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ELIM BIBLE INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE FALL 2017

Bell TowerEnter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name.

College Hall reopensStudents give thanksAccreditation victoriesProject OnRamp launches

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THANK YOU to our VOLUNTEERS! IN THIS ISSUE // FALL 2017

COLLEGE HALL REOPENSHistoric building has classrooms again06

VOLUNTEERS MAKE IT HAPPENThank you to all who made a difference this year02

STUDENT STORIESWe asked, “What are you thanking God for?” 04

MEET THE STAFF Elim alumnus Rimon Armaly returns to teach09

PROJECT ONRAMP LAUNCHES Unique program offers students 2nd chance academically10

Attend class. Connect with students.EXPERIENCE ELIM!

Four ways to experience Elim:q One day on campusq Overnight on campusq Saturate Youth Conferenceq Online

Join students at class, chapeland meals, and participate inexciting campus activities.

Attend sessions to learn aboutElim’s academic programs, admissions requirements andcampus life.

See if Elim is a fit for you, andgain a better understanding of God‘s will for your life.

Open to high school studentsand young adults to age 24.

Attendance is FREE. Sign up at www.elim.edu/discoverydays

elim bible instituteand college7245 College Street, Lima NY 14485Call us at (585) 582-1230Email us at admissions@elim.edu

/elimbible

/elimbible

/elimbible

Experience Elim at

DISCOVERY DAYS

F A L L 2 0 1 7October 3: One dayOctober 19: Online at 7:30 pmNovember 8-9: Saturate YouthConf.www.efyouth.org/saturate

S P R I N G 2 0 1 8February 5-6: OvernightFebruary 20: Online at 7:30 pmMarch 12-13: OvernightApril 5: One dayApril 16-17: Overnight

WHAT’S HAPPENING ON CAMPUS Discovery Days options, alumni news and upcoming events11

WHY IS GIVING THANKS SO HARD?By President Mike Cavanaugh 08

We have much to thank God for in this season. Some of the things I’m giving thanks to God for:• He has called sacrificial and whole-hearted people to serve on the EBIC staff. They give of

themselves daily in many ways and enable the ministry of the school to be accomplished. • During our recent annual fall Foundations Weekend, over 30 students were baptized in

water and about the same number responded to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. • Our progress to the next level in accreditation is moving forward. A TRACS on-site assess-

ment team is visiting us in November, and if all goes well we should have all probationary limits released this spring.

• Through the generous time & talents given by this summer’s volunteers, and finances and materials donated, the first floor of College Hall has reopened with several refurbished classrooms. I’m reminded of the generous giving of people toward the building of the temple in 1 Chronicles 29: “The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly.” Though College Hall isn’t the temple and I’m certainly not a king, this President is definitely rejoicing in what God is doing at Elim!

From the

DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

585 Youth from Elim Gospel Church, Lima, NY Pastor Greg Falco, Sam Chapman, Brian Cowburn, Zachary Cowburn, Gabe Falco & Shawn Lucey

Youth group from Elim Grace Church, Oswego, NY Pastor Chad Summer, Ricardo Cid, Hannah Evans, Joshua Evans, Emmanuel Ignacio, Alex Smith, Emma Smith & Jacob Smith

Christian Chapel Assembly of God, Virginia Beach, VA Pastor Tom Conant, Mike & Amy Davidson

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Hebron, MD Henry Davis, Ralph Zebley & Zeb Zebley

New Testament Christian Church, Greece, NY Stuart Davis, Larry Lunt, Angello Nomis, Mike Sheldon, Joshua Wynn & Mason Wynn

Cornerstone Christian Church, Broomall, PA Pastor Tim McFarland, Sam Decello, Justin Goldberg, Anthony Palandro & George Swink

Thank you to all the individuals who gave their time & used their skills to help improve our campus: Samuel Case, Terry Kelly, Rev. Joe Nettleton, Marlow & Ellyne Olson, Christ Com-munity Church Pastor Bruce Plummer, Celebrate! Family Church Pastor Eric Scott, Jeremy Van Santan, and Joy Stolzfus.

Thank you to our local volunteers who give year round: Ben Hedlund, Mike Kniley, Joy Niswander, Sue Stanley, Darlene & Jack Thorpe, and Terri Cavanaugh.

Thank you to all the churches that sent groups (see below).

Without the generosity of many people who love Elim and give their time and skills, the projects necessary to maintain and improve our campus could not happen. This was especially true this summer as we prepared College Hall to reopen for the fall semester (see p.6–7). We put out the call for volunteers and you answered — plumbers, electricians, carpenters, drywall installers, painters, tree surgeons, cleaners and more! For more information about volunteering as an individual or group, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Jack Thorpe (himself a volunteer) at jackthorpe@elim.edu or 585-582-8306.

