a publication of Timothy Christian Schools
The Prayer Edition
Feature Story the power of prayer
SPECIAL FEATUREs faith into action His Faithfulness Continues
SPRING 2012 www.timothychristian.com
Contents Spring 2012
4
8
His Faithfulness Continues
Psalm 100:5
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Editorial
30
1
from the editor
2
the breakdown
Timothy by the Numbers Get to Know A... From the Mouths of Babes
Features 4
the power of prayer
6
Faith into action
8 his faithfulness continues
Prayer Points
Timothy Updates 10
the 3 a’s
Academics Athletics Arts
16 from the administrators 24 alumni News 29 Prayer for the Future
REFLECTORSPRING SPRING2012 2012 2REFLECTOR
FROM THE EDITOR
“Timothy didn’t start with any building or even any person. Timothy began with an idea and a prayer: an idea of a Christ-centered education and a prayer dedicating this vision to God.”
Since its beginnings, prayer has been encoded into the very DNA of Timothy Christian Schools. Timothy has an expressive prayer chromosome that permeates everything that we do. The school day, worship services, sporting events, snacks, meals, musical and dramatic performances, parent/teacher conferences, administrative team meetings, board meetings, and society meetings all begin with prayer. Both the formal business of the school and the goofy, crazy activities that organically sprout from working with children are dedicated to God in prayer. Prayer is mandated in the Timothy Christian Schools Constitution: “The meetings of the Board of Directors shall be opened with prayer…” (Article VII, PP3.)
I encourage you to not only read through this Reflector, but to PRAY through this Reflector. Throughout this issue, you’ll see “Timothy Prayer Points” that will serve as reminders for prayer. Just imagine the entire 6,500+ mailing list of the Reflector offering up Timothy to Almighty God! Just like those visionaries 100 years ago, we need to bathe the next hundred years in prayer. As we wrap up a full school year of celebrating God’s faithfulness to Timothy for 100 years, let’s remember that it’s about God. I can’t think of a better way to kick off this community’s second century. Ready? Let’s pray! n
Rudi Gesch Rudi Gesch Director of Marketing
In fact, we pray SO much, that it might be easy to overlook its importance. There’s something very simple and yet profound about the commonness of prayer at Timothy. In starting everything in prayer at Timothy, we regularly acknowledge God’s sovereignty. We praise him, thank him, and glorify his name. We proclaim in both Prayer Point: Thankful for god’s goodness to TC for our 1st century // Request for God’s Continued direction for 2nd century // Praise for God’s blessings on the Timothy community
REFLECTOR SPRING 2012
Think back to the very beginning of Timothy Christian Schools. Exactly when did this 100 year old Christian school begin its existence? Can we trace Timothy’s origin to a single point in time? Timothy didn’t start with any building or even any person. Timothy began with an idea and a prayer: an idea of a Christ-centered education and a prayer dedicating this vision to God. When this idea and this prayer met – THAT was when Timothy Christian Schools was conceived.
public and private that we are His and that without him, we can do nothing.
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Timothy’s Prayer Chromosome
The Breakdown
TIMOTHY BY THE NUMBERS Newsworthy
High school Faculty
timothy christian schools profile for 2011-2012
TCHS was identified as one of 96
“Outstanding High Schools in America”
31 77 18
62
by the U.S. News & World Report
staff members on staff
have taught at TCS for at least 10 years
Grade school Tests
ACT TESTS
Certified
Iowa Basics Testing
Over 40% of our middle school students scored at or above the 95th percentile on their Iowa
Test of Basic Achievement, qualifying them for the National Talent Search. In 2010-2011, Timothy's average ranking for grades 2-8 was in the 94th percentile at the national level.
DEMOGRAPHICS
percent
hold Master’s degrees
YEARS
average teaching experience
100% of the class of 2011 took the ACT test. The results below compare this class with the state of Illinois and the nation.
Timothy Illinois Nation
25.1 20.6 20.6
Timothy Illinois Nation
Timothy Illinois Nation
5% Asian
24.5 20.8 21.3
76% Caucasian
Timothy Illinois Nation
Timothy Illinois Nation
6% Hispanic
Get to know a... 4th generation student* Linnea Venhousen
Years at Timothy: 14 Grade level: Senior What I love about Timothy: I have been repeatedly blessed by the community at Timothy Christian. Through faculty, coaches, friends, and peers I have been consistently challenged and encouraged by the people I interact with. Hobbies: Volleyball, track, art, and reading Best book read this
23.7 20.7 20.9 Science
24.6 20.9 21.1 Composite
24.4 20.9 21.1 Math
English
Reading 13% African American
PERCENT
83% 14%
of the class of 2011 entered either 4-year college or university
enrolled in a community college program
year? Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers Favorite lunch: Portillo’s cheeseburger, cheese fries, and chocolate shake Favorite movie: Pride and Prejudice Favorite place to visit: My grandparent’s house in Arizona Best gift ever: Family trip to Mexico Best thing about being a long-time Timothy family: I love being able to share
1:13 ratio
of certified facultyto-student
63 3.86
TOTAL TCHS students
took 103 Advanced Placement Examinations
average grade
85% of the scores were equal or better than 3.0
in my family’s history and long-time commitment to Christian education. My grandparents and parents have made great sacrifices in order to give their children a learning environment where they can not only gain knowledge, but also mature in their faith. I am very grateful for their sacrifice and the sense of commitment to God that has been demonstrated in my family from generation to generation.
* Previous Generations: The late Catherine Boeringa Ven Huizen; Robert Venhousen Sr. and the Late Donna Visser Venhousen; Robert Venhousen Jr. and the late Sherri Vriesman Venhousen
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FROM THE MOUTHS OF BABES
“When is Mrs. Spaghetti coming?”
– A Kindergarten student in Mrs. Wories’ classroom. Upon further examination, the child was referring to substitute teacher, Mrs. Micheletti. Prayer Point: Thankful for Timothy’s high quality education and and academic achievement // Thankful for our youngest students’ energy, enthusiasum, and curiosity // Thankful for a diverse and increasingly global community of students // Thankful for God’s faithfulness throughout Tom Day’s career at Timothy
02 REFLECTOR SPRING 2012
Get to know a... WORLDVIEW International Student Dennis Zhang
Grade: 11th Years at Timothy: 20112012 Host Family: Doug and Judy Groters
Best book read this year? the Timothy yearbook!
Retiring Teacher Tom Day
Years at Timothy: 38 years at TC; 41 in education What I love about Timothy: Timothy has become “home” for me and my family. It is truly a Christian community in every sense of the word. Hobbies: I love playing golf. I love watching my White Sox play baseball. I love traveling with my wife Debbie. Best book read this year: I am in a men’s fellowship that is studying Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs and it is a life-changing book. I’d recommend it for all couples! Favorite lunch: Portillo’s
Favorite place to visit: MIT Best gift ever: Having the chance to come to America Best thing about being an international student: American students are interested in you and care about you. It makes it easier to show our true selves. Hardest part about being an international student: completely getting use to American culture, and getting involved in all kinds of activities. is always pretty awesome, but since my heart surgery in ’07 I have discovered bison burgers. They’re pretty awesome as well. Favorite movie: I would have to say It’s a Wonderful Life. Cool Hand Luke, The Shawshank Redemption, and Sleepless in Seattle are in my top ten. Best gift ever: my children! . . . and my grandchildren. Thing you’ll miss most about being a teacher at TC: the relationships with students; the commeraderie with faculty friends. Thing you’re most looking forward to about retirement: my
If you’re interested in hosting an International Student, please contact our WORLDVIEW International Student Program Coordinator Laura Hernandez at hernandez@ timothychristian.com
retired friends tell me that “everyday is Saturday, Tom.” I like Saturday so that should be great. I’m hoping to do some caddying, spend quality time with my grandchildren and my wife, volunteer work and perhaps pursue a dream of mine – to do some voice-over work. And, of course, getting on the golf course now and then is something I definitely look forward to. Something surprising about you: I can make a pretty good batch of chocolate chip cookies. I’ve had two holes-in-one in my golfing career. n
REFLECTOR SPRING 2012
Hobbies: Playing basketball, singing, and thinking.
