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| Alumni Corner -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES By Dawn Schminkey, Alumni Secretary
Ozark Bible Institute and College’s Commencement 2006 On April 21, 2006 Ozark Bible Institute and College Commencement took place. Fifteen Seniors finished their courses. The following is a recap of the events that took place during the Commencement service. After the Graduates marched in Brother Terry Miles read from Isaiah 6 and encouraged the students to "Go for Him!" Brother Gary Hampton led us in prayer. Brother Daniel Taylor then presented to Brother Hampton a Certificate of Dedication, the 2005-2006 OBI Year Book will be dedicated in his honor. Brother Marshall Stoner led the congregation in "I’d Rather Have Jesus" and "I Have Decided To Follow Jesus." Bro. Ken Dodd then presented Scholarships to the different students. After the presentations of scholarships, Brother Kerry Sampson introduced Micah Perry as the 2006 Class Speaker. Micah encouraged his classmates in three areas: 1. God has chosen you (saved and called you)–"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy" (1 Peter 2:9, 10). "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry" (2 Timothy 1:12). 2. The devil will still fight and oppose; he will try to shipwreck your life. 3. But God will be with you; He is greater–"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1I John 4:4). Following the class address was the conferment of Who’s Who of American Colleges and Universities certificates by Brother David Schminkey to Marcos Gutierrez and Ann Buening. Then during the offertory Brother Gene Canter sang "Down From His Glory" and "Jesus Loves Me." After the offering, President Daniel Taylor awarded to the graduates their diplomas and degrees. These are the names of all the four year graduates: Ann Buening; Jonathan Casselberry; Gene Garcia; Marcos Gutierrez; Lori Howard; Robert Martin; Kevin McCormick; Cassie O’Brien; Micah Perry; Rachel Prihoda; Justin Sherer; Blake Tabor; Tia Watts; Crystal Wirtz; Justin Wirtz. After the turning of the tassels, the choir, led by Brother and Sister David Branham, sang "Launch Out." Then it was time for the commencement address. Brother Gary Pilcher spoke about "Influential People." There are two groups of people: 1. Those who help; 2. Those who hurt–Romans 16:17-19, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil." And there are two characteristics that mark those who help: They work hard and they have healthy relationships. "Influential people do something!" "And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen" (Romans 16:20). We Christians have been influenced by the One Who has all power. Subsequent to Brother Pilcher’s preaching, the OBI choir sang "I Am." This powerful song reminds us that God was, is, and will be everything we need Him to be. This was a great conclusion to Brother Pilcher’s message. Remember, graduates that God has all power! In closing, Brother Gene Canter called all the graduates to the altar, along with those whom each graduate had chosen to pray with them. He then gave them The Great Commission. Then prayer was offered up for the graduates. Congratulations 2006 graduates! You all will be missed around the campus, but we know that the Lord has work for you to do. "Do it with all of your might." Let God be able to say at the end of your life, "Well Done!" Below are the plans of some of the graduates: Ann Buening – I will be returning to New Hope Pentecostal Church in Flora, IL, and working under my pastors Reverend Jeff and Nakoma (Gaines) Hough. My main focus will be working in our children’s ministry. I would like to see this work expanded and more bus children brought into the church. I would like also to be involved in some mission trips.John Casselberry – I will be going on a mission trip to Panama in conjunction with Brother Chuck Akers and Brother Joe Barraclaugh. Then I will probably help my Pastor, Reverend Jimmy Munns, at First Assembly of God in Tucson, AZ. Lori Howard – I plan on working under my pastor, Reverend Alan Harris, at Trinity Pentecostal Church in Central City, KY. I will be the children’s leader there, and I desire to reach the children of the community for Christ. There are many opportunities to reach the lost; I desire to be involved in every way. I also will be traveling and doing some Kid’s Crusades where the Lord has opened doors. Maybe the Lord will lead me to foreign soil to reach out to the kids of the world. Robert Martin – My plans after graduation are to intern with Brother Gary Hampton this summer. Afterwards, I intend to work on my Master’s Degree at Southeastern University. Eventually I would like to spend some significant time oversees. Kevin McCormick – I plan to return home to work for the summer. Then I will continue my education at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary this coming fall