Give thanks to Him

EXPERIENCE ELIM at DISCOVERY DAYS

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I am very thankful for my family, who adopted me in March 2011. [Fawn

Fawn & her twin sister were in an orphanage in Asia. Her sister was adopted as an infant, so the twins didn’t know the other existed and her sister’s adoptive family didn’t know about Fawn Fawn. Years later, they found out about Fawn Fawn and also adopted her.] Through His great love and mercy, I was reunited with my twin sister, after we had been separated for ten years. This forever home is one of the precious gifts that God has given to me to fill the hole I had inside of me. My parents never give up on me, they love and care about me through all of the tough times I have faced. I am also very grateful to God for

sending the missionaries in my life; they are the reason I know about the Bible and God. No matter how many bad choices I’ve made, God forgives and stayed beside me all the time. Father, thank you so much for accept-ing me and loving me the way I am. Also, thank you for sending me to

Elim. My life has been impacted by the students, teachers and speakers because of their strong faith they have in You, which makes me want to know and understand You more. Last, I am very thankful for my friends,

because they make me laugh and are there for me whenever I need. They listen and pray for me. ~ Fawn Fawn Hagen, 20, freshman, from Asia & Rexford, NY

In 2015, I came to Saturate with the youth ministry of Cornerstone Chris-

tian Church, volunteering as a leader. At the conference, I attended a meet-ing for leaders and volunteers, and the speaker mentioned Campus Target, tell-ing us about the ministry. While he was talking, I felt a tug in my heart, but my response was, “No, Lord, I can’t go on a long-term missions trip to Asia, because I’m engaged and about to get mar-ried.” In a later session, a speaker said, “Look to the person next to you and say you are not ready to get married.” My fiancé was next to me and I said no to the Lord again. After this conference, the Lord broke off my engagement. It hurt really bad because it was always my desire to get married and have a happy family, but God’s will for my life was different. After the break up, I did decide to join

Campus Target, but the director told me to wait a year and allow God to heal me from my toxic relationship. While He was doing that, I went on 2 short-term mission trips in the Ukraine to get experience of what it is like to be on the mission field overseas. In 2016 the President of EBIC came to Corner-stone to preach and he also talked about EBIC. He encouraged me to come to the college for a year and get trained and equipped for the ministry. I did apply, but I was afraid of taking out loans and financial aid, so I withdrew the applica-

I am at a loss for words to describe the gratitude I feel towards Elim and,

most of all, towards God. It feels stupid now, but I had made a deal with God. I hadn’t been hearing from Him about my next steps. I was feeling discour-aged about my future, sad that I hadn’t gone to YWAM like I had originally planned, and worried that I wouldn’t be able to afford college. So I told Him that I would apply to Elim — but I would only go if I won the scholarship, and if I didn’t win then I was going to continue with my own plans. The impossible became possible

when I surrendered that to the Lord and put my future in His hands. I will never forget the day I found out I had been chosen for the Full Scholarship Giveaway! I could hardly speak. I was overwhelmed with excitement, grati-tude, and awe for how amazing my God is. This scholarship is allowing me to receive a strong foundation in God and His Word, debt free, which is very important to me as my call is missions work in South Africa. Every day that I am here at Elim, I feel

slightly closer to fulfilling God’s call on my life. God is providing my every need, and I am so thankful to Elim for being a part of God’s plan for my life. He knows my call, He knows my hopes and dreams, and He has a path just for me to follow, and for that I am eternally grateful.

~ Riley Gaston, 18, freshman, from Pittsford, NY

My crazy testimony started a month after my conversion. I was 17

years old and a senior in high school. One night I was praying and I asked God to do something in my life that would glorify him and give me a story that would blow people away. The next day at football practice, we ran a drill and I got hit under my chin, knocking my head back. Instantly I felt my brain shake, but the only symptoms I had were a headache and some dizziness. The next day I went to the State Fair with my dad, but while there my symp-toms magnified. Soon I was so dizzy I was falling down, and I had trouble see-ing out of my left eye and speaking.

My mom took me to our local hos-pital, where they took CAT scans of my head and neck. I was told I had a brain bleed and a misaligned spine, and they sent me via ambulance to Upstate Hospital in Syracuse. There they found I had broken my C4-C5 vertebrae, dis-located it and tore a few ligaments, and needed emergency spinal surgery. The doctors made an incision in the front of my neck and put 4 screws and 1 metal plate to hold my neck together. They said everyone with an injury as bad as mine usually is paralyzed from the neck down (at best) or dead (at worst). For the next 2½ years, I lived in constant pain. My neck would hurt all the time, but I got used to it.