Favorite movie: Forrest Gump
Something surprising about you: I heard that American people are friendly, but I didn’t expect that they are SO friendly. Also, Americans place a strong emphasis on sports, volunteering, and work.
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What I love about Timothy: Everyone is friendly. The school is filled with love. It’s a beautiful campus. I love the sports, the fact that the teachers are like friends, and that there are a lot of crazy activities.
Favorite American lunch: Pizza
feature article The Breakdown
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To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.
– Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Power of Prayer By Matt Davidson, Superintendent
Prayer…do you believe that God is able to do immeasurably MORE than we can even ask or imagine? (Ephesians 3:20, 21) Do you really believe that God hears us, listens to us? Do you really believe that God’s desire is to give His children exactly what they need? Too often we view prayer as “twisting God’s arm” or pleading with Him for a single merciful act. Yet the Bible consistently teaches us that God is inclined to show us kindness and love. God desires to provide for us and to help in times of need—in accordance with His perfect will.
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Don’t think for a moment that Timothy Christian School would be the same today without prayer. Over the course of a century, God’s people here at Timothy have planned and worked tirelessly…but make no mistake about it— most importantly, people have prayed. It is so reassuring to know that the Timothy community of today is still known for faithful prayers. Here at Timothy we still start ballgames and Board meetings in prayer…we pray in class and in meetings…we pray in assemblies and chapels…we pray on the playground or in the hallway… we pray in the bus garage and the maintenance office… we have a group of moms who pray weekly (Moms in Prayer) and a group of dads and grandfathers who pray at 6:30am every Friday morning (Big Boys on Campus). I think you get the picture—WE PRAY!
Prayer Point: Thankful for the power of prayer throughout Timothy’s first century // thankful for the prayer groups that meet weekly to uplift our school to Almighty God
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prayer groups
Big Boys on Campus
Please pray for the kingdom work of Timothy Christian Schools and be certain to let us know how we can pray for you. Perhaps you will even consider keeping this edition of the Reflector in a spot where you will see it daily, and it will serve as a reminder to pray for our school. Imagine if every person reading this took a few moments of each day to pray for Timothy. Imagine the power behind those prayers and the amazing impact of those prayers. And then…try to imagine so much MORE. God is able! n
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
REFLECTOR SPRING 2012
As we reflect once more on our centennial, it is good to remember that we are to “enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise” as we approach God in prayer (Psalm 100:4). We have so much to be thankful for here at Timothy. God is worthy of our praise and adoration… He is worthy to thanked. There was a time when ten people came to Jesus in desperation—they had leprosy. You are probably familiar with this event, and if so, you remember that only one person took the time to give praise and thanks to Jesus (Luke 17:11-19). We are quick to point fingers at the ungrateful nine, and yet I wonder if even ten percent (1 out of 10) of the church today takes time to pray and to say thank you on a regular basis. Let’s be a school that gives thanks!
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Is Timothy Christian School on your prayer list? If not, please add us. Prayer changes things. I am aware that we ask a lot of our community. We ask for your input, support, volunteerism and even money. But I mean it with all sincerity when I say that we covet your prayers more than anything else. If faith can move a mountain, then let’s pray for big things here at Timothy. What a mighty God we serve! Literally every week I submit the identical prayer request to our mom’s prayer group that meets on campus every Friday: “please pray Ephesians 3:20, 21 over our school.” It is worth repeating that God is able to do MORE than we can even ask or imagine.
Who: Any man interested in lifting up Timothy in prayer on a weekly basis Where: Office of the Superintendent When: Friday mornings at 6:30 Interested? Contact: davdison@timothychristian.com
Moms in Prayer Who: Any woman interested in lifting up Timothy in prayer on a weekly basis Where: High School Conference Room When: Friday mornings at 8:30 Interested? Contact: MomsInPrayer@timothychristian.com
special feature
Faith Into Action
Profiles of Three Timothy Students Who “Walk the Walk.” What volunteer activities are you involved in? What led you to connect with these specific activities? I volunteer at The People’s Resource Center because it specifically helps people in DuPage county and allows me to help people in my community. I also volunteer at Feed My Starving Children which helps kids on a global level who are starving. I started volunteering there because it was Kelly Powers fun, easy, and I knew it would make a difference for the children receiving the food. One other thing I am involved in is student ministries and this year I was placed in charge of the Humboldt dinner and started a pen pal group with kids that go to Humboldt. I got involved in this because I wanted to get other students from our school involved in volunteering. Why are you so active in volunteerism? I feel called to help others less fortunate than I am. It is a way for me to give what I have to others and it is not only beneficial to others but more importantly teaches me new lessons. What is your favorite part of volunteering? Seeing how it impacts the people in need. Seeing people receive what they need and being able to take a small amount of stress out of someone’s life is a great reward. What is the most challenging part of volunteering? Realizing you can’t help everybody. I tend to want to fix every problem by myself and that isn’t always possible. I’ve had to learn to be patient and work with other people who want the problem fixed as well. Do you have a Bible verse that inspires you to live out your faith? Acts 20:35 which says, “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” is one of my favorite verses that speaks specifically to volunteering and inspires me. What does God have in store for you after you graduate Timothy? I am going to be attending Marquette University where I will be studying Speech-Language Pathology. I hope to continuing volunteering while at college and plan on going on a missions trip in the summer of 2013 for 2-3 months.
REFLECTORSPRING SPRING2012 2011 06 6 REFLECTOR
How has your time at Timothy Christian Schools helped your drive to live out your faith? It has given me opportunities starting when I was younger. Doing this when I was younger showed me how much I enjoyed serving others. Now having opportunities like student ministries and care convention are all awesome easy, ways for our student body to be in a light in the community. People’s Resource Center: peoplesrc.org // Feed My Starving Children: fmsc.org // Humboldt/TC Student Ministries: humboldtccs.org
What volunteer activities are you involved in? What led you to connect with these specific activities? I volunteer weekly at the Willowbrook Wildlife Center and the DuPage Convalescent Center. I go to By the Hand once a month through Timothy and I am also a leader Kate Berens of Student Ministries at Timothy. I was led to volunteer at DuPage Convalescent Center because of my love of spending time with the elderly and being involved with healthcare. I visited Willowbrook Wildlife Center and just immediately wanted to get involved. I was invited to go to By the Hand by Mr. Rinsema and I learned about Student Ministries when I saw their booth on High School Preview Day. Why are you so active in volunteerism? I believe that we are all called by God to make a difference in our communities and the world through showing love to others and being aware of our world’s needs. I think that specifically God wants each of us to discover what bothers us about the world or what we think our world needs, and do something about it. Students, including me, shouldn’t wait until we’re adults to start making an impact in the world around us. Also, I just really enjoy volunteering; it’s one of my favorite things to do. What is your favorite part of volunteering? Seeing how people benefit from the work I do, and the feeling of fulfillment I get out of it. I only wish everyone could know how good it feels to volunteer!
