CougarNow Accept One Another

V O L . 15 • W I N T E R 2021

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Inside THIS ISSUE Welcome from Dr. McGee...................................3 Meet a new board member, Dr. Jeff McGee.

Pastors & Fathers Gather.................................... 4 Head Coach Monty Williams gives some words of wisdom to local pastors and dads.

Fall Athletics.............................................................6 Our move to 3A, championships, and record number of scholar athletes.

Student Highlights...............................................12 Learn about one senior’s journey to better understand inner city youth and a sophomore deeply committed to social justice and our democracy.

Doctoral Faculty....................................................16 Celebrating new faculty and recent doctoral recipients.

Operation Christmas Child...............................18 Elementary students showed some love during Christmas by sending care packages to needy families.

Alumni Spotlight..................................................20 Meet Mark Myers, Class of 1979.

Letter from the Editor....................................... 23 ON THE COVER: COVID disclaimer — Students asked to gather for a quick picture so we could see their sweet smiles.

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Welcome from DR. JEFF MCGEE Happy New Year to everyone and welcome to the newest edition of CougarNow! I’m Dr. Jeff McGee, author of a newly published book, One Human Race, and CEO of Cross-Cultural Dynamics, a consulting firm here in the Phoenix metro area and a new member of the Board of Trustees at Phoenix Christian.

I remember like it was yesterday, walking onto the campus of Phoenix Christian for the first time. Before meeting with Superintendent Blake, I felt God’s presence on the campus. I didn’t know what was going on or what was happening at the school. All I knew was that God was here. I’ve always believed that where God is, that is where I want to be, thus making my decision to serve on the board of trustees that much easier. I love education and the idea of learning. I wanted to be a part of God’s work in providing Christian-based education and experiences to students and the building of community with families.

As I reflect on the scripture Romans 15:7 (NIV), “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God”, I think about the simplicity of this scripture. By simply loving one another, as Jesus commands us to do, we are bringing praise to God. Unfortunately, at times, the act of accepting and loving one another gets broken down to only those that look like me, act like me, behave like me and think like me. This is the complete opposite of what Romans 15:7 is commanding us to do. In the kingdom of God, we are to accept and love one another no matter what someone’s racial or ethnic background may be.

The diversity of the students at PC makes the school stronger and makes learning more creative and innovative. Why? By having diversity, you are exposed to different experiences, different norms, and different ways of doing things. The richness in accepting one another truly exhibits the body of Christ as each individual has been given unique talents, skills and a divine purpose. That is why I believe it brings praise to God. Sincerely,

Dr. Jeff McGee

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Celebrating

PASTORS & FATHERS This past fall we faced many challenges;

yet one special event brought us such great joy! PC students represent over 50 different local churches. We love and appreciate the Church and have a strong desire to connect with the pastoral staff of those churches and minister to them as they minister to our families. On October 16th, we celebrated pastors along with our incredible PC dads as we gathered for breakfast, worship and an inspiring conversation. Justin Unger, a PC favorite, and the founder of Likewise Worship Collective, led the group in a powerful worship service. Imagine many different denominations worshipping in unison. It was BEAUTIFUL. Adrian Fleming, a senior at Phoenix Christian, shared his heart as he described his encounter with Christ after transferring to Phoenix Christian. Our guest speaker, Monty Williams, Head Coach for the Phoenix Suns, joined us through Zoom. We talked candidly about life in the NBA, the traumatic events that struck his family a few years ago, and his intimate and ever-growing relationship with Christ. Monty encouraged us to keep our eyes fixed on Him and trust in His timing, His provision and His Plan.

Justin Unger

Jeff Blake, Superintendent & Adrian Fleming, Senior

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“

It’s not about me; it’s more about what God is doing through me. I just get to enjoy the ride.

- MONTY WILLIAMS

”

Head Coach Monty Williams sharing his heart over Zoom

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3A Region Champions

Howard & Anthony moving the ball!

