Students of Bible Colleges

From the small town

2006-01-10T07:21:00.000-08:00

The older I get (everyday I get a little bit closer to "old") I realize how different my upbringing is from many others. I think it funny how relatable my childhood is to those from Fairview, the place where I go to church. It is a country place, one stoplight, a McDonalds, a "city hall", and the rest. It is not too different from Marion.

Marion has more than one stoplight, in fact it, until recently, I thought was a large city. Most of the cities in my area are around 3,000 people, Marion had 5,000 (Asheville and Morganton are exceptions). So Marion had two McDonalds, a Wal-Mart, three "shopping centers", etc. But with any small town come small quirks. For instance:

The largest Livermush plant in North Carolina is in Marion. It is Hunter's Livermush. For those of you who have never had it, I suggest you get some! If I tell you what it really is (all the left over parts after the butcher has taken the meat off of the animal ground together until it is a nice square) you would probably say NO WAY! But it is surprisingly good. Most people eat it for breakfast, fried with egg and/or cheese. I like it raw.

The county courthouse has a black metal "thing" in the front lawn. A passer-by would drive down main street and never pay it any attention. But upon further study, you can see that it is an old horse trough that has been dipped in bronze then painted black. Apparently it was an original fixture for the courthouse. When you would get busted for jay-walking across the dirt roads of Marion or busted because you got a little drunk and ran out in the street wearing your wife's housecoat, you would need the trough for your horses while the judge was telling you how many chickens you had to give to the state to prevent you from having to reside in the Mayberry-like jail.

The county's only newspaper THE MCDOWELL NEWS is a shining light for Marion. Offering stories of hope, adventure, wait. Who am I kidding? The paper is AWFUL! The only good part is that in a town with a church on every street corner (sometimes two) and Republicans in every office, we have somehow found a liberal and I mean L-I-B-E-R-A-L editor. To read some of his items on Pres. Bush, visit www.mcdowellnews.com.

On the personal side:

COMING SOON!

As a child I thought as a Child...

2005-12-04T20:50:00.000-08:00

Bible College News
Devotion Issue

As a child, I had child-like faith. I would rest in bed at night with the light on directly above me. The light switch was on the other side of the room!!! As a child it seemed as if it were a football fields length away. And I would pray to God, "Lord, if you are real, and I know you are, then you will turn out the light without me having to get up." Do you want to know how many times that prayer went unanswered? Every time I prayed it.

Why do we still pray with that kind of attitude? Praying, Lord if you are real then do this. I have been amazed that on a campus of a Bible college there is so much of a "me, me, me" attitude. Listen to how many times a day you say the words me or I (and other personal pronouns). Then slap yourself up side the head when you reach 20. And when the sting passes, think of the other 9 million people in the world.

Do you want to pray so that God will listen? Then pray, "God you are good, I am content with whatever you see fit to give me." Isn't that what Christ prayed when He said, "Give me this day my daily bread"? Sigh. How often do I come to the kitchen of God to find that He already has dinner prepared. And it isn't a restaurant where I finish and pay, but I finish and say thank you. But like the kitchen in your own home, we are served our meal with the green vegetables first, and the apple pie after. And then there are those times in life when it seems as if you are eating all broccolli and if you eat it again, you might turn into a broccolli sprout! But God knows what He is doing. He's God. If you say you are going to trust Him and rely on his provisions... then do it!

Issue 5: From the third floor window

2005-11-15T15:03:00.000-08:00

Bible college news...

yadda, yadda

From the third floor of the Johnson building...

by: Editor

I have sat in my usual seat on the third floor of the Johnson Academic building since August. You see, I have three classes in that room (only one is in another room, yet still on the third floor). I sit in the second row from the windows. That means I can see onto the roof of the girls dorm, the door leading into the cafeteria, part of the street, most of the MIR house, and a large tree.

