One of the highlights of Christian Educator conventions is connecting with ABC alumni! Our Admissions Team found several alumni at three different conventions over the weekend. ⬇
Photo 1: Southeast Christian School Convention
Photo 2: Keystone Christian Education Association Conference
Photo 3: West Virginia Christian Education Association Convention
The 2024 Alumni of the Year are Don and Shirley Emerson.
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.
Don and Shirley Emerson graduated from ABI in 1966, and were then married in 1967. Over the next five years, Don continued his education while also serving in the United States Army, then embarking on a decades long life of full time service to the Lord.
In 1973, Don started Perry Baptist School, where he served as the principle until 1987. During that time he was also active in Perry Baptist Church, serving as both a deacon and a Sunday School teacher, while Shirley taught at the school, taught Sunday School, and was involved in VBS and ladies ministry through the church.
In 1988-1990 they spent time as missionaries in Dominica, as well as providing cover for missionaries as they went on furlough. From 1992-1998 they ministered at Grove Christian School. In 1999 they began an international school in China where they served for the next 20 years, leaving just days before the COVID outbreak in China. They then retired to Greenville, SC, where they continue to be involved with the International School in China, as well as being active in their local church.
Don and Shirley, for your decades of ministry, exemplifying the motto “...because Life is for Service,” it is our privilege to recognize you as Appalachian Bible College’s 2024 Alumni of the Year.
The recipient of the 2024 Diakonos Award is Ronnie Rigney.
Ronnie is a 2007 graduate of ABC. He is married to Janis, and they have three children. Since his graduation, he worked locally, continuing to be a friend and advocate of ABC. He stayed connected in various ways, but especially through his involvement with Alpine Ministries, and his great love for whitewater rafting.
Ronnie attends and serves faithfully at Maxwell Hill Baptist Church, the church he began attending as a student 20 years ago. His pastor, Ken Killen, shares of Ronnie’s involvement, ministry, and the personal blessing that he has been. “I have had the privilege of knowing Ronnie for nearly twenty years. I came to know him first as a student then as an intern and for the past few years as a fellow elder in our church. In each of these roles I have been enriched. When I had Ronnie as a student and as an intern, I sometimes wondered which of us should be the teacher. It is no secret that Ronnie thrives in an academic setting. His ability to grasp complex issues and
explain them in simple terms makes him an exceptional teacher. Over the course of my relationship with Ronnie I have had the privilege of seeing him grow not just in knowledge but also in character. He exemplifies the character that is required of an elder. Just recently, our whole church watched as his faith and character was tested and proven. Both he and his wife Janis inspired us as they became living examples of what it means to be faithful when their daughter was diagnosed with a life threatening disease.”
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.
Ronnie, for your evident testimony of faithfulness and service to the Lord, in the workplace, the church, and the home, it is our honor to present you with this year’s Diakonos Award.
Congratulations to the several ABC students who are recipients of the WVICU Circle of Vision Scholarship!
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 2024 Honorary Alumni are Phil and Cindy Peterson.
Philip and Cindy joined the staff of ABC in 2010, Phil as faculty serving as the Missions Major Chair and Cindy as an Administrative Assistant (currently for the Academic Division). The Petersons are blessed with five children – Kari, Stefan, Julia, Kiki, and David (all of whom have been or are currently in full-time ministry).
Their experience as missionaries in Europe for many years, combined with their great love for people makes them passionate servants as they train the next generation. They host small groups of students and missionaries in their home frequently.
Phil was recently appointed the VP of Missionary Services at IBMGlobal mission agency, but graciously remained to assist in the missions chair transition, serving as a full-time missions adjunct this year. Cindy continued this year as well as the Administrative Assistant to the VP for Academics.
They are faithful and committed in their desire to minister to people, and to equip others to do the same, and their dedicated involvement at ABC shows this. It is our privilege to award them with the status of Honorary Alumni.
The Gap Year Bible Certificate students have been enjoying their adventure trips in the New River Gorge National Park! Recently, the students went rappelling at Bridge Buttress.
Do you know of someone who is thinking of taking a gap year after high school? Contact admissions@abc.edu to learn more about ABC's Gap Year Bible Certificate!
It is an honor to recognize the faculty’s 2024 selection for honorary membership into the Delta Epsilon Chi Society of the Association for Biblical Higher Education. The Delta Epsilon Chi society gets its name from the commendation in Romans 16:10— “Approved in Christ.”
The 2024 selection is Abbey Kilbride.
Abbey grew up as a missionary kid in Peru where she learned Spanish. After graduating from ABC in 2012, she was an elementary education teacher in China for two years. These cross cultural experiences and language learning prepared her to be brought on staff at ABC in 2014 as our Missions - TESOL concentration coordinator.
In 2020, she earned her Masters of Education degree from Clarks Summit University. She has done an exemplary job in training approximately 30 graduates from this program over the years.
Abbey is a faithful missionary with both ABF and Word of Life, serving alongside her husband and working with churches' children and youth ministries, as well as Missions Committees. She has also served on the Ladies Auxiliary while at ABC.
Thank you for your faithful testimony as an ABC alumna living out our motto: “…because Life is for Service.”
Part of the freshman class enjoyed serving the community surrounding the ABC campus by participating in a highway cleanup service project. We're thankful for these students desiring to serve others!
ABC's annual Missions Conference, October 28–30, is themed "Declare His Glory Among the Nations," with a focus on the urgent need to spread the gospel around the world. 🌍 All are welcome!
Keynote speakers:
- Dr. David Smith, Director of Open Door Baptist Missions
- Dr. Gary Anderson, President Emeritus of Baptist Mid-Missions
Schedule of corporate sessions (Anderson Hall):
- Monday 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 7:00 PM
- Tuesday 11:00 AM, 7:00 PM
- Wednesday 11:00 AM
Watch online: abc.edu/live
Children's Conference:
"In the Palm of His Hand: Choosing to Obey God" 🌴
Ages 5 years old – 6th grade
Monday & Tuesday, 7:00–8:30 PM
Senior night for these volleyball athletes is TOMORROW❕
Our Lady Warriors compete in a tri-match against The Crown College (11:30am) and Christendom College (1:30pm) in the Gilmore Center. Senior athletes will be recognized immediately following the conclusion of the 1:30pm match.
Thank you to all who participated in the 10th annual Beautiful Feet 5k to support the ABC Missions Conference! The weather was beautiful as runners and walkers enjoyed the beautiful fall colors on full display.
Missions Conference 2024 was a blessing as the campus family was exhorted to declare God's glory to the nations. A special highlight of the Conference was recognizing the countries that current ABC students, staff, and faculty have previously served in - totaling close to 80 countries! 🌍