What is the most challenging part of volunteering? Taking time out of a busy schedule to get involved. I have to remind myself that God is asking me to do this and I can’t make excuses. On a more personal note, it is very hard for me to watch as people at the Convalescent Center experience illness, depression, and sometimes death. It hurts when I don’t get to say goodbye, and it deeply hurts knowing that some of them did not know Jesus.
Why are you so active in volunteerism? I have seen it in others – especially my parents. And I know that Jesus has called all of us as Christians to serve Him by serving others. Jesus set the ultimate example in John 13:14-15. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. What is your favorite part of volunteering? Being used by God to better the life of someone else. Seeing the joy on the face of the person I am serving is great too! What is the most challenging part of volunteering? Especially when working with the homeless, it is challenging putting my pride in the back seat. I try to make what I’m doing not for my glory, but for God and His Kingdom.
Willowbrook Wildlife Center: willowbrookwildlife.com // DuPage Convalescent Center: dupageco.org/convo/ By the Hand: bythehand.org // Humbolt/TC Student Ministries: humboldtccs.org
Do you have a Bible verse that inspires you to live out your faith? Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28. I know that if I’m obeying God’s word and living my life for him, that all the other things in life will be taken care of. I don’t need to worry about things because God has a plan and it will all work together for good. What does God have in store for you after you graduate Timothy? I don’t know – only God really knows! How has your time at Timothy Christian Schools helped your drive to live out your faith? I’ve been surrounded by great Christian friends that have been able to keep me accountable. I’ve been able to form close relationships with teachers and coaches who have set a good example for me. The examples that they set let me see what it looks like to be a man of God and a man of integrity. They encouraged me in my faith walk and actually personally care about me. I’ve had many opportunities for service through sports teams and other organizations at Timothy. The chapels at Timothy have been a big part of my growth in faith. I’ve been able to share testimonies of my life in front of the entire school and hear how God has worked in other students’ lives. Chicago Alive Youth Camp // Christ Church/CMA Soup Kitchen PADS Homless // Feed My Starving Children
Prayer Point: Thankful for Timothy students who live out their faith
REFLECTOR SPRING 2012
Jimmy Larkin
What volunteer activities are you involved in? What led you to connect with these specific activities? Feeding the homeless at my church’s soup kitchen. I tutored a new freshmen at Timothy. I was told that there was a need for help and I knew it was what God wanted me to do, so I did it.
How has your time at Timothy Christian Schools helped your drive to live out your faith? It has helped me develop my beliefs and inspire me to give all that I am to God. It has given me the belief that everyone has a passion about a need in the world that they want to get involved in, for me it’s providing medicine and healthcare to those who don’t have it. Once one discovers their passion, they should get involved and make a difference.
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Do you have a Bible verse that inspires you to live out your faith? Hebrews 12:1 says: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” I also appreciated working for “The least of these” as mentioned in Matthew 25:34-43.
What does God have in store for you after you graduate Timothy? I want to go into medical missions when I am older. I am planning to become a nurse practitioner, and go where God calls me to provide healthcare and the Gospel to those who need it.
special feature
His Faithfulness Continues
Capital Campaign 2012: High School Science Wing
Assuming that our fundraising efforts are successful and everything goes according to plan, we hope to open this new wing of the high school sometime in the fall of 2012. We are determined to complete the Science classrooms as a priority, but we would like to complete the entire project and avoid having a Phase 2 of the project. However, in order for us to successfully complete the entire project as projected here, we still need your help to get to the finish line. Please contact Bob Venhousen (venhousen@timothychristian.com) to find out how you can help. Moreover, be certain to stop by this summer or check the school website for updates on the construction progress.
Plan Features Big impact – 8,330 Square Feet
of new or remodeled space, allowing for a high school capacity of 450 students; Five new classrooms and two remodeled classrooms
Safety – Elimination of mobile classrooms; every High School student is finally under one roof
Room to breathe – Creation of second High
School corridor, resulting in a better foot traffic pattern
08 REFLECTOR SPRING 2012
Beautification – Creation of “Alumni Courtyard,” Timothy’s first enclosed green space Upgrades – Photography and Orchestra come out of converted storage spaces and into first-rate facilities Curriculum Expansion –
New space allows us to add new courses to Timothy’s curriculum
09 The Arts have always held an esteemed place in Timothy’s curriculum. And yet, our photography and orchestra programs currently meet in converted storage spaces. Photography will move into a state of the art media lab that offers cutting edge technology experiences. Our orchestra space will triple in size and will feature a renovated classroom with acoustic tuning worthy of our outstanding program. Finally, it’s tough to talk about beauty without mentioning the Alumni Courtyard. This beautiful green space will act as an outdoor hallway when weather permits, and will offer gorgeous views to virtually every high school classroom. With the five added classrooms, every high school student is finally under one roof. We can wave goodbye to the portable classrooms! With a second high school corridor, faculty and students will enjoy a vastly improved foot traffic pattern. New locker locations will encourage a much better traffic flow when the bell rings. New space and more flexibility allow the high school curriculum to expand. This facility will match our mission to develop more academically prepared Christian disciples. New science and media offerings will be the first fruits of this expansion. This will be our first addition to the high school since 1989! n
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This specific project will greatly enhance our High School facilities, classrooms, and curriculum, benefitting our students for years and generations to come.
Prayer Point: Thankful for the fact that “His Faithfulness Continues.” We praise God- he has so richly blessed our school with first rate facilities and we are excited to see His plan continue to unfold // Request for the safe and efficient construction of this project this summer
REFLECTOR SPRING 2012
His Faithfulness Continues with a significant commitment to Timothy’s science program. Timothy’s current science labs were built in 1962. While we are currently able to make due with these spaces, the facility simply doesn’t match our mission. We strive to develop academically prepared Christian disciples. God has blessed us with a phenomenal science program and faculty. Our science program’s excellence (not to mention how much has changed in science since 1962!) challenges us to upgrade these facilities.
The 3 as Academics | Athletics | Arts
Academics Timothy Students Named in National Merit Scholarship Program Five of our high school seniors have been acknowledged in the National Merit Scholarship Program this year. Holly Frankfurt and Elizabeth McKay were both recognized as National Merit Semi-Finalists. Out of the 1.5 million entries, these two ladies scored in the top 1%. Only 16,000 of these awards are presented nationally. Jordan Frankfurt and Christian Smith were named as National Merit Commended Students. They ranked in the top 5% on the PSAT/ NMSQT test and will receive Letters of Commendation in recognition of their outstanding academic promise. Jasmine Stein was named as a National Achievement Scholarship Program Finalist. The NASP is an academic program established to honor scholastically talented Black American high schools students and provide scholarships for the most outstanding participants in the annual competition. Congratulations to all of our award recipients! n
TOP TO BOTTOM: National Merit Semi-Finalists, Holly & Elizabeth; National Merit Commended Students, Jordan & Christian; and National Achievement Scholarship Program Finalist, Jasmine
Timothy Christian is a school that knows the power of prayer. Timothy is a school that prays.
the 3 As cont. on page 12 Prayer Point: Thankful for Timothy’s academic program and for quality teachers and talented students who accomplish great things
10 REFLECTOR SPRING 2012
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The 3 as
Athletics
Left: Undefeated MSC Champions –Girls Volleyball Above: MSC Champions – Girls Basketball Below: In prayer
Timothy “Plays Big” In Metro Suburban Conference When Timothy Christian High School along with fellow Private League cast-off Illiana Christian joined the Metro Suburban Conference in the fall of 2009, there were many questions regarding the level of competition. Specifically, Timothy’s enrollment was substantially smaller than every school in the Metro Suburban Conference. As a Christian school, we love the Bible, but did we really want to take such a literal approach to emulating the story of David and Goliath? Could a high school of 400 students compete against league opponents whose enrollments are two, three, or even four times our size?