Since my childhood I can remember that my favorite time of year was fall. The leaves in the mountains were always wonderful. An array of orange, yellow, and reds that would put a smile on any child's face. Some of my earliest ("Favoritist") moments in life happened when I was a kid. On one occassion, some of my friends came over and we made big piles of leaves and see who could jump from the highest branch without "bleeding, breaking, or destroying" something. I always seemed to be the one that would hit the rock located under the massive heap.

Well, to move on with the story, the most enjoyment I get in a day is sitting in those classes and looking out the window at that big tree in the middle of the road. It's leaves for the past three or four weeks have been changing. Day by day I watch as it withers away. Like someone with a deadly illness preparing for their "time to go".

Well, today, as I gazed out the window at my favorite tree, I saw the final leaf fall from it's branches. It's final hope at a legacy of beauty slowly fell to the ground.

I will miss the leafy tree waving its branches. Waving just to me during my classes. Today, it waved at me for the last time until Spring.

But I will be waiting!

Issue 4: When Ninja Turtles ruled the world!

2005-11-09T09:06:00.000-08:00

Bible College News Retro

A Look at the past from the editor of Bible College News

For those who were raised in the 1990s

I sometimes think about the "good 'ole days". No, not the days of freshmen year when I would just call up 'the guys' and go to Wal-Mart, or be in the car with Jill M. when she made her first U-TURN (wow, God's grace is amazing). And no, I am not referring to the days when David and Matt were both single, although they were for a long time. I'm talking about the days:

Before the Internet or Text messaging...

Before Sidekicks & Ipods

Before Playstation2 or X-BOX

Before the 5 hours of homework you put off every night...

When you rented VHS taps.. not DVDs

When gas was $0.95 a gallon & Caller ID was a new thing...

When we recorded stuff on VCRs & paid $3.50 for a movie...

When we called the radio station to request songs to hear off our WALKMANS!!!

Now go back to this time in your life... remember it?

Tag

Hide-N-Go Seek at dusk!

Red light, Green light!

Heads up 7 up!

Playing kickball & dodgeball until your porch light came on.

Hopskotch!

Slip-n-Slides

Tree Houses

Mother May I?

Red Rover

Four square

Hula Hoopsthe

Annoying nano pets and furbi

Running through the sprinklers

Happy Meals where u chose the toy

Getting the privilege to sit in the front seat of the car

For further thought...

....Watchin' Saturday Morning cartoons in your PJ's still wrapped up in your Garfield comforter......

Hey Arnold, Doug, RUGRATS!

The ORIGINAL Power Rangers!

Or what about...Legends of the Hidden Temple!!!

The Secret Life of Alex Mac!

Ren and StimpyGlobal Guts!!

Double Dare!!!

Rocko's Modern Life!

AAAHH!! Real Monsters!!!

Hey Dude

Wild & Crazy Kids!

Clarissa explains it all!

ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK!

The Original 'All That' Cast Members!

Pete and Pete!

Kenan and Kel!!! lol (who loves orange soda)

SALUTE YOUR SHORTS

WCW/WWF Fued...

Who could forget Snick?! & Nick at Nite! with Bewitched, I Dream of Jeanie, facts of life & I LOVE LUCY!!!

***Not finished yet...

Kool-Aid was the drink of the summer

Giving your friends a ride on your handlebars or spokes

Wearing your new shoes on the first day of school

Class Field Trips

When Christmas time was the most EXCITING time of the year!

When nearly everyone's mom was at home when the kids got there.

When getting high was swinging on the swingset

When $5 seemed like a million, and another dollar a Miracle.

When you begged to go to McDonalds, for dinner...EVERYDAY.

When Toys r Us overuled the "mall"

Decisions were made by going "eeny-meeny-miney-moe"

Mistakes were corrected by simply exclaiming, "do over!"

"Race issue" meant arguing about who ran the fastest.

Money issues were handled by whoever was the banker in "monopoly"

It wasn't odd to have two or three "best" friends.

