Eighty-Five Year Celebration
Building a Ministry That Lasts
A Note from Don Lough, Jr.
As we enter the spring season, I find myself reflecting on God’s incredible faithfulness over the past 85 years. From the earliest days of Word of Life, when Jack Wyrtzen and Harry Bollback first dreamed of reaching young people for Christ, to the global ministry we see today, God has continually done more than we could have imagined.
This milestone reminds us that our story is not about buildings, programs, or even the passing of time – it’s about lives transformed by the power of the gospel. For 85 years, God has used your prayers, partnership, and generosity to expand this ministry and bring young people to Himself.
In this issue of The Word of Life Experience, you’ll journey through the past 85 years of our ministry, while also looking ahead with a renewed vision. God’s work is far from finished. Whether it’s through camps, Bible Institutes, or local church partnerships, we are committed to seeing every young person take their next step with Jesus.
Thank you for being a part of our family. Let’s look forward to the next 85 years of God’s faithfulness!
Celebrating Eternal Impact Since 1940
85 years ago, a loaf of bread cost just eight cents. The first McDonald’s wouldn’t open for another 15 years. Radios were the center of family entertainment, and people gathered around to hear updates about World War II, which had just begun. Computers were still decades away, and the idea of communicating instantly across the globe would have seemed like science fiction. The culture of the 1940s was slower-paced, yet filled with uncertainty and the need for hope.
It was in this context, in 1940, that Jack Wyrtzen founded Word of Life. Jack was selling insurance at the time and broadcasting on a small radio station, but his heart was set on something bigger – reaching young people with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. What started as small rallies soon grew into large-scale evangelistic crusades, with thousands gathering to hear the gospel. By 1944, Jack was filling Madison Square Garden, sharing the hope of Christ.
Building a Ministry That Stands the Test of Time
Jack’s vision for ministry didn’t stop with rallies. After being inspired by a camp he visited in England, Jack pursued the idea of establishing a retreat where young people could encounter Christ in a deeper way. In a bold step of faith, he purchased an island that was listed for $125,000 – negotiating it down to just $25,000. With limited resources, Jack creatively repurposed army surplus equipment and transformed a carriage house into a dining hall. This resourcefulness marked the early days of Word of Life’s camps and set the stage for decades of ministry impact.
By 1953, Word of Life acquired The Inn, followed by The Ranch, expanding its reach to more youth and families. In 1969, the ministry moved its headquarters to Schroon Lake, New York, where it continued to grow and innovate. Snowcamp, launched by Paul Bubar, became a staple for youth ministry during the winter months, and Word of Life Youth Camps established two core pillars: fun and life change.
The Bible Institute: Then and Now
In 1970, the first American Word of Life Bible Institute opened, modeled after the original campus in São Paulo, Brazil. Early on students experienced a structured environment designed to foster spiritual growth and discipline. Meals had assigned seating, dress codes were strict, and media access was virtually nonexistent. Students spent their days in classes taught by leaders like Jack Wyrtzen, Harry Bollback, and Dr. Charles Ryrie, sitting on wooden benches with tablet arms. The Bible Institute was founded on a simple yet profound truth: “You can’t know God’s will without knowing God’s Word.”
The rigorous schedule included Christian Service Assignments and job duties, which built character and taught the value of serving others. Despite the challenges, many students look back on their time at the Bible Institute as one of the best years of their lives, marked by lifelong friendships and deep spiritual growth.
Today, the Bible Institute operates much differently in terms of structure and has expanded its reach and impact, with campuses in New York, Florida, and around the world. Modern facilities and technology reflect the cultural shifts of the times, but the core mission remains the same: to equip students to know, live, and share their faith.
Over the last 85 years, Word of Life has grown from those first rallies into a global ministry spanning more than 80 countries. The cultural landscape has changed dramatically.
In 1940, families gathered around radios; today, young people hold the world in their hands through smartphones.
Back then, young people heard singular voices of truth through their communities or families; today, they’re inundated with conflicting messages about truth, identity, and purpose.
Through these changes, Word of Life has continually adapted its methods to meet the needs of each generation. Camps remain a cornerstone of the ministry, providing life-changing environments where young people experience faith in action. Digital evangelism, sports outreach, and short-term missions are among the many avenues Word of Life engages today’s youth while staying rooted in biblical truth.
Celebrate With Us!
God has used Word of Life to create lasting change and eternal impact since 1940!
To celebrate this incredible milestone, we are holding celebration dinners that kicked off in January.
Join us for an evening of:
- Delicious Dinner
- Inspiring Worship and Music
- Encouraging Ministry Updates from Don Lough, Jr. and the Word of Life Leadership Team
- A Powerful Message from Ray Pritchard
Learn about the global impact of the ministry and how you can be a part of it.
Upcoming Events:
October 9 – Hawthorne, New Jersey
November 13 – Tampa, Florida
