Ambassador Bible Center News

• ABC 2008 Graduates; New Class Begins
• ABC 2008 Was Great!
• Synergy: ABC Shows Teamwork

ABC 2008 Graduates; New Class Begins

by Linda Merrick

On Aug. 10, the ABC class of 2008 graduated. After seven months of hard work, serving and learning God's Word, the class was ready to graduate. Everyone was exhausted but was sad to say good-bye to friends and instructors.

Chris Salva, student body president, and Clyde Kilough, UCG IA president, gave speeches and the ABC chorale sang two songs. They sang "Never-Ending Song of Praise" and "You've Got a Friend in Me" from the movie Toy Story.

Cake, champagne and sparkling juice were served afterward while students and their families fellowshipped.

Thomas Deal and Eileen Sharkey received the Ambassador Excellence Award from Mr. Kilough. Eric and Laura Jeffords and Jeffrey Cox were presented with the Council of Elders Service Award by Council Chairman Robert Dick.

For more on the ABC 2008 year, see page 6. The new nine-month ABC 2008-2009 year begins with orientation Sept. 7 and classes Sept. 8. UN

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ABC 2008 Was Great!

by Gary E. Antion

Thirty-one ABC students walked across the stage on Aug. 10 to receive their diplomas in Biblical Studies for this, the ninth year of Ambassador Bible Center. It was a bittersweet day. The joy of accomplishment was tempered by the sadness of knowing the class would be departing for their homes, universities and employment. But it was a great year.

Some highlights of the year were:

• Orientation: The students were able to get acquainted with faculty, staff and each other.

• Social Activities: Students enjoyed small and large group gatherings for cookouts, dinners, movies, games and good, clean fun. Faculty members invited them over for dinners and dessert. And the students put on a very successful Super Bowl Party for staff and graduates.

• Work Parties: The class raised money for charities, including a very successful car wash.

• Two Field Trips: They traveled to the Creation Museum and the Air Force Museum, both of which were educational and enjoyable.

• ABC Chorale: The chorale members practiced diligently and served several congregations in and around Cincinnati area. They provided praise to God and fellowshipped with numerous brethren.

• Service Projects: Students signed dozens of cards that were sent to those who needed encouragement. They handed out water to participants in the Humana Heart Walk, made brunch for needy families at Ronald McDonald House, hosted a blood drive and put on the ABC Charity Auction, which set the record for the most money raised (over $11,000).

• Graduation Week. First they enjoyed a steak dinner and dancing with a beautiful view of downtown Cincinnati Aug. 7. Aug. 10 was the Graduation Brunch with family and friends and then the graduation exercises followed by beautiful desserts and beverages in celebration.

ABC 2008 was great. With only 31 students, this class accomplished so much and set two records in the process. We wish them much success in their future endeavors and thank them for the sacrifices they made to increase their knowledge of God's Word and to grow in the stature and fullness of Jesus Christ. May God be with them! UN

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Synergy: ABC Shows Teamwork

by David Register

The ABC class of 2008 was unique, like every class. However, this class excelled in a couple of clear areas. The best word I can come up with to describe this sense of teamwork is synergy. Over the months the class was together I observed that they gradually grew closer and closer. The 31 separate and distinct personalities began to work more closely together as the year progressed. They meshed together like no previous class.

This synergy personified itself in the outstanding and beautiful music the chorale sang in their last couple of performances. While other chorales have been larger, this chorale sounded as good as or better than any previous chorale I have heard. The first few practices sounded disjointed and rough. But with the help of our music director, Ken Shoemaker, this class made a noticeable metamorphosis into an outstanding musical group over the seven months of practices and performances. By the end of the year, they sang beautifully together and moved the rest of us with their music!

The second activity that demonstrated this synergy was the annual charity fund-raiser. Again, the class came together. Everyone worked hard and participated. They all contributed and in the end, this class raised more funds for the Nigerian Children's Education Fund than any previous class had ever raised for any fundraising project.

The class of 2008 will be remembered as the class that worked together well as a team and developed "synergy" to accomplish great things in the short time they were in Cincinnati!