Being old, referred to anyone over 20.

The chance to skate as a couple at the local roller rink was like winning the lottery....

The worst thing you could catch from the opposite sex was cooties.

When someone made u mad u would tell them you were going to sue them.

Nobody was prettier than Mom.

A time when...

Scrapes and bruises were kissed and made better...

It was a big deal to finally be tall enough to ride the "big people" rides at the fair...

Spinning around, getting dizzy and falling down was cause for giggles.

When playing Nintendo was the hardest thing ever.

When ninja turtles ruled the world.

Issue 3

2005-10-27T11:47:00.000-07:00

Bible College News

The purpose of the Bible College News

By: Editor

I feel as if I am a child participating in show-n-tell sometimes. I "show" you a story about something or someone, and tell you all about it. Most of the time it is fictional and honestly of no benefit to the reader. But for someone with a few minutes to waste or for those taking a break from those pesky research papers, this blog is for you. I would like to "show and tell" you something else today. I was reading my favorite online news source, no not the gist... it was foxnews. It had a story about Christian blogging! Here's the story:

WASHINGTON — When Johann Gutenberg's printing press began churning out Bibles in the 15th century, the new technology helped usher in a new era of religion in Europe.
Nearly 600 years later, some think that increasingly popular Web logs — the Internet's version of personal journals, pamphleteering and issue forums all wrapped in one — combined with traditional religious beliefs could once again take people on a new, uncharted course.

In what appears to be a first of its kind, a small evangelical Christian college in Southern California on Thursday will open the God Blog Convention, a conference on Christian blogging.
Matt Anderson, a 23-year-old educator who works for Biola University (search), is coordinating the God Blog Convention. He said one of the goals of the conference is to see whether God, Christian-oriented blogging and politics are a good marriage, and if so, how they should match up.

"The advantage of blogging is that anyone can do it and you can reach a lot more people," Anderson said. "What ends up happening is the level of dialogue about particular issues goes up."

Some who have been following the trend of blogging say the fact that Christians — already a powerful political force — are wading into the world of blogging could mean a major change in the political landscape if their efforts take hold.

In terms of the strength of the group as a political force, Christian bloggers don't just talk religion. They spend much of their time discussing current politics, including the nomination of White House counsel Harriet Miers to succeed Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, abortion, intelligent design, the use of "under God" in the classroom and where the Ten Commandments should or shouldn't be placed, among other topics.

Issue 2

2005-10-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

Bible College News

Bible College adopts new mission statement!
by: unknown

The Canadian Mennonite University (a Bible college) adopted a new missions statement the other day! It reads:

Canadian Mennonite University is an innovative Christian university, rooted in the Anabaptist faith, moved and transformed by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Through teaching, research and service CMU inspires and equips women and men for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society.

"After enthusiastic discussion, the mission statement was unanimously approved. This statement will later be supplemented by two further sets of statements. The first is a series of Basic Commitments; the second is a series of program-specific statements (for Menno Simons College, CMU Main Campus and Outtatown—formerly School of Discipleship) that will address basic description, mission, goals and educational philosophy of the program centres." (source:http://www.cmu.ca/news/nov18.html)

SouthEastern Free Will Baptist Bible College Calendar of Events
from SEFWB Website

Oct. 20-21, Missions Conference
Nov. 3-5, Get Aquainted days, everyone invited to join!
Nov. 17-19, Basketball tournament
Nov. 22-28, Thanksgiving Holiday begins!

.Updates.
by Jamie Lane

There comes a time in every man's life when he looks for a mate. A life-long partner to keep their clothes ironed, their bookshelves straightened and their kids "raised up rig't". There are several people in colleges around the world that are looking for these life-long mates. With their permission, their stories are posted below. Some names have been changed.

"The Story of two hearts becoming one"
"Steve" and "Ali" (really Matt and Allison)
-- from Allison's perspective.

