Western Witness - Fall 2022

‘22-23 Theme Verse: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.”

- Isaiah 26:3-4

FALL 2022

WESTERN CHRISTIAN H

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“LEARNING . . . TO SERVE THE KING”

ABOUT THE COVER

A WORD FROM THE HEAD ADMINISTRATOR

Students are back in full swing with their school day routines, and there is no time to waste! Already on the first day of school, junior Braden Baccam is seated diligently working on an assignment in his Pre-Calculus class.

CULTURAL DISCERNMENT AND PERFECT PEACE WESTERN CHRISTIAN H

The 2022-23 school year is off to a great start! Each new year offers unique opportunities for us to equip all learners for God’s world today. My grandparents, John and Adeline Verwolf, graduated from Western Christian in 1951. They were boarding students from Prinsburg, MN, and central IA. I often wonder what high school was like for them. How involved did their parents get? Did they feel pressure to earn good grades? Did they go back-toschool shopping? Did they miss school for appointments? How did they navigate the social-emotional aspect of schooling?

Today, young people are looking to their devices to make sense of the world around them. It’s true! They are using the screens in their pockets as their counselors, their entertainers, their instructors, and even their sex educators. When you were 16 years old, would you have made the effort to talk to your parents or teachers when you could privately ask the smartphone in your hand?

During the first week of school this year, a student opened up to me about his struggle with mental health. For months he had been YouTubing videos about ‘How do I know if I am depressed?’ and finally decided to talk to someone. It’s a good thing that the internet might provide some answers to mental health questions. But is it really the best, deepest, godly place for finding the truest answers?

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There is a real challenge for kids today to find real, livable wisdom in an accelerated, complex culture. The undercurrent of all this might help describe our society’s escalating levels of anxiety and depression.

Our theme for this school year is Isaiah 26:3-4: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.” Our chapels and Faithpacks will explore the theme of perfect peace. I can’t help but think how relevant this passage is for our learning community in such a time as this. While praying for Western Christian this year, please pray for our students specifically. They’re navigating an incredibly complex, polarizing world. May we remain steadfast in upholding biblical Truth, fostering academic growth, and equipping students to love God and serve others.

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IN THIS ISSUE Finding Perfect Peace Building Fund Support the Pack Fall Play Wolfpack Athletics NFHS Athletic Coverage Snapshots from School Homecoming Just My Thoughts Student Perspective

Stay faithful,

Upcoming Events

Mr. Brian Verwolf, Head Administrator

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FINDING PERFECT PEACE

As we begin the new school year, I feel so grateful to be a part of Western Christian. In my new role as a school social worker, I am available to help students navigate any social, spiritual, emotional, or mental challenges they might face. God does not promise us a life without storms, changes, and difficulties. However, God does promise us His faithfulness, grace, and strength to overcome those storms and find peace.

Part of my role within the school is to

help students find their perfect peace.

What does that look like? How do we get there? Unfortunately, there are no easy answers, and there is not one clear path.

But we can continue to cling to the promise that God remains by our side and feel the peace of His presence.

As I work with students, families, and staff, I hope that each individual r ecognizes their strengths and feels empowered and confident of

overcoming the challenges that come their way. I am available for individual meetings, partnering with families, connecting to outside resources, and any other ways to support social-emotional challenges. I am here to help provide a space for the students to meet them where they are at and walk alongside them as they work to find peace in their lives.

Ms. Abby Vanden Bosch, Social Worker

$400,000 Debt Remaining

BUILDING FUND DEBT REDUCTION A combination of pledges and various giving drives has lowered our debt total to less than $400,000 on the Second Century of Service Campaign. We are so thankful that over $1,000,000 was raised this past school year with the goal of being debt free by the end of 2022.

$7.1 Million Second Century of Service Campaign

$6,700,000 Funds Raised

SUPPORT THE PACK Western Christian spent time this summer revitalizing a space that is open, welcoming, and creates a unique shopping experience for all Wolfpack fans. Whether you’re looking for game-day apparel, back-to-school gear, or gift ideas, the Pack Shack has something for everyone! We are excited to share this space with you at all home events for the upcoming year. Be watching for information on how to shop online 24/7.

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MEMORIAL GIFTS Western Christian High School is grateful to receive memorial gifts in honor and memory of: Thelma Elgersma - Sanborn, IA. Wes and Thelma Elgersma graduated from Western in 1949 and 1948. They met in the choir room at Western, where she played the piano, and he sang bass. All six of their children attended Western Christian: Tim (1970), Starla (1971), Gloria (1974), Doug (1979), Barry (1980), and Fred (1981).

