Red Lion Christian Academy "The Roar" Winter 2016

the

roar

A student publication of Red Lion Christian Academy

Mission Trip

The seniors traveled to The Dominican Republic to share the love of Christ page 18

also inside

The Arts Are Alive Visual, Musical and Media arts thrive Page 8 Teacher Profile Mrs. Rhonda Norris Page 12 and much more... redlionca.org

issue 2 Winter 2016

Red Lion Christian Academy

38 Acre CAMPUS

9 AP Classes

134 Churches Represented

More than 95% graduates attend college ADVISER Aaron Hamrick EDITOR IN CHIEF Evelyn Chen STAFF Zachary Albano Cole Boulanger Ben Geoghegan Lilly Cera-Proulx Nicolette Short Catherine Tu Lee-Ann You cover photo/alex feeney photo/aaron hamrick

Red Lion Events Senior mission trip Feb.13-20 The senior class traveled to The Dominican Republic to spread the gospel and to minister to the children.

They went to orphanages, towns, day- cares and villages to share the Word of God with those who suffered from drugs, alcohol and poverty. The students brought food and money to help feed and clothe them. More importantly, they provided spiritual comfort to ensure them that God never forsakes them.

Mock Trial Feb. 26-27 International Fair Feb. 5 Each year the fifth grade students are asked to do a project to help them better understand the diversity in the world. They chose a country and researched information related to that country. In the end they turned their information into a poster board with various pictures and captions.

In addtion, many students made a traditional food dish from their country and dressed up for their project.

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Red Lion Christian Academy/The Roar

On February 26 and 27 the mock trial team attended the annual state high school Mock Trial Competition in Wilmington. They traveled to the New Castle County Courthouse and competed against other schools from around the state. Each particpant represented either an attorney or a witness. Red Lion won two gavels for best witness.

Science Olympiad Mar. 5 Students from grades third to eighth traveled to Dover to compete in the Science Olympiad. They were assigned a project in regard to science. The sixth grade group placed first in the bottle rocket challenge of the competition.

Upcoming Events ACSI Music Festival Mar. 8 The fine arts department took the choir and art students to Messiah College in Mechanicsburg, PA for the annual ACSI competition. Red Lion won plenty of ribbons for art, and the choir won first place among all the choirs competing. Four soloists represented Red Lion in both the contemporary and the classical music categories.

April 24

Marking Period ends

8-10 11-14 15 22 23

Music festival (select ensemble) Standardized Testing Junior and Senior Prom ACSI Festival (middle school) Red Lion Goes Green Run/Walk

Musical ‘Guys and Dolls’ Mar. 17-19 The school musical was an American classic, Guys and Dolls. It took place over three nights. There were four major characters who were represented by Michael Markakis, Gabby daPonte, Jarinat Sola-Rufai, and Michael Collins. The musical was directed by Miss Stephanie Bailey, and the orchestra was conducted by Miss Leslie Bailey.

Easter Break Mar.25- Apr.3 Easter break was a week away from school to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Students had precious time to gather with family, rest, and enjoy vacation nearby and even in foreign countries.

May 12 Spring Concert 13 Last Day of School (seniors) 27 High School Graduation 30 No School (Memorial Day)

June 2 Spring Musical (elementary) 6-10 Final exams (6th-10th grade) 10 Last Day of School

www.redlionca.org

5

AN UNFORGETTABLE

summer

AN EVERLASTING IMPACT

By Evelyn Chen

A

t the beginning of July 2015, Madison Poe was invited by her best

friend, Sydney Berkey, to attend a short-term youth ministry in West

neighborhood. There she met a single mother of three children, two

Virginia organized by Sydney’s church. It was Maddie’s first time to join

sons and one daughter. The two boys, Zach and Brock, had had

a mission trip like this, so she was a little nervous. She felt the desire to

absolutely no toys since they were born. Maddie and her friends

help others and do something right next door. The church cooperated

purchased some little toys from the dollar store to give to the boys. The

with a local organization called Appalachian Service Project. The goal

boys were so excited and joyful that for the first time in their life, they

of the organization was to repair and rebuild houses for impoverished

had actual toys in their hands. Seeing their smiling faces, Maddie was

families living in the low-income neighborhood. She first thought it was

touched so deeply. She could not believe that these things that she often

only about labor; however, in the end, she realized there was much

takes for granted could mean this much to other people.

more to it than rebuilding.

