ABC News

Congratulations to Mark Henson and Leah Gibson, selected for honorary membership in the Delta Epsilon Chi Society of the Association for Biblical Higher Education.

The Society gets its name from the commendation in Romans 16:10, "approved in Christ." These alumni were chosen by ABC faculty for their outstanding intellectual achievement, exemplary Christian character, and Christian leadership.

Mark Henson is a 2005 graduate of Appalachian Bible College, and he also earned the M. Div. from Baptist Bible Seminary. For 10 years he has served as the youth pastor of Fellowship Bible Church (Shenandoah Junction, WV). He also shepherds and preaches at Bakerton Bible Church, a church renewal effort of FBC, and teaches in ABC's Eastern Panhandle Bible Institute.

Leah (Anderson) Gibson graduated from ABC in 2000 before earning her Master's degree from Marshall University. She has served alongside her husband as he has pastored since 2006. Leah has worked as a teacher in several schools and is currently a music specialist in an elementary school in Newport News, VA.

Congratulations to David and Linda Childs, this year’s recipients of the Servant of the Year Award.

The Childses have lovingly and faithfully served the students of ABC throughout their years in the Student Services Division.

Dave’s leadership as Vice President for Student Services has provided stability and consistency. His pastoral heart for students has been seen regularly. Also in the classroom and most recently as the Chair of Pastoral Ministry, he has exemplified the testimony of shepherding and serving which models ABC’s mission and vision. His contribution to the Administrative Committee serving with the President has been deeply appreciated as well.

In Linda’s role as Dean of Women, she has demonstrated motherly concern for our ladies during her years of service. With faithful diligence, she has extended counsel and encouragement. Additionally, Linda has served with the Ladies Auxiliary.

The Childses will be retiring at the conclusion of this school year and have plans to move to the Greenville, SC area to be closer to family members. They have displayed servants’ hearts …Because Life is for Service.

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.

Missions Conference 2021 quickly approaches and the steering committee is busy preparing. This event becomes a highlight of each school year, a time when God works in many hearts. Pray for this year's conference and consider attending sessions online or in person: October 25–27.

You can also help raise funds for Missions Conference through the Beautiful Feet 5k: abc.edu/5k

Congratulations to Mrs. Pamela Welker Lung, named the 2021 Honorary Alumna.

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.

While Pam was never enrolled at Appalachian Bible College, her awareness and involvement with the ministry has been a part of her life since her early teens as her brother Dan and sister Rosalie were ABC students.

Throughout the years, Pam was regularly involved as her parents, Frank and Reva Welker, would faithfully participate in activities such as Spring Music Festival and Senior Saints Retreat, and as they shared in the lives of their grandchildren attending ABC.

Pam and her late husband Greg Lung expressed a desire to honor the love that the Welkers had for ABC. They offered to respond to a need for a larger pavilion to accommodate various campus activities, especially for our Alpine Ministries. Through their generosity ABC has been blessed with the beautiful Welker Pavilion.

Welcome to the ABC Alumni Association, Pam! …Because Life is for Service.

Congratulations to the 2021 recipient of the Diakonos Award: Chris Roberts.

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.

Chris Roberts is a 2005 graduate of ABC. He and his wife Wendy live in Coopersville, Michigan with their two children. They faithfully serve in their church and community. Chris recently completed his EMT certification so that he can serve even more extensively.

For several summers, Chris and his family have taken leave from their regular work and have come to serve with ABC’s summer activities. They have chosen to live in a small RV and be available to help in whatever way needed—from Alpine Adventures to custodial to food service. During these weeks each year they have also been a special blessing to the Crow Christian Church family. Their testimony of gracious service has provided encouragement and blessing to many lives.

Chris truly displays the heart of a diakonos servant as he lives our motto …Because Life is for Service.

Homecoming attendees from the Class of 1971 were presented 50-year medallions: (L to R) Elaine Miller, Nancy Griswold, Bonnie (Snook) Birch, Marty (Frantz) Walker, Howard Merrell, Joan (Davis) Seger, Rosalie (Welker) Anderson, Daniel Anderson.

Watch the ceremony: https://youtu.be/4YzZVQOhruc

Homecoming attendees from the Class of 1971 were presented 50-year medallions: (L to R) Elaine Miller, Nancy Griswold, Bonnie (Snook) Birch, Marty (Frantz) Walker, Howard Merrell, Joan (Davis) Seger, Rosalie (Welker) Anderson, Daniel Anderson.

Watch the ceremony: https://youtu.be/4YzZVQOhruc

The Class of 1970 was well-represented at Homecoming. These attendees received 50-year medallions: (L to R) Bill Stoll, Ross Patton, Linda (McCallister) Patton, Jim Fain, Toni (Dickerson) Fain, John Birch, Richard Fisher, Lois (Auringer) Fisher, Brenda (Bartlett) Conley, Yvonne (Jenkins) Tallent, Beth Stanley (not pictured).

Congratulations to Richard and Lois Fisher, both named 2021 Alumni of the Year.

Richard and Lois are 1970 graduates of ABC. They have fervently and faithfully served the Lord together since their graduation. After their marriage in 1972, Richard enrolled at Dallas Theological Seminary where he received his Master's of Theology degree. For the next several years they served in pastoral ministries in Canada and Ohio. In 1989 Richard began traveling for Moody Bible Institute and enjoyed an extensive ministry of adult education classes in evenings throughout Ohio. During this time Richard completed his doctoral studies as well. Throughout these years of teaching he was involved in assisting several churches needing pastoral leadership. Lois was involved with various ministry opportunities and in teaching.

The Fishers have two children, Amanda and Shawn, both of whom are ABC alumni. In 2019 Richard and Lois retired and relocated to Georgia to be near their children and grandchildren. They continue to serve the Lord in their new local church.

In the words of their daughter, “Both of my parents have always had a heart for people. One of their greatest legacies has been opening their home. Hospitality was huge on their list.”

The Alumnus/Alumna 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 a full-time ministry and actively supports Appalachian Bible College and its ministries.

Retreat with—not from—your spouse! Bring your husband or wife for this one-night event centered on God's word. Details: alpineministries.com/retreats/couples-escape