Well it all started one Friday night, the girls wanted to go out to the Benny Hinn Crusade. At first I was so excited because I love to be healed... but then I got this weird feeling, and I told one of my friends-- "I have the feeling I'm going to meet someone tonight that's going to be close to me for the rest of my life." Then she said your crazy and I told her no really... "you know what I don't want to go anymore", she asked why and I told her because I' am scared. See I had just come out of a bad relationship and I didn't want anything to do with guys at the time. I felt like I needed my space. I just wanted friends for the mean time.

So I got to the crusade and started dancing down stairs with the girls. Then I got kind of bored so I went to the second floor. I stayed there for a while then these guys wanted to talk to me but I wasn't in the mood, so I left and went upstairs to the third floor where they were playing Christian-rock en español, now this was my type of music. I was walking through the door when I spotted him, just standing there, then I realized he was looking at me too, so I took my sight off of him quick and kept walking hoping he didn't notice. As I was walking I felt someone with their hand on my head. I got so nervous I didn't know what to do. I was going to ask him what he wanted when he told me "you look so beautiful may I heal you?" You could only imagine what went threw my head! I wanted to say yes so bad but I couldn't I was so nervous so I told him no.

Then later that night I went to buy some Bibles for my friends and me when he showed up and tried to pay and I nicely said no thank you I already paid. Then I wanted to know if he was really following me and interested, so I went back down to the first floor and yup he followed me --well discreetly because he had to play it cool with all his friends and didn't want to make it that Obvious. So I went back upstairs and he followed, then I started looking at those slain in the spirit all by my self -- and about two minutes later he came up to me and started raising his hands and trying to heal me again.

Then he asked if it was ok for him to keep healing me and I said "well your already healing me, so sure." Yes I know I was being kind of mean but I didn't mean to, but that's just the way I was feeling because I was so nervous. I didn't know how to act and I also didn't know if it was him, if he was the guy I was suppose to meet that day. So we continued dancing in the spirit, and I was healed of several things. Then he asked me my name and what I worked in then I asked him his name and his profession and he told me he was in the "Jesus business", we talked more about that subject, because at the time I was interested, anyways after a while, my feet got very tired and I asked him if he mind if we just lay on the floor for awhile in the spirit. Before that, I took off my high heels, he said no, so then I went to go sit down and when I reached down to take off my shoes he started unstrapping them for me. That's when it got to me, he was so sweet and such a gentleman unlike other guys that were usually at the crusade. All they ever wanted to do was be the guy who caught me when I feel out. And for those wondering, yes and he put the shoes back on when I left.

So I gave him my number. He called me the next day and the next and the next. So we became very good friends up to the point where I felt that I could tell him anything and I did. It had to have been at least 3 or 4 times that he asked me to be his girlfriend and every time I told him I couldn't, and I really couldn't because I knew I wasn't ready for another relationship at the time and I didn't want to hurt him in any way because he didn't deserve it. So feeling sorry for him, I gave in. I am now the healthiest person in the dorm (this week aside).

This story is an adaptation of a real life story but instead of a crusade, involves someone dancing in a club. This is a merely fictional story and is not meant to be true.

Issue 1

2005-10-19T06:47:00.000-07:00

Bible College News

Issue 1

Disclaimer: Please note that this website is for any and all Bible college, not just Free will College. Any student of any Bible College that wishes to post may do so.

The Gift

By: "Jermaine"

The Gift is something that keeps on giving. That is the premise behind this story. I urge all of my friends to give a gift that keeps on giving. Let me share with you something that I discovered just the other day from a group of guys in the dorm. There is such an thing as "Valerian" root stuff that is suppose to help you with sleeping. Well, these pills are super strong and gross. If you just open the bottle you'll just about pass out! I am writing this so that you all will go out and buy valerian root for all of your friends. Crunch them up and put them in your friends car (air vents, under their rugs, in their engine, etc). As a word of caution, don't do any damage that cannot be cleaned or reversed! And don't put any in a place they'll never check.

