Karen Briggs, a Word of Life Bible Institute alumna and Overseas Federal Investigator for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has seen firsthand how God orchestrates every step of our lives – even when the path seems uncertain. From working in automotive manufacturing to investigating pharmaceutical firms across the world, her journey is a testament to God’s providence.
In this Q&A, Karen shares how her time at WOLBI shaped her faith and prepared her for a career that takes her across the globe.
Q: What led you to attend Word of Life Bible Institute, and how did your time there impact your faith?
A: I first experienced Word of Life as a camper at the Ranch when I was thirteen. I was amazed – we stayed up late, went on overnight canoe trips, and even got covered in mud at the Mud Pit, all while being challenged by God’s Word. My counselors, though just a few years older than me, had a deep knowledge of the Bible, and I wanted that for myself.
I returned each summer to work at the Ranch – first in the kitchen, then the snack shack, and eventually as a wrangler with the horses. These experiences instilled in me a strong work ethic, lifelong friendships, and the realization that serving God isn’t limited to full-time ministry. Seeing how my faith could be relevant in every area of life solidified my decision to attend WOLBI after high school.
Q: What experiences or lessons during your time at WOLBI had the most lasting impact on your life?
A: One of my most defining experiences was working with the horses during my BI year. I woke up at 4:30 a.m., even in the freezing cold, to break the ice off water buckets and feed the horses while most of my roommates were still asleep. It was tough, but in those quiet moments, watching the sunrise over the snow-covered fields, I experienced God’s presence in a new way. One verse that stuck with me was Psalm 46:10—“Be still, and know that I am God.” That verse remains a constant reminder in my life.
Academically, WOLBI gave me a solid foundation in my faith. I didn’t just learn Bible stories, I learned why I believe what I believe. I became confident in explaining doctrines, answering tough questions, and applying Scripture to my daily life. Reading through the entire Bible multiple times during that year created a habit of daily Scripture reading that I still maintain today.
Q: You are passionate about your work in investigations. What sparked that passion, and how has it shaped your career?
A: My career path has been completely God-led. After WOLBI, I earned a degree in atmospheric science (meteorology) from the University at Albany, which, ironically, has nothing to do with my current job.
After marrying my husband, Jeffrey, in 2005 (whom I met at the Ranch in 1998), we moved frequently due to his military service on submarines. I took jobs wherever we were stationed. My first job in Virginia Beach was at the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) as a prayer counselor for the 700 Club. Thanks to the memory verses I learned at WOLBI, I was able to quote Scripture effortlessly when praying with callers.
Then, life took an unexpected turn. In 2013, Jeffrey was in a severe car accident, leaving him unable to work for months. To help support us, I took a temporary job at an automobile assembly plant – despite knowing nothing about cars or manufacturing. But God had a plan.
Within three years, I moved from the production floor to quality assurance (QA). That experience opened doors for me to work in radiological controls for the Department of Defense. Later, an opportunity arose with the FDA, and today, I work as an overseas federal investigator, traveling internationally to inspect pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.
Looking back, I can see how each job prepared me for the next – even when I didn’t understand it at the time.
Q: What are the most rewarding aspects of your work, and how does your faith influence your leadership?
A: My job takes me to countries like China, India, and South Korea, where I inspect foreign drug manufacturing facilities. One of the most rewarding moments was on my first trip to China when my translator quietly asked if I was a Christian – he had noticed subtle things in our conversation. It turned out he was part of an underground house church in Beijing. We prayed together before parting ways, and it reminded me that God is always working, even in the most unexpected places.
On the flip side, my travels have exposed me to spiritual oppression. In India, for example, idol worship is everywhere. Seeing people bow to statues and worship sacred cows is heartbreaking. It reinforces my belief that the world desperately needs the gospel, and even in my role, I can be a light in dark places.
Q: What advice would you give to current students who are seeking God’s direction for their future?
A: Be still and know that He is God.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that God is always at work – even when we don’t see it. When Joseph was in prison, when Esther was in the palace, and when David was hiding in caves, none of it made sense at the time. But God was in control the whole time.
Pray for opportunities to exercise your faith. Like Mordecai told Esther, “Maybe you were born for such a time as this.” I never imagined I’d end up in federal investigations, traveling the world, but God had a bigger plan than I ever could have imagined.
Stay in God’s Word. One of the easiest ways I keep up with daily Bible reading is using a Bible app. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media, I read Scripture—whether it’s on a lunch break or a 15-hour international flight.
Accomplishments and Recognitions
- Department of Defense: Part of a high-risk engineering team refueling nuclear submarines.
- FDA investigations: Led cases resulting in the arrest of two pharmaceutical executives indicted for fraud.
- Public safety impact: Conducted FDA investigations that led to drug recalls and regulatory actions against pharmaceutical firms.
Family and Personal Life
Karen and her husband, Jeffrey, have been married since 2005. Their son, Ben, is a combat engineer in the U.S. Marine Corps, and Jeffrey is set to retire from the Navy Reserves later this year.
“God is good. We are so, so blessed.”
Karen is one of our WOL kids having served on the STC wrangler crew and in the same class at the BI as our son Chad. We’ve been able to connect several times through the years and are blessed with her & Jeff’s friendship. God has certainly gifted them and are using them to further the kingdom.
We’ve had the privilege to know Karen and Jeffrey since before they were married. What a joy to see their continued faith being put into action. They are the real deal.
Karen and I meet during my STC summer with the horses. we became fast friends and were on the same floor during college. to this day we still reach out to each other check to say Hi and check up on each other’s families.