at in Glennallen ABC, Scott tackles every activity that Michelle Eastty for the past six comes his way wholeheartedly. He’s also As an years. An avid quilter and reader, she also an avid sports fan, cheering relentlessly for experienced loves to get outside in the winter and all Detroit teams (yes, that includes the radio broadcaster, cross-country ski. She’s recently added Lions!). Michelle’s passion crocheting to her list of hobbies, and On a typical school day, you may find is using media takes lots of photographs, hangs out with him on the climbing wall in the Murdoch to proclaim the friends, and loves sports. Campus Center or hanging out with the Good News “I am looking forward to getting to students in the food cache. to the world. know all the students and staff,” Jeanette Unless the Red Wings are playing. She is ABC’s said. “Stop by and say hi!” new director Meet Scott of communications, working to get the word out to prospective students and Meet Jeanette Education: Diploma in Broadcasting donors through letters and advertising Education: B.S. in Health, Leisure and from Moody Bible Institute in 1986 pieces as well as editing and designing the Exercise Science from the University of West Florida Fan of: Sarah Palin, Star Trek, FOX Northword. News, Ted Dekker, Blue Man Group, “I am excited about finding ways to get the word out about the expanding Fan of: Boston Celtics, Dallas Cowboys, 50’s music, Francine Rivers Likes to: work on projects around the programs at ABC,” she said. Michelle has lived in Alaska since house; cut and stack wood; read books Likes to: quilt; crochet; cross-country ski 1997, when she came to Glennallen on a Northword • Fall 2010 3 IntoInto AfricaAfrica “Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless, maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy.…” Psalm 82:3-4
The weak and fatherless were the focus of ABC senior Kariann Mudd this summer. She joined World Gospel Mission on a two-month-long life-changing adventure to Ngata, Kenya this summer. Much of her time was spent at an orphanage called Baby Centre in the remote farming community. She also taught Bible classes at a local primary school. Even more challenging was ministry to a nearby village to work with women forced by circumstances into prostitution. Here are Kariann’s stories in her own words. (* Names have been changed for the sake of privacy.)
ost days I spent caring for the children of the MBaby Centre. There were two sections in the Centre: one for the infants and one for the toddlers. From around 8 a.m. to noon I was in the baby section afina* was found in feeding, bathing, changing, helping with physical Da pit latrine (the therapy, and just giving as much love and one-on-one equivalent of an outhouse attention to each child as possible. Then from around hole) as a newborn just 3:00 to 9:00 I was in the toddler section doing a few days before I much the same thing as well as teaching some basic arrived in Africa. She learning skills. I found that the personal love and had been discarded as attention by far made the most difference in their so much waste and left to die there no more than young lives. They would brighten and thrive under a few hours old at the most helpless and innocent the time and care shown them. My time spent with point of life. She had many medical complications the children was the highlight of my trip. They were as a result of her time in the pit latrine. The Baby the delight of my life there and, indeed, I consider Centre staff guided her through to recovery, my time with them the greatest, deepest joy I have however, and, though she carries scars that may ever known in my life apart from my relationship always be there, by the time I left to come back to with Christ. I felt such a peace and contentment the states Dafina had made huge steps of recovery when caring for them as if I was right where I was and is now doing extremely well. supposed to be, doing just what I was made to do.
4 4 AlaskaAlaska BibleBible CollegeCollege IntoInto AfricaAfrica “Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless, maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy.…” Psalm 82:3-4
n Wednesdays I traveled to a nearby village to help Owith a ministry to women in prostitution. I found that the majority of these women were there not by choice but because of circumstances that were beyond their control. Abla has been there since age 12 when her parents died, she was starving, and prostitution was the only option for survival. Bahiya, little more than a girl, is there because her mother had been there - born and raised there, Bahiya knew no other life. Laini, one of the most sweet and gentle women Kariann is back at ABC for her I’ve ever met, lost her husband suddenly, and she had fourth year of studies toward a B.A. a young daughter to feed; there were no other means to earn money to keep her child alive at that particular degree in biblical studies/Christian time and place. Sadikika was a trained mechanic, but in ministry with a missions emphasis. Africa women are not hired when there are enough men to fill the jobs. Please pray for the salvation and spiritual growth of the people any of the women I met were at the lowest point of Ngata and the surrounding Mof their lives on every level. They were emotionally tortured, spiritually dead, and physically ill with many villages, and for Kariann different forms of illness - AIDS, HIV, tuberculosis, as she seeks God’s etc. The ministry there seeks to train these women in respectable vocations such as hairdressing or leading in her sewing so that they can support themselves and their future. children apart from the sin and horror of prostitution. When their children are sick, or the women have no food, this program provides money to help them. I delighted in joining the team in visiting, praying with, and encouraging each of the women who were open to it. We explained gently the truth that God loves them, sees their hurt, and waits only for them to accept His forgiveness and gift of redemption. Many became my sisters in Christ. Through the filth, horror and harshness surrounding these precious women, one thing is clear: God loves them. Each one is prized and of untold worth to Him. And I grew to love them Learn more about World Gospel deeply as well. Mission at www.wgm.org
5 NorthwordNorthWord • • Fall Fall 2010 2010 5 Finding worldwide opportunities to serve