In November of my first semester at Elim, my neck started to hurt more than normal. At a routine surgeon’s appointment, I found out one of the screws in my neck had broken. They told me it wouldn’t cause any more damage but it would begin to hurt a lot more. I told them I wanted to wait until summer for repair surgery. For the next 7 months, my friends and I prayed about my neck and this upcom-ing surgery.

It was one of my biggest fears coming true. I knew that God had this, though. Every time I was overcome by fear, I remembered what He had done my first surgery and all of the fruit that came from that. He had worked miracles, he

STUDENT STORIES: “I want to thank God for...”

blew doctors’ minds, and He taught me SO MUCH in a short time. It was an experience that I would never change. He glorified himself through it and has used me in amazing ways. When I remembered all of that, it settled my heart.

Fast-forward to May 15, the day of my surgery. They cut down the back of my neck, cut all the muscles, and put in 2 rods and 4 more screws. I woke up in the worst pain of my life; no painkillers helped. By this point, I had an incredible pain tolerance, but this was so severe. But I was off all medications after 5 days. By 2 weeks, I was driving and going to physical therapy; after 7 weeks I finished phys-ical therapy. I was the strongest I have been since the original injury. My doc-tor was SO surprised when I told her how much I was lifting 7 weeks after surgery, and it didn’t hurt at all.

God did incredible things over this time, so much that I can’t go into detail. He changed so much in me for the better. For the first time in 3 years, I am not in pain! God answered my prayers!! He has used this story for so much good in my life. I wouldn’t change any of it! My story is still being written, but so far some pretty incred-ible things have happened! All glory to God!

~ Billy Rybka, 20, sophomore, from Yorkville, NY

tion. I then prayed, “Lord, if it’s your will for me to go to EBIC you will make a way; not my will, your will be done.” I had taken my mind off going to Elim

when I received a letter to sign up for a 1-year scholarship giveaway. I did not receive the scholarship, but I qualified for a Pell Grant, work-study, etc. God made a way out of no way. Before com-ing to Elim, I was still having financial struggles, and again I was not going to come because I did not have the $200 deposit fee and a way of getting from PA to NY. But again the Lord made a way — someone paid the $200 and Pastor Phil-lip Underwood purchased my ticket. Now I am here at EBIC for training,

teaching, discipline and equipping. I want to get a better understanding of God’s Word and to develop a deeper relationship and partnership with Him on a next level, so I can become the woman of God He has called me to be. I have never been to college before and the Lord is stretching me with reading, assignments, writing, journaling, typ-ing, sharing my life story, organization, praying and fasting, etc. I am thankful for everyone that has

prayerfully and financially supported me on my spiritual journey in the Lord and helped me get here to Elim. I am also thankful for all the staff members at EBIC that helped, called, emailed, prayed for and did not give up on me, even when I thought I wasn’t going to come. Most of all, I want to thank the Lord for calling me to be a part of EBIC and making a way for me to be here, all for His Glory.

~ Tikeisha Jeffrey, 25, freshman, from Upper Darby, PA

Financial aid—including federal & NY State grants, work-study, veteran’s benefits, and EBIC institutional aid (including a drawing for 1 full scholarship for 2018-2019) — is one way the Lord provides for many students to attend Elim. For more informa-tion (what’s available, how to apply, dead-lines, etc) see www.elim.edu/programs/paying-for-school.

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WHY WAS COLLEGE HALL CLOSED?College Hall, built before the Civil War, is one of the iconic

large historic buildings on the Elim campus. Over the years, it has housed a chapel, classrooms, academic offices, music prac-tice rooms and laboratories — and many memories. However, due to its age & deterioration, it is expensive to heat and has needed many updates and repairs to meet modern standards.

In 2012, it was decided to temporarily close the building as a cost-cutting measure. Offices & classrooms were set up in other buildings, including the library and student center. But the goal has always been a future reopening.

In Spring 2016 we began intentional planning for the many faceted project of restoration. We worked on assessing the building’s needs, laying out timelines with several phases, rais-ing funds, and recruiting skilled workers. This summer the work began, and when students recently arrived for the Fall 2017 semester, they walked into newly restored classrooms!