Ed Scholten - Sioux Center, IA. All of his six children graduated from Western. Natalie (1959), Betty (1961), LaDonna (1966), Lorna (1970), Deb (1973), Ed (1981).

FALL PLAY “THE ISLAND OF DR. LIBRIS” This year’s fall play is a comedic adventure called “The Island of Dr. Libris.” The story follows a young girl named Billie as she spends her summer at the seemingly boring cabin of the mysterious Dr. Libris. But she soon realizes there is something strange about this island. Whenever Billie opens a book, she can hear the sounds of swords clashing, the twang of arrows, and even shouts from people in the distance. Then, the island suddenly becomes occupied by some of the most famous characters in classical literature: Hercules, Robin Hood, Maid Marian, The Three Musketeers, Tom Sawyer, and Pollyanna. However, there is soon confusion and complications when the character’s lines and stories are confused by a few unexpected arrivals. It is up to Billie to use her imagination to create a happy ending for everyone.

Another excitement about this year’s play is that it will be Western’s first student-led play!

About two weeks before school started, Mr. Verwolf informed students that the school could not find a director for the play. Rather than give up a co-curricular that is special for so many, students decided to tackle the 4

responsibility of a student-led production.

This meant having several meetings to pick a play and discuss student roles to cover all the areas of a successful production.

Rehearsals started on September 1, and the cast and crew are already looking forward to sharing their work. Join this ambitious group on November 10 and 12 for an unforgettable comedy!

Berdena Bylsma - Hull, IA. Berdena and husband Adolph’s four daughters graduated from Western Christian. Judy (1969), MaryLou (1971), Betty (1975), Amy (1982).

Lois Van Beek - Bradenton, FL. Lois graduated from Western Christian in 1962. Lois was a lifelong Christian educator and coach in Michigan and Florida.

First chapel of the school year

WOLFPACK ATHLETICS Every year athletes who participate in Spring sports deal with the extra emotions contributed to unfavorable weather conditions. Spring 2022 weather did cause frustration. However, Wolfpack soccer athletes persevered and prevailed with many victories. Dr. Bill Elgersma, Head Girls Soccer coach, wrote his reflection on their season.

GIRLS SOCCER Spring of 2022 isn’t particularly memorable given the past few years. No major illness outbreaks, no school closings, no continual barrage of news. For most of us, quite ordinary would describe it best although for those who remember last spring, the wind was not quite ordinary.

Someone who was not coaching in the spring took delight in sharing that we had endured 70 consecutive days of 30-mile-per-hour winds within a 24-hour span. Yes, I remember that. Days upon days where attempting to kick a ball in a particular direction was a lesson in futility. But, credit to the team, they did, and perhaps that persistence was part of the reason for our successful season.

The spring of 2022 saw the girls’ soccer team post an undefeated regular season with the only loss coming at Heelan in the substate game.

To be sure, part of our success was the

result of the number of seniors on the field, but we also started every game with at least two sophomores. Age and experience played a significant role, but more than that, confidence, competitive nature, desire, tenacity, and simply the joy of playing the game were major contributors to our results. I had the privilege of coming to training to direct and educate a group who genuinely wanted to play simply for the fun of it. I didn’t see stress, very little frustration, and rarely anger over what was not going well. Covid set soccer back with no ability to play over that time period, and this group wanted to make up for what they had missed. To that end, they showed up willing to try anything, and I gave them everything I could to challenge their skills and they rose to it.

Perhaps they talked about the winning streak, but I never heard it from them.

I don’t believe the group was worried about keeping it alive; they simply wanted to improve every day, and to that end, I couldn’t ask for a better season. They weren’t selfish; we had several players with a significant number of goals and assists, so they were impossible to scout.

Shut down one player and another would rise to the opportunity.

In addition, the ball was impossible to move through our midfield to the back line defensively, and we took pride in

stopping the attack. Pride in defense is not highly prized in many athletic circles, but it was a key part of our success. We had several games where opponents did not get a shot on goal because the ball never got into the attacking third.

All in all, it was a season that surprised me. I knew we had a good group of athletes, but I didn’t think we could go through the way we did. At the training session prior to the Heelan game I told them that if we lost to Heelan, they wouldn’t be crying because they lost to Heelan, more likely they would be crying because they knew there was more to learn and they were not done yet. And yes, there were tears, but they were also able to acknowledge that they lost to a more talented team–and they saw what the future of Western girls’ soccer could be.