• Girls tennis – MSC 2nd Place •V olleyball – Undefeated MSC Champion (and eventual IHSA 2A Sectional Champion) As is frequently the case, with team success comes individual accolades. This year, sophomore Jenna Lodewyk (volleyball) and senior Cassidy Block (basketball) were recognized as Metro Suburban Conference MVP’s in their respective sports, and senior golfer Chris Szandzik was the medalist (low score) for the MSC varsity golf tournament.
Fast forward to this school year, now in our 3rd year of competition in the MSC and the answer is a resounding “Yes!” Timothy does more than just compete; our school is proudly a major player in this competitive conference. Here’s a glimpse at just a few of the recent conference accomplishments from this school year:
• Girls Basketball – MSC Champion •C ompetitive Cheer – MSC Champion (and eventual IHSA Small Varsity Division State Runner-Up) • Golf – MSC Champion (and eventual IHSA State Tournament 3rd Place team)
Prayer Point: Thankful for the opportunity to exemplify “Excellence with Christlike Character” in competition // Thankful for the public eye that is on athletics and the platform that is presented to share the gospel because of this interest
12 REFLECTOR SPRING 2012
13 REFLECTOR SPRING 2012 Top: TCS may be small in enrollment, but we are large in school spirit. Bottom left: MSC Champions –Golf Team Bottom right: MSC Champions – Competitive Cheer Team
Our athletic department’s motto, “Excellence with Christlike Character,” calls us to not only be excellent in the win column, but to do so in a distinctly Christian way. This calling is always a welcome challenge. This edition of the Reflector focuses on prayer. Prayer is one major way that our athletic program publically demonstrates our Christlike character. Hosting conference athletic events with large public schools and praying before the competition starts is a major opportunity for Timothy to proudly and boldly proclaim that the audience in the stands isn’t the main audience that we’re playing for.
Metro Suburban Conference SCHOOL Town Nickname Enrollment Fenton High School Bensenville Bison 1,573 Riverside-Brookfield High School
Riverside
Bulldogs
1,466
Glenbard South High School
Glen Ellyn
Raiders
1,451
Elmwood Park High School
Elmwood Park
Tigers
1,040
Ridgewood High School
Norridge
Rebels
879
Illiana Christian High School
Lansing
Vikings
632
Timothy Christian High School
Elmhurst
Trojans
399
The 3 as
Arts God’s Love for His People This year’s community art project is a sculpture featuring the work of our Kindergarten – 6th
grade students reflecting on God’s love for His
people through all generations beginning in the
Garden of Eden. The rock represents His word – a
solid ground for our faith. The roots symbolize Old and New Testament believers. The cross reminds
us of Christ’s sacrifice for our sins and God’s grace.
The branches represent our ancestors. The leaves represent our students who are called to serve
others, demonstrated God’s love, and represent Christ in the world. n
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Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with
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praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
– Psalm 100
Prayer Point: Praise the God of creativity and of beauty. Thankful for talented teachers and students who can glorify God through picture, painting, and song
14 REFLECTOR SPRING 2012
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from the administrators
PrayerFaith Into Action By Sue Schemper, Assistant Principal In the grade and middle schools, one of the ways we intentionally put our faith into action is through restoration activities. Each grade level has a project that puts students into contact with people who are in need of care and compassion that we can participate in providing. It is a way that we can, as part of a community of faith, attend to the stories of others, bring their needs to God in prayer and participate in tangible and transformative ways. The second and third grade partners with Alan and Gert Heerema, grandparents of several Timothy students, in supporting the Hogar de Ninos orphanage in Honduras by raising money and awareness. The project is called “Linking Hearts to Honduras” and involves the sale of paper chains and hearts to students and teachers during the month of February. Besides creating a beautiful atmosphere in the 2nd and 3rd grade hall, proceeds from the sale go to provide ongoing care for the hundreds of children who live and go to school there. We actually have several Timothy connections to Hogar de Ninos as our Development Director, Bob Venhousen, leads annual work trips to Honduras with volunteers that have included students, faculty members and alumni. As Jane Duiven, third grade teacher writes, “Our goal with this project, besides providing support to children in Honduras, is to have our students think globally and develop hearts for service to those in need throughout God’s world.”
In each activity we seek: An Educational Component: students should develop some global awareness and sensitivity for people and situations around the world. A Relational Component: students should develop a connection with people or organizations with whom they are working. A Fundraising Component: students can be expected to participate in supporting their organizations in a variety of funding projects. A Sustainable Component: students should be engaged with the activity throughout the course of the school year. n
Preschool • Keeping the room neat, picking up litter, planting bulbs, and weeding • Raising money to help purchase supplies for Westside Christian School Kindergarten • Collecting toiletries for Strong Tower, a shelter for woman and children associated with Roseland Christian Ministries • Recycling plastic and cans in the classroom, and helping to clean up the campus First Grade • Sending out shoebox gifts for needy children around the world through Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse • Recycling plastics, aluminum, and cardboard from lunch and snack garbage Second Grade • Promoting awareness about recycling through mini lessons and a student recycling program • Participation with Compassion Child and Pennies for Penicillin in the Philippines Third Grade • Donating 100 books to needy schools through the Scholastic Program • Helping the Hogar de Ninos Nazareth Orphanage in Honduras Fourth Grade • Adoption of a classroom missionary, Michelle Akauati, with Greater European Missions, and a monthly focus country with a speaker Fifth Grade • Regular visits to Children’s Hunger Fund • Supporting needy people through Heifer International Sixth Grade • Working with the Gwaimen Center in Nigeria. The center works with widows and orphans who have been victimized by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Former Timothy teacher Mary Sytsma is very involved in the center and coordinates our relationship. Seventh Grade • Using an Ecological Footprint project in an attempt to be more responsible and resourceful as a grade level • Developing a relationship with Elim Christian Services Eighth Grade • Using a service learning model in conjunction with visits to New to You, a local food pantry and Westside Christian School • Picking up the paper/cardboard in the kindergarten through eighth classrooms
Prayer Point: Thankful for our teachers and students who put faith into action and make the world a better place in the name of Christ // Request for every organization that Timothy helps support – that God would work mightily through them
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17 REFLECTOR SPRING 2012
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from the administrators
Looking Back Looking Forward By Clyde Rinsema, High School Principal I began my teaching career in 1972. Those were the days of black boards, ditto machines, grade books, and even vestiges of corporal punishment in schools. At that time school computers were not yet imagined, Smartboards would have been considered science fiction and PowerSchool would likely have been used to describe a school with strong athletic teams. The internet, Facebook, blogging, iPhones, Twitter, iPads and a host of other terms that are now part of our everyday experiences would have sounded like a foreign language to students in 1972. It seems like just yesterday but at the same time like an eternity ago. I began teaching history and PE in a middle school in New York, switched to high school history and then transitioned to administration in Florida. The next stage of my career led me to be principal of Pella Christian High School for 14 years. The last 10 years of my career I was blessed to serve right here at Timothy Christian High School. I leave you with a few thoughts as Timothy celebrates God’s faithfulness during the last 100 years and anticipates the future of Christian education. We are now in the third and fourth generation of parents in many of our schools. We need to continually evaluate whether we are still on track. The times change, society changes, but we must remain true to the original goals of Christian education. Would the founding fathers of our schools be pleased with the direction of our schools in the year 2012? Are we promoting a worldview and personal piety which merges into an integral whole for our young people? Are we speaking to the head and the heart of the next generation? We must be aware that the track record for Christian institution remaining true to original goals is not impressive. We must be diligent in our efforts to remain true to the biblical worldview in an age that is post-Christian. Paul said to the first generations of Christians that they must “understand the present time.” (Romans 13:11) This
is no less true at the beginning of the 21st century. Christian schools must communicate to the next generation about the nature of our times. We are living in a different time than when our schools were founded. We have uneasiness about our culture and yearn for bygone days when a Christian consensus was still prevalent. In our lifetimes a major shift in society is taking place. We must understand our times if we are to help the next generation not only cope but also confidently live out the gospel of Jesus Christ. The era we are now entering may provide greater opportunities for the spread of the kingdom of God than we might imagine. We must teach our young people to hold to the principles of the Word of God while communicating the love and grace of Jesus Christ. The body of Christ must hold to absolute truths while being compassionate. Too often we are seen as people who condemn and not as people who attempt to restore the brokenness of our world. We must be people of conviction and compassion. One without the other is a distortion of the gospel. The next generation of Christians must critically discern the many forms of media that dominate our culture and society. We must go beyond just reacting to the media and begin to use this tremendous power for good and for the advancement of the good news of Jesus Christ. Christian education must become more inclusive of all Christian families. We should be reaching out to parts of the body of Christ that have not traditionally been identified with the Christian school movement. Perhaps we even need to open our doors to people open to the Christian worldview but not yet in the faith. We must nurture our students to become life-long learners. Christians of the 21st century will need to be prepared for change more than previous generations. People who can continue to learn and adapt to changes will be best prepared for the future.
