Since our inception in 1989, it has often been said that “Preaching is king and music is queen” at Ambassador.  As a ministry training college, our heartbeat is to train preachers and church musicians for the work of the ministry in the local church.

In continuing our philosophy of conservative, traditional church music, Ambassador is happy to introduce to you our new music chairman, Mr. Duane Ream.  Brother Ream is an accomplished pianist and church musician who is eager to impact his students for the cause of Christ.  Take a few moments to join us as we learn more about him . . .

ABC: We are excited about your upcoming ministry at ABC in the fall.  Could you tell us a little bit about your upbringing and salvation testimony?

Mr. Ream: Sure, I was born and raised in Ottawa, KS which is about an hour from Kansas City.  We attended a Baptist church and I accepted Christ when I was in the 5^th grade.  My Sunday School teacher led me to the Lord on a Sunday evening.

ABC: Your love and passion for music is obvious. When did you begin playing and how did you develop during your childhood years?

Mr. Ream: My mom said that I conducted the choir when I was a baby!  I began taking piano in the second grade.  My dad bought a piano so I would be able to practice.  I took regular piano lessons from the second grade until the sixth grade.  After that, my ability in hymn improvisation began to take off.  I would try to play big chords even though my hands were not big enough.  During my junior high and high school years, I was able to be an accompanist in my local church.  In high school, an assistant pastor introduced me to a number of Gospel songs and hymns.

ABC: Where did you get your collegiate music training and what degrees did you earn?

Mr. Ream: I started at Bob Jones University in 1980 and earned two degrees.  I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Church Music and Master of Music degree.

ABC: Although you are well known for your influence in the classroom, tell us a little bit about your local church service.

Mr. Ream: Although I have always been involved in local church music, the Lord opened the door for me to become an assistant pastor and music director at a church near Pickens, SC about twelve years ago.  I really enjoy this ministry and am able to teach Sunday School as well.

ABC: What is your favorite part about church music?

Mr. Ream: I would have to say that it is congregational singing!  There is nothing quite like hearing a group of Christians passionately singing about the love of God.

ABC: What men have influenced you the most in church music?

Mr. Ream: Three names come to mind.  Dwight Gustafson taught me much about classical and sacred music.  Gail Gingery was a great choir director and showed me how to effectively interpret a Gospel song.  Frank Garlock provoked me to think biblically about a philosophy of music and taught me music philosophy in my early days.  He took a stand on biblical music philosophy in those days when it was not popular.

ABC: Between teaching in the classroom and serving in your local church, you probably don’t have a lot of free time.  However, what are some things outside of music that you like to do?

Mr. Ream: Well, I like to fish, but I don’t get to do it very much.  I also like HO scale model railroading, especially building scenery.

ABC: What is your vision for the music department at ABC?

Mr. Ream: Well, music should be part of the development of Christian character.  A person must have character if he or she is going into the service of the King.  You can have a lot of skill but no character.  I would also say that I want our students to have a high level of musicianship.  They should seek excellence for the Lord.  We owe it to them to give them the highest level of training to maximize their usefulness in the Lord’s work.  So, I guess in a nutshell, character/godliness and musicianship.

ABC: One last question before we close.  What are the two most important things that students should consider as they develop their piano skills?

Mr. Ream: The number one suggestion is that they must be willing to put the time into it.  Don’t be upset when you don’t get the results you wanted when you don’t put the time into it!  It takes time and dedication.  I would also say that the choice of teacher is very important.  Not every piano teacher is a good one.

ABC: Thanks for taking the time to sit down with us. We are excited about the fall semester!

Mr. Ream: I am too!  My prayer is that God will raise up many to train in church music.

On Friday, May 3^rd, a number of students received scholarships and special recognition related to the 2018-19 school year.  With the help of several private benefactors, a record-breaking amount of scholarships were offered for this school year.  Here are the award winners for this school year:

The World Wide New Testament Baptist Missions – Missions Scholarship –A $150 scholarship for an Ambassador Baptist College missions student that demonstrates a clear vision, passion, and desire for world evangelization. This scholarship is limited to male students who are classified as rising juniors. The recipient of this award is Kevin Elliot.

The World Wide New Testament Baptist Missions – Pastoral Studies Scholarship – A $150 scholarship for an Ambassador Baptist College pastoral student that demonstrates a clear vision, passion, and desire for world evangelization.  This scholarship is limited to male students who are classified as rising juniors. The recipient of this award is Garrison Snow.

