Games, worship, personal devotions, small groups, lots of food (provided by 2 of our supporting churches), bright t-shirts, challenging messages and workshops, staying up late, rising extra early, new friends, and so much more occurred this weekend at WISE. We held our first 3-day youth retreat on our campus. And while it wiped us all out, it also brought much excitement. We loved seeing our student’s welcome future students and young people into the dorms and their lives for the weekend. So many helped to make it possible for area youth to come and see what happens at Bible College and also how to grow in their faith and be challenged. Mike Ackerman (an OCC professor), and his family, came to share messages with the youth. Zach Bolin, a Kansas youth pastor, led games the whole campus loved. Our stateside coordinator, Andrew Stout, came to lead devotions. In addition, the whole WISE staff and current students joined in making meals and preparing rooms. Several new students committed to come to Bible College, and many students made commitments to grow deeper in their faith. We’re praying for these youth as they grow to impact their culture for Christ.
A WISE Christmas Tradition
Despite the heat in place of cold, palm trees in place of evergreens, and ham with rice in place of mashed potatoes and turkey dinner, Christmas is such a special time at WISE. It’s a special time for us to celebrate God sending his Son. We talk about the calmness and peacefulness of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the angels and shepherds. Yet we also talk about the presence of the Dragon both then and now and our need to keep our eyes focused on the Lord. It is a hard time being away from family- for both the missionary staff and the students. Gifts are hard to afford. This year one of our supporting churches helped give a special gift to each student. We also did our yearly tradition where each person made a gift for the exchange. This included homemade bread, a special tea, a painting, and a braided placemat. For our Christmas feast, we enjoyed favorite dishes from all over the Caribbean: Haitian sweet bread pudding, Jamaican rice, Bajan jug jug (similar to stuffing but made with pigeon peas), ham, American salad, a local sorrel drink, and more treats. We’re thankful for the family God gave us here to celebrate the very special gift of His Son.
Dominica Update
The way God brought about the work in Dominica was amazing to witness. Three of our students’ homes were destroyed in their home country of Dominica. We wrote about this specific need in our last newsletter and IDES (an organization who helps victims in natural disasters based out of IN) contacted us offering a grant to help build the homes! Our friends from Longview, TX and Woodland Heights, IN flew down on short notice to assist along with a few members of our local church here in Barbados. All of these hands, combined with community members from Dominica, got the roofs rebuilt! We are very thankful for the active Church body and the weight lifted for the students’ families back home!
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
I heard about WISE from my pastor Kenroy Clarke and Bro Brice visiting my church. I had to put my job on hold to come to WISE. But I have learned so much about God and met lots of new people. I am hoping after I graduate to teach the gospel to everyone and become more like Christ through my studies. I look forward to trusting God more and more each day through this journey.
Team Work
We just had our annual group of Mizzou Christian Campus House here. Their leader, Lance Tamerius, serves on our Board and is a dear friend who brings 20 college students every year to serve alongside our students and families. This group encourages, loves, and works so hard to grow WISE!
Property Update
After many prayers, a few years of waiting, and God growing us in many ways through this process – the last 2 properties in St. Vincent are under contract! We did have to take a lot less than we had initially hoped. But, through extra giving we are close to purchasing the property here. We are still praying for about $90,000 more to cover the new property. This February marks the deadline that we owe the Baptists for this property. They have been so gracious in waiting for us to come up with the money. We are so thankful for how God continues to provide and for the grace the sellers have extended to WISE in this purchase. God is Good!
WISE WISHLIST Need
Used Van to carry students and work teams – ~$40,000
Fans for the dorms – $60 each
New Chapel Doors – $250 each for 6 doors
Chairs- $30 each
Prayers & Updates
Final Approval from the BAC for the Associate Degree in Theology.
Praise for decisions made at the WISE Youth Retreat and prayers for their growth.
Prayers for new incoming staff and unity amongst the growing WISE team.
Praise for contracts on all the properties in St. Vincent. Prayers for finished sales and remaining balance to be met in Barbados.
Prayers for applicants preparing to come for the fall term.
Land Tributes
Steve & Beth Dussinger – thankful for God’s mercy & provisions
Jeff & Jane Robertson – thankful for the students of WISE
Nancy Parker
Daniel & Christie Herrington – thankful for God’s grace & mercy
Darla Smith – thankful for getting brought to Christ & knowing Christ
Carl & Susan Fogleman – missionaries willingness to serve
Jared & Carrie Conklin – God’s provisions & blessing
Jud Hurd
David & Peggy Beamer
Roger Bushong – The Termeer’s arrival
Brad & Kristen Richardson
Don & Jane Janzen – thankful for the values my parents instilled in me, so thankful for my parents
Dan & Marla Muter – for family
Forrest & Barbara Coltharp – thankful for over 65 years together
Bryan & Kristi Champ – thankful for WISE
Alan D Miller
James Weaver – thankful for God, Jesus, family, freedom, and health
Michael & Julie Maxwell – thankful for committed staff, patient, and devoted students
David Shank – thankful for God’s blessings
Gary & Lawania McClurg – thankful for Wurdeman’s at WISE
Mr. & Mrs. Neil A Geyer – thankful for the Lord’s work through WISE
Mike & Pam Nichols
Shelly Beyerle – thankful for friends
Dayspring Christian Church – thankful for faithfulness to God’s teachings
Dorothy Bare – students who serve God
Rob & Tierra Felder – God’s faithfulness
Theo & Jeana Barley
Kay & Lindsey Melching – salvation
Chris & Sharon Koloff
Chris & Adelheid Rutherford – thankful for God’s grace
Scott & Jodi Phinney – thankful for family
David & Jackie Pittman- thanks for our family
Chris & Karen Norris
Norris & Susan Skonberg
Guy & Jean Chase
Mark & Karen Sutherlin
Luella Muter – thankful for family & friends
Curt & Connie Fay – for the Wurdeman’s & their basketball team
Randy Morrow
Durbin & Wendy Seidel
Memorials
Henry & Kathy Termeer in honor of Beverly Bushong
Richard & Sylvia Clinkenbeard in honor of Beverly Bushong