Prayer Point: Thankful for Godly wisdom in leadership positions at our school // Thankful for Clyde Rinsema’s service in Christian Education // Request for Clyde and Beth in the next chapter of their lives
18 REFLECTOR SPRING 2012
A Prayer by Blaise Pascal
Christian education has been a wonderful way to spend time and talents. I was never bored and never watched the clock. I was able to spend myself teaching about God’s creation or
A
Promise is Hope…
working along side teachers who sincerely desired to share the mystery of God’s ways through His world. The theme of this issue of the Reflector is prayer. I leave you with a favorite prayer of mine composed by a person who was one of my “teachers” in history. May the Lord continue to bring about healing and restoration to this world through the lives of those who teach and learn at Timothy Christian Schools. n
Bright Promise Fund seeks to enrich Chicago and its neighborhoods through schools of character, conviction and achievement by providing new and sustaining sources of revenue for affiliated Christian schools. Interested in learning about Christian schooling in Roseland, Kenwood, Chinatown, the South Loop, Lawndale and Humboldt Park? Visit www.brightpromisefund.org. Dave Larsen, Director
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Over the last 40 years I have had the privilege of knowing thousands of young people and scores of dedicated Christian teachers. So many memories: good and bad, positive and negative, bitter and sweet. God teaches though all of life’s experiences if you are open to what can be learned.
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“ I ask you neither for health nor for sickness, for life nor for death; but that you may dispose of my health and my sickness, my life and my death, for your glory. You alone know what is expedient for me; you are the sovereign master; do with me according to your will. Give to me, or take away from me, only conform my will to yours. I know but one thing, Lord, that it is good to follow you, and bad to offend you. Apart from that, I know not what is good or bad in anything. I know not which is most profitable to me, health or sickness, wealth or poverty, nor anything else in the world. That discernment is beyond the power of men or angels, and is hidden among the secrets of your Providence, which I adore, but do not seek to fathom.”
from the administrators
Marketing Matters N E W F A M I LY R E F E R R A L C A R D WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN THE TIMOTHY COMMUNITY AND DISCOVER HOW OUR SCHOOLS DEVELOP ACADEMICALLY PREPARED CHRISTIAN DISCIPLES WHO EMBRACE CHRIST’S CALL TO TRANSFORM THE WORLD.
This recurring column is written to keep the Timothy community informed of our progress in the fields of marketing and recruitment. By Rudi Gesch, Director of Marketing
Word of Mouth – Timothy’s best Marketing Within a prospective family’s first phone call to Timothy, it is very common for them to say, “I’ve heard nothing but great things about Timothy.” Timothy Christian Schools has a positive reputation. This reputation is due, in large part, to all of the positive experiences that families have had at Timothy over the years. “Word of mouth marketing isn’t about marketing at all. It’s about great customer service that makes people want to tell their friends about you. It about fantastic products that people can’t resist showing to everyone.” -Sernovitz, Word of Mouth Marketing.
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Put in “school terms,” if Timothy continues to live up to our relevant 100-year-old mission of developing academically prepared Christian disciples, and if we continue to strive for an excellent, Christ-centered education where every student and family feels connected and loved, people won’t be able to resist telling everyone about this place. The Marketing Committee of the Board of Directors has focused much of our marketing efforts around capitalizing on Timothy’s positive reputation. We ran “Word of Mouth March” for the second straight year, we encouraged families to do whatever they could to help spread the good news about what God is doing at Timothy. The basic premise is this- “If you only tell one person about Timothy this year, make it during the month of March.” And Timothy families responded! People placed yard signs in front of their houses, they gave us positive reviews online, they shared our new video, and they handed out new family referral cards. Timothy families encouraged friends, family, and neighbors to experience Timothy for themselves with a personal tour, shadowing experience, or by attending and open house. Thanks to all who participated in this important promotion that is already generating results. Thank you for your interest in the marketing efforts of Timothy. I’m always open to meeting new people and hearing new ideas. If you would be so kind as to connect me with any families interested in a Christian education at Timothy, or if you have any new ideas of how to promote our school, please don’t hesitate to contact me. n
Rudi Gesch Director of Marketing 630.833.4616 ext. 108 gesch@timothychristian.com
dkarpman@koenigstrey.com www.dianekarpman.com Watch our new video 540 S. York Rd. Elmhurst, IL 60126
To watch, scan this code or go to: timothychristian.com/ parents.php
Prayer Point: Thankful for the ever-growing reach of Timothy Christian Schools and all of the new families that God brings to us every year // Praise for the amazing Technology that is present in our lifetimes // Thanksgiving for generous donors who allow us to make technology accessible to our students
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Going Mobile An update from the Technology Department
1) They have access to the engaging, media-rich, wealth of knowledge on the internet. If a student has a question which the teacher cannot answer, or if a teacher is looking for another way to demonstrate a concept, they have that availability. 2) They can actually interact with that content and/or with others via interactive programs, blogs and wikis. 3) They can bring these necessary tools right to the point of instruction. For example, a student can conduct a lab in the chemistry room with a laptop there for analysis rather than scheduling a computer lab to enter results the next day. 4) The Web 2.0 tools and applications available today empower students to be creative in how they present what they have learned: creating movies, comics, websites... 5) A teacher can more effectively differentiate instruction with these devices. Programs can track a student’s progress and adjust for individual skill levels. Teachers can guide students to different applications depending on what each student needs. Either way these devices are meeting students where they are and allow the teacher to come beside the individual that needs immediate help.
