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Bruce Hopler announces his plans to leave BC and his calling to Las Vegas.

Lydia Freeman

January 27, 2012

Bruce Hopler said his goodbyes last week as he explained that God had called him to Las Vegas.

“God made it very clear that this is where He wanted us to go next,” said Hopler in an email he sent to the campus.

The Hoplers will be moving in February, following a call that Hopler emphatically states is “from God.”

	Bruce Hopler

Caleb Bittler, the Residence Hall Director of Alumni Hall, said that he felt a peace about Hopler leaving.

“He told me and I wasn’t shocked,” said Bittler. “I had a peace. I knew that everything would be fine.”

Even as Hopler prepares to leave, he was full of encouraging words for BC.

“I really want to emphasize that God’s up to a really cool work at BC,” said Hopler. “In a revival someone comes for a short time, and that allows for someone else to be called up.  I feel like, in a way, that’s happened here. God has a special hold on this college.”

Hopler said that college students are at a very special time in their lives where they are able to grow and follow the passions that they have.

“This group could turn the world upside down,” said Hopler. “I want people to step up. We can make a difference doing whatever we are called to do. The question is this: am I going to stand up and be a lover of Jesus or am I going to live for me?”

Hopler commended the faculty and staff for being so ready to invest in the lives of students. He recommended that students take advantage of this.

“You have a college that is on your team,” said Hopler. “Take advantage of the people who want to invest in you.”

Hopler also challenged BC students.

“When you see a need, step up,” said Hoper. “It’s weak to see a problem and complain or wish someone else would fix it. The thing we are most guilty of as followers of Jesus is being passive.”

Hopler offered several steps to be able to step up and take risks for God.

“God wired you the way he wired you for a purpose,” said Hopler. “Some people are passionate about homelessness, others are passionate about racial reconciliation, Bible study… it’s okay to be free and say you’re passionate about something. Spend time daydreaming about what you’d like to do. That is your first sign.”

Hopler’s second step was for students to take risks for God.

“A lot of people are afraid of risk because of the possibility of failure,” said Hopler. “But Jesus capitalizes in failures. Jesus can take the failures and make a difference.”

Hopler’s third piece of advice was to appreciate other people.

“A lot of people try to do things solo, but God created us for community, “ said Hopler.

“Celebrate different minded people. Be a cheerleader for people who are passionate about different things from you.”

Hopler’s final tip was to get to know the people around you.

“It’s easy for me to categorize and have opinions about people when I don’t know them,” said Hopler. “Don’t assume you know someone. Take time to listen to their stories.”

As the Hoplers prepare to move to Las Vegas, Hopler is working hard to help his leaving go as smoothly as possible. He is meeting with a team of student leaders and guiding them as they prepare for his leaving.

“When I heard Bruce speak I knew he’d been sent here to plant a seed in our hearts and help us be more on fire for God,” said Erin Darnell, a senior from Orange, Va. “I think he’s done that. It makes my heart joyful that more people will experience his extreme love for God. That’s what the world needs.”

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