IBC recently received a letter from Alex Sheldon, an IBC member who attends Appalachian Bible College. Her letter included the following encouragement:
HELLO TO MY IBC FAMILY! My name is Alexandria Sheldon, and I am a recent high school graduate from IBC. I grew up here with my family of eight, and over the last eighteen years, you, church family, have become a home for me. When I transferred to Appalachian Bible College last month, I became increasingly grateful for this body of believers standing behind me. During this transition, I have felt so supported, and I have realized how much God has blessed me through this church’s nurturing discipleship. I express my thanks with the deepest gratitude to those who have taken the time to teach, serve, and love me well. I stand here today because of your love for Jesus and your faithful work on His behalf.
Not only do I stand here spiritually because of you, but also physically. IBC provides a matching scholarship for members attending a Bible college. By God’s grace, I was blessed by this scholarship, and it answered so many of my prayers. Because of your generosity, I will, by God’s grace, be helped to attend ABC for four years and graduate with a bachelor’s degree. I praise God for His kindness to me and for His love that is displayed through your generous hearts. I am sincere when I say, “Thank you!”
Alex continued her letter with this testimony:
I am so grateful for this campus family! Living in community with fellow believers who are also friends is such a blessing. I have been blessed with several dear friends and mentors who encourage and exhort me daily.
I am so happy about what God is teaching me here. My classes never cease to put me I awe of God. These classes are transforming my heart and mind to better love Him and others. I am also in perfect awe of God’s merciful kindness to me. It is so sweet seeing God be faithful to me day to day.
A few weeks ago, Gerri and I visited ABC, our alma mater, and enjoyed seeing in person Alex’s big smile and joyful words about her Bible college experience so far.
I am pleased that the IBC Missions Budget includes an amount to support college scholarships for IBC members who major in Bible. This is intended to encourage preparing the next generation for ministry.
The purpose of IBC is to exalt God by making Christ-like disciples who love God, God’s Word, God’s people, and God’s World. Part of this mission involves discipling the next generation to love and serve God.
Currently, I am teaching Homiletics (Preaching), a Bible College course for our Eastern Panhandle Bible Institute (through ABC). I have ten students including four young men from our Momentum young adult ministry. These four are also taking the Bible Study Methods course from Dr Jim Schuppe on Thursday nights.
This is so encouraging. Pray for our young people. Pray that more will attend Bible College. Pray for all of our College students to live for Jesus.
If you have questions about Bible College options, talk to Pastors John or Miguel or any of our pastors.