BIBLEVILLE OUR WINTER HOME

I S S U E 3 4 S P R I N G 2 0 1 7

4 A SPIRITUAL OASIS

Senior saints find a refreshing winter home.

6 PRAYER

CONNECTION Tuesday prayer times are

a weekly highlight.

ON THE COVERThe Rio Grande Valley is a favorite winter vacation spot for thousands of northerners.

The mild weather, citrus trees in the back yard, and the Gulf of Mexico only an hour away make it very appealing. A few miles from Alamo, Texas, there is a place that attracts a distinct group of people who willingly serve God in their later years, even in the winter. It is called Bibleville.

COVER PHOTO: Bob Kracht

GO ONLINE Check out www.riogrande.edu to see our other publications.

SPRING 2017

IN THIS ISSUE

8 A PLACE TO SERVE

Where opportunities to minister abound.

10

TRAUMA TO TRANQUILITY

One man’s story of God’s faithful leading.

14 GIVE ME THIS

MOUNTAIN Two ministries unite for

God’s greater glory.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

3 PRESIDENT’S

COLUMN

12 HONOR AND MEMORIAL GIFTS

13 CAMPUS NEWS

PURPOSE: To make God’s people aware of the needs of the Hispanic World and the role that Rio Grande Bible Institute serves to provide godly Christian leadership.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: This publication is sent without charge and is sustained by voluntary contributions. Send requests, cancellations, and address changes to Ministerial Advancement, Rio Grande Bible Institute, 4300 South US Hwy. 281, Edinburg, TX 78539, U.S.A., E-mail: rgbimail@riogrande.edu, phone: 956-380-8100, fax: 956-380-8256.

PERMISSION: Written permission is required for reproduction in whole or in part. Address inquiries to: Rio Grande Editor, at the above address.

© 2017 Rio Grande Bible Institute. Alll rights reserved. Printed in USA

LARRY WINDLE President

BOB KRACHT Managing Editor

ENID SANFORD Copy Editor, Writer

DOUG ROEGLIN Art Director

CHRISTY BROKENS Graphic Designer

Rio Grande Bible Institute RGBI Canada103-2005 St. Mary’s Rd. Winnipeg, MB R2N 4P1 www.riogrande.edu

PHO

TO S

TACE

Y LE

IGH

RAY

, FRE

EIM

AGES

.CO

M S

OU

RCES

TH

E JO

URN

AL

OF

HO

RTIC

ULT

URE

, CO

TTA

GE

GA

RDEN

ER, A

ND

CO

UN

TRY

GEN

TLEM

AN

. G

EORG

E W

. JO

HN

SON

, F.R

.H.S

., A

ND

RO

BERT

HO

GG

, LLD

. LO

ND

ON

: FLE

ET S

TREE

T, 1

862.

P 4

12, 4

13.

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

STILL BEARING FRUITA FEW YEARS AGO I BUILT AN ARBOR AND PLANTED SOME GRAPE VINES. I enjoy the shade of the vines stretched over an arbor, but I didn’t plant the vines for shade. I planted them for grapes…fruit! As I prepared the soil, I dreamed about the fruit that I hoped to eventually enjoy from the vines. It is quite a process, involving soil, roots, stems, sap, branches, leaves, and ultimately, the long awaited fruit.

Horticulturists explain that at first the sap is mere water. As it moves through the soil, mixes with juices in the roots, and eventually arrives in the stems and branches, this denser fluid acquires the same properties as the natural products of the plant. For instance, oak sap can be tapped and the tannin used for curing leather, while sugar maple sap becomes maple syrup. Even before it becomes leaves and branches and fruit, it is already made in the composition of the plant. Although there is always the danger of damage by animals or weather or disease, its longevity and the quality of the fruit it bears depend directly on the deep and effective roots that draw the sustenance.

The Psalmist speaks in his first song of the blessed man whose delight is in the law of the Lord on which he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree planted by the source of deepest supply, and as a result he will be fruitful and his leaves won’t wither. Again in Psalm 92 he compares Christ-centered people to plants and remarks that “They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.” I love that turn of phrase: fat and flourishing! Perhaps our culture has tainted our perspective of that term, but it speaks of spiritual health, richness of

attitude, and of plenteous abundance of spiritual fruit.