Throughout the week, Madison was assigned

Throughout the week, Maddie and her team not only repaired the house, but also played with the kids. They poured love onto these

with a team to rebuild a house. The first house she

boys and acted as if they were their actual

worked on was a house owned by an elderly couple.

brothers and sisters. One other memorable

They were about sixty-five years old, so they could

moment for her was that Zach and Brock

hardly do any manual labor. At first, the grandfather

were so vigorous that they could not be well-

seemed reluctant to allow strangers into the house.

behaved nor be static or quiet. However, at the end of

Neither did he believe that these sixteen-yearold teenagers could actually accomplish some

the trip, these two cried so much. They were so upset to lose their precious friends. The mother later told Maddie that they

work. On the contrary, the grandmother was

have never had that much attention. The tears of the boys struck the

more flexible and accepted the kind offer from the kids. There Maddie,

team and her completely.

along with her friends, rebuilt their side deck (which was completely

Maddie and Sydney are going to go back to West Virginia this summer

torn down) and changed the wooden parts. By the end of the project,

to continue their good work. They are excited to reunite with these

the grandparents were extremely impressed by how well these kids had

families and children. They are looking forward to sharing God’s love

done. They did not expect such a marvelous work completed by a group

and words with them. Most importantly, they are eager to prepare

of teenagers, especially girls. They were so grateful for the effort the

themselves for the upcoming senior mission trip. “I want to be a part of

kids put in that they willingly offered oatmeal and food for them.

the mission trip. I cannot wait for that!” Madison said to us.

What struck Maddie the most was that the grandma told them, “You

6

A few days later, she was sent to another house located in another

“Mission trip” does not mean going away to a foreign country. It does

guys were my babies, and thank you so much.” Like them, she never

not require as much as most people think it does. The mission field can

expected such a wonderful transformation of hearts. She could not

be in your neighborhood, community, school, or even a place two hours

imagine that people could develop such a strong connection within just

away. What matters is not where it is, what is important is the heart: an

a few days through these little actions. “God has truly opened my eyes

attitude that is willing to give, to love, to serve and to spread the gospel

and heart, allowing me to see and to love on a larger scale.”

with any person.

Red Lion Christian Academy/The Roar

photo/aaron hamrick

www.redlionca.org

7

school of the arts Performing Arts The Theatre Arts Program provides elementary and secondary students the opportunity to develop their vocal, dance, and acting skills. For the past thirteen years students have been performing large theatrical productions for the school and community. Students acquire experience in all aspects of production from acting, staging, lighting, and sound. The Theatre Arts Program focuses on developing sensitive, talented, theatrical artists who can glorify Christ in this engaging medium.

“I practiced my dances relentlessly, listening to all the songs on youtube and singing them while I did my homework and took a shower, as well as reviewed my script. I joined the play because I love drama and everything related, plus I thought it would be extremely fun to perform with my friends.”

Ashton Driver, 9

“I played a shady man in the beginning of the play and then I played Joey Biltmore. There were other extracurricular activities such as basketball I could have done, but I chose to be in the play because I prefer drama and performance.”

DJ Smith, 9

Visual Arts

Students involved in the Visual Arts Program have produced countless works of excellence over the years. They are encouraged to express themselves creatively and to communicate ideas which will impact their world for Christ. Students have displayed their artwork in the school and community and have submitted their award winning artwork in numerous regional art competitions.

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Red Lion Christian Academy/The Roar

Media Arts The Media Arts Program offers a variety of classes: Digital Photography, Black and White Film Photography, Video Production, Desktop Publishing and Yearbook.

The new photo and video studio is located in the School of Performing and Media Arts. It is equipped with lights, tripods, video cameras, and DSLR cameras. Students also use one of the ten brand new computers in the editing lab to edit their work.

Editing is done with the Adobe Creative Suite programs. Also included in the media arts building is a dedicated darkroom with ten enlargers to develop and print black and white film. A sound studio will be coming in the near future.

Vocal and Instrumental Music The Vocal and Instrumental Music Program provides students an opportunity to participate in the Concert Choir, Select Ensemble, Worship Team, and Concert Band, in addition to private lessons in voice and piano.