WHAT WAS ACCOMPLISHED THIS SUMMER?With the help of many volunteers (see page 2), summer crew

students, and staff, the first floor was reopened. Phase 1 work included: cleaning out all stored items, painting walls (with paint donated by an alumnus), replacing damaged ceiling tiles, removing old and installing new carpeting, installing new verti-cal blinds for sunlight control, installing projection screens & projectors, and setting up new classroom tables & chairs (donated by DoubleTree by Hilton).

All fluorescent lighting on first floor was replaced with LED lamps, and the building was updated with CAT-6 cabling for WIFI access. An ADA restroom was added. The hot water heater was replaced, as well as the pumps of the boiler heating system.

We worked on the north and south entrance doors to get them functioning properly, and the sub-floor and flooring in the north entry vestibule was replaced.

On the outside of the building, the brick and stone work of the west wall were re-pointed to stop the rain that had been leaking into the basement. The north entry concrete stair treads were repaired. Window glass was repaired and wood frames repainted where necessary.

Also, a grant committee was formed to apply for grant funds to continue to update and restore our historic College Hall. Architectural plans for the grant submissions have been drawn by architect David Shorten.

WHAT’S NEXT?The first floor classrooms are now modernized and usable and

the building no longer leaks, but there is still much more to be done! Some projects are required for current building regula-tions, such as ADA compliance, and much more work remains to finish refurbishing & reopening the remaining floors of the building. Planned projects include those for both the near future and further out:

◆◆ Build an ADA entrance ramp at south entrance◆◆ Temporarily close off stairs to upper floor to reduce heat loss◆◆ Finish restoration & reopen main level offices◆◆ Renovate lower level bathrooms, so they are ADA accessible◆◆ Complete lower level lounge◆◆ Restore lower level offices◆◆ Install new boilers◆◆ Run new plumbing lines to all fixtures◆◆ Build an elevator shaft & install elevator for ADA accessibil-

ity to all floors

HOW CAN YOU HELP NOW?We plan to keep working over the winter and spring on Col-

lege Hall projects, and many volunteers are needed to make continued progress a reality! If you have skills in carpentry, plumbing, electrician, drywall and/or painting…we need YOU! Whether you can come for hours or days, we’ll feed & house you.

For more information about planned projects or volunteering as an individual or a group, please contact our Facilities Direc-tor James Bercel at jamesbercel@elim.edu or 585-582-8231 or Volunteer Coordinator Jack Thorpe at jackthorpe@elim.edu or 585-582-8306.

Beside the labor needed, of course, all these future projects also require money and materials. Some projects are smaller but some are relatively expensive. For example, installing the required ADA elevator will be approximately $150,000.

To give financially to the College Hall restoration, you can donate through the Carlton Spencer Memorial Campus Restora-tion Fund — online at www.elim.edu/give, by mail or by phone 585-582-8310.

COLLEGE HALL REOPENS!

From THIS to THIS

With the help of generous volunteers, donors, staff & student summer crew, the shuttered

College Hall has been transformed

Photos: Above, adjunct faculty member Paul Edwards prepares to welcome students to his Hebrew Poetry & Wisdom Literature class. Below, Dr. John Miller teaches Spiritual Formation in a newly refurnished classroom.

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Meet the Staff:Rimon ArmalyElim alumnus Rimon Armaly is a new EBIC full-time faculty member. He cur-rently teaches Acts and Paul’s Letters, World Religions, Hermeneutics, and Old Testament Survey.

In 1990, he came to the U.S. from his home in Israel to study astronomy in Houston, TX, with plans to work for NASA. After just 6 months, he had a unique encounter with God. As he explains, “The Lord Jesus appeared to me in my bedroom and revealed to me who He was and what was my mission and ministry. After that experience, I shared the vision with a pas-tor, who led me in prayer to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.”

An Elim alumnus then encouraged Rimon to attend Elim, and he came to pursue training for his new calling. He fondly remembers receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit in the Tab. While on campus, he also grew spiritually while attending Elim Gospel Church.

After graduating from EBIC in 1997, he was involved in full-time ministry as a pastor, evangelist, and church planter. He says Elim “had a big impact on my life as a person and as a pastor. EBIC prepared me through its godly faculty members, classes, chapels, ministry opportunities,

and other activities. EBIC prepared me and equipped me well for the ministry I did.”

After 12 years, he sensed God’s call to further his educa-tion. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Biblical and Theo-logical Studies from Nyack College and an MA in Near Eastern Archeology (majoring in Biblical languages) from Trinity International University in Chicago.

He was invited to teach at Moody Bible Institute as an Adjunct Professor of Bibli-cal Studies,which he did for two years. During that time, he also served as a vice president of the Olive Branch Institute in Jerusalem, a ministry that provides shelter, money and food for children and single mothers in Israel. He was also a manager for Lowes in Chicago for 3 years.