I know many “fat and flourishing” people who continue to bear much fruit in old age! Many of them live in a place we call Bibleville. Yes, it is a retirement community, but it is by no means a place to cease from useful involvement in the Lord’s ministry! God’s wisdom is wonderfully expressed in His option to use the experienced and energetic people of Bibleville to accomplish many of His choicest ministries! Where else could our students who are preparing for ministry find the rich benefit of an army of prayer warriors to support them? How else could the ministries of discipleship, church planting, radio, and evangelistic outreach receive the deep spiritual enrichment of the experience and wisdom represented by the residents of Bibleville? As you read on, I invite you to join us in thanking God for this group of “fat and flourishing” saints!

2 Rio Grande Magazine www.riogrande.edu

Left to right Whether at home, greeting folks after a service, or enjoying a spin around the conference grounds, Chaplain Elwood Chipchase and Joy, his appropriately named wife, focus on encouraging their fellow believers at Bibleville.

Comments like this one from Kay put a new spring in my step. Linda commented that “Biblevillers know how to pray, and they are faithfully doing it.” Rollie agreed. And it is not just in meetings that people are praying.

Throughout our little community, there is a car-ing atmosphere that is typical of Christians who love their Lord and love one another. We each have the same foundation built on the solid Rock, Christ Jesus. If we were not trusting in Him as our Savior, none of us would be here, as that is the main requirement for acceptance as a resident.

As the chaplain, my goal in the pul-pit is to provide sound Bible teaching that makes a difference in the way we live. The demonstration of godly char-acter brings longtime residents back year after year. They are hungry for what Doug explained when he stated, “There’s no doubt that the environment is conducive to spiritual growth.” Rich says he has been built up in the faith because he is continually challenged to study and read God’s Word every day. Bob added, “I have learned to be more of a servant.”

Other comments I hear often are, “Bibleville is a little taste of heaven.” “It’s like a family!” It is a place where daily we are offered the pleasure of spiritual encouragement. Sometimes Winter Texans from local mobile home parks stop me in stores wanting to know when our services begin. They love being among us and we welcome them! Praise the Lord!

If you were to attend the Tuesday Bible studies, conducted by our own men and women, and the morning prayer meetings, you would hear earnest prayers offered for the Bible College students as they prepare for Christian service. And requests for mis-sionaries dominate our weekly prayer sheet.

There are many opportunities to minister and to be ministered to here. Gloria shared this: “My hus-band passed away three years ago, and I’ve felt lonely and sometimes had scary feelings, but not here at Bibleville. Others are quick to help.” My wife and I are privileged to facilitate a thirteen-week course each year, called “GriefShare,” for those who are working through the loss of a loved one. We have numerous occasions to counsel residents and have

witnessed the comfort and stability that God gives in difficult times.

In phone conversations during the summer months, I often hear someone say, “I can’t wait to get back to Bibleville!” Our people look forward to the Christian fel-lowship, the Bible-based messages, and the good music they enjoy here. Five conference weeks in January through early March feature out-

side speakers Sunday through Friday. Whether it is a conference speaker or the chaplain who preaches, it is not unusual for the auditorium to be filled with 350-500 people as much as an hour before the ser-vice begins!

The Saturday concerts are not only for enter-tainment, but always have an evangelistic thrust. It takes many dedicated believers to make the music programs a success. I have the privilege of closing each concert with an invitation for anyone to wel-come Christ into their lives as their Savior.

Bibleville is a place of spiritual, emotional, and physical rebuilding. As chaplain—whether I am visiting a resident in the hospital or in their home, or when someone stops by our house—I am just as encouraged spiritually as they are. So, I invite you to drop by and see for yourself what Bibleville is all about. The coffee pot is always on!

IF I HAD KNOWN WHAT IT WAS LIKE HERE AT BIBLEVILLE,

I WOULD HAVE COME MANY YEARS AGO!