I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank the many generous families who have made the recent explosion of mobile devices a possibility here. In the past two years we have added 190 mobile devices of which 160 were gifts to the school. Thank you for joining us in our mission to develop academically prepared Christian disciples. n
Technology Facts: 1st grade – 25 iPads 2nd grade – 25 iPads 3rd grade – 30 netbooks 4th grade – 30 netbooks 5th grade – 30 netbooks
6th grade – 30 laptops MS – 30 laptops GS Impact – 15 netbooks GS Discovery – 5 iPads
During this school year we have added 30 laptops and 55 iPads (6th grade lab and all iPads) In the past two years we have added 190 mobile devices In the past 4.5 years we have added 51 SmartBoards Our first mobile lab was purchased in 2003, thanks to The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. To make the mobile access possible, we needed a better wireless infrastructure. We installed our first enterprise class wireless access point last summer. We now have 44 up and running! Timothy currently uses 550 computers/ laptops/ tablets.
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One of the fastest growing movements in education is the increased availability of mobile devices in the classroom. It is a pleasure to watch that movement change education here at Timothy. We are seeing many of the benefits our students are already reaping from using these devices.
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By Kevin Hackert, Director of Technology
There are as many different types of devices as there are ways of using them. Our choices have been intentional; we seek to provide the technology that is most beneficial for each setting. In first and second grade we use iPads because they are simple to use, while still providing a powerful selection of apps mainly geared at early elementary. In third, fourth, and fifth grade, we use netbooks because they are an affordable way to run the online resources that accompany our textbooks and provide a physical keyboard for typing. The sixth grade, and the middle and the high school each have a cart of laptops. These devices can run more powerful software for editing photos or videos and can leverage the full advantages of our network by giving every user his or her personal settings and networked storage. The idea of using the best device for each situation carries across all technology here at Timothy, where business classes learn Quicken on PCs while our photo classes use Photoshop on iMacs.
from the administrators
What a Friend We Have In Jesus An update from the Advancement Office By Bob Venhousen (’79), Director of Advancement
“Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5: 17-18 I was excited to learn that the theme of this Reflector was about prayer. Yet I struggled with what God wanted me to say and what He wanted me to write about. That is until I attended the 2nd & 3rd grade Wing Sing. As Board Members of All God Children, Al Heerema and I attended the Wing Sing to accept a check from the children. The students worked hard this school year raising money for the children being raised at an orphanage in Honduras called Hogar de Ninos Nazereth. After we gave a presentation to the students we sang with the students and teachers. We sang many songs but the one that kept coming back to me was “What a Friend we have in Jesus,” especially verse 1. Hearing this from the lips of our children was inspirational. “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.” What a powerful reminder of the incredible gift God has given us in prayer. It truly is a privilege. We have direct access to Him in prayer any time 24/7. Prayer has played such a vital role in my life and in my walk with God. I am so thankful for Godly parents, grandparents, teachers, and fellow Christians who modeled prayer to me at a very young age and consistently throughout my life, in the good times and in the difficult times. The times when I do not go to Him I forfeit the peace that He promises us in Philippians 4:6-7. Prayer also has a wonderful way of aligning us with God’s will and is like a compass in our lives. Guiding and directing us when we do not know which way to go. Where
do we turn when life gets really difficult; when a spouse is diagnosed with terminal cancer, when someone close to us dies, when a child, a parent, or family member becomes very sick, when one loses a job, when one’s business is failing, when the economy tanks, or when one just becomes discouraged with daily concerns? These are the times when our faith is tested and we quickly realize that God is in control and not us. There is no one or nothing in this world that we can turn to or put our trust in like Jesus. He is truly our best friend! God also wants to hear from us when things are going well. Prayer keeps us grounded and helps us avoid the temptation of being self-reliant. He wants to hear from us in the details of our everyday ordinary lives. He wants to hear from the student facing the challenges of a day at school or the adult facing the challenges at work and home. God has personally challenged me this year to keep our current Capital Campaign in constant prayer. I recently had an opportunity to share this with our middle school and high school students. We have prayed every step of the way; before the campaign was launched, before brochures were mailed, and before every meeting with a constituent or before e-mails were sent out. We are blessed to have an Administration & Staff at Timothy Christian Schools who continually bring these matters to God in prayer before any action is taken. This doesn’t mean that every step of the way is smooth. God also has a way of keeping us on our knees and continually looking up to Him. Lastly, I Thessalonians 5:17-18 reminds us to be thankful as we approach God. He has given us the indescribable gift of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. We have much to be thankful for even in difficult times. I am thankful for this school and for the students and families that make this place what it is today. I am thankful for teachers and staff that pray with our children. I am thankful for the MIP (Mom’s in Prayer Group) and the BBOC (Men’s prayer group) that meets every Friday morning to pray for our students. Let’s keep talking and praying with our best friend Jesus and let’s keep praying for this school and our students. If we as parents and as those placed in their lives don’t pray for our children…who will? To God Alone Be the Glory. Contact me if you would like to learn more about how you can support the mission & vision of TCS. n Bob Venhousen
Prayer Point: Thankful for prayer itself // Thanksgiving for the work being done in through Bob and the advancement office
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Alumni news
Transforming the World “ Serving God and His people, Timothy Christian Schools develops academically prepared Christian disciples who embrace Christ’s call to transform the world.” Transforming the World…through Family Engagements and Weddings Jorie Ellens (’07) is engaged to Jesse Antuma and plan to wed on July 14, 2012. Tahnee Ellens (‘05) will celebrate her wedding to Nathan Kuder on August 11, 2012. Maria Post (‘01) and Mark Lecocq were married on September 18, 2010, in St. Charles, Illinois Steve Kranenborg (‘07) and Krysta (Boroski) Kranenborg (‘06) were wed at Elmhurst CRC on June 4, 2011 and are currently living in Naperville. Krysta is a nanny and Steve is a civil engineer for V3 Companies. Christa (Hyde) Muanica (‘87) and Abel Sergio Muanica, from Mozambique were recently married. They met in Mozambique in 2003 when they were both students at a 3-month missions training course. They became friends, but lost contact in 2006 when Abel became a missionary in Kenya and she was working as a missionary in Mozambique. They re-connected at the end of 2010 on Facebook and the rest was history! Abel started a mission organization in Kenya called Nurmay Missions and they are both working as missionaries in Nurmay. nurmaymissions.org Jessica Garcia-Martinson (‘06) recently married to Anthony Martinson on October 17th 2010. They live in Lombard and Jessica is currently at Elmhurst College studying Business Management and works at Starbucks as a supervisor. They attend Harvet Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows. Prayers for Paul Huck (‘05). He arrived in Afghanistan at the end of 2011 andhe will be serving as a medic in the army. He has been serving in Ft. Lewis, Tacoma, WA and enlisted January 2011. He was married in July to Kelsey Huck and she is in medical training in Honolulu, HI. They met at medical training in San Antonio, Texas. Prayers for all our military this year.
