Living Faith Bible College

"Equipping for life and ministry around the world"

  • Take root downward, Bear fruit upward

    by Paul Reich, Interim President

    “The surviving remnant of the house of Judah will again take root downward and bear fruit upward.” 2 Kings 19:30

    Sennacherib, King of Assyria, had conquered all the fortified cities of Judah as well as countless unprotected villages (2 Kings 18:13). According to the annals of Sennacherib, discovered in 1830, he also took captive 200,150 people of Judah. Sennacherib then set his sights on Jerusalem, the only fortified city of Judah yet to be defeated. To create fear, he sent a defiant message to the people of Judah mocking the Lord and undermining King Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:2845).
    In his despair Hezekiah went to the temple, spread Sennacherib’s letter before the Lord and cried out in prayer for deliverance. The Lord answered Hezekiah’s prayer by sending the prophet Isaiah with an encouraging message (2 Kings 19:1431). In brief, Isaiah prophesied that God would defend Jerusalem and send Sennacherib back to Assyria. He promised that the remnant of Judah would once again take root and bear fruit.
    That very night the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 of the Assyrian army causing Sennacherib to return to Nineveh, where eventually he was assassinated (19:3537). Isaiah’s message of hope is that victory and fruitfulness can come again even after great devastation. Even though the numbers of Judah had greatly been reduced, the surviving remnant would once again “take root downward and bear fruit upward. ” From these words we learn that bearing fruit is dependent on taking root. One cannot bear fruit without first taking root. Earlier this month, Chuck Gasper, an alumnus of LFBC shared with me a vision that he had in August 2006. In his vision, he saw Living Faith as a very large tree with an appallingly small root system. It was apparent to him that the root system was insufficient to sustain the tree. He then saw the tree being pruned back, after which time the roots began to grow. As the roots extended into the soil, the tree also began to grow and flourish once again. Over the past weeks I’ve been reflecting on this vision. It is true that Living Faith has undergone some pruning. About seven years ago Living Faith Fellowship (the local church) was released to become an autonomous entity, though it is still closely affiliated. Then in the fall of 2006, the Christian School was closed due to insufficient enrolment. Furthermore, one of our summer family camps and the annual couple’s retreat were also eliminated because of low attendance. Certainly some pruning has taken place, but this isn’t as bad as it may sound, since the very purpose of pruning is to remove some branches so that there is increased fruitfulness on other branches. Much like the message in 2 Kings 19:30, the promise of Chuck’s vision is that increased growth and fruitfulness will come as the roots grow. In the natural, roots serve two primary functions: They provide stability and they provide food for the tree. When roots run deep and tap into the water table, they ensure that the tree will survive drought and outlast adversity. With regard to Living Faith, I believe three kinds of roots need to be more fully developed in order for renewed growth and increased fruitfulness to take place. These roots will provide ongoing stability and needed resources so that Living Faith can once again flourish, even in lean times.

    1) Spiritual Roots

    Like every Christian organization we need to be tapped into the Lord, His purposes, and His vision for this ministry. We desperately need the wisdom, guidance, and presence of God in all that we do. It is vital that we be a ministry that is grounded in the Word of God as well as empowered and led by the Holy Spirit. The life of the Spirit must flow through our faculty and staff into our classes, services, and daily contacts with students and those who attend camps, retreats, and special events. In order to bear the spiritual fruit of transformed lives, disciples, and godly leaders, we must have deep spiritual roots. Though these spiritual roots have always been an integral part of this ministry, I believe they must be strengthened and lengthened. One of the primary means of doing this is through prayer. We invite you to partner with us in praying for this ministry. Pray for the Board. Pray for the faculty and staff. Pray for the students. Pray for guest speakers and the many who attend camps and retreats. Pray for a fresh move of God’s Spirit. Pray for people to encounter God in powerful lifechanging ways. Pray for finances. Pray for wisdom. Pray for our mission teams. We covet your prayers.

    2) Financial Roots

    The second type of roots that need to be more fully developed at Living Faith are financial roots. The tree of this ministry can only grow and bear fruit to the extent of the resources flowing into it. In order for students and campers to be taught, fed, and housed, there must be teachers, meals, cooks, buildings, and furnishings — not to mention worship teams, PA equipment, office and support staff, computers, phones, electricity, gas, library books, equipment, supplies, and a host of other items. In order for students to go on ministry tours and mission trips, there must be leaders, plane tickets, and ministry funds. It has been the faithful support of many that has made the ministry of Living Faith possible. For this we are truly grateful. Yet with increased costs, aging buildings, and the great need to raise staff salaries, it is very evident that the current financial root system cannot sustain this ministry. It is essential that we increase our donor base, and diversify giving options to include legacy giving, corporate donations, foundation grants, and more. Once again, please pray with us.

    3) People Roots

    Finally, Living Faith needs to expand its people base, which in turn will strengthen the other two types of roots. Two of our immediate objectives are to increase student enrolment and to build stronger partnerships with churches. We covet the input of pastors, alumni, and other interested individuals as we reshape this ministry to more effectively make disciples, raise up leaders, and reach this world for Christ. We have a great God, a great mission, and great opportunity. There is still much work for Living Faith to do. We ask that you would join us in expanding the roots of this ministry so that together we can accomplish the work God has given us. I believe the most fruitful years of Living Faith are yet to come. No one individual can fulfill God’s purposes for this ministry alone, but together we can do it.

  • Unexpected Transition

    by Verdon Kerr

    Recognizing the need for wellequipped, spiritled pastors and leaders, Living Faith is working in cooperation with churches to provide the opportunity for students to encounter God, be grounded biblically, find their gifts, and be equipped with skills for life and ministry. To fulfill these purposes, the Board endeavors to have in place the necessary facilities, resources and personnel. Though there have been recent changeovers in the faculty and staff (see Farewells and Welcomes article), as a Board we rejoice at the current team that God has put in place to accomplish these objectives.
    An unexpected resignation by Dr. David Willis following a short tenure as President has caused the Board to seriously reflect on this ministry’s values, mission, organizational culture, bylaws, and policies. Though initially unsettling, many good things are coming out of this time of transition including a strong rallying of support by the constituency, strengthened networking with churches, and uniting in direction and purpose.
    Thanks to the generosity of Living Stones Church, Pastor Paul Reich was able to step into leadership for November and December of 2007. He has since resigned from Living Stones Church and agreed to serve as interim President of Living Faith, thus allowing the Board time to follow due process and prepare for the future.
    The Board is giving significant time to improving bylaws and policies and is also working on strategies for increasing funding and student enrolment. We believe with increased financial stability, the staff will be able to remain with us for many years, providing continuity and stability. Sufficient funding will also allow us to offer quality program options for students as well as improve and maintain our property and facilities. Even now, there is need to update the library, classrooms, dorm rooms, and media equipment in addition to giving the facilities an external ‘facelift.’
    We realize this is Christ’s work and we are coworkers in His kingdom. Every prayer, effort, and gift from His body cumulatively promotes Christ and advances his purposes in and through Living Faith. You and I are making a difference with each action! Because of your support, manygraduates from LFBC have gone on to full time ministry around the world and many others are serving churches in lay ministry. This ministry would have ended long ago without your faithful prayers and giving over the past 37 years. We sincerely appreciate your support! Thank you so much!

    Please feel free to contact the Board with any suggestions or questions you may have. We pray that God will richly bless you!

    Verdon Kerr is Chairman of the LFEA Board