Word Of Life
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- This article is about a US-based youth ministry. Not to be confused with the Sweden based church, see Livets Ord.
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Word of Life is an international Christian youth ministry headquartered in Schroon Lake, New York. In the United States, it has two major centers and Bible institutes located in Schroon Lake, and in Florida. It also has a campsite located in California.
Word of Life began in 1940 when Jack Wyrtzen decided to minister to young people and preach the Gospel through a small 500 watt radio station. Today, Word of Life has active ministry in over 50 countries and continues to spread the Gospel through various church-building ministries such as youth camps, Bible clubs, evangelistic campaigns, and radio. Word of Life is a ministry committed to reaching youth with the Gospel and ministering to their needs, believing that evangelism and discipleship are Biblical priorities and mandates. Word of Life offers a variety of ministries to the local church and individuals in evangelism and spiritual growth.
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[edit] Word of Life Gospel productions
It is claimed that Gospel centered musical-drama presentations minister to 35,000 people each year at the Harry Bollback Performing Arts Center at Word of Life in Hudson, Florida through special holiday performances at Christmas and Easter. Though Word of Life is believed by many who have been involved with them, to deliberately exaggerate and even falsify statistics on their web sites.
[edit] Word of Life international ministries
Word of Life is rapidly expanding worldwide. Word of Life Overseas, with over 1150 missionaries, now extends to over 50 countries spanning six continents.
Internationally, Word of Life is currently working on achieving its 100th branch by 2010. In North America, the largest branch aside from the U.S.A is Canada. In South America, the two largest branches are located in Argentina and Brazil. In Europe, it is the branch in Portugal, and in Asia and the Pacific, it is the branch in Australia. Africa has four small branches in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda.
[edit] Word of Life Canada
Word of Life Canadaoperates summer camps, snow camps, and Bible Institutes in both English and French from their properties in Owen Sound, Ontario and Sherbrooke, Quebec.
Word of Life Canada was first incorporated in 1961. 1964 marked the beginning of Bible Clubs and the hiring of full-time Canadian staff. Today, under the direction of Gary and Barbara Stairs, over 50 full time missionaries are effectively reaching French and English Canadians with the gospel. Over 50 Bible Clubs exist in the provinces of New Brunswick, New Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Word of Life Canada owns two camp properties in Quebec and Ontario and also operates a satellite camp program in Manitoba. Each location offers exciting youth camping programs with a full array of summer camps and snow camps, as well as a Bible Institute. In addition, the Quebec property effectively serves as a French Language school for missionaries.
Other ministries include the Impact Team, a musical team comprised of five to seven young men who visit churches, schools, nursing homes and retirement communities using drama, skits, singing and preaching. Sporting events such as Super Bowl (Ontario), Triple Play, and Crazy Kids Day continue to be effective evangelistic tools.
In 2006 Word of Life Canada launched a new ministry team called Testify. Testify is a musical team consisting of seven men and women who travel around Ontario and other provinces ministering to churches, youth groups, and schools through music, drama, and preaching. Testify also does many youth rallies. Testify is sent out of the Ontario campus near Owen Sound, ON, and the members are all full time students, led under the direction of Scott Foreman.
Word of Life Canada's goals include expanding the staff to 60 full time missionaries and extending the ministry to public schools and to unreached regions of the country. A radio broadcast is also planned which will address the issues and needs of Canadian youth.
[edit] Word of Life Argentina
In January of 1971, Joe and Melva Jordan arrived in Argentina to begin a new Word of Life ministry. In 1972, a beautiful 30-acre camp property was purchased in located near San Miguel del Monte, a small town about 62 miles from the capital city, Buenos Aires.
Word of Life Argentina (known as Palabra de Vida, Argentina)is now co-directed by Argentines, Dan Nuesch and Andres Fernandez Paz, and serves as the hub for Word of Life's Spanish-speaking ministries in Latin America and the Caribbean. The property has a huge Bible institute campus and doubles as a youth camp for over 4,500 young people each summer and as a Bible Institute for over 500 students and now receives students from all over the world during the remainder of the year.
Also it has an outstanding music ministry that has been growing ever since its inception in the early 1970's.
[edit] Word of Life Brazil
Word of Life Brazil (known as Palavra da Vida, Brasil) Pioneered by Harry Bollback and Harold Reimer, Word of Life Brazil was the first international outreach of Word of Life Fellowship. With a growing burden to reach young Brazilians with the gospel, the Brazil ministry was officially established in 1957. The first youth camp was held in Atibaia the following year with 300 young people.
