When "What's Best" is Bad

WOLBI Students are going to be able to tell where I am in my OT reading by this (and you should be much farther!) but Isaiah 30 impacted my life today.

Isa. 30:1-2 paints a picture of God's people, Israel, as absolutely rebellious and in an out-of-control, downward moral spiral multiplying sin upon sin. Pretty ugly, huh?! What was so bad to call for such a scathing accusation? They took counsel (mentioned again in vv. 9-11) and sought help from others (Egypt in this case), not God.

Throughout Scripture we are giving many examples of this same accusation. Abraham despite God's powerful promise (Gen. 12, 17, 22) tried repeatedly to intervene and 'help' God (offering Eleazer and Ishmael as his heir and fulfillment of God's promise!). Moses struck a rock the second time and it cost him the promised land, Uzziah lost his life as the wrong man carrying God's Ark in the wrong way, and Elimelech pays with his life for trusting Moab rather than God's 'house of bread'-Bethlehem in time of famine.

Jeremiah 17:5 says, "Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord."

How common is it for us to do the same? We say, "I know God's Word says...but I  really 'feel' that this is what God wants me to do." Or, "But everyone I talked to has told me that I should do this." How often do we run to others to bail us out of physical, emotional, financial, or social trouble instead of the God of the universe?

The alternative is given to us in verse 15 of Isaiah chapter 30 - returning to and resting in God. Doesn't John 15:5 say the same, "...without me (Jesus) ye can do nothing."

What are you trusting in today? On what are you basing life decisions? Only God and His Word provides the reliable, secure, and blessed resources for life on Earth.

Let's run to God to do things His way, in His time, by His counsel as we seek His counsel in His Word.
"Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is." Jer. 17:7

Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays Rant part 2

I know the whole Nick & Jessica thing is so "2000's" but Ben Stein makes a good point about the "Merry Christmas" debate.

Herewith at this happy time of year, a few confessions from my beating heart:

I have no ...clue who Nick and Jessica are. I see them on the cover of People and Us constantly when I am buying my dog biscuits and kitty litter. I often ask the checkers at the grocery stores. They never know who Nick and Jessica are either. Who are they? Will it change my life if I know who they are and why they have broken up? Why are they so important? I don't know who Lindsay Lohan is, either, and I do not care at all about Tom Cruise's wife.

Am I going to be called before a Senate committee and asked if I am a subversive? Maybe, but I just have no clue who Nick and Jessica are. Is this what it means to be no longer young. It's not so bad.

Next confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him?

 I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to.

posted from http://www.benstein.com/121805xmas.html

Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays Rant

The views expressed herein are the author's own. Please do not hold said content against his employer, wife, kids, extended family, friends, or past acquaintances.

Merry Christmas, Season's Greetings, Happy Holidays...people are offended by the well-wishing of this time of year. Is anyone else sick of the debate?
Should we really care about how people greet us in December?

People are offended by "Merry Christmas" because they are not Christian. Christians are up in arms when they hear "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings," believing that others are trying to take a Christ (that they don't believe in) out of Christmas! Really?!
As Christians, why should we expect people who do not share our faith to greet us in the way we desire?
As non-Christians, why should we expect people to not greet others according to their beliefs?

What annoys me about this whole offensive debate (because I am offended by everyone being offended!) are Christians going overboard and being un-Christian over the whole issue. Christ has called us to love, respect, speak the truth in love, and give an answer for the hope in us. Christians are called to share Christ, not force our culture to call itself Christian by demanding the world say "Merry Christmas." I am offended by Christians demanding to be greeted in their way of worship. Come on! Let's extend a little grace and not be offended by something so inconsequential. I am sure that God is not nearly as offended by people not saying "Merry Christmas" as by Christians who unlovingly demand others to conform to their desires for particular personal greetings. Are we so naive as to believe that the world is really going to be a better place if everyone just says, "Merry Christmas?" Wouldn't it be better for more believers in Christ to live like Christ and seek to share His message of love and hope? Does forcing the "Merry Christmas" issue really show people who Christ is and what He has done to save or does it drive unbelievers away from a fanatical, ungracious expression of Christianity?

