Dr. John Greening speaking at Appalachian Bible College
MOUNT HOPE, W.Va.—The phrase “Old-Fashioned Facebook,” coined by Dean of Students David Childs, captured the essence of Appalachian Bible College’s Alumni Homecoming. Alumni of all ages throughout the weekend shared publicly and privately how God has worked in their lives.
On Thursday evening, alumni gathered with ABC staff for singing, testimonies, prayer, and fellowship around the Word. The evening was not entirely serious, however, as alumni and staff played “ABC’s $100,000 Pyramid,” hosted by ABC’s own “Click Dark” (the “long-lost cousin” of Dick Clark, portrayed by Vice President for Business Ken Lilly). The challenging questions covered various aspects of campus life and events.
On Friday guests attended a special service titled “Praise and Adoration for Thy Word,” featuring music by The Carpenter Family Renewal Ministry, in which alumnus Scott Carpenter and his family minister. A Celebration Dinner that night included not only delicious food but encouraging music, enriching fellowship, and a challenge from the Bible.
This year’s guest speaker was Dr. John Greening, national representative of the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches. “As Dr. Greening preached, it was obvious that this year’s theme from Psalm 119:97, ‘Servants Who Love Thy Word,’ was more than just a sermon topic; it was a passion of his heart,” says Jarod Burrer, director of public relations.
Greening challenged his listeners to examine how much they really love God’s Word and if they are living out that love in their daily lives. Thursday evening he contrasted the depths of feeling expressed through a traditional Valentine’s card to that of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnet 43, her famous “How do I love thee” poem to her husband. “Do we have a superficial love for God’s Word, or do we have the same passion expressed by the psalmist in Psalm 119?” he asked. Concluding his series in chapel Friday morning, Greening exhorted the audience to handle carefully that which they profess to love, emphasizing 2 Timothy 2:15: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
While the adults gathered with Greening, the children and teens participated in their own activities. Children enjoyed crafts, games, and lessons on the life of Elijah, where they learned to “Take a Stand for God.” Teens had the opportunity to try some of the Alpine Adventure activities like the Adventure Swing, High Ropes Course, Rappelling Tower, and Climbing Wall. They also spent time in God’s Word before ending their activities with a bonfire at the Outdoor Chapel.
Events continued through Saturday, as ladies gathered for the Ladies’ Fall Luncheon with special guest Reba Bowman, founder of Dare for More Ministries, Inc.
ABC’s Homecoming was a unique time of praise to God for His written revelation. “It is our prayer that it fulfilled ABC’s continued commitment to ‘educate and equip servants’ long after they have dispersed into the harvest fields of the world,” says Burrer.
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