Today, the ministry is led by John Reimer and based near Sao Paulo where it includes a four-year Bible Seminary program with over 200 full time students, youth camp, the Estancia (a Bible conference center), weekly marriage and family seminars, and the EMME singing group.
The ministry also extends to Recife with a well-developed youth camping program, one-year Bible Institute, and evangelistic outreaches.
An additional youth camp has been established in Curitiba. An EMME music team regularly ministers in churches and participates in evangelistic crusades throughout the region.
The Porto Alegre team recently initiated the Word of Life Bible Club program in local churches, regularly shares the gospel in public schools, and is developing a beautiful youth camp property.
Another location in Belem began in 1989 and includes a Christian Day School, a camp and retreat facility, and a Missionary Training Institute where students are trained to minister to the Amazon people accessible by boat.
A sixth ministry location has opened in the Gioas area with a conference center complex and ultimately a youth camp.
[edit] Word of Life Portugal
Word of Life Portugal has a beautiful property near the town of Ericeira, in the locality of Mafra, near Lisbon. Although it had a Bible Instute early in its history, Word of Life Portugal now dedicates itself more to church and outreach ministries, and uses its property for their yearly Summer camps. Word of Life Portugal is growing more and more, and there are plans to re-open the institute in the near future.
Word of Life Portugal began in 1976 and is currently under the leadership of David and Patricia West. From its beginning, the ministry has been based upon the principles of evangelism and discipleship. Through campaigns, camps, and Bible Clubs, thousands have been reached with the gospel.
The property was purchased in 1980 by Larry Bollback and Dave Kelso, and it was dedicated the following year. It is located only 1 hour northwest of the country's capital, Lisbon. In 1982 the first "Family Day" took place, and it has been held every year since with thousands of people present from all over Portugal. In 1983 they had the first camp on the new property. The dining room and auditorium were all the same - a big yellow and white tent.
A one-year Bible School began in 1987, where not only God's Word was taught but also the importance of ministry in the streets and in the local church. Through the years an auditorium, a dining room, a dormitory, offices, eight apartments for couples and a swimming pool have been added.
[edit] Word of Life Australia
Word of Life purchased a property of approximately 150 acres in 1970 for $30,000 north of Sydney Australia. A camp ministry and bible college were established under the leadership of Dave Hillis and Dick Andes.
The Reverend M.A. Butler became director of Word of Life Australia in 1985 M.A., who never revealed the identity of his initials, was a strong bible teacher, particularly in the areas of bible chronology and bible prophesy. This gave the college's one-year bible course a reputation for providing a strong grounding and providing a context in which to interpret the Word.
In 1994, the leadership was taken over by Dan Keegan and Jim Dugan.
As of late 2004, the administration consisted of five men who believed that they could have a greater ministry without the time constraints of maintaining a camp property. This was due to the diminishing numbers in camp attendance and zero bible college registrations. The property was put on the market after being valued at approximately 2.5 million.
There was some opposition to the sale, mainly from those who felt the problems were managerial. Requests were made to the headquarters at Schroon Lake that the property not be sold. After considering all the calls and letters asking for an alternate option, the team at Schroon Lake, under the leadership of Joe Jordan and international director Don Lough, Jr., consented to the sale the property. Despite several offers, the property is still for sale.
[edit] Other International Ministries
Word of Life also has ministries in the following countries, as of 2006:
[edit] International Youth Reachout Programs
Youth Reachout is designed specifically for teens desiring firsthand exposure to cross-cultural ministry. Missions trips are planned every summer to destinations such as Russia, Hungary, Sweden, Chile, Korea and the Philippines.
The Nehemiah Network presents dynamic opportunities for every believer to be involved in the world missions process. Minister by providing hospitality, professional services, equipment or by participating short-term on work project teams around the world. Word of Life Camps Reaching young people and adults through a camping ministry has become a Word of Life trademark. There are currently 45 camps in the 52 countries and there are more on the horizon.
[edit] Word of Life camps
Word of Life Island, The Rock, located in the beautiful Adirondack mountain region of upstate New York, provides a life-changing week for teens ages 14-19. A 48-acre Island in the middle of Schroon Lake, The Rock offers activities such as high ropes, low ropes, paintball, mountain biking, sports tournaments, and our 5-sided climbing tower. Besides experiencing a week that is packed with activity, campers will also be exposed to the truth of the Word of God through exciting Bible teachers. Our trained and knowledgeable counseling staff will guide them through their experience, ensuring maximum growth and enjoyment for all.