BOYS SOCCER The boys’ soccer team also completed another stellar season. Recording 17 wins and only 2 losses put the 2022 team in the Western Christian record books as having the most wins for a season. For the first time in school history, the team also won their way to back-to-back state tournament appearances for spring soccer.

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Aidan Ouwinga, Miles Baccam & Jeremiah Kredit

Head coach Sean Bacaam stated, “Making it to state was a big accomplishment in itself and making the championship game back to back years built some lifelong memories. We are blessed and truly thankful for all the supporters that made that week special. We started the season 6-0 and lost our first game to state-qualifying Spencer. And had an 11-game win streak before falling in a heartbreaking championship game.”

The team used the word ‘Identity’ for their motto. The word inspired the players as they built off last year’s state tournament run. ‘Identity’ set the tone for the program’s expectations of the 2022 season. The team desired to build off the success of the past and build the program stronger for the future.

Quite a bit of the season’s success can be attributed to the seniors. They led well and continually challenged everyone to get better each and every day. “We are going to miss their personalities and leadership but look forward to building on the program they’ve helped bring to where it is,” remarked Coach Baccam.

Senior Jeremiah Kredit and sophomores Aidan Ouwinga and Miles Baccam made the All-Tournament team.

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BASEBALL Softball and Baseball seasons go by in a whirlwind, and to top it off, pre-season practices and some early season games compete with track and field and soccer athletes’ time. Baseball coach Trent Rosse called getting the season started a ‘struggle.’ “We only had two or three team practices during the entire season.

With our spring sports going deep into their seasons, it felt like we were playing catch up a majority of the season.”

Coach Roose highlighted the Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley doubleheader as a cherished moment for the year. The team played all-around baseball and picked

up two wins on Senior Night. The Seniors worked hard for the team, so these wins were special for the entire team along with the graduated players.

The baseball team spent time not only playing ball but discussing what it actually means to be a teammate.

This was selected due to the amount of self-centeredness in today’s sports. If student-athletes can live out Christ and be different on and off the field, they have exciting things ahead.

Wolfpack baseball has an established youth program and many athletes who love the game of baseball, which makes the future of Wolfpack baseball bright.

SOFTBALL Softball has a strong youth program in place as well. Over 69 girls in grades 4-8 participated. Fifty-four of these girls were in 4-6th grade. Coach Michael DeJong added the younger component to the program to help keeps girls involved with softball. In the past, players would quit before reaching 7th grade due to a lack of opportunity to play. Youth Wolfpack softball helps develop a love for the game at a young age, with the goal of girls continuing to play into high school.

This goal of the softball program under Michael DeJong has never been just about winning games. Each year the team found ways to strive to work on their faith. This year the Senior leaders chose the word INTENTIONAL. INTENTIONAL about your Faith.

INTENTIONAL about the Team.

INTENTIONAL about your Preparation.

This theme was based on Ephesians 5:15-17. “Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be

foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

When asked what a favorite memory for the year was, Coach DeJong said, “My biggest memories from this year have nothing to do with wins/losses or any games in particular. It was the girls and their passion/desire to serve and help other people.” The team intentionally thought of ways to bless others.

After the huge success of the Team Leo fundraiser last year, the team presented the idea to have a tailgate fundraiser for Ms. Boman, who had recently been

diagnosed with cancer. That night was a huge success. Also, without telling the coaches, the team collected money to purchase gift cards to show their appreciation to Shawn De Stigter for all his work in groundskeeping in the summer.

After coaching Wolfpack softball for six years, Michael DeJong has stepped down as head coach. He and his family will miss the relationships with the players.

He has loved being referred to as Coach.

He hopes that he has made half the impact on the softball players as they have made on his life.

WATCH WOLFPACK ATHLETICS FOR FREE ON THE NFHS NETWORK Get unlimited access to watch all home Wolfpack events live this year.

The NFHS Network will air home football, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, dance and soccer events.

To create an account visit: www.nfhsnetwork.com/users/sign_up Once account has been created: search for school name and “follow” 7

SNAPSHOTS FROM SCHOOL

Western’s enrollment numbers are at an all-time high compared to recent years, partly thanks to a large freshman class.

Mr. Brian Verwolf and Mrs. Karen Christians spent four days in August making the rounds to the new students’ homes, welcoming them with t-shirts and pom poms.