The Lord then led Rimon to accept a position at Lowes in Henrietta, NY. After moving back to Lima, he reconnected with Mike Cavanaugh (his former pastor at Elim Gospel Church and now the Presi-dent at EBIC).

He started as an adjunct faculty mem-ber in Spring 2017, teaching one course, New Testament Greek and Biblical

Hebrew. He enjoyed teaching again, and when a full-time position opened, he expressed interest in the expanded role.

Rimon and his wife Sherri Lynn live on the Elim campus and have 4 sons. Tyson, 21, is in the US Marines; the younger boys are Israel, 11, Yedideyah, 7, and Benya-min, 4.

Rimon appreciates what the Lord is doing in him and in his family on campus. He says, “Before I came to Elim, I did not feel the Lord speaking or working in my life or my family’s life to the degree that we feel him or experience him now. God is healing us as a family because of some bad experiences in the past. I feel the Lord’s presence in a special way now. God is here at Elim.”

Accreditation & Programs UpdateTRACS (Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools) is a nationally recognized institutional accrediting agency, recognized by the

United States Department of Education, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE).

In 2015, EBIC was approved by TRACS in the first of a two-step process in becoming a fully accredited college. Our current status means Elim is in “basic compliance” with all standards and is effective for up to five years. It has allowed us to pursue federal and NY financial aid for students, and makes our credits more acceptable for transfer to other colleges. We are, however, not allowed to make any substantive changes during this phase.

The next step is full accreditation, which is more permanent and which TRACS defines as in “substantive compliance;” it means that the school has “provided evidence that they are accomplishing their mission and are providing quality educa-tional programs.” EBIC is working to complete this process this

fall. It involves an intense self-study report and an on-site evalua-tion by a visiting TRACS team in November. If all goes as planned, EBIC should be awarded full accreditation in Spring 2018.

After receiving full accreditation status, EBIC will be able to make improvements to our programs offered. Future plans include adding a 4th year to offer a BA in Biblical Studies in 2020 and offering online education for 3rd and 4th year courses in 2020-2021.

Meanwhile, EBIC still offers 3 programs: 1 year: Year in the Son2 years: AA in Biblical and Theological Studies3 years: Applied Ministry Certificate

For more information about any of our programs or applying to attend Elim, see our website www.elim.edu or contact our Admissions Office at admissions@elim.edu or 585-582-8260.

For more information about federal, NY State, or institutional financial aid: www.elim.edu or contact the Financial Aid Office: 585-582-8245.

Why is Giving Thanks so Hard?by Rev. Michael Cavanaugh

I heard the story of a family that was considering adopting a little girl and they had invited her to be with them for Christmas. They knew she had experi-enced very little family love and this was the first Christmas with a family she had probably ever experienced.

The father of the house noticed a distressing fact as he compared the little girl’s response to Christmas to that of his own children — his children had an incredible lack of gratitude in compari-son to her. When the first presents were handed out, the girl sat in shock over the gift she received. His children, on the other hand, asked, “What else do we have?” As more gifts were handed out, he observed this process over and over. He was struck that his children, who were brought up in love and generosity, had almost no gratitude for it, while the little girl was deeply touched by everything.

Why is gratitude such a difficult habit to develop?

Remember the story in Luke 17:15-19 of the 10 lepers who Jesus cleansed. “Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answered and said, ‘Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine—where are they? Was no one found who turned back to give glory to God, except this foreigner?’ And He said to him, ‘Rise, and go your way; your faith has made you well.’”

I tried to think of possible reasons the other lepers did not return with grati-tude, while the despised Samaritan did.

9 reasons they did not say thanks1. They assumed Jesus was above needing to hear their thank you2. They were distracted by their blessing3. They were too busy4. They forgot where the blessing came from5. They were lazy6. They didn’t realize how important their thankfulness would be to Jesus7. They let good intentions replace good actions8. They weren’t sure if their healing would last9. They were afraid they might not get it right

The truth is that, whatever our reasons might be, Jesus is hurt by our lack of gratitude. Jesus asks a simple but painful question, “Where are they?” He revealed something about the heart of God—our lack of thanksgiving and praise hurts Him.

Some Thanksgiving Insights Thanksgiving is the pathway into God’s presence. Psalm 100:4 “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.”

Thanksgiving is the proper response to God’s blessing. 2 Corinthians 4:15 “For all things {are} for your sakes, that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God. “

Thanksgiving changes my perspective. Dietrich Bon-hoeffer said, “In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich. It is very easy to overestimate the impor-tance of our own achieve-ments in comparison with what we owe others.”