semester. These plans could change as the Lord wills. Cassie O’Brien – I plan to go to OBI Guatemala from June 8th - August 8th, 2006. Then I desire to go on the "Passport to Panama 2006 trip." I am not sure about any other plans, but I am sure God will open the doors. So I will just wait on Him. Micah Perry – My wife, Rachel (Crews), and I will be working at Ozark Bible Institute and College this fall with the Outreach Group. We will also be available for what ever needs to be done here at OBI. Tia Watts – I plan to go to my home church in Corpus Christi, TX where Reverend John Byerly is pastor and to help in whatever areas possible. I plan also to work as a counselor at children’s or youth’s church camps this summer. I would like to join the group that will be going to Panama with Brother Chuck Akers and Brother Joe Barraclaugh in late August 2006. In the future, I would like to take several short term mission trips. I also desire to attend language school to learn Spanish. Ministry News It will be different around the campus of OBI. Brother and Sister Kerry Sampson and Joshua will be missed because they have moved to Texas to assume the pastorate at Old River Assembly of God in Dayton, TX. The Sampson’s new contact info is 7314 ˝ Ocean Dr., Baytown, TX 77520; (281) 573-4613. The church phone number is (832) 695-0024. Brother Sampson was the Dean of Students, an instructor, and head over the Outreach Group. Thank you, Brother and Sister Sampson for all the work you have put into the students’ lives and for being a part of the work of the Lord. "Words cannot begin to express my gratitude to Ozark Bible Institute and College for the opportunity to serve as an instructor and Dean of Students for the past 5 years. My wife and I have built relationships with students and staff that we know will last a lifetime and, the Lord willing, for eternity. We pray that God will continue to bless OBI with young people ready to prepare for His harvest. The laborers truly are few and time is running out. We will keep President Taylor and all the staff in our prayers as they continue to help prepare our future pastors, teachers, and preachers for the ministry. "Although we will miss all of our friends at Neosho, we are excited about the new full-time pastorate that the Lord has led us to here in Texas. Please keep us in your prayers as we endeavor to fulfill this new assignment from the Lord." Reverend Kerry Sampson Also Brother and Sister Gary Hampton will be missed by both faculty and students because they will not be teaching at OBI this next fall. We appreciate Brother Hampton’s willingness to teach and how he has helped the school. May the Lord bless you all as you continue to work for the Lord. Weddings "An answered prayer He is to Me; My greatest blessing She’ll always be. On this day We pledged our love, in front of friends and God above"–this commitment was made by Ruth Thomas and Robert Taylor on the 22nd of April 2006. Congratulations to you both as you live your lives for the Lord! On the 27th of May 2006, Jennifer McLarty and Caleb Doyle exchanged wedding vows and became husband and wife. May the Lord bless and keep you both as you do His perfect will. Congratulations!
Prayer Request We ask you to remember Brother James Link in prayer. After an injury to his leg, he had to have surgery and then had to keep it immobilized. Because he was not able to move his leg, a blood clot formed. This is very serious, and he has been hospitalized twice because of the problems he has been having. Brother Link is OBI’s Academic Dean and an instructor. He also is a pastor. Pray that God will completely dissolve this blood clot and heal his leg.
Alumni News Thank you to those who have sent announcements to us! Keep sending your news concerning ministries, marriages, births, prayer requests, testimonies, suggestions, etc. to Dawn Schminkey, 115 S Ripley St, Neosho, MO 64850, phone (417) 451-7644, email: dndschminkey@juno.com or OBI Secretary, Bonnie Stoner at PO Box 398, Neosho, MO 64850, phone (417) 451-2057, fax (417) 451-2059, email: obi@juno.com, website: www.obiweb.org OBI Enrollment Information ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"HIT THE BOOKS." Have you made preparation to enter college this fall? Why not consider Ozark Bible Institute and College? It is a great opportunity to "give God a chance at your life." Ozark Bible Institute and College offers you an opportunity to study the Word of God carefully and prayerfully. Find out what God’s will is for your life. Write or call for an application! The residence halls open August 25, 2006. Registration days are August 26 and 28, 2006 (Saturday and Monday). YOUR APPLICATION MUST BE IN THE OBI OFFICE THIRTY DAYS PRIOR TO REGISTRATION. Write to: Registrar, Ozark Bible Institute and College PO Box 398, Neosho, Missouri or call (417) 451-2057 www.obiweb.org
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