On the other side of the issue, why are non-Christians so offended by someone saying "Merry Christmas?" I am totally open to some responses here but I've got to say that I have never felt intimidated, offended, or overly perturbed by others insisting on saying "Happy Holidays," "Season's Greetings," or even "Happy Hanuka" to me. Is it really a big deal? Can't we all just get along in the way we salute each other?

I'd say the bottom line of the issue is the very 'intolerance' that we are not supposed to tolerate in our mosaic Canadian and North American culture.
Seriously Christians, we need to relax and just live in obedience to God's commands and not make a commandment out of 'Thou shalt say, "Merry Christmas."'
Non-Christians, please be patient with me if I greet you with a "Merry Christmas." I'd be happy for you to let me know that you do not worship Christ and hear about what this season means to you.

May the best of the season be to each of you! 

Ward Ministry Update

Very excited to share this update! Students very graciously shared their hearts and appreciation for our ministry with us and we would like to pass on the blessing to all of you who pray and give financially to help us do what we do.

There will be more student comments posted over the next few weeks in regards to WOLBI staff, Discipleship, Chapels, and Life-Change at www.wolbilife.blogspot.com

Gratefully,

Christmas 2010 for Web

WOLBI's Got Talent!

We had a great time last Tuesday night here at WOLBI sharing skits, songs, music, and even stand-up comedy. For a complete report see the WOLBRANOS blog post by the same name.
I sometimes miss the good ol' days of zany skits so I dug into the old Impact repertoire and gathered a posse.
A special thanks to the guys who gave 15 minutes of their time before the event to learn the skit :)
I thought I'd post here for the sake of the memories that may be lingering for the Old Impact Crew and those who remember those days.

One thing I realized is that skits like that hurt more now than I ever remember them hurting before! Despite the aches and pains of the aftermath it is always worth it to make people laugh.

Enjoy!

Ward Ministry Update

Our latest prayer letter. Apologies to all of you on our mailing list that did not receive it. This one just went out in email form and posted here online. Lord willing, a full mailer will go out early December. Thanks to so many of you for praying!!
Please let me know if you would like to be on the email or snail-mail mailing lists.

Ward Prayer Letter Fall 2010 for Web

Thanks for taking a look!

Movember!

Even with limited TV exposure I was amazed at so many commercials proclaiming the approach of Movember. What in the world is that about? My curiosity finally got the best of me. It wasn't hard to find out that Moustaches + November = Movember. The growing starts after a clean shave November 1 and is a constant talking point throughout the month to raise support and awareness about issues in Men's health.

"Did you know?
- In 2010 tragically more than 4,400 men will die as a direct result of prostate cancer." 

Some of the guys at the Bible Institute have joined in as well forming the Wolbranos (not to be confused with the Wolbranos Blog) group. Would you consider donating to prostate cancer research?

Check out my MoSpace for more information or to donate.

So it begins...

From Jon in Real Life

Open Air Week Student Response

After a great but intense Open Air Week on the streets of Toronto and Hamilton sharing our faith, sleeping on the floor of a church, and showering at a local swimming facility it is good to take time to reflect on what God has done despite the discomforts.
In Director's Chapel a couple weeks ago, WOLBI students shared what the week meant to them.

"I really realized there is no 'Plan B.' If we don't tell people about the gospel, who will? On the first day I got to lead two people to Christ. I was just obeying what Christ wants me to do. Whether people get saved or not, I need to just be obedient."

From Drop Box

"I was talking to someone about the gospel and they had to take a call. I walked away discouraged. A few minutes later I got a tap on the shoulder. The guy I was talking to asked, "Hey, can you finish what you were saying?" I finished sharing that Jesus died and rose again to pay for our sins and he wanted to accept Jesus' payment for his sins!"

From Drop Box

"God showed me how everyone is lost [without His truth] and that I need to share God's message of love every chance I get."

"I realized we don't have the power to save people. Only God can save people and He is a God who saves!"

From Drop Box

Some students experienced real persecution for their faith being told to "shut up," "go away," being yelled at, intimidated, spit at, cursed at, and even verbally wished dead. Regarding a particularly discouraging day, one student remarked, "They're not rejecting you but what God is saying to them. We can't make people listen."