Thanksgiving is a choice. Hebrews 13:15 “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. “

A sacrifice of thanksgiving means that I offer my thanks as an act of obedience. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” It is not a matter of my feel-ings or that I don’t have other problems in my life. It is me making the choice to thank God in whatever circumstance I find myself. He does not say we must thank God for everything that touches our lives — he says we must thank Him in everything that effects us.

Psalm 34:1 says, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Philippians 4:6 tells us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in every-thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” You might be tempted to think that to live like this is impossible, but God never asks us to do something that He does not give us the ability to do.

Thanksgiving is the only gift that I can truly give to God.

At first glance, you might think that this statement isn’t true, but think about it. Every other gift you give to God is something he has already given you. You might say, “I can give my life to God,” but the truth is He first gave you life. You might say, “I give my tithe to God,” but really you are just returning to God a portion of the income He has given you. The only gift we have to offer that didn’t already come from Him is to give Him humble thanksgiving for all He has poured into our lives.

Jesus expressed his disappointment with the lepers’ response by saying, “Where are they?” Let’s not be included with that group! Let us be known as those who return to offer Him praise and thanksgiving — gratefully expressing our acknowledgement of His goodness and blessing, and offering a sacrifice that touches and blesses the heart of God.

“Where are they? Was no one found who turned back to give glory to God?”

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Did you know you can sup-

port Elim whenever you order from Amazon?! Go to smile.amazon.com and choose Elim Bible Institute and College as the charity; then Amazon gives 0.5% of your eligible purchases to EBIC. Your online Christmas shopping can help support Elim— at no extra cost to you!

UPCOMING EVENTS

My name is Erntz Reynolds. I was born and raised in Haiti. In 2010 a

7.3 earthquake hit Haiti, and everything I had planned was erased — but for a greater purpose.

That same year I was adopted by a great Christian family. In 2011, at age 16, I was able to move to the United States and live in Hoosick Falls, NY with my adoptive family. I have 4 siblings — a sister and 3 brothers. A lot has happened since then. In 2015, I lost my mom from breast can-cer, so I stayed home to help my dad care for my youngest brother, Jacob, who has disabilities and has to be cared for 24/7.

Earlier this year, I was on the phone with my sister. I told her that I want to go to college but I do not know how I am going to financially. She told me to pray about it. The next day my princi-pal’s daughter texted me and said, “Hey, Erntz, there’s this great Christian college my mom heard about and she thought of you. It is financially affordable and it is great for people who are called to be pastors. The name of the college is Elim Bible Institute & College.” I knew at the moment it was God opening doors for me.

When I checked Elim out to see what their mission was — “to prepare Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered servant lead-ers for end-time global revival” — I had no doubt that was where God wanted me to go. When I visited the college and met with people, I felt God’s presence.

When I decided to attend Elim, we found out that I did not have a proper transcript from my school district. But Elim has this amazing Project OnRamp program where I can attend and study for a test a lot like the GED test. Not only that — they gave me a full scholarship!

We don’t always understand God’s plan, but I know that God will never disappoint us. Isaiah 55:8-9: “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’”

I did not know how I was going to pay for college, but God opened a door through Elim. Here I am studying for the test, and I am looking forward to taking real college courses next semester once I pass the test.

Growing up in Haiti, I’ve seen a lot of hardship and sadness, even in those who claim to be Christians. Voodoo is very popular in Haiti, and I’ve noticed that some of those who claimed to be Chris-tians would also practice voodoo and to them it was normal. The Haitian people need to know who God really is; they need to know they can’t serve two mas-ters. And that is why God has called me to be a preacher.

My calling in life is to first go to Haiti and preach the true Gospel to them and raise leaders for Christ. I truly believe Elim is the perfect place for me to be equipped for this mission and plan God has for me.

What is Project OnRamp?Without a high school diploma, the

future of a young person today can look very bleak. Perhaps they were waylaid by poor decisions, difficulty in the school system, lack of family support—whatever the cause, they can now feel stuck in a dead end. Even after they have turned their lives around and want to follow God, their options are limited. Often they do not have a strong Christian support system around them. And without a diploma, they cannot attend college, including Elim Bible Institute & College.