They are exposed to everything from gospel to classical to contemporary to pieces from different countries in the original language.

The history of the music, the musical theory, the emotional content, and the technical proficiency of performing the pieces are components of our strong musical education program. www.redlionca.org

9

Communityoutreach

Free Dental Care in India In February a group of three students, Colleen

By Cole Boulanger

played. It’s nothing like we do here. They have a

have any, and they will probably never get another

McAllister, Craig McAllister, and Taylor Beres, went

lot of different instruments such as different types

picture of themselves. I was feeling selfish about

on a missions trip to India. The trip was done

of drums. Everyone is engaged in the service.

it. I had wanted them for me, but now I was giving

through Delhi Bible Institute. The organization’s

There’s not one person who just sits back not

them all away. Then I almost felt bad for the kids

mission is to evangelize and to establish churches

appreciating it. Everyone sings and claps along

that I didn’t get to give a picture to. I ran out of

in the capital of each state in India. Colleen, Taylor

with the music,” says Taylor.

film by the end of the second city because all the

and Craig went to serve as hygienists to people

Taylor had another shocking experience involving

kids wanted a picture, so I just gave them away. I

who could not get dental care in India.

According to Colleen McAllister, “The caste system in India was supposedly abolished fifteen years ago, but it hasn’t really been the case. Basically, the people who we treat, even if they wanted to get medical care, they could

10

could keep them on my phone, but,

“It’s nothing like we do here.”

maybe that’s the only picture they’ll see of themselves. I thought it was pretty sad to think about that because we have cameras all over and mirrors in our house, but they don’t. That will probably be the only thing they ever

not afford it. Doctors are part of the higher caste.

her camera. Taking a picture seems like a familiar

see of themselves.“

They believe that if the higher caste mixes with

experience to all, but in India, this is completely

The ministry in India is growing. The growth was

the lower caste the higher caste becomes impure.

uncommon. “I had a Polaroid camera and had a

clear to Craig, who related to us his experience

So they have to stay in their separate caste.”

lot of film that I brought with me, expecting that I

with a center in Lucknow, a city in India. “When

Church life in India is also a very different from

would bring back a lot of pictures home with me.

we went to one of the centers in Lucknow, we

what is considered normal here. This difference

I had taken a picture or two when kids started

saw that they had had a huge expansion. It was

was incredibly evident to Taylor Beres, who on this

swarming around me. They thought it was the

really good to see how they had grown over the

trip left the United States for the first time.

coolest thing ever because it prints right from the

years.

“We were in different churches just to see what

camera. Kids shouted, ‘Oh, me, me, me!’ They just

it was a house-like complex. It didn’t have many

they do, how they sing, and what instruments they

wanted a picture of themselves because they don’t

people, but now it’s just really flourishing.”

Red Lion Christian Academy/The Roar

The first time we went to the church,

Whether the need is close to home or on the other side of the world, Red Lion students minister to those in need.

Student Leader

By Cole Boulanger

Justin Breidenbach is involved with many

couple things. First, when you go to FCA, you

ministries. He works with Fellowship of Christian

get a FCA Bible, which has all the devotions in the

Athletes (FCA), leads a Small group at Summer

back. We let the kids pick which one they want

Bridge Evangelical Free Church, and is involved

to do that day. They’ll pick, and we’ll go on with

with Chrystalis Flight 52.

that study until the meeting ends.”

Justin became involved with FCA when a friend asked him to go to a meeting once. Shortly

Bridge Evangelical Free Church. “I was asked to

after, he became a leader at FCA. “Then all of a

first begin starting it as a youth and then asked

sudden, I was asked by Mr. Pargoe to give a talk

to help out and become a leader a little bit after,”

for Fields of Faith,” Justin said after expressing

Justin said during an interview. Now Justin works

intimidation at the first meeting to which he

with the leaders of other groups and helps keep

went, “He gave me a packet and everything

them together, as well as helping his church with

for doing a talk. That’s when I became an

his group at parades such as the Peach Festival.

