THE BENEFITS OF A CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY by Patrick Davis Editor of The Torch and Director of Institutional Advancement A Charitable Gift Annuity is one of the oldest and most diversified ways to give to your favorite charity and yet receive some of the best benefits in the process. Charitable Gift Annuities were first widely introduced by the American Bible Society in the 1850s and have been an effective way for believers to make a charitable donation and yet receive real benefits through their lifetime. Through the exchange of stocks, real estate, cash, or other assets, you can realize the benefits of a Charitable Gift Annuity and support the vision of training young people at Hobe Sound Bible College. Some of the benefits of a Charitable Gift Annuity are as follows: • Receive fixed payments for life • Federal, and possible state, income tax charitable deduction • A portion of your income tax free • Reduce or eliminate estate taxes • Make a gift to benefit the ongoing ministry of Hobe Sound Bible College If your CDs, real estate, stocks, or other investments are performing poorly, a Charitable Gift Annuity may be a perfect fit for you! For further information, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at Hobe Sound Bible College at 772-546-5534. Torch Cover Photo: The late Rev. G. R. French gives a devotional in Israel. The Volume L No. 1 Spring 2015 P. Daniel Stetler President Patrick Davis Editor Sharon Walker Production Manager Faith Tofte Copy Editor Rob Scott Graphic Design Country Pines, Inc. Printing Published by Hobe Sound Bible College in Hobe Sound, Florida, T h e TO RCH is devoted to the promotion of Christian education. There is no subscription price, but donations are appreciated a n d are tax deductible. Correspondence should be addressed to: The TORCH Editor, PO Box 1065, Hobe Sound, FL 33475-1065. The TORCH is happy to publish announcements of births, weddings, and deaths of alumni. Please submit them to [email protected]. We also announce books and media authored by alumni as a news service to our alumni. This is not intended as an endorsement of the materials. 2 HOBE SOUND BIBLE COLLEGE Gifts of Assets Income Tax Deduction and Fixed Payments Charible Gift Annuity Remainder to HSBC A PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVE BOB FRENCH – A GIANT AMONG US! by P. Daniel Stetler hen the three ministries in Hobe Sound lost Rev. G. R. after God. He was a very different (Bob) French, we lost a giant! No, he was not a giant in man from his uncle Robb, but I think terms of physical stature, financial wealth, or political he possessed that same passion for power. His strength lay in being a man who possessed a unique com- God and revival that characterized his bination of outstanding qualities which he had totally surrendered to uncle. If you listened to Bro. French God. Because of his unique abilities and total surrender to divine lead- preach, you would inevitably hear his ership, God was able to use him powerfully to promote His Kingdom passion coming through. If you were work both here in Hobe Sound and around the world. in a prayer meeting and listened to Bob French possessed a whole array of remarkable qualities— him pray, you could sense his deep far more than can be expounded upon in this brief article. So I will yearning for a manifestation of God’s focus on three outstanding characteristics: his intellect—he was one presence among us. This earnest-heartedness produced a sensitive, of the most intelligent men I have ever known; his earnest-hearted- humility of spirit which marked Bro. French’s life. On several occaness—he was a man who possessed a deep, genuine passion for God; sions he has come to me to apologize for what I considered to be a and his vision—he was a man whose world was not small. He truly trivial, inconsequential matter. But he didn’t want to allow any difgrasped the big picture. ficulty to come between us and hinder the work of the Lord. He was Anyone who associated with Bro. French for any length of definitely a man with a warm heart! time would have been struck by the power of his intellect. He read Bob French’s brilliant mind and earnest heart prepared him incessantly and broadly and was capable of holding an intelligent for the tremendous vision which motivated his life. I do not believe I have ever known anyone who possessed a broader vision than Bob French. Because of his involvement with world missions, he was able to travel extensively. His travels exposed him to a global perspective of the needs and possibilities of our world. He not only had tremendous vision himself, he recognized and cultivated vision in other people. He recognized the global possibilities of a literature ministry and encouraged Joe Taylor to develop Gospel Publishing Mission and send millions of pieces of literature around the world. He encouraged Daniel and Dorothy Hsu and facilitated the development of their shortwave radio ministry which blanketed Communist China with the gospel and paved the way for the current visits to house churches and English language camps in that country annually. He encouraged and cooperated with Pieter conversation on a broad range of subjects. If a subject with which he Marais of South Africa in Bible distribution efforts which have resulted was not familiar came up in the course of a conversation, Mr. French in multiplied thousands of Bibles being distributed across the heart of would often respond with a barrage of questions. He had an incredibly Africa. He was on the cutting edge when Russia and Eastern Europe active, inquisitive mind which seemed to desire to find out as much as opened to the gospel and was instrumental in pouring thousands of possible about any subject he encountered! I usually left a conversation Bibles into that dark land. Under his leadership, FEA Missions—later of any significance with Bob French feeling stretched and challenged Hope International Missions—grew from a mission work with one mentally. Having said all of this, however, I should add that Bob small field in the Bahamas to one of the strongest mission organizaFrench was a very humble man who took time to talk with anyone and tions in our movement with 91 missionaries in 21 different countries. show a deep, genuine interest in people and their concerns. Many other wonderful things could be said about Bob French, Bob French certainly had a brilliant mind, but he also had a but I believe the combination of these three powerful characteristics in warm heart. I have no idea how many services, prayer meetings, one person made him a unique individual whom God used powerfully board meetings, and the like, I have been in with Bro. French across to shape all the ministries in Hobe Sound. He will always be deeply the last twenty years, but there have been many. Time after time appreciated and sorely missed by those who knew and loved him. Yes, in those gatherings, I have been struck