Decision Days–a time anticipated by many students; a vacation looked forward to by many visitors; an occasion God uses to move in the lives of young people and older people alike. The way you look at it usually directs what happens while at Decision Days. Decision Days is based more on the decision of how someone wants to look at it from the three different angles mentioned beforehand. Prior to being a student, I attended two Decision Days. The first time I came was just as a time to get away and see what Ozark Bible Institute was all about. The second time I came was to check the school out again because I knew that OBI was where God wanted me to go.

This year as a freshman, it was also the first time that I could look at it from the student’s perspective. We were apprehensive about the visitors that would be staying in our rooms (because of stories told in the dorm of past Decision Days) and the sleeplessness that would come about from "them" staying in the dorm rooms. The fear almost made the expectancy of Decision Days turn into a dread. But God is gracious and full of mercy! There were many good visitors this year, and it was an enjoyable event from a student’s perspective.

It wasn’t until Decision Days ‘05 that I came with the intentions of having God move in my life and give me direction. I’m not saying this with the intentions of bragging or making myself look good, because I know that many other students prepared for Decision Days with the same expectancy. There was a hunger for personal revival and direction in my life no matter what others might have said or done. I came with a purpose, and I was not going to back down. I believe that God honored the desire and determination, not because of who I am but because "he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." God helped show me the focus of what He has called me to do. I knew I was called to preach the great gospel of Jesus Christ, but I wasn’t exactly sure what direction I was being led. I now have a brighter path for my life and a clearer direction. God is faithful to those that prove themselves faithful to Him.

Anson Miller, OBI Freshman

Being a sophomore I have had the great privilege of experiencing two weeks of Decision Days. We are given the opportunity of meeting new people and hopefully convincing them that this place really isn’t as busy as it seems and that it really is "a place where God can help Himself to young lives" (D.C. Branham).

God brought me to OBI for the first time four years ago for Decision Days. I knew immediately that this was where God wanted me to be and that if I ever did decide to go to Bible school, this would be the place. Well, I wish I could say that I came as soon as I graduated from high school, but I can’t; so I won’t (that would be lying). When I graduated, I spent a year at home attending the community college on a scholarship I received. After I finished a year there, I moved to Kentucky with my brother and sister-in-law to help them for the summer with their house and my nephew. I was fine most of the summer till about a month before school was supposed to start. I suddenly started remembering all of the preaching and words that God had spoken to my heart two years earlier at OBI. I found it odd, shook it off, and tried to continue on my way. But of course, God doesn’t always allow us to have things our way. He continually reminded me more and more of what I learned and heard. Finally, one night in my room, all alone, I broke down in tears, and prayed for God to speak to me. He did and He told me that He wanted me to come to OBI. I started planning and preparing for what He wanted for me. I called my mom the next day and told her what I wanted to do. I filled out an application and sent it off. Things just seemed to run smoothly from there (funny how when you start doing what God wants you to, things just fall into place). I finally made it here to the school, and I can honestly say I’ve been happy ever since.

I really have to give credit for my being here to Decision Days. If it wasn’t for the school giving me the opportunity to come, I probably never would have. There is no telling what I could be doing right now. I have to say that Decision Days changed my life, and helped me to make decisions that God wanted me to make. Every year so far God has spoken to me a fresh desire to keep working for Him. I know it’s because somebody took the time to organize a week where the Holy Spirit can move people to let "God help Himself to their lives."

Elizabeth Conroy, OBI Sophomore

When I was a senior in high school, I attended OBI's Decision Days for the first time. I have to admit, I was skeptical. I had heard that OBI still stood for holiness. I had heard that the power of God fell in classes. I had heard that there were still young people who were willing to "ask for the old paths," and walk in them. However, I had also heard contrary statements. From some people, I heard that the students were a bunch of compromisers, and OBI was going liberal. From others I heard the students were snobs and the rules were ridiculous. It was time for me to visit OBI, and find the truth for myself.

I can still remember Brother Mike Shelton's Pentateuch class. The freshman classroom was so packed that some visitors had to sit outside the doorway. When Brother Shelton finished teaching, he had everyone take communion together. With hearts bowed, hands lifted, tears falling, and voices singing praise, the power of God fell in that class. It was then the Lord confirmed the fact that He was calling me to Ozark Bible Institute and College. That fall, I enrolled as a student.

I am now a junior at OBI, and I love it. Decision Days is still a great time of the year. However, as a student, I view it differently. It is a time to be extremely busy (especially if you are on Student Council!). It is a time to meet prospective students. It is a time to fellowship with other young people who desire revival.