FCA huddle leader.” Now, every Wednesday

52, a weekend retreat. He will be teaching

for devotions.

lessons to the youth in his group there, and be

Justin shared the process that they use for

Knitting for the Needy Every Wednesday, the Mad Hatters meet at

3:00

to

make

clothing

items

such

Justin will be a table leader at Chrystalis Flight

morning, Justin meets with a group of students

devotions. He said, “Devotions consist of a

photo/cole boulanger

Justin also leads a small youth group at Summer

giving a presentation about Christian growth through study to the entire body of youth.

By Cole Boulanger

Madison Berkey expressed excitement over meeting

as

the people that she would be serving. “I’m kind of

hats and scarfs to give to those in need.

excited to meet them all because I know someone

This group was started by Mrs. Shelly Larson for

that was homeless. It’s kind of be like looking forward

various reasons. “I wanted to come up with a service

to see their joy when they get something that’s

activity that I could offer after school that kids could

warm.”

be a part of,” she stated in an interview, “On TV, I

apprehension over the trip. “I’m pretty nervous to

saw a girl that did it and donated items to hospitals

give a hat to someone. I don’t know how they’ll

and shelters.” For students that do not play a lot

feel about it or anything because I’ve just started.”

Andrew Chettipally, however, expressed

of sports, such as Andrew Chettipally, this is a great way to serve the community. “I joined it because one of my friends told me about it. It’s just fun because I don’t have much to do because I don’t play a lot of sports,” Andrew said when asked why he joined.

The Mad Hatters goes on a trip to distribute what the clothing that they made. This year they will go to either the hospital to give gifts to patients in the cancer or children’s ward, or the Paris Foundation in Elkton.

photo/cole boulanger

photo/cole boulanger

www.redlionca.org

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photo/aaron hamrick

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Red Lion Christian Academy/The Roar

“Each life

M

is a story”

Rhonda Norris

By Evelyn Chen

any people do not believe in miracles, but here is a story of miracles.

At the age of twenty-eight, Rhonda Norris was diagnosed with a large tumor in her abdomen. The doctor expected it to be cancer, yet miraculously it did not turn out

to be. However, the doctors told her that she would never have children. Ironically, before she went to the doctor, she thought she was pregnant. And all of a sudden, as a woman, she felt as if she had lost both her health and the happiness of being a mother.

Yet, God never allows tragedies to happen only to make one suffer.

Through the sickness, God has fully transformed her and revolutionized her belief and teaching style. It was about three weeks before the surgery that she truly accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior despite the fact that she had been immersed in the Christian culture all her life. The people surrounding her showed extreme kindness and grace, carrying her through the most difficult time in her life. When she was scared of the surgery, her colleagues at Red Lion provided her with confidence, encouraging her to stay strong and trust in the Lord. God is good. The surgery was effective.

Gradually, when she started to recover, she realized that she had to tell the school that she was not a Christian when she had filled out her application. The school did not allow a non-believer to be a teacher. Mrs. Norris felt the necessity of being honest to herself, the school, and God. Therefore, she met with Dr. Cheadle and exposed her lies. The school board, however, did not get irritated; they were rejoicing and glad that she was no longer blinded by the father of lies, Satan. During the entire process, she experienced true grace given by all the godly people around her.

“Before the surgery, I would say I was never a gracious person. I had difficulty extending mercy. To me everything was either white or black. There was no middle ground. If you did something wrong, here was

the consequence,” she said. “Once I became a Christian and received all the grace extended to me, I realized that if God has given so much grace to me, how could I not have grace for others?”

Such belief changed her as a teacher. She was able to understand her students much better and offer them mercy when

needed. Probably that is why she has always been one of the most popular teachers among the students.

Mrs. Norris had long possessed a passion to be a teacher, and she made up her mind when she was in high school. “There were two reasons,” she said. One is that she loved being a teenager. It was a time she considered as the most interesting and incredible of her life. Teaching high school students was another way for her to continue being a “teenager” even though she was no longer a student anymore. Furthermore, she revealed that she had an amazing teacher, Mrs. Ann Beattie, in her junior year of high school. Mrs. Beattie not only inspired Mrs. Norris to read more classics, but also gave her a desire to become a teacher like her.

“She showed me how much I had lacked and how much I had not been taught.” She said that she felt extremely fortunate to have had such a wonderful teacher, and she wished to become a teacher who could encourage students to generate a thirst for knowledge. As a result, she attended Liberty University, majoring in secondary English education.