Quarterback Adrian and running back Zach zeroing in on Coach Cole’s input.

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Varsity

ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS What a wonderful fall sports season we just completed!

Our Varsity Football team was moved into 3A (from 2A) and still competed deep into the AIA playoffs, falling to eventual State Champion Snowflake High School. Two of our Varsity boys were honored as players of the year in our Region, Anthony Castillo (Defensive Player of the Year) and Howard Russell (Player of the Year). Howard also received the honor of 3A State Offensive Player of the Year and placed 2nd as the 3A Player of the Year.

Our Varsity Girls’ Volleyball team advanced to the playoffs for the second straight year and won the first-round matchup over Morenci High School, before getting knocked out by the eventual State Champion, Scottsdale Christian.

Our Cross Country team had several qualifiers for the Region tournament that competed well.

Beyond that, we had 15 Varsity athletes that were honored as All-Academic Student/ Athletes from our Fall teams!

– Dan Fort, Athletic Director

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Varsity Volleyball Team Cross Country Team

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ALL-ACADEMIC FOOTBALL 1st Team Daniel Becerra Rodriguez............. 4.23 Honorable Mention Adrian Fleming................................ 3.77 Anthony Castillo............................. 3.77 Christian Lopez............................... 3.96 Levi Rhynard.................................... 3.77 Zachariah Tucker............................. 3.88 ALL-ACADEMIC VOLLEYBALL 1st Team Ainsley Ebert................................... 4.33 Daisy Martinez................................ 4.12 Aurora Grimwade........................... 4.07 Cassidy Clifford............................... 4.01 Honorable Mention Nancy Felix...................................... 3.62

ALL-ACADEMIC CROSS COUNTRY 1st Team Malia Towne..................................... 4.12 Honorable Mention Adriel Hernandez............................ 3.75 Anthony Rodriguez........................ 3.74 Lina Trujillo....................................... 3.69

Anthony Castillo, Region Defensive Player of the Year

Howard Russell, Region Player of the Year and 3A Offensive Player of the Year High School Cheer

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Middle School

ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS Phoenix Christian’s Middle School fall sports continue to blossom with over half of the Middle School population participating in athletics.

a huge opportunity for our young athletes and made for an exciting season! “Thank you Coach Eriquez for all the fun memories!”

The fall Middle School sports consist of Football, Soccer and Volleyball. The Middle School Football team is coached by PC’s Track & Field coach and the NFL Youth Manager of the AZ Cardinals, Mo Streety, who has been coaching in the valley for over 30 years.

The Junior Cougar Football program welcomes boys and girls, grades 3rd8th, and is open to the community.

The team participated in camps, scrimmages, and a bowl game this past fall. We are excited for next season! “Thank you, Coach Mo, for all you do!”

The Middle School Volleyball team welcomed two new coaches this fall.

Head (A) Coach, Cristina Garcia, and Head (B) Coach and a PC Alumnus, Tatiana Arreola. Between both teams, the Volleyball program consisted of 28 student-athletes! PC Volleyball made school history by winning the 2020 Cactus Christian Schools League Volleyball Championship! The Lady Cougars of Phoenix Christian finished the season with a strong overall record of 9-2 and an outstanding undefeated division record of 9-0. Congratulations ladies on such a huge accomplishment!

The Middle School Soccer team is coached by our MS/HS Student Government Coordinator and Chaplain, Michael Eriquez. The soccer program is coed with growing numbers of 24 student-athletes who participated this fall. Despite a slow start due to COVID-19, the Cougars were able to host several games on the main field, “under the big lights”, which was

Thank you to all the parents, fans and school administration for your support, encouragement, involvement, and investment this past Fall! We are looking forward to Winter sports!

- Tara Poovey ’04 Middle School Athletic Director

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Middle School Volleyball

Middle School football player working on his passing skills.

Girls celebrate after a HUGE win!

Middle School Soccer competes in the PC Stadium.

