CALVARY BAPTIST SENDS STUDENTS TO BCF

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 19, 2008

---

Six students from Calvary Baptist Church in Winter Haven, FL, have not only fallen in love with Christ through intense discipleship but have also followed God's call into some form of full time ministry. Each student has a different story as to how they got to The Baptist College of Florida (BCF) in Graceville, but they all were fueled by the supportive ministerial staff of Calvary Baptist Church.

Mackenzie Williams, Angela Revell, and Blake Price were the first three students from Calvary to come to BCF, arriving in the Fall 2007 semester. "My dad [Tim Williams, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church] serves on the Board of Missions for the Florida Baptist Convention alongside Dr. Kinchen [BCF President]," stated Williams. "When they had a board meeting at BCF, my dad came home telling me how great the school was and encouraged me to look into it." Revell, also a ministers' daughter, shared similar motivation from her father, Calvary Baptist Music Minister Steve Revell, who received information on the college at the Florida Baptist Convention.

During their first year of studies, all three students shared their love for BCF with family and friends, including Steve Straub, Calvary Baptist Youth Minister, who invited a group of seniors to attend the 2008 Spring Preview Day. Following preview day, Calvary seniors Joe Ragsdale, Ross Ponder, and Josh Nicholson felt compelled to come tour the college to see if this was where the Lord would lead them.

"I felt a call into the ministry at age twelve during a Student Life Camp," stated Ponder. "When Steve and the three students already here encouraged me to visit, I came, took a tour, and knew that God had called me to come to BCF."

Ragsdale was also encouraged by Straub to come and visit. "Steve went beyond encouraging me to visit BCF. He has always stressed living a Christian lifestyle. He takes it beyond knowing who God is, and instead motivates us to live like Christ."

Now having studied under BCF professors and experienced dorm life, all six students have no regrets in coming to The Baptist College of Florida. "I expected school, but received so much more than that," stated Nicholson. "Instead of the church camp hype, life here is a daily dive into God's truths and growth with fellow believers. Here we all share the love for the Lord, the call into ministry, and intense accountability. My favorite part is the chapel services." Ragsdale added to his comment by stating, "This school is filled with Christians who aren't lukewarm, but instead on fire for Christ!"

It's not just the ministers at Calvary Baptist who encourage students to study at BCF, but it's the deep desire of each student to serve God and learn within a Christian environment and Worldview. "I know this is where God wants me to be," stated Ponder. "We've all been motivated to open our hearts and let God use us. I'm thrilled that God wants to use me."

As The Baptist College of Florida gears up for another preview day event in November, make reservations online to tour the campus and see what the students from Calvary Baptist Church have experienced. For more information contact 800-328-2660 x460.