New Arrivals Ellen (Kennedy) Barrios (‘98) completed her residency at UofC and is now employed as a pediatrician with the Lawndale Christian Health Center in Chicago. She and her husband, Bernardo, welcomed a son, Mateo, into their family in November. Tyler Benjamin (‘01) and his wife, Grace, were blessed with a baby boy, Jeremiah Dean Benjamin on August 27th, 2011. He was 8 lbs even, 20.5 inches. He’s their first child. Diane Jannenga Blocksma(’91) and Matt Blocksma welcomed daughter, Anneka Jameson Blocksma, born on Nov 30th, 2011. She weighed 6 lbs, 11 oz. but is now over 11 lbs. She’s a little redhead and a good baby! Alexander Robert Mulder Dewey born on August 7th, 2011 at 8 lbs, 1 oz, to Jill Mulder ( junior high ‘85) and her husband Robert Dewey. Proud Aunties Joy Mulder (‘85) and Jane Mulder (‘84), and Grandma Barb (Evenhouse) Mulder (‘60) join in the celebration! Joanne Keizer Gritters (‘97) and her husband, Matt, were blessed with another son! Emmett Phillip Gritters was born on November 1, 2011 weighing 8lbs 10 oz. God has truly blessed us! Big Brothers Matthew (5 yrs) and William (3 yrs) adore him! David Kennedy (‘01) and his wife, Dana, welcomed a son, Tanner Preston, on June 17, 2011. They reside in Whispering Pines, NC. David is serving in the military and located at Ft. Bragg. Patrick Knight (‘90) and his wife, Jennifer, just had their first child. Lucas Wells Knight was born January 9, 2012 weighing in at 8 pounds, 9 ounces. The Knights live in Miramar, Florida. Julia (Kennedy) Murray (‘95) and husband, Paul, welcomed a daughter, Annalise Katherine, on May 2, 2010. They reside in Nashville, TN. Julia was a third grade ESL teacher for eight years but is at home fulltime with Annalise now. Ashley (Vos) Zandstra (’05) and husband, Joel, gave birth to a healthy 6 pound 11ounce baby boy on February 7, 2012. His name is Owen Arthur Zandstra. Grandparents Ken (’78) and Cindy (’82) Vos are very happy. All are thankful for the blessings God has allowed in their lives! Robert Zownorega (‘02) and his wife, Kelly, welcomed Liam Robert Zownorega into their family on February 7, 2011. n
Prayer Point: Thankful for God’s hand in relationships and in new life // Request for marriages with Christ at the center // Request for each new life that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion
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Left to right: Ellen & Mateo Barrios; Jeremiah Dean Benjamin, Alexander Dewey; Anneke Jameson Blocksma; Annalise Murray; Emmett Phillip Gritters with brothers Matthew & William; Liam Robert Zowonrega; Lucas Wells Knight; Owen Arthur Zandstra
REFLECTOR SPRING 2012
Left to right: Jorie Ellens and Jesse Antuma; Tahnee Ellens and Nathan Kuder; Maria Post and Mark Lecocq; Krysta (Boroski) and Steve Kranenborg; Christa (Hyde) Muanica and Abel Sergio Muanica
Alumni news Transforming the World… through Career and Calling Tyndale will be releasing Caryn Dahlstrand Rivadeneira’s (‘90) new book Grumble Hallelujah in September. Thomas Feller (‘95) has recently been appointed as the Race to the Top Coordinator for Pitt County Schools and the Music Director for the Beaufort County Choral Society. He also serves as the Music Director at Landmark Baptist Church in Greenville, North Carolina. Thomas and his wife Melissa Feller reside in Greenville, North Carolina with their two daughters, Chloe, and Celeste. He can be reached at thomasrfellerjr@gmail.com or thomasrfellerjr.wordpress.com Jason Boomsma graduated from Anderson University in 2011 with a triple major in Math, Physics & Computer Science. Paul Luchtenburg accepted a position as the Senior Operations Officer for Microfinance covering the East Asia Pacific region for IFC ( International Finance Corporation) which is a part of the World Bank group. Based in Hanoi Vietnam his region includes Vietnam, China, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia. Previously, Paul served as the CEO of AMK in Cambodia which specialized in delivering cost effective financial services to remote rural poor. He built up the organization to 72 branches reaching half the villages of the country and servicing 260,000 clients with an average loan of $115
for a total organizational portfolio of 36 million dollars. Apart from the above, Paul has more than 20 years of experience in the Euro/Asia region working in many countries from Mongolia to Kosovo. Paul holds an MBA from Eastern University. He has also contributed to a number of books and articles related to microfinance. Laurie Veenstra Baker teaches K-6 music at Whitinsville Christian in Whitinsville, MA. She is mom to 4 children Lauren (15), Andrew and Katelyn (13), and Jonathan (10). Her family is also hosting an 11 year old Korean boy for 2 months. Laurie also works for Apple Tree Arts, a non-profit school of the arts (appletreearts. org). Through Apple Tree, she teaches pre-school music in several communities. She also co-directs musicals throughout the year. She and her husband, Darrell, who grew up in Whitinsville, keep very busy with their family, school activities, and Home Missions church plant. Darrell is a buyer for Koopman Lumber (www. koopmanlumber.com).
Henry Iwema III is graduating from Trinity Christian College this May with a degree in Exercise Science. Daihee Cho was selected to be part of a a new program at NIU called Northern Light Ambassadors. He will be at the President’s Tailgates on September 24th before the football game. He is representing the college of business and was selected to be part of a tax case competition. n If you have news on an alumni transforming the world, contact Jay Evenhouse at 630.782.4040 or evenhouse@timothychristian.com.
Leonard Stob has written a new book “Mission-Directed Governance, Leading the Christian School with Vision, Unity and Accountability”. In his first meet of the 2012 track season, Rob Stein (‘10) broke the University of Miami Ohio indoor shot put record. With a throw of 58’ 2” Rob demolished the previous record of 57’0” which had stood for more than 35 years. Rob is a sophomore at University of Miami Ohio. Kimberly Balles (‘75) is attending Northeastern Illinois University. She will be graduating with a Bachelors of Top left: Caryn Rivadeneira; Top right: Arts in Social Work (BASW) on May 5. Len Stob; Bottom: Laurie Baker
Prayer Point: Thanksgiving for our alumni community // Thanksgiving for the opportunities to glorify God and transform the world through unique accomplishments
26 REFLECTOR SPRING 2012
Reunions Class of 1956
The 55th reunion of the class of 1952/1956 was held on August 30 and 31 at the Country Inn and Suites in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Class of 1961
Class of 1956 1st Row from left: June (Filkin) Taylor, Joanne (Van Byssum) Yee, Joyce (Van Byssum) Dirske, Mary (Stob) Luchtenburg, Jurine (Medendorp) Wickersham, Helen (Weidenaar) Blauw, Sue (Wierenga) Vander Lei, Alice (Teune) Winter
3rd Row: William Schaafsma, Kenneth Van Byssum, Ronald Schaaf, Sam De Groot, Peter Roeters, Russell Groot
Class of 1966
The High School Class of 1966 celebrated our 45 year reunion on the weekend of November 26, 2011. The main event was a banquet on Saturday evening, at the Grotto restaurant in Oak Brook, attended by 63 guests.
Class of 1966 (below)
Seated (L-R): Minnie (Veldsma) Huyser, Audrey (Laning) Serritella, Marlene (Noorlag) Iwema, Jayne (Bulthuis) Lindemulder, Nancy (Boersema) Pommer, Barbara (Zeilstra) Brouwer, Ruth (Bardolph) Terpstra.