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Student Highlight

MYA PIERRE Mya Pierre, a sophomore at Phoenix Christian,

had

a unique opportunity this summer to partner with Neighborhood Ministry. She secured a highly coveted summer internship position. Her internship focused on increasing voter participation among underserved populations. She made “cold calls” encouraging and educating individuals on the voting process and emphasizing the importance of exercising our civic duties. At times it was a little discouraging; many she talked to seemed apathetic and some were too busy to care. Mya reflected that her unique perspective stems from her mom and dad’s involvement in urban ministry. Her father, Vermon, is the Lead Pastor at Roosevelt Community Church and authored Gospel Shaped Living.

Dennae, Mya’s mom and PC Alumnus ‘02, is the Executive Director for a network of churches in Arizona called the Surge Network and one of the co-directors for City to City North America. Dennae recently published her first book, Invitation, Repentance and Laments, and Healing Journeys. “My parents fight for social justice, and I want to do that too.”

Mya hopes to work hard for change, believing that by doing nothing, you are not making a difference.

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Senior Capstone Project

AINSLEY EBERT I guess you could say that I have been researching this topic

for

the past 10 years. Ever since I was little, my family has been a part of Heart for the City. Heart for the City is a non-profit organization that works with kids in the inner city and provides them with all the tools and guidance they need to go to college and create a future for themselves. They help youth break the cycle of poverty in their families by graduating from high school, pursuing a college education or trade, and then going back to their community to impact the younger generation. Throughout this opportunity, I have learned that the best way to impact a child’s life for the better is through education and sports.

Ainsley will graduate with Honors as the Valedictorian of her class. She received the Presidential Scholarship at Arizona Christian University, where she plans to attend this fall.

Excerpt from Ainsley’s Capstone Research Paper: One obstacle put in the way of at-risk kids , innersucceeding is a loss of hope. In particular code they zip the of se city youth are told that becau is which live in, they are labeled as “hood kids” stworthy. perceived to the public to be bad and untru of their They are robbed of opportunity because that they tedly repea skin color. When a kid is told r be more neve will never be anything, that they will ing it. than a kid from the hood, they start believ inner cities Many people in society today look at the We like le. peop less as disgusting and full of hope beauty the to assume that God is only present in tiful of things. We picture Him standing on a beau really you if But city. the from t mountain top, absen the in kids ing starv want to see God, go help His see how city. Give them back a piece of hope and God can turn their whole life around.

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Meet our

DOCTORAL FACULTY Congratulations to faculty members Dr. Keith de Laet and Dr. Ryan Stephens, who successfully passed their thesis review and received their Doctoral degrees.

DR. KEITH DE LAET earned his Doctor of Ministry from Phoenix Seminary. He based his thesis research on the unique missional model Phoenix Christian adopted in the last decade. The purpose of the thesis was to evaluate current school methods, policies, and procedures in the light of Missional Theology as a whole to clarify the school’s mission, enabling PC to best meet the needs of our current students and their families.

These adjustments fell into five specific areas.

1.

Phoenix Christian is called to support church attendance and must look for ways to actively connect school families to local churches.

2.

Phoenix Christian must emphasize the eternal truths of Christian faith understanding that it has existed and continues to exist in diverse cultures that may be simultaneously relevant to the people within those cultures.

3.

Phoenix Christian must continually address ways in which the school culture may shift in terms of ethnicity, social-economic status, or other indicators and adjust as needed to express the unchanging truth of Christ within the changing context of the school, the city, the state, etc.

4.

Phoenix Christian will express the faith as living and dynamic and clearly distinguish between matters of eternal truth and matters of preference.

5.

Phoenix Christian needs to emphasize that an active faith can be put into practice naturally and we should look for and encourage community service opportunities that are natural, real, and relevant to our students as activity promotes more activity.

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DR. RYAN STEPHENS earned his PhD in the Old Testament from Gateway Seminary. He shared that his topic was born out of his classes at PC. One of the most common questions students ask is “why do all these good men have multiple wives and God never says anything about it.” The traditional church answer of ‘God allows the consequences to speak for themselves’ never sat right with him so he decided to research this topic for his thesis project.