The story seemed to approach a stage of stabilization, yet God decided to create a second climax. At the age of thirty-nine, as she went to the hospital, suspecting appendicitis, the doctor told her that she was pregnant. IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE! Meanwhile, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. She believed that the child was also a part of God’s plan. Therefore, she refused to undertake treatment or tests until the delivery of the baby. Although confronted with strong opposition from the doctor, she still adhered to her decision. “I will let God decide how long I can keep the baby,” she told him. Though tragedy eventually took place, she did not regret her decision. “I think it was a test that God gave me to see if I truly trust Not

or not. I have one baby,” she said with a soothing smile, “just in heaven.” everyone can handle hardship in life as calmly as she did. She is steadfast in her faith, allowing God, her ultimate source of

courage, to School

lead her to conquer all these insurmountable tribulations. definitely plays a large role in her life. However, when she is not at work, she enjoys reading, writing, gardening and swimming.

She

has a novel that she has worked on for seven years. She is also passionate about music. She still sings and plays the piano, “not like I used to sing, but I still sing,” she says.

When asked to use three words to describe herself, she replied “stubborn, gracious, and content.” She is satisfied with her life and everything God has given to her. She has learned how to view all the hardships and challenges as blessings and learn from them.

What amazes us the most is her unshakable optimism. During the entire interview, she maintained her smile. Although life has been sometimes harsh to her and has deprived her of things she had hoped for, she is still hopeful, energetic and grateful. She told us that her life is not a miracle. Perhaps it is not. But she herself definitely a living miracle created by God. www.redlionca.org

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Winter Sports “I think my last season was really good. I had my ups and downs and my team grew a lot together. Hopefully it will sent the tone for next year. I definitely want to play in college but I don’t know where yet. I felt my best season was my sophomore year, I played tremendous that season even though this year we got into the state tournament. I think my biggest memory will be getting with the guys a lot and playing in the state tournament. It was a very good game. A lot of our fans came out and supported us. I’m going to miss playing with the guys and I hope the team improves throughout the years.” Darin Kellam

“The best game was the St. Thomas More game, we were playing at home and they were a really good team, we were down by a lot and we came back at the end, it was a very crazy game. Our goal was to get to the state tournament and we got there but we lost against Sallies. It was a pretty good game because there were a lot of fans and we did pretty well, we want to thank all of our fans that were there.” Jaret Bush

“It was the day we were playing St. Thomas More and earlier that day I found out that my cousin passed away. It was breaking my heart but my teammates kept on lifting me up. When we started the game nothing was going our way, we couldn’t hit a shot.

By halftime we were down by 24 points. When we got to the locker room, I looked at my teammates and we all agreed that this was not the performance that we needed to play in front of our home crowd.

We played much better in the second half but were still down by 15 at the end of the third quarter. Coach looked at Darin and me and told us that we needed to lead this team to a victory.

At the beginning of the fourth quarter, Jaret hit back to back three’s and before we knew it, the game was tied with a couple seconds left. I looked at Darin and I told him that we were going to win the game. Jaret got fouled and was at the free throw line and hit all his free throws. When the buzzer went off it was a moment I couldn’t believe.

We went into the locker room and I fell down to my knees and started crying and my teammates surrounded me and told me they had my back and that we were family. I remember that as one of the moments I will never forget in my lifetime.”

Randi Agard

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Red Lion Christian Academy/The Roar

“I was captain of the varsity girls basketball team which meant I really had to step up and take leadership on the team. I couldn’t take a backseat role like I usually did in past seasons. It was pretty hard at first and then I had to adjust. My coach made it pretty easy for us. Having such a great team was a big plus too. I enjoyed being a captain on and off the court. I enjoyed playing with my assistant captains Courtney and Colleen. They made it pretty easy for me.

A play that I remember was a three pointer that when I turned around I thought I air-balled it and then everybody started cheering and clapping and I was like, ‘Oh, snap, I made it.’

My senior night game was pretty emotional for me. I had played for my coach for a long time and to finally see the day come was pretty traumatic for me. The game went into overtime when Kenya shot a three pointer at the buzzer. We ended up losing by one point but it was still a great game.”

