Ric Garland's Blog

Executive Dean of Word of Life Bible Institute

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.

Already we have seen over 50 salvation decisions and a host of dedications! And we HAVE SNOW!

I will let you know how things go, week to week!




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.

Oh, 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.

Now, I sit in my office putting together plans for the future. I am praying for our students as they are away.




First Quarter
 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.

We 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.

Also 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!)

I 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.

I love our students. Stay focused and make excellent choices.




Friday, September 21, 2007
The Ryrie Library and Study Center is coming! As you can see we sprayed on the grass this last week. There is still much to do but we are hoping to start moving books in little over a week. You have to see this to believe it. It is beautiful.

OK - this is a great time to share stories of things that have happened to you in the WOL library over the years! Funny, serious, sad, happy just narrative - doesn't matter.





New Year
OK, OK I know it has been awhile. However, I have kept up on my Facebook account.

I am sitting in the Tampa airport getting to leave Florida after a great opening week-end of the Bible Institute down here. We have 114 presently and could end up with 118 by the end of the first week. PTL! This is over a 10% increase over last year and next year looks even better.

Now for the big event in New York. This coming week-end is opening week-end up there and we are going to see if we can top 500! Second year students are coming out of the wood work - it is amazing to see!

I am getting very excited about this coming year - my vision is life change and I cannot wait to see lives changed for the glory of God.

I would love to hear from you on how your life was changed at the BI.




Influence
Robert Clinton, The Making of a Leader, ?The central task of leadership is influencing God?s people toward God?s purposes.?

Summer quarter has begun. Camp has already started in Florida. Here in NY, we are in training week. What an amazing thought that in the next 9 weeks - the student body will have a change to impact over 10,000 lives.

We all lead - whether just another or many. How do we influence and to what extent the impact is the key.

Meanwhile, work continues on the Ryrie Library. They are putting in the outside steps and a ton - literally of dry wall came the last couple of days. We are moving ahead.



It is final exam time
That is what I call the summer quarter here at WOLBI; final exam. Why?
1. I believe the reason WOLBI is so effective is that we don't just teach it but give a chance for students to apply in real time and real situations.
2. Students will be pushed to their limit and see God's great hand of grace on their life.
3, They will also see the areas that need more work in their life.

It is quiet here in NY (Florida is already training for camp!). It is time for me to reflect and prepare.
I will be speaking at the Ranch, Island, Canada and Florida. I am sure that I will also be at the Campground and Inn at times.

I am concerned for students while they are home. Know that I am praying for you and you can reach me if you need help or an encouraging word.

Finally, I am looking forward to Fall - I am praying for 400 first year students in NY, 140 in Florida and 45 in Canada. I also would love to see 162 second year students - that means 60 more need to sign up.....that's another reason why summer is the final exam!




Why 2nd Year?
1. Principle of Solidification
Did you know that a tree grows, on average, only 6 weeks a year? The rest of the year is used to solidify growth. I believe 2nd year does just that. First year for many is a year of so many changes in a students thinking, routine and overall life. Staying for 2nd year helps solidify the foundation that you have laid in first year.

2. Application of trust leaned
If you ask any second year student to share the difference between first year and second - many would say - "First year is knowledge and the second is application." That is a broad statement but we do encourage more felt needs in 2nd year.

3. Missional Foundation
2nd year is designed to give a solid foundation in missions. No matter what you do or where you go in life - your life as a Christian should be missional. We developed 2nd year to give you the tools for ministry.

4. Philosophic agreement
If God is working in your life and you have finally settled into the WOLBI routine - 2nd year is the time to take advantage and grow.

5. Uniqueness and quality of faculty
Because we bring in the finest, hand picked teachers from all over - we have a faculty 2nd to none! (Dr. Davis and Dr. Wicks are the finest around as well!)

So, why not?



Spring Quarter
How important is it how you finish? And is June 1st the end? Good questions.

1. I have seen many start well but only few that finish well. To live a consistent Christian life - one that develops and grows through the years and ends with faithful service to our Savior is refreshing but rare. I want to always be growing and and sensitive to the Holy Spirit. The BI is a place to lay that Biblical foundation - I want this to be one of the greatest years of your life but not the only one!

2. June 1st isn't the end - Summer is a critical part of the BI. It is your final exam. It is when hone and dial in all that you have learned throughout the year. It is the polish and temper that makes a good year great. I regret those who do not stay. They are cheated out of the excellent. That is my opinion.

Let's finish well! I love being the Executive Dean. I love serving college students.




Apathy

What is apathy?        

            A. Literally it means, "away from pathos".  Away from any intense experience or ­­emotion.           

            B. A lack of inner motivation that results in a lack of outward   involvement.

            C. The opposite of apathy is enthusiastic involvement.

Enthusiasm is a belief, an attitude. It is more than an action. The word itself comes from the Latin meaning, "to be inspired by God." Therefore, Christians are the only true "enthusiastic" people. Note that enthusiasm is a belief! You don't have to be a cheerleader or jump up and down on a table to demonstrate enthusiasm. It comes from a belief in allow God to work dynamically in your life.

I don't like apathy on our campus. It bothers me. Why? One of the causes of apathy is an apathetic leadership. So, I keep checking out my life. I want to be an enthusiastic Christian living out a dynamic Christian life. Let's all be inspired by God. Let's be enthusiastic.

Let's only be apathetic to Country Western music! =)