Another student summed it up for all of us when they said, "The whole week was an amazing experience."
We praise God for using us to share His Word and teaching us so many lessons in the process. Ministering to others impacts our lives far more than our lives impacts those we minister to!

Do you want to grow in your faith and relationship with Christ? Start sharing your faith and serving Him!

If you are interested in joining us for next year's incredible Open Air Ministry Week, talk to Admissions to reserve your space in the WOLBI class of 2011-2012!!

Cultural Contradiction Rant

Open Air Week with WOLBI is always a bit of a culture shock. Each year we pack up the entire student body and some of our staff and head to the streets of Toronto and Hamilton for a week to talk to people about faith and life. Often we have great opportunities to share our faith and once again our students did an incredible job initiating conversations and boldly sharing God's truth. I am always amazed as I leave the Christian "Bubble" where I work and live for this extended period of time. One of the things that struck me this year as I wandered the streets watching out for students was a very obvious contradiction in our North American culture.

As I was walking down past crowds of people waiting for buses, I saw two guys talking. Something caught my eye and as I focused on the distraction, I discovered a pair of gloves decorated in spiderweb with a very prominent spider on the top of each hand. "That's interesting," I thought to myself, "Never seen anything like that..." In the seconds it took to discover all this I realized that the guys were looking at me with a weirded-out-are-you-some-kind-of-creeper type of glare. Somewhat offended by their expression of offense I probably blushed slightly as I quickened my pace to get away.

A constant media barrage communicates messages of, "Be your own person," and, "Stand up and stand out." There is nothing wrong with being a unique individual but c'mon, if you are trying to stand out, don't be surprised if you stand out! I personally like wearing a hat that is unique or different but I understand that when I do, people will notice, look (sometimes stare), and even comment. If you are seeking to 'stand out' then please be prepared for the attention you receive.

Rhyme Thru the Old Testament

I recently posted a rhyme I created for the books of the Old Testament. I teach Bible Survey at the Word of Life Bible Institute and love creating/using various media that grab attention and help people remember the Bible.

You can check it out at http://wardlysbiblesurvey.blogspot.com/?zx=c90b080d45ed5241

Real Christian Living

Why is Christianity so derided and disrespected? Many people look at Christianity and only see hypocrisy and inconsistency. Many professing believers in Jesus Christ are sad, angry, arrogant, hypocritical, inconsistent people without comfort, peace, or joy. This just should not be!
The apostle Peter writes in his second epistle, chapter one, verse three, "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue:" The Bible says that we should have everything we need to live the lives that God promised us. Lives of comfort (not 'comfortable-ness' but the comfort of hope - 1 Thess. 4:18), peace (Phil. 4:7), and joy (John 10:10). Second Timothy 3:16-17, our theme verse for WOLBI this year, tells us God gave us all of His Word that we might become mature in our faith. What is the problem? There's really no excuse for us as believers in Jesus not to be living the message He taught, right?

Easier said than done but there is hope.

The problem is that we are, "Educated beyond our obedience." As James relates in his epistle, we are deceived because we are hearing the Word of God but not doing the Word of God.

Around Word of Life we use what some have called the triangle model to help us put God's Word into practice in our lives and ministry. If you are interested in growing in your faith, then this is for you!

Do you want to become a BIBLICAL PERSON?

Pick an area of life that needs a 'biblical' tune-up. For instance, how to handle money, our choices of entertainment, being a godly parent, husband, wife, leader, or child. The Bible is full of principles and wisdom on every area of life.

The example students came up with today are extreme 

but help make the points obvious and are in blue below.

Then we have to start with BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES.

Ask, "What does the Bible say about the topic in question?"

Biblical Principles are true for all people in all places at all times because they come from the Word of the Almighty, Changeless, Creator God - the Bible. God created life and knows how it is best to be lived.

"Thou shalt not kill" Ex. 20:13

From biblical principles we develop a BIBLICAL PHILOSOPHY.

Answer, "If the Bible says ____ about this issue, then I should _____."

Biblical Philosophy is not usually hard for us to understand because it tells us what we SHOULD do about God's Word. Most of us already know what we should do, it is a matter of doing it.

I should not murder (Ex. 20:13) or even hate (Matt. 5:21-22)

After the biblical philosophy is established we are motivated to do it by understanding the BIBLICAL PURPOSE behind what we should do.