A SPIRITUAL

OASISDr. Elwood H. Chipchase, Bibleville Chaplain

PHO

TOS

BOB

KRA

CHT

4 Rio Grande Magazine www.riogrande.edu Rio Grande Magazine www.riogrande.edu 5

Charlie and Linda Belcher are former missionaries who came to Bibleville six years ago from San Antonio.

IF YOU WERE TO VISIT BIBLEVILLE DURING THE SUMMER, YOU MIGHT WONDER WHERE ALL THE PEOPLE WERE.During the hottest months of the year, you would find only a few dozen hardy souls who have stayed behind while hundreds of their friends have gone “up north.” However, in October the numbers begin to climb, until at the height of the season, some 500-plus seniors have made the conference grounds their winter home.

There are many events and meetings at Bibleville, but one of the most important is the Tuesday morning prayer meeting, when about 100 men and women gather for prayer and Bible study. Although coffee, doughnuts, and good fellowship are often a part, prayer is the real reason we are there. Marvin Intermill had the vision of starting the prayer meeting in 1988, about twelve years after Bibleville began, and it is still going strong. During the busiest time of the year, around 200 attend the prayer times. And it is interesting that at least one Tuesday morning prayer meeting was started in Minnesota as a result of our Bibleville prayer meeting.

Preparation for the Tuesday morning prayer meeting begins the previous Thursday afternoon, when Linda sends out a reminder to about 230 Biblevillers, requesting their petitions and answers to prayer. She receives these praises and prayer requests via emails, notes, and sometimes phone calls. After compiling the responses, she emails the Prayer & Praise sheet to about 230 folks on Sunday afternoon. In addition, copies of this sheet are printed and handed out to at the Tuesday meeting.

All during the year our hearts stay connected as we pray for one another and for Rio Grande Bible Ministries. We pray weekly for the staff, and especially for the students, their studies, and their evangelistic outreach ministries. A particular burden for the last couple of years has been the expansion of the ministry of Radio Esperanza, Rio Grande’s Spanish radio ministry. Its signal reaches

not only the Rio Grande Valley, but also reaches into Mexico. Our hearts were filled with rejoicing when we learned that God had intervened and answered our prayers in securing the property for the new radio tower at Roma, located about 65 miles from the campus.

Of course we Biblevillers are all senior citizens so we have lots of health issues—such as hip and knee replacements—and more life threatening issues as well. Every year we have to say good-bye to those of our number whom God calls to our heavenly home. In every case, God is faithful, blessing us with spiritual blessings and with love for one another.

When Bibleville people are apart and hear that someone has a need, the cards, letters, and emails of encouragement start zooming across the miles. And when the person is here on the grounds everyone does what they can to be encouraging and helpful. What a rich blessing and honor it is to be a part of the Bibleville Family!

It matters little what form of prayer we adopt or how many words we use. What matters is the faith which lays hold on God, knowing that He knows our needs before we even ask Him. That is what gives Christian prayer its boundless confidence and its joyous certainty. —Dietrich Bonhoeffer

500 OR MORE

SENIORS HAVE MADE

BIBLEVILLE THEIR

WINTER HOME.

UP TO

200 PEOPLE ATTEND PRAYER

DURING THE BUSIEST

TIME OF YEAR.

PRAYER REQUESTS & PRAISES

ARE SENT TO AROUND

230 PEOPLE

EVERY WEEK!

THE

Charlie and Linda BelcherPH

OTO

S BO

B KR

ACH

T

Rio Grande Magazine www.riogrande.edu 76 Rio Grande Magazine www.riogrande.edu

A PLACE TO SERVE

Jim Frisby, Bibleville Committee Chairman

Left to right, top to bottom Assembling Scripture booklets; preparing to go on a mission project; ringing the bell for the Salvation Army; making mountains of quilts; presenting a

Christmas drama; preaching the Word at a mobile park; the Men’s Quartet singing His praises; putting up walls at a Christian school; the JEM Trio blending their voices; passing out

Gospel tracts at a flea market; helping at the thrift shop to support a Mexican children’s home.

THE PURPOSE OF BIBLEVILLE CONFERENCE GROUNDS IS TOspread the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ through Bible conferences and Gospel concerts, to encourage missions, and to support the ministry of Rio Grande Bible Institute physically, monetarily, and in prayer.