EBIC’s Project OnRamp is designed to help these young people step into a new future and pursue God’s calling on their lives. The program gives students 1 semester of focused preparation with our encouraging faculty to take the high school equivalency test. At the same time, they take Bible courses and participate in our chapels and events like Foundations Weekend and Missions Week. They live in dorms surrounded by other spiritually-committed young people. They hold work-study jobs to earn part of the cost of their program and practice good work habits. After passing the TASC/GED* test, they then can apply to fully enroll at Elim the fol-lowing semester.

Do you know a young person who could benefit from this program? Quali-fications include: a Christian young person who wants to fulfill God’s calling on their life; a good recommendation from their pastor; and a good personal interview with EBIC. For more information, see our website www.elim.edu/programs/project-on-ramp, email info@elim.edu or call 585-582-1230 or 1-800-670-3546.

* TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion) is New York State’s high school equivalency test and is replacing the General Educational Development (GED) test as the primary pathway to a New York State High School Equivalency Diploma.

Project OnRamp is a one-semester program at Elim Bible Institute & College. Its mission is to help Chris-tian young people without a high school diploma get Bible training & mentoring, while also preparing to earn a TASC/GED.* This Fall 2017, EBIC launched the first group of Project OnRamp with 3 students.

One Student’s Story

ELIM BIBLE INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE

7245 COLLEGE STREET LIMA, NY 14485 (585) 582-1230

WWW.ELIM.EDU

..

WILL YOU HELP?Often the neediest young people come from

under-resourced families and do not have

funds to pay for such a program. Students in

the program will have work-study jobs but are

ineligible for government aid and may not be

able to contribute much to funding their time

at Elim. It will cost $5,000 to fund a student’s

time at Elim. This includes room, board, and

the educational training.

Would you consider giving to help give a student a second chance?

By investing in Project: OnRamp, you can

dramatically shape the future of a young

person. Each year we hope to help 20

students, with a total goal of $100,000 per

year. Together, we can turn the statistics

around.

If you know a student who would be a good

fit for this program, please visit our website

(www.elim.edu) and contact us directly for

more information on admissions.

Dropping out of high school is one of my biggest regrets. Project: OnRamp is giving me a chance to start over.

“

”

Project: OnRamp is associated with Elim Bible Institute and College, but students attending

the Project: OnRamp program will not be enrolled at EBI&C.

HOW TO GIVE?To give online, visit www.elim.edu

and click on Give (select Project:

OnRamp).

To mail your gift, make your

check out to Elim Bible Institute

& College and note that it is for

Project: OnRamp.GIVING STUDENTS A SECOND CHANCE

This is where a Bible verse would go, but I’m not exactly sure what you would like to see here. Something inspiring and great.

“

”

ELIM BIBLE INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE

7245 COLLEGE STREET LIMA, NY 14485 (585) 582-1230

WWW.ELIM.EDU

..

WILL YOU HELP?Often the neediest young people come from

under-resourced families and do not have

funds to pay for such a program. Students in

the program will have work-study jobs but are

ineligible for government aid and may not be

able to contribute much to funding their time

at Elim. It will cost $5,000 to fund a student’s

time at Elim. This includes room, board, and

the educational training.

Would you consider giving to help give a student a second chance?

By investing in Project: OnRamp, you can

dramatically shape the future of a young

person. Each year we hope to help 20

students, with a total goal of $100,000 per

year. Together, we can turn the statistics

around.

If you know a student who would be a good

fit for this program, please visit our website

(www.elim.edu) and contact us directly for

more information on admissions.

Dropping out of high school is one of my biggest regrets. Project: OnRamp is giving me a chance to start over.

“

”

Project: OnRamp is associated with Elim Bible Institute and College, but students attending

the Project: OnRamp program will not be enrolled at EBI&C.

HOW TO GIVE?To give online, visit www.elim.edu

and click on Give (select Project:

OnRamp).

To mail your gift, make your

check out to Elim Bible Institute

& College and note that it is for

Project: OnRamp.GIVING STUDENTS A SECOND CHANCE

This is where a Bible verse would go, but I’m not exactly sure what you would like to see here. Something inspiring and great.

“

”

Your financial gift could dramatically change the future of a young person. It costs about $5,000 to fund each student’s Project OnRamp experience, which includes their room, board and educational training. Often these young people come from under-resourced families, and without a diploma they are not eligible for federal financial aid. To donate online: www.elim.edu/give.

facebook.com/ elimbible

twitter.com/ elimbible

youtube.com/ elimbible

ELIM BIBLE INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE7245 College Street, Lima, NY 14485Website: www.elim.eduEmail: info@elim.eduAdmissions: 1.800.670.ELIMOther calls: 585.582.1230Bell Tower Editor: terricavanaugh@elim.edu

ALUMNI NEWS

MAY 24

ALUMNI & FRIENDS LUNCHEON Join former classmates & friends at this annual gathering during the EF Oasis Leadership Conference May 22-24.