Ask, "Why should I do _____?"

It is important to realize that the Principles, Philosophy, and Purpose of biblical truth do not change because they are all rooted in God's revelation to us in His Word.

I should not murder or hate because:

People are created in God's Image (Gen. 1:26-27)

God loves everyone (John 3:16)

I am commanded to love even my enemies (Matt. 5:44)

there are consequences for you and others (obviously!)

From here we develop a BIBLICAL PROGRAM to help us accomplish what God wants us to do.

Ask, "Now, What should I do _____?"

Our Biblical Program is our way of applying God's Word in a personal, practical, and specific way.

I will not murder or hate by:

doing loving things for and praying everyday for people who hurt me

meeting with someone I trust each week to keep me accountable for my thoughts and emotions

Not having access to guns -Extreme suggestion but gets the point across and truly Canadian :).

From blog

This material is condensed from a much larger and dynamic conference called Source One developed by Mike Calhoun and Ric Garland of Word of Life Local Church Ministries. In Canada, Barry Speck is the Local Church Ministries Director available for presenting this material.

The Tyranny of the Urgent vs. The Necessity of the Moment

Ever find yourself in the midst of a snaking line of people reaching beyond sight in each direction? Security tape, ever intrusive airport security guards, slow-as-snail checkpoints, the discomfort of body odour that you know is not yours, people packed elbow to elbow, and the sudden overwhelming realization -- I have to go! Now! Nature is calling and there's no chance for leaving a message.
Usually I can "hold it" and I hate stopping for anything whether driving, working, or whatever I am focused on the task at hand. "Just get through security and I'll have lots of time to go on the other side," I tried to convince myself as I began to break out in a cold sweat. I hate losing my place in line...I found myself ignoring my bodies warning sights of discomfort (which normally is not a problem) until they reached a borderline explosive pain from my bladder to my kidneys. After an embarrassing exchange with a very helpful and graciously understanding security guard, I was relieved and back in line. However, upon examining the line, I found that I had lost more spaces "holding it" than if I had gone before the line at the first bodily warning message.
I learned some important lessons (at least upon reflection - whether I learned enough to change my future behaviour is yet to be determined). First, always listen to your body before it's too late. This should be obvious but I can be pretty "thick" sometimes (my wife would be happy to verify if there's any doubt). I am not as young as I used to be and cannot do what I used to do - a painful lesson that sooner learned will save the body and mind even though it leaves a scar on the pride. The second lesson contrasts the message of the "Tyranny of the Urgent" (an article assigned our student leaders for a class I teach tomorrow) which teaches that the immediate is not always the priority and can steal time and effectiveness. I learned that sometimes I need to listen to the moment. Take time for the urgent or it will grow to the unbearable. Sometimes as I rush through life micro-managing each moment into a sense-dulling frenzy of apparent accomplishment I need to attend to the here and now. I need to lay aside my single focus for a potentially more important moment at hand. Take some time to reflect, seek balance, live prepared for every moment, and by all means go when you've got to go!

Fighting over Table Scraps

From blog

We recently took our family on a trip to Playdium, Mississauga as our final family trip of the summer.
It was a great time riding go-karts, playing mini-golf, and enjoying hours of gaming in the arcade.
The boys and I are particularly fond of video games and so, for days before we left, I was greatly anticipating this trip. The boys, however, didn't really know what to expect. Warning after warning to, "be good," "you don't want to lose this trip," etc. seemed to fall on deaf ears. When the day finally arrived the boys were tired by the busy-ness of the previous week, the driving to get to Mississauga, and, well, they were just cranky. Our oldest son in particular was a bit out of sorts and was clinging to his Nintendo DS as his escape from having to listen to his parents. Despite warning after warning, strikes 1 and 2 being handed out he just could not get his head out of his DS and focus on the prospect of the giant arcade looming before him. So wrapped up in what he was doing, right here, right now that he almost missed the huge blessing set before him. So caught up in the temporary moment. So enraptured by this ordinary game he owns and plays all the time that he was sacrificing this incredible, one-time, spectacular event in comparison.
If you haven't been to Playdium, played a DS, or have any interest in video games, this post may be lost on you but those of you who understand will catch the point.
Sometimes we are so wrapped up in the temporary moment, the present desire, present crisis, suffering, or spectacle that we miss something bigger, something better that could be or could have been ours. Some of us live with the regret of things we've lost in this way.
I tried to illustrate to him that his fussing over the DS game was like fighting over pennies when he was standing in front of a million dollars...he started at me blankly...it is like fighting on the floor over table scraps under your seat at a King's table! Missing the mountains for molehills as the old saying goes.
Isn't that what the last few days of Quiet Time has been about? Psalm 104 reminds us that God is sovereign, powerful, Creator, Sustainer, Giver, and One who cares. How often do we keep our eyes on the trial, exercise our minds with worry about a moment, focus on the temporary, ordinary things when God has abundant life, blessing, and eternity held out before us.
May this remind us to get our eyes off the 'here and now' and get them on the One who has control and power over the 'here and now.' Don't miss out!