Bibleville Conference Grounds became the official name in 1975, but it is commonly referred to as just Bibleville. On April 30, 1993, we officially merged with Rio Grande Bible Institute, Inc., making Bibleville a division of RGBI, under its authority and oversight.

This is not a place for people to come to escape from cold northern winters, nor is it a vacation retreat. But it is a community where God’s people can minister throughout the Rio Grande Valley during the winter months. Here, with unlimited opportunities to serve, one can become as involved in serving others as he or she desires. For example, there are many RV and mobile home parks in the Valley where, every Sunday from November through March, retired pastors can preach to hundreds of Winter Texans from across North America.

Some of the other ministries that are available here include the following: collating booklets of the Gospel of John and Romans, passing out Scripture tracts at flea markets, tutoring at local public schools, making and providing VBS materials for missionaries, and making quilts and layettes to be distributed to missionaries and RGBI families and

students. Here on the grounds, there are multiple opportunities to use one’s talents, whatever they may be. Those who are musical can participate in the public meetings as members of a choir, a small group, or as a soloist or accompanist.

While a few people live at Bibleville year around, the winter residents expand the population to more than 400. The conference season begins the first of November with Sunday services in the morning and evening and a Bible study on Thursday evening. In addition, there are separate men’s and women’s prayer meetings/Bible studies each Tuesday morning. During the winter months, these Tuesday prayer times are attended by about 130-150 at each session.

Yes, Bibleville is a wonderful place to grow spiritually and to continue one’s ministry into the “Golden Years.”

BIBLEVILLE IS A COMMUNITY WHERE GOD’S PEOPLE CAN MINISTER IN THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY DURING THE WINTER MONTHS

PHO

TOS

REN

É CO

LIN

—BI

BLEV

ILLE

CO

LLEC

TIO

N

8 Rio Grande Magazine www.riogrande.edu8 Rio Grande Magazine www.riogrande.edu Rio Grande Magazine www.riogrande.edu 9

LIKE MANY OF US, IN MY EARLY YEARS I DIDN’T THINK MUCH ABOUT RETIREMENT AND HAD NO PLANS FOR THAT STAGE OF LIFE. When God led my wife and me to become missionaries in Paraguay, I assumed we would remain there until He called us home.

But things began to change unexpectedly in February 1973, when Judy and I had been home from the mission field for about two months. She was admitted to the hospital for surgery, and the very next day, as I was at her side, a brain aneurysm burst and suddenly she was with the Lord. We had been married only six

and a half years, and I was left with two boys to raise—Rob, who was five years old and Rich, three. About a year later I married my second wife, Rachel, who was in training with our mission.

We went back to Paraguay in late 1975, and for the next twelve years I served as the field administrator. We loved what we were doing, which involved a variety of things: purchasing and shipping supplies to missionaries in the interior, managing the guest facilities in Asuncion, and keeping the books for the mission and thirty-five missionary families. We also led Bible studies with the poor who lived in a needy

area of the city called the “Bañado.” Again, changes occurred and we moved to Mexico, where we served for a year and a half.

While in Mexico I suffered from depression for several months, so we came back to the States. We first lived in Norfolk, Nebraska, then moved to Sanford, Florida, where I worked on the construction of retirement homes for our mission. After serving at the mission headquarters for several more years, another shock came our way when I was asked to resign. It was an unexpected, unbelievable, devastating, and painful change in our lives. But God assured us it was from Him and that better days were coming.

Four months later we were accepted by InFaith Mission, and we have been with them for the past twenty-three years. When the mission needed someone to fill a position in South Texas, the Lord pointed us in this direction. I began pastoring a small

church in Indian Hills, a large colonia (an area usually populated by immigrants) about 11 miles from our home in Weslaco. I also became pastor at the mobile home park where we lived, and later began teaching two classes each semester at Rio Grande Bible College.

Here in the Rio Grande Valley, most mobile home parks consist of “Winter Texans” who come south for the winter months. We had lived in the same park for twenty years when our mobile home was destroyed by fire. That event was devastating enough, but the greater tragedy was that Rachel lost her life that day from smoke inhalation.