However, it is also a time that is set apart to hear from God. One of my favorite things about Decision Days is the Saturday morning service. Bro. Terry Miles has never failed to challenge me. However, this Decision Days, what I needed most was the power of God that fell in my dorm room Friday afternoon when no one else was there.

This is my third year at OBI, and the power of God is still moving on campus. God is still calling young people to "ask for the old paths," and walk in them. Ozark Bible Institute still does stand for holiness. I believe God is calling a generation to stand up for holiness and take the gospel to the world. If you are a young person who longs to do something for God, then maybe you should plan to visit OBI Decision Days 2007.

I remember the first time I came to Decision Days–I came simply as a visitor to spend time with my cousin, Amanda Russell. I didn’t come to "decide" to attend OBI; I had already made my decision that OBI wasn’t for me. But while I was here, God got ahold of my life and called me to OBI. Being a student during Decision Days is quite a different experience. But one thing was the same, and that was the life-changing services that challenged me and reaffirmed the calling God had placed on my life. But as a Senior, my last Decision Days was another experience all together. Partly because I was Student Council President, and Student Council is responsible for Decision Days. So this year, it was about so much more than just being with friends, or about the services. It was about preparing an atmosphere where "God could help himself to young lives." It was about praying and fasting for the prospective students that were coming. It was about being sure all the details were worked out from ordering pizza, to making sure someone was over the basketball tournament, to scheduling a speaker for the youth service. It was about creating a place where people could come and have fun but have it run smoothly so God could call people to the ministry and to OBI. So this year, Decision Days was about praying, fasting, preparing, working hard, and detailing, but God still used it to remind me that OBI has been a place where He has helped Himself to my life.

In February, 2006, RoyAnn Mathews has been the pastor of Fulton Assembly of God in Fulton, IL for one year. Her contact information is: 901 6^th St., Fulton, IL. 61252; (815)589-4051.

Scott and Kendal (Long) Fowler have been blessed by God with another baby girl, Regan Grace, on July 23, 2005. Regan’s older sister, Paige Caroline, is 3 years old, and is probably a big help to mommy with little sis. Congratulations to you both on this little bundle of joy.

Kent and Kandy (Armstrong) Keller welcomed their first baby boy on November 14, 2005. Greyson Wyatt weighed 8 lbs., 10 oz., and was 21 ½ inches long. Mommy said he has "tons of dark hair," and that "God blessed us abundantly above all we asked or thought." They prayed for almost two years for this little man. We trust that you both will "lend" him back to the Lord because God "lent" Wyatt to you. Congratulations!

Rob and Aliesha (Burks) Adair were blessed with a new arrival. Robert Massey Adair III (Trace) was born on December 17, 2005 weighing in at 8 lbs., 13 oz., and was 21 1/4 inches long. Trace has an older sister named Kierstyn, who is 3 years old. Congratulations!

A new baby girl was born on January 12, 2006 to the Hundley family. Emma Kate weighed 8 lbs., 2 oz.. Congratulations to both Kyle and Erica (Jarvis) Hundley on the birth of your precious little gift!

Congratulations are in order for Berkley and Christi (Todd) Rose on the birth of their son, Ethan Douglas. This little guy was born on February 16, 2006. He weighed 8 lbs., 14 oz., and was 20 ½ inches long. Christopher (9), Samuel (4), and Mellyn (3) are all helping out with Ethan, their baby brother. Congratulations again for this precious gift from God!

Shawn Busby and Cynthia Cummings announce that they were united in marriage on August 22, 2005. Cynthia also became the mother of Shawn’s three sons, Trevor, Kieran, and Brennan. May the Lord continue to work in your lives.

James Richardson and Jennifer Harris gave themselves to each other on September 2, 2005. May the Lord bless you both as you give yourselves to His service! Congratulations on this wonderful time in your lives.

Jeremy Rutherford and Rachel Highley were united in marriage on November 12, 2005. They are currently the youth pastors of Bethel Assembly of God in Ohio. Their new address is 4701 State Rt 222, Batavia, OH 45103. Congratulations on your new lives together.

Chris Godfrey and Elizabeth Biggerstaff have become one. On March 11, 2006 they were joyously united in marriage. May your lives further God’s Kingdom as you live for Him. Congratulations!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the first forty years in Egypt, Moses learned to be a Somebody. In the second forty years in the wilderness, Moses learned to be a Nobody. In the third forty years, he learned what God can do with a Somebody who is willing to be a Nobody.

By Dwight L. Moody

[ Home ] [ Up ]

Send mail to obiwebpage@juno.com  with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 09/02/08