with his deep heart hunger we had a giant among us, a giant who was powerfully used by God! W SPRING 2015 TORCH 3 THE TORCH G. R. F RENCH JAN. 19, 1936 – NOV. 18, 2014 A LEGACY OF SERVICE G eorge Robb French passed away gently on November 18, 2014, after a major stroke. He left an immense void at Hobe Sound. From FEA Ministries to Hobe Sound Bible College to Hobe Sound Bible Church, G. R. French impacted many lives and the very structure of the ministries at Hobe Sound. Bob French was born in Pasadena, California, on January 19, 1936. He was the fifth of seven children. When he was about a year old, the family moved to Alabama. Later they lived in Easley, South Carolina. After graduation from high school, he served for two years as S. D. Herron’s assistant pastor in Easley. Rev. French received a BA in Religion from Central Wesleyan College in 1958. While attending Central, he pastored the Seneca Wesleyan Church for two years. He received a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1961, and a Master of Christian Education from Freedom University. While living in a kibbutz in Israel for six months, he studied Hebrew and archaeology. Upon completing seminary, he served as a pioneer pastor for eight years at the Mitchell Memorial Wesleyan Methodist Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He was the youth director for the South Carolina Conference and held several other leadership positions while pastoring. In 1965, Bob married Ann Ellenburg from Easley. They moved to Hobe Sound, Florida, in 1969 at the request of Bob’s uncle H. Robb French and S. D. Herron. Bob served as the business manager for FEA. He said until then, “the organization was in Uncle Robb’s back pocket for a period of time and the finances were in Aunt Geraldine’s Ball Mason jar.” At the same time, Bro. French was the chairman of the Hobe Sound Bible College Ministerial Department. He taught numerous courses, including Bible, psychology, philosophy, systematic theology, Acts and many others. Christy joined their home in 1972 followed by Ann Marie the next year. In 1975 the Frenches spent their summer vacation in Fairbanks, Alaska. Bob took the first team of young men down the Yukon River in a boat called “God’s Fishwheel,” evangelizing the Eskimos and Indians. Their son John arrived to join their family in 1976. Mark Capps shared one of his memories of Bro. French. “I’m not sure how old I was at the time, but probably grade school age. Playing basketball alone one day on the old courts by the church, I watched Mr. French ride by on his bicycle. He kept going a ways and then turned around. He took off his suit jacket and played ball for quite a while. I remember being surprised at how well he played. Small thing, I know, but it impacted my life.” Bro. French became president of Florida Evangelistic Association (FEA Ministries) and chairman of Sea Breeze Camp in 1979. While serving in that capacity, he accepted the pastorate of Hobe Sound Bible Church in 1980 and served for eight THE years. He wrote the first constitution and bylaws for the church and for FEA, the same documents which are still used today. He also organized the Department of Christian Education; developed the pastoral team concept and organized the church staff; started the bus ministry; began a local youth outreach; organized the Christian Service Department in cooperation with Hobe Sound Bible College; and initiated a short-term missions outreach that was later organized into the TLC ministry. In 1988 he resigned the church to give full attention to the leadership and development of the expanding ministries of FEA. He led the expansion of the world missions program from the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands to fourteen other countries. Susan Hsieh wrote, “Thank you, Mr. French, for sending the holiness message to Taiwan. Therefore, I take holiness seriously in my life every day. God is holy, so I must be holy. Thank you for your life.” He visited at least forty countries and preached in more than half of them. Mark Calderon said, “I believe at heart he was an evangelist. He wanted to witness and win people for Jesus. He gave his life doing just that!” Dr. David Gordeuk remembers, “When I would meet with Bro. French, we would discuss theology, preaching, philosophy, books, politics, and cultural trends. But there was a common theme throughout: how to reach our present age with the gospel of Christ, and how to present Biblical righteousness both in the church and to the world in these evil days.” John Parker described him as “the most missional man I ever knew!” When speaking of G. R. French, most people mention his intellect and his humility. A memorial page was established for Bro. French on Facebook. Numerous people described the rich meat in the sermons he preached and his love for books. They also told of a man who never made them feel inferior. David Fulton, Sr., said, “My favorite statement he would make was, ‘Now I don’t feel like I fully understand this....’ I always knew, though he had researched it, he was not content but was always trying to learn more.” Alumnus Rob Henderson shared, “One evening back in my HSBC days of the early `80s during communion service in the tabernacle, I took my turn at the altar and awaited TORCH the elements to come my way. I heard someone take their place beside me who almost immediately began to weep. I listened as this person poured out their heart, praying of their unworthiness, their need for help of all sorts, and their obvious brokenness before their Lord. Finally, I had to peek and see who this was: Bro. French. I melted within my own self-righteousness after witnessing a holy man of God admit his incredible need of God’s grace.” Rev. French is survived by his wife, Ann, of Hobe Sound, Florida; children Christy and Eugene Shamber, of Verona, Virginia; Ann Marie and Brian Austin of Madison, Wisconsin; and John and Kristy French, of Manassas, Virginia; six grandchildren, three sisters and three brothers. Rev. and Mrs. French were just three months short of celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary. On the day of his death, his sonin-law Gene Shamber wrote the following: “Today I spent the first few hours on the front porch at my inlaws, remembering so many things that my father-in-law Bob French gave me as treasured memories to keep for a lifetime. We gave him back to Jesus this morning with happy, but also sad, grateful tears. I thank God for allowing me this much personal time with one of His most faithful sons. “The greatest gift he gave to me has been Christy, his oldest daughter. She loved her daddy so much. Dad set the bar very high as an example to live as a husband, father, and family head. Dad has only shown the character traits of his dearest love and closest friend, Jesus Christ. I have loved him so much through these years and will miss him more than I can say, but I will keep the promise I gave him recently. I said ‘I will strive to follow your example in leading my family, and I will see you in heaven if you get there first.’ “Dad just looked at me and said, ‘Don’t look to me, but rather to Jesus, because I could fall short.’ That is one of so many reasons I loved him. Humble, honest, and full of gracious council if you asked for it. “I’m so much better having known him, and I am sure sometime early this morning, Dad heard those words he had served his entire life to hear: ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’” (continued on page 18) SPRING 2015 TORCH 5 ALUMNI P PETER KOTHE eter Kothe first arrived on the campus of Hobe Sound Christian Academy in August 1995. He was in the fifth grade. From that time until his graduation in 2003, he kept his classmates entertained with his drawings. Peter worked hard on his schoolwork, but everyone knew his real passion was art. His classmates and teachers remember him as drawing constantly. At that time, most of his drawings were cartoons, which were done with excellent attention to detail and showed great potential. When Peter’s high school class was planning the Junior-Senior Banquet, Peter’s talent was put to use. Instead of the senior class prophecy simply being read as usual, it was accompanied by caricatures of each senior—all the work of Peter Kothe. His talent was growing each year. When Peter graduated from high school, he knew art would be his future career. He applied to Pensacola Christian College and was accepted into the commercial arts program. He earned his BA in 2007 and immediately went on to earn a master’s degree, also in commercial arts. In fact, he was the first one in his high school graduating class to earn a master’s degree. For the past six years, Peter has worked as an illustrator for A Beka Books, a company in Pensacola that publishes Christian textbooks. He has done illustrations 6 SPOTLIGHT HOBE SOUND BIBLE COLLEGE for at least seventeen textbooks, from elementary through high school level. In addition to his work for A Beka, Peter has also completed many personal art projects for his own customers. His work includes digital art, pen and ink sketches, watercolors, and oil paintings. When he is not busy with his art, Peter loves to travel. He is also very active in the campus church at Pensacola, where he works in the Master’s Club, a large children’s ministry. Peter has good memories from his years at HSCA and feels he was well-prepared for college and a career. His expertise in art has increased greatly since the days he drew cartoons on his schoolwork, and he is using his talent to help train the next generation of Christians through his work at A Beka Books. He has learned to use his art to glorify God. However, if you think Peter has given up his cartoons for more “grown up” pursuits, you should check out his Facebook page! ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT NATHAN AND CHARITY BROWN E ach Sunday at Tuscaloosa Bible Methodist Church where Rev. Mark Potter is pastor, you will find a faithful couple and their children in attendance. Nathan and Charity (Frederick) Brown faithfully serve the Lord at home, at work and in their church. Nathan attended Hobe Sound Christian Academy for all of his elementary years, graduating in 1992. He then attended Hobe Sound Bible College for one year. He earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alabama. Charity attended Hobe Sound Bible College for one year. They were married in 2001. Charity received her BA in Spanish in 2003 from the University of Alabama. Their home has been blessed with Kathryn, born in 2005, and Alex, following in 2007. Since college, Nathan has worked for Southern Company, currently in Fuels. His passion lies in teaching Bible on the weekends and developing discipleship and spiritual formation materials for his website, www.disciplingnewconverts.org. Charity is a stayat-home homeschooling mom. Her goal is to help Nathan in raising their children for the Lord. On the side, she translates his materials into Spanish for the website and teaches occasional classes in a local homeschool co-op. The Browns are scheduled to present a discipleship seminar for pastors in Oaxaca, Mexico, this spring under Bible Methodist Missions. Together this family “knows Christ and is making Him known” in their world. Discipleship Lessons by Nathan and videos of Israel are available on his website. www.disciplingnewconverts.org Planned Giving Patrick Davis presents Pres. Stetler with a check from the estate of Dr. Connie Palm. Dr. Connie Palm and her husband Dr. Edward Palm gave nearly fifty years of combined service to Hobe Sound Bible College and Christian Academy. They were instrumental in assisting both to reach accredited status. Dr. Connie Palm provided in her will for the continued advancement of HSBC/A. Also the Dr. Edward and Dr. Connie Palm Memorial Scholarship has been established and will be awarded each year to a student. Have you made provisions in your will for the advancement of the cause of Christ at HSBC/HSCA? For information about how you can do so, contact Patrick Davis, Director of Institutional Advancement at 772-546-5534 or [email protected]. SPRING 2015 TORCH 7 CAMPUS NEWS Academy Reaccreditation I n January, Hobe Sound Christian Academy successfully completed the reaccreditation process to maintain dual accreditation with Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (FACCS) and Middles States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA). Every five years, a team of accreditors visits HSCA to ensure that the school is adhering to the standards required of accredited institutions. Reaccreditation requires months of preparation as documentation is produced to demonstrate how each of the hundreds of individual standards are met. This year’s successful reaccreditation represents the culmination of a concerted team effort by the faculty and staff of HSCA! –by Principal Brent Jones Partnership Banquet M r. Paul Kaufman, chairman of the Hobe Sound Bible College/Academy Board, addressed the attendees of the annual Partnership Banquet. The Peter & Maggie Caster Award was given to the late Rev. G. R. French and his wife Ann. Their daughter Christy Shamber was also present. An outstanding meal was prepared by Harold and Kayla Martin. Mrs. Joana Stratton, New Chair of the Teacher Education Department I ’m pleased to announce that Mrs. Joana Stratton has agreed to serve as chair of the Teacher Education Department beginning Fall 2015. We have been blessed by the excellent leadership of Mrs. Christina Black in this department, but she and her husband David will be moving to Taiwan where they will be serving in ministry there. Mrs. Stratton comes to us with an excellent background of experience and education. She has an earned master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University. In Mrs. Black’s words, “Mrs. Stratton is experienced, educated and enthusiastic about Christian education and