Just thought I would share!

--Note: "Jermaine" is an assumed name.

"All aboard...The J-Train is leaving the station." The Jared A. Story.

By: Jamie L.

I want you to think back to all of the people who are important to you. Likely you see the image of a grandparent, mother or father, brother or sister, but you may not see Jared's face. Jared is an unsung hero. He fights for justice and the American way. He truly is a patriot in every sense of the word.

This patriot is not green to the media. He has been featured on jamielanerantings and "The Fwbbc Gist", however, both publications are no longer in print. Just read what some of his friends and foes are saying about Jared. Alan S., a close friend (closer than they should be?) says; "[Jared] never says anything rash or hasty about inappropriate things in front of girls! Who wouldn't want to date him? He has more morals than most people in Hollywood movies! Let's face it, he's underrated in the girls dorm and that's sad." Alan continues to say that "[Jared] is a goldmine!". WOW! What a guy.

"The J-Train" is also an avid bowler. He bowls for a charity called "The Jared A. trust" where he supports skinny, white, deaf teens so they can accomplish their dreams. Jared says, "give me money." Wow. Always looking for a chance to give to his trust fund. We would like to let you know that you too can support the Jared A trust. By writing Jared A. at 3606 W End Ave Nashville, TN 37215, make all checks payable to "cash."

Jessica F., a long time follower of "The J-Train", has never forgotten the inspirational words spoken by this freedom fighter, "Yeah, He's a friend with benefits." I will leave that sentence alone.

We should not neglect what Jared is saying about himself. He says, in a comment-interview that, "I think [I am] a nice piece of man candy. What women wouldn't want to have their way with [me]?" Well. With those high moral values that Alan was talking about, I can see why Jared is a hit with the women folk.

Aaron H., a longtime friend of Jared's says this when commenting on the many facets to Jared's life. " I think everyone is just jealous of Jared. He can get a date any time he wants. To quote the j-train "I am just waiting for a girl who is hot enough for the j-train, you know my Grandfather dated miss France.". Lookout beauty pageant contestants everywhere. " That is right Aaron! Beauty contestants everywhere... DO look out!

Jared is also an avid photographer. He takes pictures whenever he can! Just read what another commenter said about Jared, "I am not pointing any fingers... but Jacob--you might want to make sure Jared isn't taking pictures of you while you sleep. I think he has a stash in his 3rd drawer in his dresser (from the top)... but I'm not sure (yes I am.)"

Lastly, we would just like to say that to sum up the essence of "the J-Train" is to sum up the reality of the universe in a sentence. But, I will have to say that Jared A. is a true patriot, a true American. He stands for American values and American Gladiators. He is Jared A.

Welcome all Bible College students

2005-10-17T07:29:00.000-07:00

Unpack those boxes... fluff those pillows.... hook up those computers... its time to move into our new home!

This is the first post of, hopefully, many. We at bible college news need your help though! We are looking for staff writers, editors, and photographers. Thats right! We need everything! And we can even pay you!!!!!!!!!!!!1 see note

So what does this mean? Is the fw**c gist coming back? No. No. No.

A new format, a new image, and a new direction will be taken. From now on it won't be "my rantings" and "my issues" but your issues and rantings. You write an article (on someone on campus that you have dirt on, etc) or take a picture of someone doing something stupid (like Jared taking a bath in the toilet, etc) or want to be an editor of the publication... then e-mail me! jamielaneofmarion@hotmail.com.... or post a comment on this message with your name, what you want to do, and an e-mail address. (No anonymous posts allowed on this one guys!)

Payment is $00.01/story. Payment is made in 'cash'. Please allow 8-10 weeks to receive payment. Also, only stories that appear on biblecollegenews.blogspot.com, will qualify for payment. Other posts may appear on fwbbc.blogspot.com, but no payment given.