BOYS BASKETBALL 10-10

end of the season. We played against Delmarva

four of our girls got hurt. One of our biggest games of the year, our coach couldn’t make it, so our assistant coach Sareyka was the head coach and we had to play with only five girls the whole game. Even though we lost, we played really well but they were just a better team than us. We came back

varsity scoreboard

photos/aaron hamrick

moment was towards the

and then halfway through the season

and fought hard.” Colleen Whiteley

Kristen Parker

“The most memorable

“We started the season with ten girls

girls BASKETBALL 5-14

12/11 Delmarva Christian 65-30 W

12/04 Mt. Pleasant HS

14-31 L

12/12 Tome School

54-42 W

12/11 Newark Charter

25-48 L

12/15 Bohemia Manor

48-19 W

12/12 Tome School

47-14 W

12/18

44-57 L

12/17

28-24 W

62-61 W

12/19 Dickinson HS

29-39 L

12/22 McKean HS

31-24 W

Glasgow HS

12/19 McKean HS 12/23

St. Georges Tech 39-79 L

Glasgow HS

Christian. Our defense and

01/05 St. Thomas More 54-52 W

01/05 St. Thomas More 21-50 L

offense were good all game.

01/08 Harford Christian 48-45 W

01/07

A lot of our fans were there,

01/09

54-48 W

01/09 Christiana HS

18-31 L

42-47 L

01/12 Newark HS

40-21 W

the whole crowd was crazy.

Wilmington Chr.

01/12 Newark HS

Appoquinimink HS 24-45 L

We were down ten points.

01/22 Tower Hill School 56-49 W

01/15 Harford Christian 21-50 L

It was last final minutes and

01/27 DAPPS

64-68 L

01/16

one of our girls shot a three

01/29

Gloucester Co.

30-65 L

01/19 Dickinson HS

02/02 Lake Forest HS

45-50 L

pointer and made it to put the game into overtime. We lost the game by one point.

Our team improved this season because our offense

22-43 L 34-41 L

01/27

Wilmington Friends 24-43 L

02/03 Delmarva Christian 42-29 W

01/29

Gloucester Co.

02/06

00-01 L

Wilmington Friends 46-53 L

02/02 Tower Hill School 16-43 L

02/09 Caravel Academy 59-82 L

02/03 Delmarva Christian 37-38 L

02/11

39-34 W

02/06 Sussex Tech

21-53 L

61-75 L

02/11 Indian River HS

28-26 W

Archmere Acad.

really improved shooting

02/23 Howard Tech

and hitting their layups.”

03/02 Salesianum School 40-71 L

Courtney Dudley

Wilmington Chr.

www.redlionca.org

15

Michael’s journey

By Evelyn Chen

photo/cole boulanger

O

ver the last two years, he has distinguished

himself from the rest of his classmates. He has

call.

God has given the right way to apply his faith to

progressed incredibly both in his faith and his work.

his life. He is willing to complete “mission impossible”

He is Michael Markakis.

because he says, “I can do all things through him who

He was Prince Eric in last year’s school musical, Little Mermaid Junior. He was Sky Masterson in this

strengthens me.”

Also since that moment, he began to demonstrate

photo/cole boulanger

many important concepts. The most significant

year’s musical Guys and Dolls. He was selected to be a

his leadership. He actively participated in all kinds

one was how important it is to be a servant. The

part of the All State Choir last year. He has been on

of activities. He was not afraid to inspire the entire

missionaries there amazed him by their tremendous

the worship team throughout high school. All these

student body to be more serious about worship.

courage, dedication, and boldness. They were always

accomplishments are amazing, aren’t they? However,

Michael says, “I care about worship. I want people

optimistic and devoted to their jobs no matter how

as a surprise to us, he revealed that he has stage

to understand what they are singing; I do not consider

harsh and difficult the situation was. Even faced

fright. How can one with stage fright make such an

worship simply as a routine. And when I am on the

with trials and challenges, they were still committed

unbelievable achievement?

platform, people are looking at me, and if I do not

to their mission -- to willingly serve the people

care, why are they going to care?”

in different villages and spread the gospel. These

Last year, Michael did not plan to join the musical.