will serve well as 8 HOBE SOUND BIBLE COLLEGE the institution’s primary influence over its teacher candidates. She inspired teachers in the Bible Methodist Academy in the Philippines where she served as the main supervisor for six weeks. She has been the model as kindergarten teacher at Hobe Sound Christian Academy where I point HSBC teacher candidates as they seek to connect theory to practice while in education courses. HSBC’s high standard of teacher preparation toward certification competency and servant leadership will continue to thrive in Mrs. Stratton’s capable care.” Welcome, Mrs. Stratton, to your new role at Hobe Sound Bible College! –Dr. Clifford Churchill, Academic Dean CAMPUS NEWS West Coast Trip H obe Sound Bible College sponsored a trip to Ft. Myers, Naples, and Everglades City, Florida, to visit several scenic sights. We gathered on January 26, 2015, at the Hobe Sound Bible Church parking lot to ride the school coach driven by Phil Case. The first stop was a private tour of Thomas Edison’s home and lab. From there we traveled to Naples to the Botanical Garden’s tour. It was amazing to see all the beautiful, colorful and unusual plants from around the world. The next day, we traveled to Everglades City, the last city on the West Coast of Florida, to take a boat trip in the Gulf of Mexico. We enjoyed seeing many dolphins swim near our boat. As usual, we ended the trip by eating at a local fish restaurant by the water. A great time was had by all! Remembering Lela Crawford O n Friday, January 30, the Administrative Council of Hobe Sound Bible College presented the Crawford family with an acrylic painting of Lela Crawford painted by professional resident artist Don Meredith. The council expressed their appreciation for the passion that Lela Crawford had for the students, staff and faculty of Hobe Sound. Also FEA Ministries has done major renovations to Friendship Hall, the “motel” on the Sea Breeze campus. Several rooms have been remodeled and updated with more to come. The lobby and halls have received new flooring, furniture and decorations. Mr. Les Crawford, long-time member of the Hobe Sound Bible College Board, and his family have provided for a complete remodeling of the kitchen area in memory of Mrs. Lela Crawford. During Sea Breeze Camp, a dedication service was held for the new kitchen. The beautiful facility is a blessing to many, including visitors to HSBC/A for Welcome Week, graduation, and other events. 9 Earn a degree completely online without leaving your work, family, or pre�ent area of �ervice� Adult Distributed Education . hobeonline.com . 772-546-5534 ALUMNI NEWS HOMECOMING AT CAMP Top Left: Andrew Graham & Harold Martin; Gaye Armstrong, Esther Morgan, Mary Ellen Huff, Jan Hobbs; 1970s Alumni; Steve Addison, Norman Brush, Mr. & Mrs.Gordon Brush, Sharon Addison; Jackie & Dan Simmons; 1980s Alumni; Norman & Nancy Uber 10 HOBE SOUND BIBLE COLLEGE ALUMNI NEWS Top Left: Ruth, Brandon, & Jack Hart; Larry & Imeda Mabus; Danielle Adams, Carla Case, Bella Adams, Andrea Case; Peggy Shook; 1960s Alumni;Terry Gardner, Courtney Shirah, Natalie Shirah, Carol Gardner; Greta Bovee, Marilyn Marchant; Kevin Spriggs, Nagi Hanna, Steve & Judith Smith; 2000s Alumni SPRING 2015 TORCH 11 ALUMNI Births •Neil & Courtney (Gardner) Shirah – Natalie Skye, Apr. 22, 2014 •Mark & Elisa (Stetler) Calderon – Clarke Daniel, Dec. 7, 2014 •Jordan & Elena (Grant) Cragun – Scarlett Skye, Jan. 19, 2015 •Jeremy & Delani Howard – Jameson Edward, Sept. 9, 2014 •Kyle & Karissa (Webster) Wagner – Charlotte Jane, Dec. 15, 2014 •Nathan & Karra (Bubb) Becker – Natalie Jane, Feb. 5, 2015 •Trevor & Bethany (Holden) Plummer – Emma Grace, Oct. 21, 2014 •Wesley & Melissa (Enyart) McBryant – Mya LeAnn, Dec. 16, 2014 •Caleb & Priscilla (Lefever) Carroll – Joshua Lee, Oct. 29, 2014 •Jordan & Katherine (Hobbs) Finney – Camden Christopher, Jan. 12, 2015 Weddings •Randy & Betty Tikele – Eli, Nov. 12, 2014 In Memory Alumni Committee Elections Timothy Edwin Mayes imothy Edwin Mayes, 60, of Hobe Sound, passed away Sunday, October 5, 2014. He was born to Edwin and Ethel Mayes on November 5, 1953. He attended The Grace Place in Stuart, Florida. Tim is survived by his wife Naomi, children Brent and Jason, siblings Debra and Mike Wetherald and Dorcas and Charlie Bouser and grandchildren Shannon, Jason II, Kaitlin, Stephanie, Andrew and Mia. A funeral service was held on October 9 at Forest Hills Palm City Chapel with Rev. Rick Addison officiating. been nominated. Faith Tofte and Sharon Walker are up for election for the office of treasurer. All four nominees live in Hobe Sound. Jonathan, Faith and Sharon work for Hobe Sound Bible College. James works for FEA Ministries. All alumni are encouraged to vote at www.hsbc.edu or on the Hobe Sound Bible College and Christian Academy Alumni Association Facebook page. Voting will be open through the end of IH Convention. The results will be announced on Friday, April 24. Delores Bidwell Green elores Bidwell Green went to be with our Lord on Sunday, October 12, 2014. She was born Delores Mae Gattone on November 29, 1932, to Verino and Catherine Gattone in Laureldale, Pennsylvania. She attended Allentown Bible College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. In 1951, she married Bobbie L. Bidwell. They began their life in ministry in Salem, New Jersey. From there, their path in service to God took them to churches in Pennsylvania and New • David & Emily (Pilmore) Hawn – Nov. 14, 2014 • Jac & Jacinda (Finney) Crawford – Jan. 30, 2015 wo positions are open on the Hobe Sound Bible College T and Christian Academy Alumni Committee. For the office of president, James Powell and Jonathan Stratton have 12 NEWS HOBE SOUND BIBLE COLLEGE T D ALUMNI York. They were married for forty-three years. During this time, Delores and Bobbie were blessed with three sons, Paul, Phillip, and David. In 1994, shortly after his retirement from the ministry, Bro. Bidwell took his place in heaven. Delores began a new chapter of life in Hobe Sound, Florida, as Dean of Women at Hobe Sound Bible College. During this time, she married Kenneth L. Green in 2002 and lived in the Hobe Sound area until her passing. Delores was an accomplished musician. She was also a Sunday School teacher and enjoyed her role as a pastor’s wife, entertaining church members and guests. Her missionary work took her to various places including Romania. She also helped to organize leisure trips for seniors in South Florida. Delores is survived by her husband Kenneth L. Green of Hobe Sound, Florida, children Paul and Diane Bidwell of Allentown, Pennsylvania; Philip and Michelle Bidwell of Delray Beach, Florida, and New York City, New York; and David and Kitty Bidwell of Schenectady, New York; a brother, and grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family. A memorial service was held on October 15 at Hobe Sound Bible Church with Rev. Rodney Loper officiating. A funeral service was held October 