“In the end I found that polygamy was allowed by God to provide for and protect women in the period of the Old Testament. This has allowed me to show my students all the ways God has provided for and protected people in a fallen world.”

Dr. Stephen’s Thesis abstract—“The Mosaic Law provides implicit support for polygamy as a licit practice in the Old Testament period. This assertion is contrary to the claims of a number of contemporary influential scholars. This study examines six key texts: Exodus 21:7-11; Leviticus 18:18; Deuteronomy 17:17; 21:15-17; 22:23-29; and 25:5-10. Each of these key texts are contested by various scholars in regards to their implications for understanding polygamy in the Bible. This project provides an examination of each of these key texts as well as a critical interaction with and evaluation of counter claims made by various scholars. This project provides clarity to the discussion of polygamy in the Bible by contributing a specific study of polygamy in the Mosaic Law in support of the view that polygamy was a licit practice in the Old Testament.”

MEET TWO OTHER FACULTY MEMBERS: DR. DAN KOROW

Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine The Ohio State University B.S. Biology The University of Akron At left, students watch as Dr. Dan explains the instructions for their hands-on lab.

DR. DAVID SAVIDGE

E.D. in School Administration Ball State University MS in English Education Indiana University/ Purdue University

Above, Dr. Savidge and a few of his students.

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Reaching out through

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD This year our elementary school completed a very special project called Operation Christmas Child. This project is through an organization called Samaritans’ Purse. This organization delivers not only shoe boxes to children who might not have ever had a Christmas gift before, but also shares the love of God. Our elementary and preschool students had a goal of filling 150 shoe boxes. Students brought in items like toys, toothbrushes, and washcloths to help fill boxes for children in need. Our students wrote personal letters for each box they filled. My class had a blast with this project! They brought in enough items to fill 21 boxes for kids in need. After we filled our boxes, we had the opportunity to pray over each box. Students prayed over the kids that would be receiving the boxes along with uplifting their families. They prayed over their salvation and prayed that they will see the love of God shine through the boxes. It was amazing to see the light of God shine through my 5th graders as they were excited to bless those in need.

- Sarah Savner, 5th Grade Teacher

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MARK MEYERS ’79 Mark, share a little about yourself!

I attended PC, and graduated in 1979.

I transferred as a sophomore when we moved from Tucson. I played baseball, was involved in student council, and I am still in touch with my two best friends Ken and Mike from that era.

Looking back, I’m amazed at how faithful God is and how challenging life can be.

I have been married for 36 1/2 years. We met at Wheaton College. We have two amazing children, Allie and Bethany (18-year-old twins adopted from China).

They attend Timothy Christian. Bethany is planning to study Music Ed. and signed to play at Taylor. Allie has signed to play VB at Bethel University. We want our girls to have a Christian education—to have friends and potentially a spouse from a Christ-centered environment. I sell commercial real estate for senior care, assisted living, and hospitals. This has been interesting in this COVID environment. It has been a faith builder!

COVID has drawn me closer to God and my spouse. It is a pressure point—it

either pushes you closer together or pulls you further apart.

Tell us a little about the inner-city ministry you have been involved in.

When I was at Christian High, race was not really an issue. My daughters’ school is very diverse, and we love that they have that opportunity. When everything happened with George Floyd, I am not sure what it was about that incident, it just really got to me. I felt an urging, “I must do more.” I have tried mentoring guys with drug abuse issues, but I didn’t feel like I made a difference. The director of the drug abuse program, Stanely, is an amazing man. I decided to call him and

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asked him to get together. We have been having breakfast with about 15 African American guys. I like to call it “Ethnic Adventure Breakfast”, but they call it “Iron Sharpens Iron.” We do this once a month, split the cost of the breakfast, and have no agenda. It is just a time to share and to listen.