He had never had that kind of experience under the

Once he was a boy who was afraid to stand up

missionaries showed him the need to be a servant.

spotlight. He hates memorizing things. Even though

publicly, yet he realized if he acts as everyone else,

The incidents he witnessed further strengthened his

deep in his heart he knew he could sing, he still was

people would assume that he is like everyone else. But

belief that security and assurance only come from

not convinced to take such a huge step out of his

as Christians, we have to be distinctive—to show our

God, and nothing can separate us from Him.

comfort zone. Yet, all the people surrounded him –

faith and live out our faith.

his choir teacher, his family, his friends, and other cast

He has developed many standards for himself by

Michael will graduate in two months. He will be attending University of Delaware and majoring in

members – constantly encouraged him, drawing him

which he abides. He wants to represent Christ in

mechanical engineering. He is looking forward to using

to take a part in the show. He finally surrendered, not

everything he does. Being a Christian is tough, and the

his major and other talents to continue doing God’s

only to those people, but also to God.

best way to convince others to believe in Christianity

work, serving others and helping the mission field.

“God, I cannot do it on my own; I know I cannot do it; you are going to help me get through this! I will completely depend on you,” he prayed.

Since that experience, his life has been transformed.

He has learned the importance of sacrificing himself to do something that seems hard but possible. He believes in sacrificing his spare time to respond to the

16

Red Lion Christian Academy/The Roar

is to live a life that reflects Christ: to display love, kindness, responsibility, faith, and dignity.

Michael has always been walking forward in his faith.

“I am now motivated to find my mission field right here, right now. I believe that I can also accomplish remarkable work where I am now,” he states. He

And to him, all the little things happened in his life are

will still stay rooted in the Redemption Church,

God’s message and lesson for him.

singing in the worship. He will try to seek a Christian

Along with other seniors, he attended the mission trip to the Dominican Republic where he learned

community and organization in college to stay focused in God’s word and grow to be a man of God.

Changed life unchanged dream

By Evelyn Chen

photo/cole boulanger

C

an you speak four languages? Have you been to

career, she moved to Delaware.

She has grown and changed because of her study

other countries for education? Did you learn to depend

Being away from her parents has allowed her to

abroad. “What has been changed the most, I think, is

on yourself when you were only fifteen years old? Jisoo

be more independent than most of her peers. She is

my temper. I used to be very impatient and reluctant

Hong, an international student from Korea, can anwer

capable of handling plenty of incidents and challenges

to accept things or people that I did not like, but now

yes to all of those questions.

both physically and mentally. She has learned to be

I am more flexible, patient and loving. I know how

responsible for her academic work, her social life, and

to communicate with different people, and how to

Jisoo spent her elementary school years in China, and after finishing sixth grade, she came

find their outstanding merits.

to the United States. Now she has

I think it is also because I have

been studying in America for six

further developed my faith that

years.

I understand how merciful and

Her father is a businessman, so

patient God has been with me.

she did not see him very often

Therefore, I need to extend that

during her childhood as he had

mercy to other people,” she

to travel a lot for business. She

states.

stayed with her mother while she

Meeting and making friends

was in China. There she learned

with people from all over the

about Chinese culture and history

world has broadened her eyes

and grasped the language. She

and mind.

studied in an international school

However, there is still

where she met a lot of students

something that has remained

from different countries. That

constant. She is clear about her

experience made her understand

future path.

photo/aaron hamrick

how to interact with people from

“I am going to study medical

various backgrounds. It also helped

laboratory for two years and

her to be more mature and patient. She loved hearing

future. When parents are not around, children manage

medical diagnostics for my junior and senior year. I have

different languages, which further strengthened her

to be their own guardians because there is no other

always dreamed to do that,” she says.

appreciation for other nations.

option.

After six years in China, she moved to the United

“Even though at the beginning it was a little hard, I am

Growth does not necessarily take place in foreign country, but going to an unfamiliar place definitely helps

States to live with her aunt. She first lived in Boston,

still grateful for the entire process. I think I have grown

one to become independent, mature and responsible. It

Massachusetts. Then as her aunt got relocated in her

greatly over these years,“ she says with a genuine smile.

certainly has for Jisoo Hong. www.redlionca.org

17

the first time seniors to be on a

trip with a purpose was an unforgettable

th re e

o tw on e It was for all the

besides having a good time. It experience that transformed all their

lives. Even though the mission trip lasted only nine days, its impact was everlasting.