18, 2014, at the Pilgrim Holiness Church in Sayre, Pennsylvania, with the Rev. John Musser officiating. Burial was in Tioga Point Cemetery, Athens, Pennsylvania. Linda Hebner L’Ecuyer inda M. Hebner L’Ecuyer, 61, of Maplesville, Alabama, died November 24, 2014, after a long battle with cancer. She was born on September 28, 1953, in Michigan, daughter of the late Roger Paul Hebner and Alice Pederson Hebner. Linda was a teacher. Surviving are husband Gerald L’Ecuyer of Maplesville; children Julia and Jimmy Chastain of Maplesville; Jennifer L’Ecuyer of Prattville, Alabama; Jeanice and Stephen Harrison of Prattville; three grandchildren, her mother, and three siblings. She was preceded in death by her father Roger Hebner and son Gerald L. L’Ecuyer, Jr. Services were held November 29 at Plantersville Baptist Church with Rev. Don Stephens, Rev. Mike Golson and Rev. Alexander Goodsell officiating. Interment was in Plantersville Baptist Cemetery, Plantersville, Alabama. L Gilbert Earl Eggman ilbert Earl Eggman, 78, of Hobe Sound, Florida, passed away November 29, 2014. He was born October 24, 1936, in Indiana to the late Eugene & Edna (Carroll) Eggman. Gilbert was a member of Hobe Sound Bible Church in Florida. He owned his own company, Gil’s Mobile Home Repair, in Florida for over 40 years, having retired in March 2011. He and his wife were faithful supporters of HSBC. He is survived by his daughter, Teresa and Jerry Alexander, three grandchildren, two sisters, twelve great-grandchildren and other family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Naomi Ruth (Bauer) Eggman; and two sisters, Elba Moore and Esther Norton. G NEWS A service was held on December 3, 2014, with Pastor Clifton Ashlock officiating. Burial was at the Bronnenberg Cemetery in Chesterfield, Indiana. Ethel Ollie Mayes thel Ollie Mayes, 86, of Hobe Sound, Florida, passed away November 30, 2014, in the loving arms of her daughter. She was born in Woodland, Pennsylvania, on January 15, 1928, to Howard & Minerva (Smeal) Goss. She enjoyed teaching for many years at Martin County School Systems. She also taught eighth grade at Hobe Sound Christian Academy and education classes at Hobe Sound Bible College from 1978 to 1982. Mrs. Mayes is survived by her children Debra and Mike Wetherald of Hicksville, Ohio; Dorcas and Charles Bowser of Thomasville, North Carolina, and Naomi Mayes of Hobe Sound; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and other family. She was preceded in death by her husband Edwin and son Timothy. The funeral for Mrs. Mayes was at Martin Funeral Home in Stuart, Florida. E Barbara Deckard arbara Colleen Sowders Deckard, 81, of Hobe Sound, Florida, passed away December 25, 2014, in her home surrounded by her husband and children. Barbara was born August 9, 1933. She and her husband, Dewey, traveled in song evangelism, and she homeschooled their children. In 1967 they moved to Hobe Sound to put their children in Hobe Sound Christian Academy and to help expand the printing business at Hobe Sound Bible College. The Deckards grew the printing business. They also ran the Camp Commissary, which Uncle Robb and Aunt Geraldine French promoted as a source for campus residents to purchase supplies in a Christian environment. A building was enlarged which enabled the growth of the Camp Commissary/Fruit Stand. It now houses the Snack Shop. Barbara spent approximately forty years in the ministries here. For several years she was the assistant in the kindergarten at Hobe Sound Christian Academy. She was an active member of the Hobe Sound Bible Church and served in various secretarial capacities. Mrs. Deckard is survived by her loving husband, Joseph Dewey Deckard of Hobe Sound, Florida, children, Timothy and Linda Deckard, Melissa and Gene Cook, Joshua and Vicki Deckard, Angela and Nagy Mitry, and Lydia and Ralph Wilson, all of Hobe Sound with the exception of Angela and Nagy Mitry residing in Sydney, Australia; nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Tony Ruggerio and Gracie McGuire preceded great-grandma in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents and a brother. A memorial service was held December 30 at Hobe Sound Bible Church. Interment was at Riverside Memorial Park in Tequesta. (continued on page 14) B SPRING 2015 TORCH 13 ALUMNI In Memory continued from page 13 Debra Koon Cadwell Debra Sue Koon Cadwell, 61, of Ridge, Montana, passed away at her home on December 28, 2014. Debra was born on February 16, 1953, in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, the daughter of George and Dolores (Seese) Koon. She attended Salem Bible College for two years and then pursued a degree in missionary nursing at Hobe Sound Bible College. She married Eugene Cadwell and they moved to Isabella, Pennsylvania, where they ministered for nine years. Debra then taught at North West Indian Bible School in Montana for eight years. Debra was an avid reader and writer. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, doing word games and helping out in anyway she could with her church. Most of all Debra enjoyed her personal relationship with her Lord. She is survived by her husband Eugene; children David and Julia Cadwell and Bethany and Martin Hunt; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother. A funeral service was held on January 3 in Broadus, Montana. Interment was at Ridge Cemetery near Ridge, Montana. NEWS David Hovis Rev. David M. Hovis, 89, from Clintonville, Pennsylvania, passed away January 23, 2015. Rev. Hovis was born October 21, 1926, in Clintonville. He was the son of the late Curtis Hovis and Cora Faye Martin Hovis. Rev. Hovis graduated from Hobe Sound Bible College. He served in the US Army during World War II. He leaves behind his son David of Montana, three grandchildren, two brothers and a sister. He was preceded in death by his wife Clara Mary and a great-grandson. The funeral was held at the Franklin Wesleyan Methodist Church in Franklin, Pennsylvania, on January 27 with the Rev. Jonathan Bell officiating, assisted by Rev. Gary Warner. ______________________________________________________ Portions of these obituaries were taken from www.legacy.com, www.sprolesfamilycares.com, and www.foresthillspalmcityflorida.com. Cruise on Norwegian from Boston to Canada on a 7-Day Cruise Featuring the Stetler trio & Brent Vernon with Sam Hobe Sound Bible College September 25 - October 2, 2015 Contact us for more information at 772-546-5534 • [email protected] • PO Box 1065, Hobe Sound, FL 33475 14 HOBE SOUND BIBLE COLLEGE ALUMNI NEWS HOMECOMING 2015 H obe Sound Bible College and Christian Academy celebrated our alumni during the first weekend of Sea Breeze Camp Meeting. Several hundred gathered in the camp service on Friday evening. Paul Stetler welcomed everyone, stating, “We’re grateful to the Lord for His goodness. I don’t just say that as a cliché. Some really, really exciting things are happening at Hobe Sound Bible College. God is just