Class of 1961
Seated: Ken Rusthoven, George Vander Velde, Derek Brouwer, John Kieft, Judy Tameling Erffmeyer, Sandy Groot Van Poolen, Nancy Rozendal Boer, Betty Visser Clark, Evelyn Balzer Cronk, Doris Meyer Miedema Standing: John Bernbaum, Ken Wassenaar, Wayne Oostman, Art Jongsma, George Evenhouse, Fred Stulp, Arlene Mulder Bosma, Winnie Diepstra Van Tholen, Conrad Ottenhoff, Bill Vander Velde, Carolyn Drenth Smith, John Bulthuis, Leroy Prins
First Row (L-R): Ruth (Jelinek) Vander Kamp, John Lindemulder, Barbara (Kooy) Dykhouse, Mary (Stob) Vanden Bosch, Donna (Gelderloos) Erdman, Nancy (Niemeyer) Teune, Joan (Laninga) Smrha, Robert Ottenhoff, Norman Tameling, Donald Meyer, Kenneth Post. Second Row (L-R): Richard Lanenga, Patricia (Voss) Miller, Jody (Sykora) Allen, Leona (Tameling) Boerema, Gwen (Groot) Hopper, Edwin Hoogstra, Larry Vander Leest, Barbara (Vos) Vroom, Diane (Schurman) Schaap, Beverly (Keizer) Folkerts, James Korringa, Bennett Wieringa. (cont. >)
Third Row (L-R): Judith (Venema) Menninga, Roger Boerema, Richard De Boer, Patricia (Baker) Dozeman, Dennis Schaaf, Nancy Tuene, Roger Wiltjer, Donald Marema.
REFLECTOR SPRING 2012
2nd Row: Peter Huizenga, Theresa (Vandervelde) Reitsma, Gloria (Dykstra) Van Ryn, Alyce (Swierenga) Houskamp, Marcia (Hoving) Noor, Phyllis (Hoekstra) Kort, Henrietta (Lubben) Driesenga, Florence (Teune) Zaagman, Richard Noorlag, James Rozendal
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On Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1, 22 members of the TCHS Class of 1961 came together and celebrated their 50th high school reunion. The class also joined the celebration at TCSFest, Timothy’s 100th birthday celebration.
Alumni news Reunions cont.
Class of 1986
The TCHS graduating class of 1986 had it’s 25 year class reunion on Saturday, August 13, 2011. It was held at The Lodge at Brewster Creek in St. Charles,IL. We had a great summer get-together with 25 classmates in attendance!
Class of 1991
Timothy Christian High School’s Class of 1991 hosted its 20-year reunion at Drury Lane Oak Brook on October 22. The event drew 30 Trojans from 5 different states.
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Class of 1986
Front row sitting: Andrea(Dykema)Mather, Jacqueline(Hann)Ponce De Leon, Julie Bundrick, Susan(Anderson)Meadows 2nd Row; Douglas McCabe, Amy(Nagel)Riekse, Lisa(Hoekstra)Benshoof, Christine(Iwema) Buiter, Susan(Iwema)Sarmiento, Amy Weiner, Christine(Allen)Kocol, Anne(Beube) Christensen, Jeff Huiner 3rd Row: David Zuidema, Lauren(Noorlag)VanderVelde, Sherri(Mochel)Biscan, Timothy Barak, Dave Boer, Michael Auriemma, Edward(Atwater)McNabb, Robert Barnes
Each reunion Committee has 4th Row: Gayle(Didier)Briley, Christine(Tameling)Schultz, Ruth(Boccuzzi)Tyson, John Peklo written a summary of their event underscoring all the highlights from their reunion. To access these reviews visit the “Reunion Recaps” section under the “Alumni” tab at Timothychristian.com.
Reunion Committees Wanted: If your class is due to celebrate a reunion and you are interested in finding out more information, Contact Jay Evenhouse at Evenhouse@timothychristian.com or by phone at 630 782-4040.
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Class of 1991
Front row left to right: Chad Brower, Diane Jannanga, Kelly Schuurman, Sarah Vie, Carissa VanderLeest, Liz Sutherland Center row left to right: Justin Hoogendorn, RJ Van Tholen, Chris Langkamp, Russ Hoekstra, Dianne Vander Schoot, Brandon Van Dyke, Holly Petersen, Tracy Heerema, Beth Van Slooten, Tiffany Sutton, Elise Van Hout, Chris Schipma, Dan Roeters, Jill Muszynski, Carrie Romano, Laurie De Salvo, Areill Ives, Tim DeJong, Bill Poltrock Back row left to right: Jason Decker, Jeff Doot, Joel Tameling, Scott Smith
Prayer Point: Thankful for class community and for the opportunity to reconnect relationships // Thankful for Godly parents, students, teachers, and leaders who went before us and helped make Timothy what it is today
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REFLECTIONS
Prayer for the Future Taken From 50th Anniversary Pamphlet: “Timothy Christian School, 1911-1961”
Give us great faith for the future. We do not know what the future holds in store, but we know Who holds the
If Jesus should return before another fifty fleet years have passed away, grant that we and our children may be ready to meet Him. If Jesus tarries, we pray that what we are doing today and shall do tomorrow may be blessed memories in the minds of the teachers and students at Timothy when they celebrate its centennial in the year of our Lord 2011. Hear this plea of Thy people only for the sake of Thy Son, our Savior. Amen. – Rev. Rolf Veenstra
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REFLECTOR SPRING 2012
We thank Thee for our children. Forgive us for forgetting that they are really Thine, and we are their temporary custodians for only a few short years. Grant us and them Thy Holy Spirit; the Spirit of wisdom and knowledge, of understanding and counsel. Help us all to know the Lord Jesus, Whom to know is life everlasting.
future. Provide every material need for our school as Thou hast so lavishly done in the past. Above all, supply every spiritual want. We beg Thee that every graduate of Timothy may be a true child of Thine, a spiritual son of that first Timothy who possessed the unfeigned faith that dwelt earlier in his mother and grandmother.
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God of our parents; God of our children; God of our School; and our very own God: in Thee we live and move and have our being. Without Thee we cannot raise a finger, much less build a school. Without Thee we cannot think, much less teach others.
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$1,000 square sized 16” x 16” 12 lines with 28 characters per line
$100 small brick sized 4”x 8” 3 lines with 14 characters per line $250 square sized 8” x 8” 6 lines with 14 characters per line $500 square sized 12” x 12” 9 lines with 21 characters per line
We invite the entire Timothy community to make an investment in the “His Faithfulness Continues” Campaign by purchasing a brick for the Alumni Courtyard. These bricks will form our outdoor walkway in the Alumni Courtyard that is created by this capital campaign.
Yes, I want to participate in the Brick Paver Program!
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BRICK PAVER PROGRAM Help Support Timothy Be part of the Brick Paver Program Purchased bricks will be personalized with engraved messages of your choice that will create a lasting representation of your support for Christian education. Bricks can purchased by mailing in this tear-off form, or by clicking on the brick paver link at www.timothychristian.com
Ideas for personalized Bricks • Alumni Brick
• “In Memory of” Brick
• Favorite Bible Verse Brick
• Family Brick
• Current Student Recognition Brick
• “In Honor of” your favorite teacher
• Extra-curricular group recognition
• Word of Wisdom
• A Business that supports Christian Education
• Class Reunion Recognition
• Gift for the person/parent that has everything
• High School Team Acknowledgment • Personal Achievement Brick
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Jay Evenhouse by phone 630-786-4040 or by email at evenhouse@timothychristian.com