The Family Campground is a unique place that ministers to the entire family all in one beautiful location. You can take your own tent, RV, pop-up trailer or stay in one of their primitive lake view cabins or fully furnished housekeeping cottages, and there is a cozy campfire atmosphere. Every day, the family can hear the Word of God in their own special designed program for all ages and then participate in every activity imaginable. They can enjoy the pool, mini-golf, basketball, volleyball, badminton, tennis, game room, or boating in either Andrew's Pond or skiing on Schroon Lake, the family can have a great time on the property or off in the mountains, rivers, or lakes of the Adirondacks.
West Coast Camp Located near the foot of majestic Mount Lassen, Word of Life West Coast Camp is a premier youth camp with a program focused for ministry that is exciting, fun, and strives to teach each camper to KNOW Jesus Christ personally, help them GROW in their knowledge of God's Word, and teach them to SHOW their faith to others. With the advantage of two separate camps for juniors and teens, West Coast Camp provides adventure at its best! In addition to hearing some of the best youth speakers, campers can join in other activities like swimming, volleyball, basketball, water slide, bumper cars, and crafts.
[edit] Word of Life local church ministries
Applying Biblical principles for young people, Word of Life Clubs help establish foundational truths for solid living in the lives of young people through local churches in over 1,500 Bible Clubs around the world. Programs are offered for Preschool-age children (Ages 4-5), Elementary-age children (Grades 1-6), and Young People (Grades 7-12).
Evangelistic events and training seminars for leaders are held throughout the year in all Regions.
[edit] Word of Life Bible Institute
The Bible Institute is aimed at helping young Christians grow in their faith and preparing them for ministry. At Word of Life Bible Institute, USA, the students can study the Word of God with experienced and accredited Bible professors, plus Word of Life's outstanding resident professors. As they study, students can gain new insights, catch a world vision, and be involved in practical Christian ministry. Bible Institutes are located on all six continents.
For those who desire to specialize in Youth Ministry and Missions, Word of Life Bible Institute offers a second year program - SYM. Students are exposed to a comprehensive curriculum as well as an internship program.
[edit] Word Of Life beliefs and practices
Word Of Life adheres to Fundamentalist Christianity, with a belief in the innerracy of the Bible, and holds scripture as the literal, God-inspired Word of God. According to their website, their beliefs are as follows:
- That the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are verbally inspired of God, and they are without error in the original writings, and they are the supreme and final authority for faith and life.
- In one God, creator and sustainer of the universe, Who is eternally existent in three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- In the Deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, sinless life, His death to pay the penalty for our sins, His bodily resurrection, His exaltation at God's right hand, and His personal, imminent and pre-millennial return.
- That all have sinned and are therefore guilty before God and are under His condemnation.
- That all who by faith receive Jesus Christ are born again of the Holy Spirit, therefore children of God and eternally saved, and that the Holy Spirit dwells within every believer to enlighten, guide, and enable the believer in life, testimony, and service. We believe that God answers the prayers of His people and meets their needs according to His purpose.
- That God gives spiritual gifts to all believers for the building up of the body of Christ. However, some gifts of the Spirit, such as tongues and healings, were evidentially limited to the early church.
- In the bodily resurrection of the just and unjust, the everlasting blessedness of the saved in Glory and the everlasting conscious punishment of the lost in hell.
- That all believers are called to a life of separation from all worldly and sinful practices and alliances.
[edit] Word of Life Code of Conduct
Since Word of Life adheres to a very strict and conservative form of Fundamental Christianity, it requires that its adherents, whether they are employees, students, or missionaries observe a strict code of conduct. This code may seem controversial to some, but since they are a private and openly conservative Christian organization, such measures are naturally expected and accepted. It is important to clarify that Word of Life does not discriminate anyone based on sexual orientation, but since it follows the Bible's code for sexual conduct, it will not permit active members that do not conform to the Bible's standard of heterosexual sex within marriage only. The code is outlined as follows:
- Word of Life Fellowship, Inc. (including domestic and foreign affiliations under the Word of Life structure) is dedicated to the Lordship of Christ in all areas of life. The distinctives of Word of Life lie in its philosophy and goals. Those who are directly associated with Word of Life, including directors, staff, faculty, and students form a community and are not a collection of autonomous individuals. These associates consequently bear certain responsibilities and obligations within the organization for the implementation of its philosophy and goals. In order that the organization functions smoothly and its goals be realized, it is necessary that there be a mutual commitment to a corpus of standards which involve the willing surrender of certain individual purposes and goals.