Charles Sheppard Memorial Music Scholarship – A $300 scholarship presented by Mrs. Joan Nix Sheppard to a student in recognition of the display of exemplary character, diligence and discipline in piano and voice. The recipient of this award is Martha Spitsbergen.

Alfred B. Smith Music Scholarship – A $500 scholarship presented by alumni David and Ginger Smith to a student in recognition of diligence and discipline in the field of music. The recipient of this award is Kristin Quick.

Determined Ministries Evangelism Scholarship – A $500 scholarship presented by alumnus Richard Harper to a student who has excelled in displaying the gifts of an evangelist. The recipient of this award is Thomas Simpson.

Wayne Kirk Missions Scholarship – A $1,000 scholarship presented to a missions student in recognition of outstanding Christian testimony and service. The recipient of this award is Faith Hanny.

Priscilla Award – A $1000 scholarship presented to a female student in recognition of outstanding Christian leadership. The recipient of this award is Ruby Mikula.

Aquila Award – A $1000 scholarship presented to a male student in recognition of outstanding Christian leadership. The recipient of this award is Matthew Schrock.

The Kolb-Kennedy Memorial Missionary Scholarship – An $1,800 scholarship from Shining Light Baptist Church awarded to a missions student who will be doing a missions internship during the 2019 summer. The recipient of this award is Sydney Chambers.

Ray Blackman, Sr. Memorial Scholarship – A $3,600 ($1800 per semester) scholarship presented by the Blackman family to a rising senior who has demonstrated a godly character, academic diligence, and a strong determination to be in ministry. Ambassador Baptist College will recommend up to four eligible students and the Blackman family will select the recipient. Preference will be given to married students. The recipient of this award is Kyle Boylston.

Pastor Gene Cole Scholarship – A $7,000 scholarship (each student) presented by the Hoagland Family Christian Foundation to two pastoral students in honor of Gene Cole, Pastor of Devonshire Baptist Church. The recipients of this award are Timothy Hendricks and Stephen Cuthbertson.

President’s Award – An award presented by the President to a graduating senior in recognition of consistent, godly Christian character. The recipient of this award is Danny Adrian.                                                        

The Fundamentalist’s Award – An award presented to a graduating student at commencement who best displays the principles and practices of historic fundamentalism. The recipient of this award is Tim Brubaker.

Valedictorian Award – A Bible presented to a graduating student in recognition scholastic achievement. The recipient of this award is Abby Carlson.

Alumnus of the Year Award – A citation presented by the ABC College in recognition of diligence and faithfulness in ministry. Recipient needs to have been in the ministry for five years. The recipients of this award are John and Esther Uit de Flesch.

The Class of 2019 is preparing to graduate soon.  With every graduating class from ABC, more laborers are entering the harvest field of the world to sow the Gospel seed in the hearts of men.  If you are able, please join us in person or online at ambassadors.edu for some of the Commencement week activities.

Alumni Days

Alumni will be preaching in chapel on April 29-30 to challenge our student body to live for the Lord and do His will. Click here to learn more about the speakers and services.  At 6 pm on April 30^th, the alumni will enjoy a meal in the cafeteria and updates from Dr. Beal.

Speech Recital

On Wednesday, May 1, students who have taken Mrs. Mason’s Speech Class will be presenting a play entitled “Just Plant the Seed.”  The recital will begin at 10 am and will be live-streamed at ambassadors.edu.

Student Preaching Chapel

On Thursday, May 2 at 10 am, two graduating seniors will be preaching in the annual student preaching chapel. 

Commencement Concert

On Thursday, May 2 at 7 pm, the music department will be presenting an annual concert featuring vocal and instrumental selections.  At the conclusion of the concert, a Gospel message will be brought by Evangelist Rich Tozour.

Baccalaureate Chapel

On Friday, May 3^rd at 10 am, Pastor TH Moore will be preaching and challenging the Class of 2019 to follow the Lord in faith.

Graduates’ Luncheon

At noon on May 3^rd, graduates and their families will enjoy a picnic style meal in the Paul Levine Activity Center with faculty and the administration.

Commencement

At 7 p.m. on May 3^rd, the Class of 2019 will receive their diplomas and certificates.  Scholarship awards will also be presented during the ceremony.  The service will conclude with a Gospel message brought by ABC graduate Richard Harper who is an evangelist.

Alumni are a special part of ABC’s celebration of 30 years of training God’s servants for God’s service!  On April 29^th and 30^th, alumni will be preaching in chapel to help us close out the 2018-19 school year.  If you are in the area, please plan on joining us for at least one of these special events.