Due to some unpleasant circumstances in the mobile home park, it became obvious that it would be best to start over in a different location. The atmosphere in these parks seems to change about every ten years, since each new generation of occupants has different likes, dislikes, and values that they live by. Drinking and Happy Hour were becoming more acceptable where I lived.

At seventy-one years of age, I began asking myself where I would like to be ten years into the future.

I was aware of Bibleville Conference Grounds but did not know how strongly they emphasize their purpose as a Christian community of retirees who want to serve the Lord.

Three months after Rachel´s death, I moved to Bibleville. It has been a great place for me to live, especially as I went through the grieving process, surrounded by a community of caring Christians. I especially enjoy the men’s prayer group and the Christ-centered fellowship with other believers in this place.

Bob enjoys serving the Lord as pastor of a local church and faculty member at Rio Grande Bible College. PH

OTO

BO

B KR

ACH

T IL

LUST

RAT

ION

DO

UG

RO

EGLI

N

Bob Kerr, Adjunct Professor

FUEL FOR YOUR

PRAYER TIME

Our monthly Prayer Calendar provides a daily prayer request for Rio Grande staff, students,

alumni, or campus events.

“The Rio Grande Prayer Calendar is a very valuable tool I personally

use in my devotional and prayer time to intercede for our students, staff,

and all who are investing their lives in His service at Rio Grande.”

—JORGE A. LOPEZ, BOARD MEMBER

To request the monthly Prayer Calendar and

become a member of our prayer team, please send your name and mailing address

to ewindle@riogrande.edu.

10 Rio Grande Magazine www.riogrande.edu

RIO GRANDE BIBLE MINISTRIES

CAMPUS NEWS

GOING UP! On a mild Monday afternoon in mid-November, a 10-man team from Tennessee arrived and immediately went to work, putting up the frame for a new apartment building. By Friday afternoon, the walls were up, the roof was on, and they were on their way back home. As God enables, our Winter Volunteers and other visiting work teams will finish the task, and by August four grateful student families will move in. We stand amazed at all that God has done.

PHO

TOS

BOB

KRA

CHT

& J

ORG

E RI

VERA

AN ANSWER TO PRAYER When long-time Winter Volunteer directors Gary and Verla Williams decided it was time to step down from that responsibility, the question on everyone’s minds was "who will take their places?" President Larry Windle and Ruth—two of the busiest people on campus—stepped into the gap until "someone else" would become available. Then, in late November, in answer to prayer, Kevan and Kim Soderberg, who were living at Bibleville, volunteered for the position. Soon they moved to the campus and began their duties. Thank God for this wonderful provision.

ON THE MOVE To RGBC students, Thanksgiving break means more than relaxing after eating a big turkey dinner. This year a record number of them, in 12 teams, left all of that behind to minister in places as far-flung as Chicago, Wichita, Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Rio Grande City, Texas. We thank God for their willingness to take the Good News of the Gospel to the unsaved and to encourage the local churches where they served. One pastor’s wife wrote, "Fabulous group—we didn't want them to leave!! Thank you all for preparing such amazing servants of God!"

PHO

TO J

AN

NO

ON

028,

FRE

EPIK

.CO

M

AUGUST 16, 2016 — DECEMBER 15, 2016

HONOR & MEMORIAL GIFTSHONOR

Children & Families of: Lloyd & Bonnie Allen

Helen Hanes

Loy Dee Arbaugh

Dick & Marlene Holmes Richard & Debra Holmes

Gordon Johnson Loy Dee Arbaugh

Robert & Frances Thiessen

Mr. & Mrs. Matt Gallagher Mr. & Mrs. David Winze

MEMORIAL

Karen Anderson Mr. & Mrs. Raymond A. Johnson

Richard (Dick) Anderson

Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Byran Mr. & Mrs. Donald Graber

Don & Barb Lewis Dr. & Mrs. Antonio Lim, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Terry McCloud

First Church of the Nazarene Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Owen Mr. & Mrs. Earl Ranke

Mr. & Mrs. Roger Schmiesing Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Stone