On August 22, the class of 2026 attended orientation. Faculty and staff explained how a day at Western goes.

Students worked together as teams in a domino project, had a lesson on how to work their lockers, and walked through a mock schedule to navigate the building.

This semester, the Agriculture Department has the pleasure of having Ms. Mattie Tucker as a student teacher! Ms. Tucker is passionate about all things faith, family, and farming. Ms. Tucker will graduate from Morningside University this December in Agricultural Education. Welcome, Ms. Tucker!

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THE

EDGE

On Monday, August 22, Western Christian held the first annual Wolfpack Edge Luncheon. The school was excited to welcome more than 50 people from the surrounding communities. Activity Directors, students, and staff members spoke about how the Wolfpack Edge is an intentional effort to promote Faith, Purpose, Passion, and Service in all Western Christian activities and athletics. If you have questions about how you can partner with Western Christian to support more than 30 activities and athletic programs, please reach out to Brad Vis, brad.vis@westernchristianhs.com

Students desiring to use their gifts in music and technology during Western’s chapels gathered for a two-day workshop in August to think more deeply about worship leadership, work toward team cohesiveness, and learn music for chapel this year. Twenty-six students participated in the workshop. Mrs. Christians kicked off the event by encouraging students to spend time with God, to allow Him to fill their cups to overflow so that God’s love can spill out to everyone around them.

Chapel takes place on Thursdays from 9:15-10:00 am. We invite you to worship with us via Livestream.

The Athletic Department would like to thank the many individuals who made it possible to enhance the soccer field with a new scoreboard.

No better way to build community than with a picnic! The fourth annual Senior Picnic took place at the Verwolf home on August 10. The Verwolfs, school board members, and some faculty treated the Senior class to good food, great competition in yard games, and a solid challenge to step us as leaders this school year.

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HOMECOMING WEEK USA DAY - Monday

Randy Feenstra - US Representative Chapel speaker - Class of ‘87

COUNTRY VS. COUNTRY CLUB DAY - Tuesday Dodgeball / Gaga Ball activity

PINK DAY - Wednesday SQUAD DAY - Thursday

Class Games, Alumni Football Supper with team

Senior Homecoming Representatives

SPIRIT DAY - Friday

Brad Kooima - Chapel Speaker - Class of ‘76, Curt Winters - Music Guest - Class of ‘01 Co-ed Volleyball / Ping Pong tournament, Pep Rally Football Game / Alumni Tent

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JUST MY THOUGHTS MY ROAD TO PERFECT PEACE

Each school year when a new theme verse is selected, I hope it’s a great choice. It’s impossible to know the blessings and challenges that a year will hold, but it is so affirming when the new theme verse finds an authentic fit for the climate of our school.

Because I am part of the team that selects the theme verse, I knew this year’s verses, Isaiah 26:3-4, in early June. Almost immediately, this proved to be a great choice. Holding this passage close, memorizing it, and digging deeper into its wisdom has been a great blessing to me. I shouldn’t be surprised; isn’t that the way God so often blesses His Word when it finds a genuine place in our daily lives? “You will keep in perfect peace, those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever. For the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.” So many places in our lives cry out for His perfect peace, and His Word assures us that for those whose minds are steadfast in their trust of Him, there is perfect peace.

I walked a road to perfect peace this summer that felt very different from the type of peace we often picture in our minds: mountain or beach scenes and storm-free skies. My clunky walk on this road didn’t include some of the ugly and horribly hard things that God has asked others to walk. My road didn’t include health issues, it didn’t include rejection or loneliness, it didn’t include abuse. My road included letting go. My walk on this road included letting my child go to a place completely unknown to me–and completely unknown to him. My walk included revising my picture of the future, of my child’s future, to something I would never have imagined.

And God walked beside me every step of the way.

At the beginning of the road, I was a very reluctant participant. I threw up all kinds of questions to both my son and to God! “Wait a minute, what? We don’t know a soul there. Aren’t there colleges around here with similar programs? It’s probably too late to get accepted anyway. Maybe a gap year is what is best.” And on and on and on. And then I started to pray.

Isn’t it amazing how much easier prayer becomes when you’re desperate? Wow, I prayed! At first my prayers were pretty bossy, “God, this doesn’t seem like a great idea. Back me up on this. I am sure you could redirect this if you wanted to and I think you should want to.” But then one night, I saw the disappointment in my son’s eyes when an apparent roadblock came up. His disappointment was real, and it was obvious, and my prayers changed. With the Spirit’s sweet guidance, I stopped bossing and instead I started asking. “God, if this is really a feasible idea, some doors are going to have to open pretty quickly. And my mama’s heart is going to need a ton of peace to be able even to consider letting my kid do this.”