doing some remarkable things.” Alumni President Dr. Andrew Graham recognized the reunion classes of 1965, 1975, 1985, 1995, and 2005. He also recognized the Alumni and Faculty of the Year for their contributions to God’s kingdom. Mr. Brent Jones, principal of Hobe Sound Christian Academy, illustrated to us that “for most people, the single biggest influence that affected the direction of their lives were people they met and knew while they were in elementary or middle school or high school. That’s why we as a faculty do what we do. We help our students build a foundation which is going to most likely determine the direction their lives take.” We heard a thrilling testimony from Student Government President Joel Veyon. Joel told how he prays that he will not just live from day to day, but that God will use him in a special way. The college choir, trio and orchestra shared wonderful music. Then President Stetler recalled to us the giants who have served on the campus of Hobe Sound. He described the tremendous past we have to look back to, but he reminded us that “God is in the business of renewing, and reviving, and refreshing. And God is doing a new thing with something that’s been a blessing for a long, long time.” He thanked God for the young alumni who are coming back to serve right here where they were trained. President Stetler said, “There are things that are eternally the same. (But) every generation needs to see God work again. Every new generation has to have its own stories. Every new generation has to see God move and hear God answer prayer and hear of God’s work among us for themselves…. And God is doing a new thing in that He is calling people; He is challenging people; He is bringing young people with vision and passion and hope for the future.” Following the service, over two hundred alumni met in the Schmul Center for fellowship. (See the pictures in this issue of alumni from each decade.) The next morning a memorial service was held honoring Rev. G. R. French, Dr. Connie Palm and several other faculty and staff who have passed away this past year. Dr. Andrew Graham, opened the service. A tribute was given to Bro. French by Rev. Patrick Davis. Then memories of working with Dr. Palm were shared by Mrs. Linda Deckard, Rev. Sidney Grant, President Stetler, and Dr. Fred Wingham. Video tributes were also given to given to Bro. French and Dr. Palm. Homecoming concluded on the Olsen Recreational Field with a bar-b-que dinner under the tent. Begin planning now to join us next year on February 5 and 6 for Homecoming 2016. The services are available to view in the archives at www.hobesoundbiblechurchlive.com. Alumni of the Year – John & Jan Dykes The HSBC/CA Alumni Association Alumni of the Year award goes to a couple who attended in the mid-1970s. John and Janice (Wilson) Dykes were both graduates of the Hobe Sound Christian Academy high school class of 1975 and attended Hobe Sound Bible College. They have worked in missions since 1979 and currently serve with FEA Ministries as regional directors over the largest region of Hope International Missions: Spanish Ministries. They supervise Spanish churches across the United States and in five foreign fields, supporting pastors, missionaries, and national leadership. When not in ministry elsewhere, they attend Hobe Sound Bible Church and support the other ministries and students on our campus. The Alumni Association of Hobe Sound Bible College and Hobe Sound Christian Academy is pleased to recognize the 2015 Alumni of the Year as John and Jan Dykes. (continued on page 18) SPRING 2015 TORCH 15 THE TORCH CONNIE K. PALM DEC. 27, 1938 – JAN. 3, 2015 C onnie K. Palm entered this world on December 27, 1938, the daughter of Daniel and Belva King of English, Indiana. She and her twin brother were the ninth and tenth children in the family. Mrs. Palm wrote, “My brother and I weighed in at twenty-two pounds—the heaviest twins on record in the US. I don’t know if that record still stands, but at the time our picture was in newspapers all over the country.” Her father passed away when she was eight years old. Her mother kept the family together by taking in laundry and seeking what they could from the small farm. They never had electricity in the home. But Mrs. Palm remembers being happy. “We grew up on the edge of the Great Depression. We had many blessings: being poor and therefore appreciating all we had; having food we produced ourselves and therefore knowing the value of work; no instant gratification and therefore knowing the joy of wanting, wishing, working, waiting.” Connie attended a one-room country school through eighth grade and then a four-room high school. But there were few books. She said, “Since I had no books as a child, either at home or at school, I have had to make up for that loss. Over the years, I have read voraciously!” Another time she stated, “To have no books in the home is a serious kind of poverty.” At eight years old, Connie accepted Christ, a decision she said informed every part of her life after that. Her beloved uncle O. L. King saw that Connie had a good mind and made it possible for her to enroll at God’s Bible School High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her greatest desire was to teach. 16 HOBE SOUND BIBLE COLLEGE THE She went on to God’s Bible School & College and then the University of Cincinnati. She met Edward Palm at GBS and they were married. Mrs. Palm says, “The thirst for books and learning never left me. So in every place we lived, I attended school and added a degree.” She earned a BA and a BTh from God’s Bible School & College, an MS in Education from the University of Cincinnati, an MA in Elementary Education from Salem State College, an MS in Educational Administration from Bob Jones University, an MA in Christian Education from Freedom University, an Education Specialist, Supervision and Administration from Florida Atlantic University, and a Doctor of Education: Teacher Training from the University of Cincinnati. After their marriage, the Palms served together in many types of ministry. Mrs. Palm taught in several different states and was licensed in five. They pastored several churches with the Pilgrim Holiness Church of New York. In 1970 they moved to Hobe Sound. Mrs. Palm wrote, “Go back with me to 1969. A car is stopped at a yellow blinking light at the intersection of US 1 and Bridge Road. The driver said, ‘Mr. Herron didn’t say which way to turn.’ “The passenger said, ‘Go right. If you’re not sure, then always go right.’ The driver rolled his eyes and went right. “Several miles down a bumpy road, through inky blackness punctuated with swamp noises, the car plowed into a swarm, a pestilence of mosquitoes. The driver yelled, ‘We’ve gone too far. We’re in Egypt and this is the eleventh plague.’ “The passenger looked at the driver. ‘Maybe left,’ she said. “This exploratory trip resulted in our saying ‘yes’ we would come to Hobe Sound.” During the following twenty-two years, Mrs. Palm was the principal at Hobe Sound Christian Academy for many years, then moved to chair the Education Department for Hobe Sound Bible College. In 1991 the Palms went to Taiwan to serve as missionaries affiliated with Hope International Missions. Mr. Palm passed away in 1997. Mrs. Palm returned to Taiwan for four more TORCH years. Mrs. Palm said, “Much of what I have learned about life, I learned in those ten years in Taiwan.” After returning to Hobe Sound, Mrs. Palm was active in the Chinese Christian Church in West Palm Beach. She taught English to the Chinese and led an Intercultural Marriage Class for Chinese wives who are married to American husbands. In addition to Taiwan, Mrs. Palm traveled in Canada, Europe, Thailand, the Philippines, Hong Kong, China and Cameroon, Africa. After returning to America, Mrs. Palm still longed to serve through mission work. She began a ministry called “One Small Candle,” creating hand-crafted gifts which each featured a verse of Scripture so it could be used by those who spoke English. She sent out a brochure to missionaries and orders began pouring in. Soon several people met each week to assist Mrs. Palm in cutting, pasting, and sewing. At the time of her passing, over 197,000 pieces of her crafts had reached other countries. Rev. Joseph Taylor of Gospel Publishing Mission asked Mrs. Palm to write a book. She told him she did not feel adequate, but felt God pushing her to do so. Even then she was taking classes. In a paper she wrote for a class, she said, “Along the way, people, including my husband, have told me that I should write. But until now, I have not had time to consider it. And even now, as before, I feel little inner confidence that I can actually do it.” But she persevered and wrote “Is God Really My Father?” in Special English so it could be used with those who spoke English as a second language. She went on to write “Waiting for Wonder,” “Stories of the Bible,” “Basil Bear and the Honey Jar Disaster,” and more. In her class assignment, she had written, “I would be so happy, so fulfilled to walk into a library somewhere (anywhere!) and see a book for small children with my name as the author. Then I think I would hear a voice in my heart saying, ‘See, honey, I told you so!’” She lived to see that dream a reality. Connie lived her life for others. The little girl who longed for books to read left books for generations of children to come. And along the way she taught hundreds of others how to teach, how to serve, and how to love. SPRING 2015 TORCH 17 THE G. R. French HOMECOMING continued from page 15 A Legacy of Service continued from page 5 Teacher of the Year – Dr. Paul Peak The memorial service was held at Hobe Sound Bible Church in Hobe Sound, Florida, with Rev. Rodney Loper officiating. Burial was at Forest Hill Memorial Park in Palm City, Florida. Bro. French’s sister, Helen Barefoot, gave a concise picture of her brother. “Shortly before Bob had his stroke, I ran across a copy of words I wrote in a book I gave him many years ago. I thought, ‘I want to send this to him again.’ But he went to heaven before I had a chance. Here is what I wrote: “‘My dear brother Bob, of whom I have such poignant memories of a serious-minded, gentle little boy who wanted to be a “mittonary;” whose tongue was loosed in his teens from the inability to express what was in his splendid mind and fervent spirit to become the powerful preacher of the Word he is today; whose life and character exemplify the principles and concepts set forth in this book—integrity, transparency, truthfulness, servanthood; who has been a source of comfort, encouragement, and love exemplifying and pointing me to the source of all hope and all love during a very dark time in my life. “‘With deepest love from your sis, Helen.’” WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE A “ROOM OF YOUR OWN”? We have oppor-tunities for per-sons wishing to donate for the renovation of a room that will allow you priori-ty use of the room and oppor-tunity to choose your own décor. You may also dedicate a room to a loved one’s memory, and we will help with making your room an ongoing tribute to their legacy. TORCH The faculty member we have chosen to recognize served the college and academy as Music Department Chair from 1992 through 2008, touching an entire generation of graduates. He taught a variety of courses and served Hobe Sound Bible Church as Minister of Music. It is not an exaggeration to say that the labors of this man transformed the musical life of our campus. His initiatives continue through the Piano Extravaganza, the Singing Christmas Tree, and the annual Concert Series. His influence lives on in the lives of the many, many students who were impacted by his teaching and his fine Christian example. A choral director, professor, worship leader and tuner par excellence, he continues to evoke tuneful praises in all who were privileged to sing in his choirs or play one of his pianos. The Hobe Sound Bible College and Christian Academy Alumni Association thank him for his visionary, dedicated, selfless service to our schools, our church and our community. We are pleased to recognize the 2015 Alumni Teacher of the Year recipient as Dr. Paul Peak. There is a room for YOU in the NEWLY Remodeled Friendship Hall FEA Ministries invites you to consider Friendship Hall as you plan your next stay or vacation in Florida. We have newly renovated rooms, with more coming, and our lobby and kitchen have been completely redone, featuring Lela’s Kitchen a beautiful facility dedicated by Leslie Crawford to the memory of his wife, Lela. Our upgraded rooms feature ALL NEW BATHROOMS and: Beautiful wood-look porcelain tile floors Brand-new memory foam mattresses Attractive décor Pricing is very reasonable, making our facility a great place to use as your home base for Florida sightseeing. Even more important, you will have a place to stay where you can worship with us and enjoy being with fellow Christian friends. