Alumni are arriving today to celebrate "40 Years of Guidance and Gathering," marking 4 decades of leadership from Dr. Anderson and the 40th Homecoming for ABC and ABI (Appalachian Bible Institute).
If you can't be here, watch Friday's sessions featuring alumni Spencer Smith (2019), Nate Mellinger (2006), and Quint Merson (1998) at abc.edu/live.
More content will be shared for alumni in the Appalachian Bible College Alumni group.
The 2023 Alumnus of the Year is Mr. Gary Layne.
The Alumnus of the Year Award is presented to a diploma or degree graduate of at least 10 years ago, who demonstrates an exemplary testimony as a servant of the Lord in full-time ministry, and actively supports Appalachian Bible College and its ministries.
Gary is a 1969 diploma graduate as well as a 1974 Th.B. graduate of ABC. A native of Charleston, WV, he has been used of the Lord in a very special way in ministry to the deaf. Gary met his wife Ann through their mutual involvement in deaf ministry. After Gary served as a youth pastor at Cross Lanes Bible Church in Cross Lanes, WV, he pursued additional education at Tennessee Temple University. While there, he and Ann served in deaf ministry and were led of the Lord together. They have been married for 49 years.
They spent 12 years in state-side deaf ministry before being called of the Lord to undertake deaf ministry in Mexico. They have served with BIMI in Mexico for 40 years. During their time in Mexico they have been involved with the planting of three deaf churches (not just deaf ministry in a church, but truly deaf churches). The challenge of deaf ministry is the learning of a specific country’s sign language since every country has its own signing. God has blessed Gary with the opportunity to effectively reach Mexico’s deaf population in an amazing way.
Thank you, Gary (along with Ann), for so powerfully living out our motto, "…because Life is for Service." Thank you for your loyal love for ABC. We are honored to select you as our Alumnus of the Year.
The recipient of the 2023 Diakonos Award is Earlene Clouse Klein.
Earlene is a 1973 graduate of ABC, who serves the Lord faithfully as a lay worker in her church, Merriam Christian Chapel in Indiana. Her life has demonstrated a consistency of service, and a willingness to serve in a variety of capacities. She has taught at a Christian school in Hawaii and has been heavily involved in women’s ministry, counseling, and service behind the scenes. She is constantly an encouragement to the people around her and has been used mightily to influence many lives for the glory of God. Her life of devotion to the Lord is demonstrated through the godly lives of her 5 children and 14 grandchildren.
The Diakonos Award is named for the Greek word “Diakonos” translated in the New Testament as “servant,” “minister,” or “deacon.” This award is given to dedicated and faithful graduates who serve as laypersons in the church and demonstrate commendable Christian testimony in their family and work.
The Honorary Alumni Award is presented to loyal friends of Appalachian Bible College who, while not alumni, demonstrate the heart of an alumnus through faithful support and participation in the mission of the College.
The 2023 Honorary Alumni are:
Dave and Sharon Holloway
Calvin Sutphin
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Dave and Sharon joined ABC’s team in 2002, with Dave serving as the Vice President for Extension Ministries and Alpine Bible Camp Director, where he exhibits a real passion for using camp ministry to impact the lives of young people with the truth of God’s Word. Sharon was also heavily involved with Alpine, serving as the Alpine Ministries Assistant and overseeing the summer day camp ministry. She also invested countless hours working on the landscaping of our beautiful campus.
Dave and Sharon have a desire to impact the lives of young people through camp ministry, and they demonstrate a passion for serving the local church through their roles at Appalachian Bible College. Their friendship with and service to the ministry of ABC is greatly appreciated.
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The name “Calvin Sutphin” is synonymous with the title “Mount Olive Bible College.”
Calvin has been used of the Lord to make possible the establishing and enabling of our prison Bible college ministry through his faithful support and encouragement. Through his “Catalyst Ministries” he has given generously to allow us the needed resources to accomplish this amazing opportunity to serve the incarcerated.
The testimony of Calvin Sutphin includes his own description of coming to Christ during a very dark period of his life 14 years ago as he was dealing with alcohol addiction. While he had accomplished the success of material riches from every angle, he was hopeless and empty in his life. In his desperation he cried out to the Lord to save him and to give him a purpose in life. God honored his brokenness. Soon after his conversion he was introduced to the prison ministry at the Angola prison in Louisiana. This trip left such an impact on him that he responded with a burden to reach the incarcerated mission field in West Virginia. His journey brought him into contact with Appalachian Bible College and eventually the founding of our Mount Olive Bible College. God has greatly used Calvin. He would want all glory to be given to God, but it is our privilege to recognize his impact by granting him the Honorary Alumnus status.
Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.
And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.
Psalm 72:18-19
The Servant of the Year award is presented to current or former staff members whose testimony in ministry exemplifies the Appalachian Bible College distinctive of servanthood.
The 2023 Servant Couple of the Year is John and Becky Skaggs.
John and Becky demonstrate faithfulness to serve the Lord wherever they are: at the College, through Alpine Ministries, in their local church, in the community, and in the home. At the College, John pours his love of God and the outdoors into the lives of students as the Chair of the Camping major. Through Alpine, John is involved with both Alpine Adventures and Alpine Bible Camp, and Becky serves thousands of guests through her role in the Alpine Lodge. In their local church, where John serves as a pastor, they are involved in teen and children’s ministry and serve wherever they are needed to help the Word of God go forth. In the community they show a desire to share the gospel and minister to the lost and hurting, constantly seeking opportunities to witness to and pray for and with those around them. In the home they demonstrate servanthood to their three daughters whose lives have been impacted and challenged by the godly example their parents have set.
To those who know the Skaggses the best, their willingness to humbly serve wherever they are needed is a trait that stands out. As one person stated, “The Skaggses wear many hats, but first of all they are Servants!”
Thanks to everyone who participated in the 9th annual Beautiful Feet 5k, over $2,000 was raised for ABC Missions Conference! We appreciate our sponsors, runners and walkers, and volunteers.
Missions Conference is a highlight of the year, bringing many experienced missionaries to campus and exposing ABC students and our community to the cause of advancing the gospel. The 2023 conference will be held next week: Oct. 23-25. All are welcome at corporate sessions in Anderson Hall: Monday 9am, 11am, 7pm; Tuesday 11am, 7pm; Wednesday 11am.
During October and throughout the year, we thank God for the men who faithfully shepherd local churches. Earlier this week Mr. Caleb Frink led a time of prayer for some of the community pastors and elders who joined us for chapel and lunch.
ABC's annual Missions Conference, October 23–25, is themed "Mission Ignition," with a focus on the Holy Spirit's ministry as we seek to fulfill the Great Commission. All are welcome!
Keynote speakers:
- Dr. David Doran, senior pastor of Inter-City Baptist Church & president of Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary
- Dr. Sam Slobodian, president of Baptist International Evangelistic Ministries
Schedule of corporate sessions:
- Monday 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 7:00 PM
- Tuesday 11:00 AM, 7:00 PM
- Wednesday 11:00 AM
All in Anderson Hall Chapel
Watch online: abc.edu/live
Children's Conference:
"Sharing the Gospel Where You Are"
Ages 5 years old – 6th grade
Monday & Tuesday, 7:00–8:30 PM
More information: publicrelations@abc.edu
Missions Conference 2023. Though the three days have already passed and classes resume tomorrow, the goals of "Mission Ignition" stick with us: to passionately obey Jesus Christ's commands and to intentionally follow the Holy Spirit's leading.