ABC ne day we were doing a VBS God, the kids paid attention to the sophomore “Oat a Greeley park. Because of rest of story, and when I was finished Adelina the high concentration of Hispanics in I went to talk to Jorge*. He spoke only the area, some parts of Greeley actually Spanish, so I put my five years of high Grosshans look like Mexico. It was my day to school Spanish to use, and asked of Brighton, tell the Bible story, and 15 kids him to wait until 3:00, when Colo., were gathered around me the VBS ended. He agreed, returned to listening to the story of and after VBS was over, her roots Philip and the Ethiopian. I bought ice cream this summer, Suddenly I glanced for all the kids. I told up and saw a Mexican Jorge about Christ - my serving at Homestead Bible Camp in ice cream man coming Spanish is very broken, Roggen, Colo. As a teenager, Adelina was toward our group. He saw but that doesn’t stop me a camper at the American Missionary all the children and saw it as the from using it because I love Fellowship camp, and this was her third perfect opportunity to make some speaking to people from other year ministering through the camp’s money. He rang his little bell, countries. I even gave him a traveling Vacation Bible School program. and all the kids whipped around, Spanish Bible! recognizing that sound. “I learned that God is a She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in “‘Oh no,’ I thought, ‘I’ve lost spontaneous God and He usually biblical studies. them for good! They’re going to doesn’t do the same thing twice. Want to know more about want ice cream instead of listening to When going into ministry, don’t go Homestead Bible Camp? the rest of the story.’ They all turned in with any expectations other than Check it out online! around and pleaded, ‘Can we have that God will be faithful, and that He ice cream?’ I told them to wait until will do something amazing and www.homesteadbible.org the end of the story. By the grace of new!” * Not his real name
osh Heffner “It was really exciting for some the seriousness and need for ministry Jof Alburtis, of the students who for the first time to youth, which urged me to have a Pa., jumped were studying the Bible and being more serious prayer life,” he said. into his able to understand what they read,” Hands-on ministry not only helped internship wholeheartedly Josh said. “I was equally being blessed him apply what he had already learned, this summer, by witnessing their excitement about but prepared and then God’s Word. Moments like that one him for his realized what a big responsibility reminded me of how important my senior year he had taken on. “Youth Pastor” at position at the church was.” at ABC. Palmer Church of God in Palmer, “My Alaska, soon included “other duties as assigned” - from Vacation Bible School “I learned the seriousness and experiences to music ministry to maintenance and need for ministry to youth, this summer construction. which urged me to have a more have been As youth pastor, Josh organized serious prayer life.” a benefit activities, lessons, and events for the to my youth of the church. He led a weekly Josh, a senior working on his B.A. At studies as I analyze and contemplate youth group meeting, pizza and movie ABC, said his experience at Palmer classroom teachings along with my nights, and in-depth Bible studies. Church of God helped him grow in practical ministry experiences,” Josh Techniques he had learned at Alaska his walk with the Lord and gave him a concluded. Bible College became vital as he stronger desire to enter into full-time Palmer Church of God taught teenagers how to better study ministry. Mile 40 Glenn Highway God’s Word. “Through the internship I learned Palmer, Alaska 6 Alaska Bible College Students minister at home and abroad
usieMag joined with Big World Ventures in July Sto take teams of teenagers to Antigua, Guatemala, where they used street drama to proclaim the gospel story. Jeremy Mudd, a junior at ABC, joined them for more than two weeks as a chaperone. They began with two days of training in Miami, and then flew to Guatemala to put their evangelism training to the test. As the teens acted out the drama, Jeremy ran the sound system that narrated the story in Spanish. Crowds quickly gathered as locals noticed the strangely dressed teens acting out the mime on street corners. The teams also used translators as they gave their own testimonies and invited the Guatemalans to accept Christ. The teams had two “One thing that really stood out to me days to learn the mime. Jeremy Mudd (center) hangs out was how hard the Christian people there who with his translator (left) and a team were helping us worked to make everything member. possible for us,” Jeremy said. “The translators and coordinators were there early in the morning and stayed late into the night making sure that we had the water and other supplies that we needed. They worked hard on ministry locations, and did much of the evangelizing themselves. I was really impressed with how dedicated Local churches will they were. It was an honor doing ministry with them.” disciple new believers.
www.neverthesamemissions.com
om Johnson trekked into the wilds of Wrangell TSt.-Elias National Park this summer to serve as a counselor at Strelna Lake Wilderness Camp. Located Tom Johnson off the McCarthy Road, the camp was started by Copper Center Community Chapel, where Tom is actively involved in music and youth ministry. He spent Strelna Lake Wilderness Camp two weeks as a counselor at the camp, first for teen boys, and the following week for 8-10 year olds. “It never ceases to impress me how much patience it takes to work with kids,” Tom www.lightshineministries.org said. “They’ll use anything and everything to get at you.” That said, he also saw a deep desire to learn about Christ. “One evening I was staying in the cabin with the kids at bedtime, and they were asking questions about the lesson we’d learned that day. It was great to be able to go deeper into the topic, in a more personal setting. To see them learning, that’s what it’s all about.” Time spent fishing and swimming gave Tom and other adult volunteers time to bond ns with these kids, most of them from Copper Center. Tom used his musical talent to lead music and to teach the kids some basics of music. Originally from Fredericksburg, Ohio, Tom will graduate in May 2011 with his B.A. degree in Bible and hopes to continue in ministry in the Copper Center area.
Northword • Fall 2010 7 Alaska Bible College ~ Glennallen, Alaska
To register visit us online at www.akbible.edu
College Days March27-29, 2011
Cost: High School Juniors & Seniors, Free are you ready to (includes free transportation experience College Life in action? between Anchorage and Glennallen)
P.O. Box 289 Glennallen, AK 99588
8 Alaska Bible College