Last month, our breakfast group went to a Christian Camp for a workday. It was a life changing time for me. I was the only white male with 11 others. It was a picture of heaven, different skin colors and age groups, serving the Lord together. On the way to the camp, I had an eye-opening experience. We needed to stop for gas. A late 30-year-old woman was driving away, rolled down her window and screamed expletives along with the “n” word—saying that they did not belong in her town. We must do something.

I am not where I want to be BUT I am headed in the right direction. We just

need to start with one person, getting to know him or her for who they are in Christ. There is one thing I would like people to hear, please don’t wait to be a part of a formal ministry to do something for the Kingdom. For those who are handy mechanically or can bake well—you can be just as much a minister for the gospel as your pastor. Find a way to serve, bring the gospel to the lost— just help people. It opens the door to the Gospel.

Let’s go backwards in time. Are there some coaches or teachers who impacted you or a special experience you’d like to share?

Mr. Hovda, my Bible teacher, was such a wonderful example. He loved his wife very much. Mr. Wolfe had quite the sense of humor. Mr. Kelly was a wonderful English teacher. I even won an English award! Mike, Ken and I would meet regularly for prayer. I loved lunch time and enjoyed that time with friends.

“ ”

Please don’t wait to be a part of a formal ministry to do something for the Kingdom.

Mark and his beautiful family

Mark and his brothers

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A note from Teresa Bateman, Class of 1971 Teresa and her husband Mark run a prison outreach to prisoners and their families. For more information or to see how you can support this ministry, visit batemanministry.webs.com.

“You asked what you can do for us. Today. Start with prayer. It is important that our letters to inmates remain Christ filled.

We want to show the way of salvation to the lost inmates and encourage those who have made life changing decisions.”

W H AT ’ S N E W W I T H YO U ?

Email news and updates to alumni@phoenixchristian.org.

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From THE EDITOR Accept one another. Why is this so difficult for us?

Why is it so hard to love people who are different than us?

Yet somehow, it is so easy for my kids. They seem completely indifferent to skin color, economic levels, disabilities, and intelligence. They have this natural inclination to love their friends (classmates) and have a deep desire to be loved in return. Several years ago, I dropped one of our children off at a birthday party. The neighborhood was a little run down, and the friend’s house needed repair. I caught myself being critical and wondered how my daughter would feel about staying there. When I picked her up after the party, she told me all about the fun she had, and the creative things the mom had planned for them. Never once did she mention that she felt uncomfortable in her surroundings. At that moment, the Holy Spirit stirred in my heart. I was moved by my daughter’s ability to accept her friend with love, without criticism, without judgement. She was filled with joy because she was invited to a party and felt like she belonged.

This is what Jesus calls us to as believers. I’ve been reading Saint Francis of Assisi by G.K. Chesterton. There is this beautiful story of Francis as a young man who lost almost everything he had. He was on a journey, unsure of his destination, and he encountered a leper on his path. He froze for a moment, not sure what he should do. “Francis saw his fear coming up the road towards him; the fear that comes from within and not without; though it stood white and horrible in the sunlight…then he rushed on the leper and threw his arms around him.”

I want to love like this. I want to run towards my brothers and sisters in Christ and throw my arms around them! So, reach out and welcome one another to God’s glory. Jesus did it; now you do it! (Romans 15:7, The Message) - Lisa Blake ’94 Director of Alumni Relations

Volume 15 • Winter 2021

COUGARNOW ONLINE

SUPERINTENDENT

Read this and other issues of CougarNow at phoenixchristian.org.

EDITOR

DESIGN

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PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jeff Blake Lisa Blake Brian Cole of Revolution Graphics

Dorian Studios, Miriam Murray

CONTRIBUTORS

Steve Woods, Barb Tomb

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Claude (Bud) Allison, Jamie Clifford, David Fitzgerald, Juan Gonzales, Pete Hamstra, Daryl Layne, Aleta Lynch, Jeff McGee, Steve Woods

1751 W. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85015