Willis Stutzman Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Unternahrer Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Vandemark

Al & Kathleen J. Vandorp Mr. & Mrs. Sheldon Weinert

Paul Beck

Loretta Kaye Beau Lac Mr. & Mrs. Robert Boley

Cyrus Earhart Mrs. Elizabeth Ehmke

Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Frederickson Mr. & Mrs. Kent Gildner

Mr. & Mrs. Raymond A. Johnson Mr. & Mrs. James Walker

T.N. “Bud” & Lucille Blackwell

Mr. & Mrs. Ken Tharp

Howard Brewer Mrs. Elizabeth Ehmke

Mr. & Mrs. Kent Gildner

Jackie Brown Mr. & Mrs. Kent Gildner

Deane Clingman

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Unternahrer

Charlye Beth Combs Mr. & Mrs. Don Hulen Smith

Kathy Davidson

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Boley

Henry Cramer Mr. & Mrs. James Walker

Susan Danis

Randy & Kathy Price

Harry Derksen Dr. & Mrs. Gordon Johnson

Marilyn Dykstra

Gayen Borgen

Wilma Etcher Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Axvig Mr. & Mrs. Lester Beach Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Heath

Charles Fellows

Mr. & Mrs. Joe Behrends Gayen Borgen

Mr. & Mrs. Larry Ellis Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Frederickson

Joan Funk Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Hoines

Betty Holty Mr. & Mrs. Mark Keck

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Kracht Bob & Barb Kracht James McClaflin Dana L. Nichols

Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Peterson

Bruce & Deb Ranke Mr. & Mrs. Earl Ranke

Marcia Ranke Reed Farms, LLC

Mr. & Mrs. Edward Vance

Ray Fuller Loretta Kaye Beau Lac Mr. & Mrs. Kent Gildner

Mr. & Mrs. Raymond A. Johnson

Richard & Hilda Hooge Kathy Davison

Keith Gilmore

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Boley Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Owen

Larry Glodowski

Mr. & Mrs. Malvin Johnson

Lowell Hogberg Mr. & Mrs. Jerald Ryks

Glen Johnson

Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Axvig Mr. & Mrs. Robert Boley

Dorothy Dennis Mr. & Mrs. Raymond A. Johnson

Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Owen Mr. & Mrs. Malvin Robinson

Mr. & Mrs. Jerald Ryks

Glen & Marilyn Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Axvig

Marilyn Johnson

Mr. & Mrs. Malvin Robinson Mr. & Mrs. James Van Mark

Wendell Johnson

Mr. & Mrs. Jerald Ryks

Violet Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Kent Gildner

Arnold Lund

Mr. & Mrs. Earl Ranke

Sheila McNaughton Eunice Myers

Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Stremler

LaVena Mohling Russell Young

Audrey Mosman

Mr. & Mrs. Kent Gildner

Fran Nicol Mr. & Mrs. Robert Mills

Barbara O’Hara

Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Axvig Mr. & Mrs. Clarence Bloom

Mr. & Mrs. Raymond A. Johnson Jon & Beth O’Hara

Russell O’Hara Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Owen Mr. & Mrs. Jerald Ryks Bob & Janet Sawyer Randy & Nancy Stoll

Kathy Sirjord Mr. & Mrs. James Van Mark

Karl & Helen Place

Dr. & Mrs. Antonio Lim, Jr. Evelyn Daum

Mr. & Mrs. Sidney Hoyt Ronald Place

Helen Place

Mr. & Mrs. Don Lewis Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Owen

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Unternahrer Mr. & Mrs. Albert Van Dorp

Aaron Reeves

Mr. & Mrs. Jerald Ryks

Stan Sandvik Gayen Borgen

Darlene Trowbridge

Mr. & Mrs. Kent Gildner

Arne J. & Agnes Viken Mr. & Mrs. Ken Tharp

Beverly Voss

Mr. & Mrs. Kent Gildner Mr. & Mrs. James Walker

Gerald Weedin

Mr. & Mrs. Jerald Ryks Mr. & Mrs. Malvin Robinson

Clyde Wheeler

Mr. & Mrs. James Walker

Grace Whittle Rev. & Mrs. Keith Jeske

Paul Zerbe

Mrs. Elizabeth Ehmke

12 Rio Grande Magazine www.riogrande.edu Rio Grande Magazine www.riogrande.edu 13

ILLU

STR

ATIO

N D

AN

IEL

TORR

ES

Dr. Gordon Johnson, President Emeritus

Queen Esther responded with beauty and duty to Mordecai’s command to approach the oriental monarch. “If I perish, I perish,” she decisively stated. (Esther 4:16) But there was another moment even greater than these.