Chapel on April 29^th at 10 am

Jim Kohr is member of the class of 2007 and is the pastor of Freedom Baptist Church in Havelock, NC.  After serving in the US Navy and living in PA, he came to ABC as a married student.  During his freshman year of college, he realized that he had never trusted Christ and was saved.  After graduation, the Lord led him to his current ministry in eastern NC.

Chapel on April 30^th at 10:00 am

Phil Luther grew up in western NC and is a member of the class of 2010.  After his salvation and call to the ministry, he faithfully made the commute back and forth from the Hendersonville area as a single student.  After graduation, the Lord opened the door for him to become the youth pastor at Boiling Springs Baptist Church in Fletcher, NC where he is now the interim pastor.

Alumni Meal on April 30^th at 6 pm

All local and visiting alumni are encouraged to attend a free meal and spend time with both new and older faculty members.  After the meal in the cafeteria, Dr. Beal will be sharing some important updates with alumni.  Children are welcome to attend. Childcare will be provided for the meeting after the meal.  Please RSVP by emailing Kim Conley at [email protected].  Be sure to include the number in your party.

Come join us for two days of preaching and fellowship as we prepare for the Class of 2019 to enter the harvest!

On the last night of the 2018 annual missions conference, ABC, in cooperation with WWNTBM in Kings Mountain, NC, presented a commemorative coin in memory of missions professor Norman Johnston. This attractive coin is not only a reminder of Brother Johnston, but also the important work he was called to do.

All proceeds will go as a gift to Mrs. Joy Johnston. These commemorative coins can be used as a personal reminder of the importance of sharing the Gospel. They can also be used to challenge others to do their part in spreading the Gospel message. Buy one today!

On February 2 at 6:30 PM, ABC graduates Daniel and Heidi Fox will be presenting the annual Valentine’s Concert at ABC. This musically-gifted duo serves the Lord with their children at First Baptist Church in Wayland, MO, where Daniel is the assistant pastor.

The students and staff will enjoy a banquet in the gymnasium at 5:00 PM. Friends and alumni are welcome to join us for the concert in the RA Torrey Auditorium at 6:30 PM.

Join the student body January 7–11 for the 2019 Spring Opening revival at ABC! Evangelist Jake D’Andrea is an ABC graduate and will be preaching all of the 10:00 AM services throughout the week. Dr. Ron Comfort, the founder of ABC, will be preaching the 7:00 PM evening services (no Wednesday night service).

Start off your new year by joining us and watching the services live at ambassadors.edu.

Dear Friend:

A gift has been defined as something that is willingly given to someone. God has certainly given us many gifts here at Ambassador Baptist College during 2018. He has given us new faculty and staff members who have a strong burden for training men and women for ministry. He has raised up young men and women who are serious about the ministry to join our student body. Every person in our college family is a gift from God.

Recently, I was speaking with the father of one of our students who was visiting the campus. During the course of our conversation, he told me, “My son is a different man compared to when he first came to ABC.” He continued to share with me how his son has grown and matured in the Lord. This father’s delight was a gift from God. Every life at Ambassador that is transformed by the Word of God is a gift.

In a season where the giving of gifts is commonplace, let us never forget the greatest gift given to men, the Lord Jesus Christ. His death on the cross enabled us to receive “the gift of eternal life” found in Romans 6:23. My prayer is that our students will share the news of this gift around the world in the years to come.

In years past, ABC has been dependent upon the gifts of friends like you to accomplish the work of training men and women for the ministry. This year is no exception. As we end 2018, we find ourselves in need of some special help due to unexpected expenses and lower income in the latter half of the year.

To finish the year in the black and to be ready to start the spring semester, we are praying that God will provide $100,000 in the final weeks of the year. Our students have labored to pay their school bills, our staff has been diligent in their stewardship of the college finances, and we are trusting the Lord to provide for our needs.

Would you pray about a gift to help us in the closing days of this year? All gifts are tax-deductible and will be used to help us in our mission of training young people for the ministry. You may give online right here, or you may send a gift to the college.

I pray that you and your family will have a wonderful Christmas season as you celebrate the One who is Wonderful, Counsellor, and the Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6). Thank you for your prayers and support for ABC.

An ambassador for Christ,

Alton Beal
President

Are you a pastor, evangelist, or missionary who finished Bible college but would like to get more training? A few years in the ministry sometimes reveals the need for more training.

ABC is happy to offer a 32-hour Master of Ministries program online. This program consists of eight four-hour modules and can be done at home or abroad while serving in the ministry. Experienced teachers, practical training, and the ability to stay in your current ministry are just a few of the reasons to consider applying.

Get more information here.