And the doors started to open. An acceptance letter showed up in the mail. A mid-July campus visit date became available.

An employer gave some unexpected time off.

A long road trip resulted in a tour that was pleasant and informative. An unplanned stop in a classroom building resulted in meeting a kind man with helpful, encouraging information. But maybe most of all, I saw my son’s expression and for the first time in a long time, he looked really excited about school.

The 10-hour drive may have been awful, but his smile was priceless.

More prayers were uttered, sometimes cried. And one by one more prayers were answered. I was specific and I was honest, and God heard every one. God didn’t let me see the end from the beginning, but He let me feel His hands leading every step of the way. He met me in the middle of what felt like losing control and He held me close, so I could feel His steady control. He sometimes held me with songs that came on the radio, emails that continued to solve problems, and messages from sweet family and friends who were praying right alongside my family as we walked this very new, very strange road.

So a few weeks ago, my husband and two sons made that really long road trip again; except this time, my youngest son stayed there. I bawled like a baby when I hugged that kid good-bye, but God held me and I know God’s holding Him. I believe and I trust it with all my heart. God’s there; I see Him in so many ways.

I hesitate to share my story of perfect peace because this story isn’t finished yet. In fact, it’s barely started. This road could take a number of different directions before it finds a finish line; I predict it will take some turns and maybe even detours. But God taught me a lot about perfect peace this summer. He taught me that it might happen on a beach chair, watching a sunset, but more often happens when I am on my knees, crying out to Him in prayer. He hears me, and He’s right there. I also learned that God could teach me trust by showing me the finish line; He certainly could, but He rarely does. Instead, He takes my hand and leads me one slow step at time. He leads, and I take a step, and He is right there, so I take another step, and He’s still there.

So whether you walk your little to kindergarten for the first time, you walk yourself into a counselor’s office, you walk your spouse into a doctor’s office, or you leave part of your heart on a college campus far from home, I pray that you experience God’s perfect peace as I did, not because of anything we do, but because of the incredible, loving God we serve. He sees you, He loves you, and He holds you; no matter the road before you. He is reaching out to you with both hands, inviting you to join Him on the journey. And those hands He’s offering you? In clinging to them, you will find true and lasting perfect peace.

Just my thoughts, KC 11

STUDENT PERSPECTIVE PEACE IN A STORM

Avoiding struggles in this life is impossible.

Battles teenagers face can seem insurmountable. One very active senior, Zachary Minderhoud, dealt with a health scare last school year. Still, through it all, he demonstrated the theme of this issue and provided an excellent example of finding perfect peace when in a storm.

As a senior this year, I am entering my 4th cross country season, but it is the first season since my recent health issues. Last February, I had a portion of my left lung removed because of a cyst and bacteria found in my lung’s lower part. This year’s theme verse of Isaiah 26:3-4 has reminded me of this past year and God’s help in my trial.

Many people, during times of struggle or suffering, ask questions like how would God let this happen, or is God still in control? The theme verse says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” These verses comfort us with the promise God will give us peace through our trials if we trust in him. I recently heard a sermon at a youth group event, and the pastor that was speaking said that during trials, there is a difference between what we feel and what we know to be true from the Bible. If we can answer

the question, is God in control with yes, then that is what we know based on the truth of the Bible. Then with this knowledge, we need to say I choose to trust God, and my feelings will fall in line. So, when I went through my surgery and when I still have problems with running or even daily tasks, I can rely on God’s sovereignty, knowing that the trial he put me through was for a purpose. Even though I may be unhappy or mad with the results from a cross-country meet, I need to choose to trust in God and his plan for my life, and soon my feelings fall in line with my trust.

Zachary Minderhoud, WC Senior

UPCOMING EVENTS October 3 October 12 October 18 October 28 November 10, 12

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FFA Fruit Sales Begins Stewardship Day Fall Music Concert End of the 1st quarter School Play

November 15 Explore Western November 14-18 Celebrate Western - An Online Auction, Meat and freezer meals pre-sale, and a Thanksgiving meal are all being planned. More information to come!

Mission Statement: “As a high school institution committed to a distinctly Reformed Christian perspective...

Western Christian is a Christ-centered learning community upholding biblical Truth, fostering academic growth, and equipping all learners to love God and serve others.”