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call: 772-546-1113 Email: [email protected] Website: feaministries.org 18 HOBE SOUND BIBLE COLLEGE THE TORCH DEDICATING YOUR LIFE TO GOD’S SERVICE A by Dr. David Bubb s a community, we have reflected recently on the lives of those who faithfully served their generation at Hobe Sound Bible College, such as Dr. Connie Palm, G. R. French and others. One of the gripping realities we face is the need to pass the torch of ministry from their generation to ours. While this is a crucial need, we must recognize that the world we face today is vastly different from the world our spiritual leaders faced when they began a life of ministry. A slogan seen in advertising several years ago highlights our challenge today. The Oldsmobile division of General Motors launched a successful advertising campaign designed to market the Oldsmobile product to a new generation of drivers. In an effort to change the image of their vehicles, the company launched a series of commercials which contained the phrase, “This is not your father’s Oldsmobile.” Intense pressure is being placed upon the “church” to change the message or to accommodate and conform the gospel to the contemporary cultural context. Ours is a new world, and nothing has been more adversely affected by postmodernism than the church and its relationship to God’s Word. Biblical ignorance is intensifying, even in the church. As we seek more entertainment and less biblical truth, the erosion increases. We are living in a world where our culture tolerates every idea of right and wrong, truth and lie, natural or unnatural; a world where people are no longer asking, “What is true?” The question being asked is, “What is real?” We are living in a world without a center. Think of it like a bicycle wheel. On the outside of the wheel is the tire, which is held on by the rim, which is held in place by the spokes, all of which is connected to the center hub or axle. Think of the spokes as the ethics and morals connected to the center of everything—which just a few years ago was God and truth. Today our culture is a world without a center, with nothing to anchor their life upon. We have people wandering around in the dark searching for something, anything, that will make them feel alive. They are searching for anything that will give them a sense of purpose. As Christians, we can either continue to be strangers in a strange land, or we can accept the fact that God knows what He is doing, roll up our sleeves and carry His Word and work on in the age in which He has placed us. I believe that God is at work in this age! In fact He has placed us here with new challenges and new possibilities for a purpose. “This generation longs for something permanent, something genuine, and something that looks even better once the wrapping has been removed.” So how do we minister effectively to this “new world?” We need to realize that reaching this postmodern generation isn’t a matter of trying to be something we are not. On the contrary: authenticity is the key to effectiveness in reaching this age. We must be “Real.” This generation longs for something permanent, something genuine, and something that looks even better once the wrapping has been removed. They are looking for something more than just external holiness. They want to see in us a true scriptural holiness that begins on the inside and shines through on the outward in the image of Jesus Christ (I John 4:17). This generation is tired of organized religion that is no more than conformity. People are not looking for information about God—they want to experience God Himself personally. The postmodernists don’t just want to attend church where they hear a bunch of facts about God, they want to attend church where they experience and sense the presence of God. What is real? The message of the cross is real. It is still “the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Rom. 1:16)! It is a message that includes the truth that every person has inherent value in the eyes of God. It is also a message that unashamedly declares that through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, sinful, wayward people can become new creatures in Christ Jesus. The church must once again be convinced that all human beings are dearly loved by God and matter to God with unfathomable love! To be real means we must forsake our complacency, confess our self-centeredness, and stop living no differently than the world around us. Being real in this world as believers means allowing the Bible to completely transform the way we understand the world and interact with it. I thank God for the life and ministry of Dr. and Mrs. Connie Palm, G. R. French and the list of others who gave their lives to reach their generation. Today God is calling us to pick up the torch and continue to reach this age with the life changing gospel of Jesus Christ. SPRING 2015 TORCH 19 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID SHOALS IN PERMIT NO. 18 HOBE SOUND BIBLE COLLEGE PO BOX 1065 HOBE SOUND FL 33475-1065 Check Hobe Sound Bible College Facebook Page April 15-27 Wednesday, April 15: Venue: East Brewton Church of the Nazarene Physical Address: 307 Cedar St. East Brewton, AL Service Time: 6:00 PM Coordinator: Rev. James Meadows Contact Phone: 251-263-0307 Thursday, April 16: Venue: Shiloh Pilgrim Holiness Church Physical Address: 456 Shiloh Rd SW Corydon, IN 47112 Service Time: 7:00 PM Coordinator: Rev. Mark Ranke Contact Phone: 812-267-3551 Friday, April 17: Venue: Independent Nazarene Church Physical Address: 5152 Hornet Ave Beech Grove, IN 46107 Service Time: 7:00 PM Coordinator: Roger Bennett Contact Phone: 317-319-7499 Saturday, April 18: Venue: Village Park Bible Methodist Church Physical Address: 219 W 161st St Westfield, IN 46074 Service Time: 7:00 PM Coordinator: Rev. John Parker Contact Phone: 864-380-5718 Sunday, April 19: Venue: Franklin Bible Methodist Church Physical Address: 6000 S Dixie Hwy Franklin, OH 45005 Service Time: 10:30 AM Coordinator: Rev. Jack Hooker Contact Phone: 513-312-8236 Sunday, April 19: Venue: New Life Holiness Church Physical Address: 101 S Walnut and Elm Hagerstown, IN 47346 Service Time: 7:00 PM Coordinator: Rev. Ron Coleman Contact Phone: 765-242-1834 Monday, April 20: Venue: Nellie School Auditorium Physical Address: 202 2nd St Warsaw, OH 43844 Service Time: 7:00 PM Coordinator: Dale Hartle Contact Phone: 740-502-1989 Tuesday, April 21: Venue: Inter-Church Holiness Convention Physical Address: 22 E 5th St Dayton, OH 45402 Service Time: 6:00 PM Coordinator: Rev. Leonard Sankey Contact Phone: 937-333-4700 Wednesday, April 22: Venue: Inter-Church Holiness Convention Physical Address: 22 E 5th St Dayton, OH 45402 Service Time: Alumni Gathering following 7:00 PM Service Coordinator: Rev. Leonard Sankey Contact Phone: 937-333-4700 Thursday, April 23: Venue: Inter-Church Holiness Convention Physical Address: 22 E 5th St Dayton, OH 45402 Service Time: Mass Choir, 6:00 PM Coordinator: Rev. Leonard Sankey Contact Phone: 937-333-4700 Friday, April 24: Venue: Hampton Friends Church (Sponsored by Bible Way Fellowship) Physical Address: 1062 Big Bethel Rd. Hampton, VA 23666 Service Time: 7:00 PM Coordinator: Rev. Mike Johnson Contact Phone: 757-343-6328 Saturday, April 25: Venue: Thomasville Rally (CCA Auditorium) Physical Address: 367 Academy Dr. Thomasville, NC 27360 Service Time: 7:00 PM Coordinator: Charles Baker Contact Phone: 336-431-3742 Sunday, April 26: Venue: Easley Bible Methodist Church Physical Address: 855 Gentry Memorial Hwy Easley, SC 29640 Service Time: 10:30 AM Coordinator: Rev. Jonathan Slagenweit Contact Phone: 864-395-7247 Sunday, April 27: Venue: Pell City Rally (Agan Tabernacle) Physical Address: 1355 Chula Vista Dr. Pell City, AL Service Time: 7:00 PM Coordinator: Wayne Fleming Contact Phone: 205-441-9272
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