As an addendum:
Our oldest son finally gave in to the pleading and wise counsel of his parents (this time) and did not miss the fun.

Also, don't miss out on the incredible upcoming WOL Local Church Ministries Superbowl events held across the country. This all-night event in Ontario on November 5, 2010 will be held in Mississauga and will include a trip to Playdium.

WOLBI Graduation Address 2010

From blog

Image courtesy of Phalettia Photography

Here is the final post from WOLBI Graduation 2010 (I promise). 

Pastor Wayne Heikkinen of Rock Mills Fellowship Baptist Church gave a great challenge concerning the truth of the Gospel. It is a future hope and a present need. It is a long post but I'm sure grads and attendees will appreciate the reminder from our great day together. Enjoy!

Pastor Wayne:

To the parents, family, friends Wolbi Staff and  graduating class of 2010,. I greet you and commend all of you for your diligence which will be awarded today. It could be said… “Behind every WOLBI graduate there is a bunch of surprised people”!? It has been a remarkable journey for you, from the time you told us you were applying to come to this event today. God bless you!

A passage of scripture jumped off the page as I contemplated what I should share with you today. It actually was the concluding passage that the Apostle Paul gave to the church of Corinth at the end of his first letter to them.  We read this a few weeks ago in our QT

I Cor. 15: 1-11

You have experienced so much this past year in the classroom, the dormitory, the various ministry opportunities, the new friendships and all that goes with it but can I remind you as the Apostle Paul reminds these believers in Corinth of the Gospel, which has been preached to you!

What is the Gospel?

God’s Only Son Providing Everlasting Life

Good News

Salvation

The Truth

Jesus also said He was the way, the truth and the life no man cometh unto the Father but by me –John 14:6

Read vs: 3-8

·         Christ was born of the Virgin Mary

·         Lived a sinless life on this earth

·         Died on a cruel death on a wooden cross for our sin, the sin of the whole world

·         He buried in a tomb

·         three days later He rose from the dead

·         Seen by over 500 people

·         Ascended into heaven in plain view

·         Is seated at the right hand of God

·         One day will return as He said

The Gospel is more than just fire insurance from eternal separation from God in a place He calls hell. There are many songs that depict the home we have in heaven… In the sweet bye and bye, Belah Land, I’ve got a mansion just over the hill top, I’ll fly away, Beyond the sunset, Shall we gather at the river, When we all get to heaven, and how about I can only Imagine.

John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

This tells us very clearly that Eternal Life is not a place but a personal relationship with God the Father through His Son Jesus Christ forever.

We know it begins the moment you Accept/Admit the fact you are a sinner and believe that God’s way of Salvation thru the death burial & resurrection of Jesus Christ is the only the way and by believing this you confess with your mouth you need Him, want Him, must have Him as your Saviour and Lord. This all takes place here while we are on this side of glory.

But don’t forget that Jesus also said I am come that you might have life and that you might have it more abundantly! Not Gary Stairs or Doug Rider you know God loves and WOL has a plan for your life!

This is the message that you have heard and seen here at WOLBI!

It has been preached to YOU

You have received it as the Gospel and have become more convinced of the truth of it.

It is what this diploma stands for and what has allowed you to get this far in your spiritual journey.

BUT just as WOLBI says this a great place to start. This Gospel that you have heard, received and now stand is the only Gospel that will sustain you the rest of your days.