- Word of Life must follow specific Biblical principles which relate to Christian behavior. Therefore, Word of Life prohibits practices which are clearly forbidden by the Word of God, such as drunkenness, sexual immorality, dishonesty, etc. (I Corinthians 6:9-20). Further, to expect the Christian to exemplify Christian love, consideration for the rights of others, honesty, and a high sense of Christian ethics is to expect only that which the Word of God teaches to be primary in the character of the Christian (Ephesians 4:24-5:8).
- Word of Life is firmly committed to a literal interpretation of the Bible and rejects any attempt to "reinterpret" Scripture in light of "modern" moral or psychological theories. In the Biblical account of creation, the family was the first societal institution ordained by God (Genesis 1:27; 2:18-22). Furthermore, Scripture plainly declares that the first two humans created by God were a man and a woman (Genesis 1:27; 2:18-22). God joined the man and woman in the holy rite of matrimony and commanded them to be fruitful, multiply, and replenish the earth (Genesis 1:28). Therefore, the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Romans 7:2; I Corinthians 7:10; Ephesians 5:22-23).In both the Old and New Testaments, God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity should take place outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. Accordingly, all forms of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God's gift of sex (Genesis 2:24; 19:5; 13; 26:8-9; Leviticus 18:1?30; Romans 1:26-29; I Corinthians 5:1; 6:9; I Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 13:4). Since Word of Life believes that all sexual activity outside of a marriage between a man and a woman, including homosexual practices, are in direct opposition to God's Word and constitute a direct contradiction to God's institution of the home, Word of Life will not employ or continue to employ men or women who promote or participate in homosexual behavior or any other sexual activity outside of marriage.
- Word of Life recognizes the principles of Christian liberty within the sphere of those things which are intrinsically innocent. However, Word of Life also recognizes that liberty needs to be restricted in certain instances. Scriptural precedent is found in Acts 15 and Romans 14, where certain practices inherently innocent were forbidden because they could do spiritual harm to other members of the Christian community. Verses for reference include: I Corinthians 6:12 - Lawful, but not expedient (not profitable for our good) I Corinthians 10:23 - Lawful, but not edifying I Corinthians 8:9 - Could be a stumbling block Romans 1:32 - Christians are different, and by living like the world, we approve of it. There should be no pleasure in watching sin. Ephesians 5:6-7, 11 - Don't be deceived with vanity and participate in it. Colossians 3:17 - Make sure it pleases the Lord, not the emotions - flesh or self. Hebrews 12:1-2 - Lay aside weights as well as the sin.
- Certain principles of conduct are a necessary part of the effort to establish an atmosphere within which the goals of Word of Life can be realized. For this reason, Word of Life requires associates of the organization to refrain from the possession or use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, illicit drugs, from gambling and the use of traditional playing cards, from the participation in oath-bound secret organizations (societies), from social dancing of any type, from attendance at the motion picture theater, and commercial stage productions. Christian discretion and restraint will be exercised in all choices of entertainment, including radio, television, audio and visual recordings, and various forms of literature. Also, Christian discretion will be exercised in observance of the Lord's day. Furthermore, it is expected that associates will actively support a local Bible-believing church through service, giving, and allegiance.
- Word of Life rejects the principle that exposure to and/or experimentation with doubtful and objectionable practices is essential to the development of moral or intellectual discernment and/or discrimination. Word of Life reserves the right to make the final decision in any questionable area.
- Word of Life recognizes that observance of Word of Life standards does not comprise the whole of an individual's responsibility to God and hence does not necessarily indicate that one is living a life of full commitment. The philosophy of Word of Life, however, maintains that willingness to obey these standards shows a maturity and spiritual concern for the whole Christian community (Galatians 5:13-24).
- Conduct that is an offense to good taste, sound morality, or Christian propriety will not be acceptable. While some may not have personal convictions wholly in accordance with Word of Life standards, the purpose underlying them necessitates the honorable obedience to them. If an individual can no longer in integrity conform to them, that person should withdraw from Word of Life. Willful disobedience of these standards will bring about dismissal from Word of Life immediately.
