Ric Garland's Blog

Executive Dean of Word of Life Bible Institute

SuperBowl Season
It must be November because I am seeing hundreds saved at Superbowl.brTwo week-ends ago, I was at the Columbus, Ohio Superbowl. What a blessing seeing so many alumni and giving an update on what is going on at the BI. I love seeing former students that still love to get involved in seeing souls saved. It was a great night with many professions of faith.brbrOn November 15th, I was in Johnstown, PA and again had a great time there as well. Saw some more alumni and many more salvation decisions. Johnstown is a long way to drive from Schroon Lake.brbrI have one more Superbowl. The first week-end of December I will be in DC for that Superbowl. If you are in the area - stop by and say hello.br

Dallas, TX
I had the privilege this last week-end to go to Dallas, TX. Ellen and I spoke at a Leadership Conference that our Area Missionaries for WOL had in the area. The extra blessing was to spend time with 3 couples that we had the privilege of pouring our lives into since they were in college. The joys of discipleship.brbrWe also had the privilege on Sunday evening of spending it with 3 families that we could share about the Bible Institute. There we met Cody, Adam and Crystal; the three students are looking to go to the BI in the future. It was a profitable time.brbrThank you, Kyle and Chris for treating us well.brbr

Source One
Mike Calhoun and I just finished our epic Source One Journey to Florida and back to New York. For those of you not in the know - Source One is a 6 hour course that we teach on helping students live a Bibically principled life in every area. This is foundational to a Biblical Worldview.brbrIn Florida, we sensed a great reception to what we were teaching. The student body is very responsive and receptive to the truths.brbrIn New York, we had some technical difficulties to start with but I decided to turn it into a "fun" time and went off on a few different directions - all at the same time! =) Our incredible, student led tech team solved the issues and we moved forward. brbrIt is very exciting to see students grab the concept that our lives must be dictated by the principles of God's Word and not the example of others, emotions or our own experiences of life. brbrI am looking forward to this being fleshed out in weeks to come.brbr

Great Start
Ellen and I start our 5th year at the BI. PTL for the great beginning.brWe have 501 in NY.br124 in Florida andbr42 in Canada.brbrIn NY, it is the largest class since 2001. In a year when many schools are struggling for students - we are growing. I am looking forward to being in Florida this week to check out our students there. I will be in Canada in January.brbrWe are looking for life change in a great revival on all three campuses.brbrHit me on Facebook and share your stories and questions.brbr

Class of 2008 is now a memory
Can you believe it - in the 38 year history of the BI - this was the very first time we had an outdoor graduation on BI property. For many years we did it on the beautiful grounds of the Inn. It was beautiful and the day went incredibly well.brbrDr. Davis gave his famous farewell speech and Dr. Jordan gave a challenge. My favorite part was congratulating students with my beautiful wife by my side.brbrNow we look onto a new class. I am getting pretty exciting - our numbers seem to be up! I believe this year will be break 500 in NY, 130 in FL and come close to 50 in Canada.brbrWhat a thrill to be involved in life change of students.brbr

Graduation is coming
nbsp; It is incredible that graduation is just around the corner. This summer again seems to being by like lightning!brI have had the privilege to be at the Island, Campground, Ranch and Florida. It is very exciting to see students come alive in ministry. Many are stretched - OK most of them are! But to seem them grow and have God work through their lives and see true life change. brbrMy desire, hope and prayer is that this year was truly one of life change.brbrBy the way, Second Year class is growing every week!brbr

The Last Week
The last week of school.brCan you believe it? Coming in on September 16, 2007 did you ever think that the last week of May would come? What a journey this year has been? brRemember the camp fire the first week-end?brDr. Moyer teaching evangelism?brHow about Harvest jamboree or going to a Superbowl?brThen coming back from Christmas break and going into Snow Camp training. 8 weeks of Snow Camp with many saved. Winter quarter was very busy and very fast.brThen came this quarter - Spring, snow melting more classes. For 2nd Year - it was an opportunity to actually do a week of missions.brAnd now this week. Finish well for the summer cometh and that will be the final exam.brSo far, what are some of your fondest memories?brbr

Snow Camp
I think we are the only College in the world that the entire student body gets involved every week-end into ministry. For us it is primarily, Snow Camp. Already we had 2 weeks and are looking for 6 more. We are almost booked solid for these next 6 weeks. We are looking forward to about 450 campers coming and having the time of their lives on our tube hill, hockey, snowmobiling, snow football, basketball, indoor climbing wall and much, much more.brbrAlready we have seen over 50 salvation decisions and a host of dedications! And we HAVE SNOW!brbrI will let you know how things go, week to week!brbr

December in Pottersville
What an incredibly full November! I had the opportunity and privilege to speak at 4 WOL super bowls. I was in Rochester, NY, Detroit MI, Cleveland, OH and Providence, RI. The amazing thought is that it should not work! Think about it - have a group of students come to a sporting event - watch the game and then prepare them for pizza and staying up all night for fun and games. But in the middle of all that - sit them down in a public arena and share the Gospel! How creative and wondrous to see God work. We saw many young people make professions of faith. It was also fantastic to work alongside of our students and the men and women with WOL Local Church Ministries.brbrOh, I also have a great time visiting the students in Florida as they perform Sights and Sounds of Christmas. They did a fantastic job. What an incredible opportunity for them.brbrNow, I sit in my office putting together plans for the future. I am praying for our students as they are away.brbr

First Quarter
nbsp;I love football. I am a huge Florida Gator and Buffalo Bills fan. Both are having a so so year. Both also have something else in common - if they get off to a great first quarter - they usually do well.brbrWe are only 2 weeks from completing the first quarter of this year. Sounds almost incredible. But what is even more exciting is that already our students have ministered to over 10,000 people with many making professions of faith.brbrAlso many more are being discipled - and others making Biblically principled based decisions. I have had a number of students come to my office seeking advice to develop a God honoring relationship. This really excites me. (Maybe that is why Mike Calhoun calls me Dr. Love!)brbrI have already spoken at 2 Superbowls; one in Rocherster, NY and the other in Detroit, MI. This coming week-end I will be in Cleveland, OH and then finally I will speak at the one in Providence, RI Thanksgiving week-end.brbrI love our students. Stay focused and make excellent choices.brbr