by Jim Edge
In just a few short days, students will begin to return to the campus of Baptist Bible College. I get excited about opening day because it is like a holiday with students coming back together and new students beginning their time with us. Perhaps my greatest encouragement as president is to have the opportunity to spend time with students that God sends our way. I am constantly challenged by their passion and spiritual dedication.
One such student is Reuben Herrin. Reuben comes to us from Capitol City Baptist Church in Holt, Michigan. He surrendered his life to full-time Christian service between his junior and senior year of high school at Camp Chautauqua, when Brian Moore and the BBC Rec team were there. A 2010 BBC graduate, he now serves on our staff in the recruiting office. In a recent conversation, he said, “I can’t shake the idea that God is calling this generation of young believers to live life according to what God has for them and not what the world has for them. It is awesome that God has opened the door for me to recruit. It gives me the opportunity to have an impact on their decision to serve Christ.”
About his time at BBC, Reuben states, “I really learned through the students and professors how to be a true Christ follower, not just a nominal Christian. I learned the importance of practicing a biblical lifestyle.”
The education of our students in how to make a difference for Christ is our number one priority. These students will insure a strong future for the cause of Christ, the local church, and the Baptist Bible Fellowship. We take that responsibility seriously. It is my conviction that true lasting biblical training includes much more than what takes place in a classroom. Our professors at BBC often spend time outside the classroom through local churches and service projects to influence our students. Under the leadership of Greg Christopher, our vice president for academic affairs, and Ray Adams, our dean of students, our students are mentored by professors and staff, and they gain valuable practical wisdom through real life experiences.
It is because of Reuben and many others like him that I have the assurance there is great hope for the future of Baptist Bible College and the BBFI. Thank you for being our partner in prayer and financial support. We are honored you have entrusted us with your young men and women whom God has called. By partnering with BBC you have joined with God in writing the next chapter in the exciting story of independent Baptists and the Baptist Bible Fellowship.
When asked “What’s next for you?” Reuben responded, “I feel like God is getting ready to use BBC to make a huge difference in God’s kingdom work. I want to be a part of what God is doing.”