It is not just a time and place you look back to as the turning point of your life. It is your life!

Paul told young Timothy to

Follow it, GUARD IT, Endure it, remember it, teach it, live it and share it

2 Tim. 3 tells us to understanding the times we live and the host of professing believers who will turn aside from this truth and follow a lie! Don’t be one of them!

Our prayer for each of you is that you hold fast to this Gospel so that your entire life and labour will not be in vain!

This comes as you remember what you have been taught, what you have received and what has sustained you so far.

As we rehearse the Gospel we are reminded of

Surely he has borne our griefs

and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken,

smitten by God, and afflicted.

5     But he was wounded for our transgressions;

he was crushed for our iniquities;

upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,

and with his stripes we are healed. Isa. 53:4-5

For our sake God made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Cor. 5:21

There is now therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Rom.8:1

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29     For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30     And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

31     What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32     He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33     Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34     Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35     Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36     As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;

we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37     No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38     For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39     nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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. Phil 1:6

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel that has been  preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2     and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

Let’s Pray…

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25     to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude 24-25

Graduation Speaker Bio

From blog

We were pleased to welcome Pastor Wayne Heikkinen to give the Graduation Address to students and attendees at the Word of Life Bible Institute Graduation Ceremony Saturday, August 21 at the Meaford Arena. It was a wonderful day celebrating with friends, family, and our newest class of alumni!

The transcript of the Graduation Address will follow in the next post.

Rev. Wayne Heikkinen, Pastor

Rock Mills Baptist Church, Flesherton, Ontario

Wayne was born and raised in rural Maine. His 6-member family all came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ within a one-year period of time. Wayne was the youngest, receiving Christ at a DVBS at the age of 6. His family was involved in their local church and upon graduating from Wayside Christian Academy he enrolled in New Brunswick Bible Institute. It was while attending NBBI that God revealed His life partner (Sandy) and his call to ministry. After spending time as a Youth Pastor in Nova Scotia, God led Wayne to Word of  Life Canada. For 23 years Wayne traveled through the great Dominion of Canada, representing Word of Life Local Church Ministries, encouraging local churches in evangelism, discipleship and leadership training. In 2002, God led Wayne to Rock Mills Fellowship Baptist Church as pastor. For the past years Wayne has had the wonderful privilege of sharing in the revitalization process of a local church through an emphasis on spiritual leadership, biblical discipleship, and equipping the saints to produce a commitment to reach out to the community. God has blessed the ministry in ways no one would have anticipated. Wayne & Sandy celebrated 31 years of marriage (July 28). Home is across the road from Lake Eugenia. They love to spend time with their 3 grown children, (2 are married), 3 grandchildren and a 4^th on the way, their dog, gardening, landscaping, walking, travelling and entertaining. 

Image courtesy of Phalettia Photography

Charge to the Graduates 2010

From blog

It is always a privilege to deliver the Challenge to the Graduates at the graduation ceremony of the Word of Life Bible Institute. It was a great day and a blessing to send off another class of students to know and serve the Lord. A special apology to visitors for all the inside jokes.

The school year began with fear, excitement and wonder as syllabus after syllabus, assignment after assignment, text book after text book and a crazy kind of oppressive Student Handbook full of rules to follow poured out before you. If it had not been for our very first teacher sharing the invaluable mantra “I will not quit, by God’s grace, I can do it!” some of you may not have.

But you survived; You survived the crazy Newbie Bible Survey prof who handed out heart-attacks with his first major test. Hearts pounded and almost came to a stop at the first announcement of “Today you will take 2 tests - 1 in Bible Survey and 1 in honesty...”

We learned genealogies and God’s plan for people. We also learned that we all seem to be related to each other sooner than Noah in a Family Tree of another kind. And the fact we all have problems, issues, well “it’s a heart issues.” It has finally been seen, documented, and evidenced in gym class and this summer – Paul can run...it’s not pretty...but it’s possible. We saw it.

Then came...the CRUCIBLE...Open Air Evangelism – a week of sleeping on a floor, irregular shower access, cramped spaces and having to talk to strangers. It hardly seemed like it could get worse. At one point I thought I’d lose Nate on the streets of his own city (even though I was right with him), or I thought Matt would get arrested and we’d be chased off the streets of Canada’s largest city for good. But you survived the crucible sharing your faith with over 1500 people and seeing 14 people accept the message that Jesus died and rose again for their sins and it that made it all worth it. Relationships were forged that that week that never be forgotten.