MAY 14-25

SUMMER SCHOOLTake a full EBIC course in just 2 weeks! More info: Registrar’s Office, 585-582-8218 or info@elim.edu.

THURS-DAYS 11am

ALL-ELIM CHAPELSJoin students, faculty, staff of other campus ministries & area pastors at this weekly chapel, at Elim Gospel Church.

SEE BOX

BELOW

SPRING DISCOVERY DAYSCheck out EBIC classes & campus; meet students & staff; learn about admissions & financial aid! Free!

WEEK OF PRAYERJoin our students & staff during this annual week set aside to hear from God.

JAN 15-19

JAN 8

SPRING SEMESTER BEGINSApply soon to attend EBIC this spring! www.elim.edu. Info@elim.edu/apply or 585-582-8210

MAY 11–12

COMMENCEMENT WEEKENDCelebrate with our graduates! Baccalaureate Fri. 7pmSeniors Brunch Sat. 10amGraduation Sat. 2pm

2017 ALUMNUS of the YEAR:

Joseph Mophat Kilioba

DISCOVERY DAYS ADDS NEW OPTIONSThere are now 3 different types of Discovery Days, during which prospective students can experience Elim and see if EBIC might be the next step in God’s plan for their lives.

H Overnight on campus — Join current students at class, chapel, meals, & fun activities, plus stay overnight in a dorm. February 5-6, March 12-13, April 16-17

H One day on campus — Join current students at class, chapel & lunch. April 5H Online —Watch a live presentation and ask questions. February 20 at 7:30pm

During the on-campus events, participants will also attend sessions to learn about Elim’s academic programs, admissions requirements and campus life.

All Discovery Days are free and open to high school students and young adults to age 24. Our desire is to help prospective students gain a better understanding of God’s will for their lives. Help spread the word to young people you know! Get more info and register at www.elim.edu/discoverydays or contact us at 585-582-1230 or admissions@elim.edu.

Rev. Dr. Joseph M. Kilioba, from Kenya, was hon-ored at the May 2017 Alumni & Friends Luncheon. He attended Elim in 1985 and also

pursued further education, earning Doc-torate Degrees in Ministry and Philosophy.

If you’d like to encourage Stacy during this time, we have created a Facebook group, “We Love You, Stacy!” (facebook.com/groups/WeLoveUStacy), where you can post a favorite memory of how he has positively impacted your life.

HEALTH REPORT: STACY CLINEStacy Cline, Elim’s long-time Dean of Students & teacher, has taken the fall semester off from his EBIC responsibilities to pursue new treatment options for his stage 4 cancer. His body has responded well to treatments so far, and his inten-tion is to be fully engaged with classes and leadership responsibilities again in January. Please pray for Stacy as he receives these new treatments.

Bishop Kilioba & his wife Donah pastored Doonholm PEFA Church, a congregation in Nairobi that grew from 50 to 2500 adults over 20 years. Since 2010, he served as the General Overseer of the Pentecostal Evangelical Fellow-ship of Africa (PEFA), which oversees 3200 churches all over Kenya. He is known for his teaching on leadership and his ability to draw strong leaders around him. His ministry has touched the Nairobi Pentecostal Bible College, where he has served as a adjunct pro-fessor, and the Council of Churches of Kenya, where he has served in various roles. He was awarded the Commenda-tion for Community Development by the Kenyan Head of State.

Shopping on Amazon.com this Christmas—or anytime? Here’s an easy & free way to support EBIC at the same time!

12 Bell Tower Spring 2017 Spring 2017 Bell Tower PB

BELL TOWERElim Bible Institute and College7245 College StreetLima, NY 14485

Non-profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDRochester, NYPermit #973

Change Service Requested

DISCOVERY DAYSAttend class. Connect with students. ExperienceElim Bible Institute & College in Spring 2018 at

See if Elim is a fit for you. Gain a betterunderstanding of God‘s will for your life.• Overnight February 5-6, March 12-13,

April 16-17• One Day April 5• Online February 20Open to high school students and youngadults to age 24. Attendance is FREE.Sign up at www.elim.edu/discoverydays

DDays_Sat_2017_2_Layout 1 9/25/2017 3:27 PM Page 1

Do you know young people whom God might be call-ing to Elim?

Encourage them to check out EBIC at a DISCOVERY DAYS — free events for high school students & young adults. See page 11 for more about the 3 different kinds of Dis-covery Days!