“Give me this mountain!” was spoken in intrepid faith by an eighty-five-year-old man. ( Joshua 14:12) He had seen his whole generation die in the wilderness. “I was forty years old when Moses sent me to spy out the land, and I brought back word to him as it was in my heart . . . but I wholly followed the LORD God. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said . . . and Joshua blessed him, and gave him Hebron . . . because he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.” ( Joshua 14:7, 10-14)

To appreciate this resolute response, we note that Moses had earlier commanded twelve spies to survey in depth the Promised Land. Ten gave logical reasons why it was impossible to enter the land that “. . . flows with milk and honey. . . Then Caleb quieted [silenced] the people and said: ‘Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.’” (Numbers 13:27, 30, 31)

Later Caleb had a daughter who followed in his footsteps. “She answered, ‘Give me a blessing; since you have given me the land in the South, give me also springs of water.’ So he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.” ( Joshua 15:19) Like father like daughter! What a heritage we can leave our own!

For the believer, age can be a most valuable asset—with lessons learned from years of walking with God in faith and obedience. No doubt, there are physical limitations, but elderly Caleb brought back the report as it was

in his heart, a heart that had wholly followed the LORD. Caleb secured Hebron, the highest mountain, as his legacy to his family. Hebron was the oldest city of renown, the city where David was anointed king of Israel, and it became God’s frequent dwelling place.

What resemblance can we observe between Caleb’s experience and the relationship of Rio Grande with Bibleville? I believe there are many similarities. The leaders of the Eleventh Hour Mission, previous owners of Bibleville, visited me in 1992 to inquire of a possible merger. My first response was negative. Since RGBI works exclusively in Spanish with young Latinos who are called to minister in Latin America, and Bibleville, on the other hand, is an Anglo retirement ministry seeking to serve the Lord, I did not see how we could work together.

However, with the counsel of Morris Montague, one of our board members who was also well acquainted with Bibleville, the two boards met. By a virtual unanimous decision, God launched our combined ministries. Some of my greatest joys were working closely with the godly leadership of Bibleville while I was president of RGBI. Only heaven will reveal the spiritual dynamic that unites our respective ministries. We provide Bibleville with spiritual and legal coverage, and they assist us in many ways and enhance our outreach in the community.

Our underlying unity comes from the truth of Caleb’s wholly following the LORD and in faith leaving a legacy to his descendants. May God enable us to reproduce the spiritual legacy of Caleb’s audacious “Give me this mountain!”

Scripture is from the New Kings James version.

Rio Grande Magazine www.riogrande.edu 1514 Rio Grande Magazine www.riogrande.edu

PHO

TO B

OB

KRA

CHT ph

oto

Jo

rge

Soto

may

or

Meet the Class of 2020!What a great new group of students god has called to

rio grande Bible ministries. However, most of them have very limited resources and pay only a portion of their costs.

We receive no government aid but rely on our donors to provide funds for the on-campus work study program.

most students participate in this program to help with expenses. We would love to talk with you, explaining the program further

and how you may be able to help. Would you prayerfully consider supporting our students in this way?

Checks should be specified for the Work Study Program

For more information, contact Bob Allen, VP, Ministerial Advancement, 956-380-8125, ballen@riogrande.eduFor more information, contact Bob Allen, VP, Ministerial Advancement, 956-380-8125, ballen@riogrande.edu

2 TIMOTHY 2:15, NKJV

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be

ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Our Bible College students are preparing to take the Gospel around the world. RGBM awards academic

scholarships to deserving students each semester. If you would like more information on how to help a worthy student, please contact us at the phone number or email address below. Thank you!