In fact, this class has been marked by friendship. Facebook will never be the same as constant communication flies through cyberspace. Friendships and the constant chatter they offer will last for life and be a constant source of comfort just as it was a constant source of consternation to teachers in the classroom. In fact this is probably the quietest this group has sat together and the longest time without talking. Mer, mer, mer...

Few schools or even years here at the BI have the honour of boasting a ratio of 2 to 1 guys to gals and it has been a privilege to train and lead so many men this year. 26 guys in a dorm that uncomfortably holds 24 was not an easy calling this year, survival was unsure at times, but the sacrifice has not been forgotten as 120 more Snow Campers heard the Word of God. Recharge held little of its name for our staff and students as the busy season of ministry and study took its toll. But you survived, and 49 teens trusted God’s Son to save them from their sin. Many other decisions were made and by God’s grace you made it. We served together. We studied together. We laughed. We cried. We drank Monsters together.

Now, here we are, after the final test of summer ministry, you have passed. You have survived over 500 campers. But not only survived, thrived and were blessed to see 108 youth trust Jesus. You did not quite and by God’s grace (alone) you did it. But is this the end, a plaque on a wall, a head full of facts or does this day mark more than the finishing of a program and the acquisition of knowledge?

Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

 It is my prayer that this year has shown you three things – 

               1) God is worth knowing and getting to know (how little we know), 

               2) God diligently rewards and blesses those who serve Him (how little we've done), and 

               3) WOLBI is just the beginning of lives that are now dedicated to pursuing these great truths.

May this year NOT be a religious accomplishment but the beginning of a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ who gave Himself for each one of us.

The Bible Institute is a great place to start but it should not, it cannot be the end! Students, don’t let this be the end!

...and Congratulations, you may now call me “Jon.”

From blog

Legacy: A Life Worthy of Imitation

Each year I have the privilege to address each class at the Word of Life Bible Institute as a Dean in the yearbook. Here is this years article:

"Legacy: A Life Worthy of Imitation"

Wow! What an incredible year together. Studying through the entire Bible (in numerous ways), ministering in the strangest places and under the craziest circumstances, developing life long, family-type friendships, and growing together in uncomfortable situations has been an adventure to say the least. I want to thank each of you for your part in making this year memorable and exciting.

For each of us, this year is full of memories. As you read this, take a moment to reflect…

What is your favourite memory of WOLBI 2010?

How would you like to be remembered?

How do any of us want to be remembered in life?

We have sat under the teaching of some of the world’s leading theologians and some of the most brilliant minds in Christendom today. What will we do with that legacy? Not a legacy of words alone but a legacy of lives. These men not only taught the Scriptures but before us displayed the incredible richness of God’s Word in the wisdom, grace, and humility produced by long lives lived in Christ’s presence. What a privilege it has been!

Please do not forget the Scriptures you have been taught.

Just as importantly, do not forget the lives that have taught you.

May your memories never fade and be a great teacher for years to come.

To the glory of God may your life shine as a legacy worthy of imitation.

“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;”

 2 Timothy 3:14  

Entering the Blogosphere!

Why blog?
Realistically, I don't know. It simply does not make logical sense. I am the least likely person to tackle another project like learning how to blog. I find the busy-ness of life dizzying. At times I find myself barely able to keep my head above water caring for my wife (of over 10 years!!), our 3 kids, and fulfilling multiple employment roles at the Word of Life Bible Institute.
That being said, I have become more and more interested in the idea for the last few months and just cannot put it aside. A zeal has developed to share my life with others - the funny, the not-so-funny, and the things I am passionate about. First, I would like to try my hand at writing (and seeing if anyone is interested in reading my attempts). Second, I want to share my journey of life and how my spiritual beliefs influence my life. Finally, I desire to challenge others to think, provoke people to laugh, and to enjoy the journey of life together.

Please let me know if you laugh, have questions, or just can't stop thinking about something instigated by this site. I look forward to sharing "My Real Life" with you.