The seniors started their mission the day after they arrived in the Dominican Republic. Every day was divided into two sessions. They went to a day care or an educational center in the morning, and visited a village or a small town in the afternoon. They met hundreds and hundreds of kids in these poverty-striken villages. Before they actually had contact with the children, they were all afraid and concerned. What if they could not communicate?

What if they could not interact with them? What if they did not like them? However, God is amazing! He filled every heart with overwhelming love and compassion. When the seniors stepped out of the buses, they were immediately lured by these young and lovely faces. They could do nothing but embrace these children, hold them in their hands, play with them, and give them full attention. They did not care if the kids showered or not. The

opposite to them, the seniors did not sense any superiotity. On the contrary, they felt ashamed. These kids had taught them how to be content.

Interacting with a large number of kids strengthened their faith. Working alongside the local missionaries further helped the seniors to progress in their faith. They witnessed the true work ethic from these godly men and women. They understood that faith and work could not be separated. They realized the power behind prayer after hearing the testimonies of the missionaries. The entire trip truly assured everyone that God is good all the time. He has always been working in each individual’s life, creating transformations and miracles.

Furthermore, this trip made the class grow stronger and closer physically, mentally, and spiritually.

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Red Lion Christian Academy/The Roar

fo u y ne

had not deprived them of their dignity or their hope for life. They were optimistic, vigorous and extremely hostpitable. Standing

fee

their faces. They were eager to show the seniors their houses, their discoveries, and all they had. Poverty and harsh living conditions

le x /a

os ot

These kids could not help smiling. They were so excited to meet these huge, strange teenagers. There was no fear or worry on

ph

kids desperately longed for love.

r

dirt and the ragged clothes did not bother the seniors. The only thing they could feel with all their hearts was that these

one Evelyn Chen and the four-year-old girl she met in the very first

four The seniors sat among the children at the first day care they visited. The

village she visited. Like other seniors, she was playing with the girl: putting the girl on her back, ruuning around and playing football with her. The little girl was so sweet and energetic that they both had a wonderful time under the sun.

day care was named Spring in the Desert. It was an extremly tiny and narrow place. There were about thirty kids whose family could not take care of them during the day. There were only a few ladies who worked there, yet they carried out their responsiblities so well that they provided food, education and love for these children. Mrs Rupert was introducing some songs about Jesus to these kids.

The kids were so focused and interested that they sang along with the seniors.

Later, the seniors performed the puppet show which was a favorite part of the children.

of children who lived there and nearby. Sam Ogunwande was glad to find his little boy. They worked crafts and took several pictures together. The boy was about five years old. Since he was so tiny due to the malnurtriton, he really wanted to be held. Sam happily held him, and the boy was so excited to be on the same level with Sam.

three Los Montenes was the village where the missionary who worked

small day care center. Despite its small size and lack of financilal support, it was a successful educational center for these kids to grow under Christian influence and master some basic knowledge they needed. These teachers sacrificed their own time and money to help run the organization. They also taught the kids to make simple crafts to support the organization.

six Katie Crawley plays piggy-back with two little girls at the Emaunel House, located in Quisqueya.The founder of the institution, Mirqueya Guzman, started the school with her own money and fifteen kids. Now the school weekly ministers to over 150 children. She always trusted the Lord and devoted all her energy to reach out to these poverty-stricken families to provide the children a road to education and to the good news of Jesus Christ.

fiv

e

with the seniors lives. This village, although also undeveloped, was so much better than the other villages the seniors had seen, The church in the picture was the biggest church in that village, and the missionaries were building more facilities around the church. There the seniors met a lot of the kids from different houses. The kids varied in ages, but they were all adorable and intelligent. The seniors led the kids in playing soccer, doing crafts, blowing bubbles, face-painting, and reading books. The seniors were divided into several groups to help paint the wall, chairs and and desks of the building.

five Jazmine Corley paints a flower for a little girl, Arlin. The girl was from a

six

two In the town called El Pueblo Nuevo, the seniors encountered a lot

Work – Serve – Share

On February 12, the senior class flew to The Dominican Republic for their missions trip. Assisted by Score International, they shared the gospel, did community outreach, and built a much closer relationship with each other and with God.

By Evelyn Chen

www.redlionca.org

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