‘24-25 Theme Verse: “...You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.”
A WORD FROM THE HEAD ADMINISTRATOR
CHRIST-LIKE HOSPITALITY
Every Thursday, author James Clear sends out a catchy newsletter titled 3-2-1 Thursday. Each issue includes three ideas, two quotes, and one thought-provoking question to consider for the week. It’s been said that this newsletter contains the most wisdom per word of any newsletter on the web. I enjoy it because it’s clear, concise, and almost always leaves me feeling encouraged to improve myself.
Here’s one of his questions from a newsletter this past fall:
“We undervalue health if we have not recently experienced illness. We undervalue wealth if we have not recently experienced poverty. We undervalue kindness if we have not recently experienced cruelty. What might you be undervaluing right now?”
One idea that quickly came to mind was my own tendency to undervalue hospitality—a quality often overlooked in our fast-paced lives. We undervalue hospitality if we have not recently been without a place to call home.
Hospitality is more than opening doors; it’s about opening hearts. It’s welcoming someone with warmth when they feel out of place, offering rest when they are weary, and creating a sense of belonging in a world that often feels isolating.
In 1978, Western’s society took a bold step by adding locker rooms on the east
side of campus, alongside what many of our long-time community members fondly call “the new gym,” while more recent generations know it as “the big gym.” Back then, it was an ambitious project that required a loan at a time of exceptionally high-interest rates soaring to 20.5% on a debt of nearly $900,000. Only 60% of the society voted in favor of the project, reflecting how deeply people weighed this decision. Yet, from that moment forward, thousands of students and fans have created lasting memories in that space—memories of teamwork, dedication, and growth. To God be the glory.
Today, while we continue to invest in keeping that gym vibrant and welcoming, our locker rooms tell a different story. They’re showing their age in ways that have become more than just inconvenient. The plumbing struggles to provide warm water and effective drainage, the ventilation falls short, and the overall experience is not what we hope to offer to our athletes—or to the many guests who visit us. It’s time for a change, and this isn’t simply about upgrading amenities— it’s about extending the warmth and care that define our community!
At Western Christian, we are called to embody Christ-like hospitality. It’s part of who we are. Research confirms that when students feel this level of care, they engage more fully, attend more consistently, and face fewer social and
ABOUT THE COVER Service with a Smile! Seniors
Kendra Slaughter and Ali DeWit bring warmth to Solid Grounds, the student-run coffee shop that buzzes during afternoon breaks. Powered by students in the Business and Entrepreneurship class, this venture brews more than just coffee — it’s a hands-on lesson in accounting, teamwork, and innovation!
behavioral challenges. But our mission goes deeper. We seek to cultivate a community where Christ’s love and values are lived out daily. This is where students learn and practice kindness, perseverance, and respect for others—values that extend beyond the classroom and into every interaction. You may have heard a preacher invite the congregation to “turn to Acts 29,” only to realize that, of course, Acts ends at chapter 28. The idea is that “Acts 29” represents the ongoing story of God’s work in the world—a story that we, too, are writing. For Western Christian, investing in our people and facilities—including these much-needed locker room updates—is part of how we carry this story forward. It’s our way of showing that hospitality, care, and respect aren’t just principles to teach but practices to live out in every corner of our campus. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we’re writing Western Christian’s chapter in God’s ongoing work in the world. Let’s make this a legacy of hospitality and care that future generations can be proud of.
For Christian Education,
Mr. Brian Verwolf Head Administrator
Merry Christmas from Western Christian High School!
Traditionally, we have celebrated Western Christian with an online auction, meat sale, and communitymeal. We are incredibly grateful for how these events have supported our mission over the years. However, this year we are feeling led in a new direction. Instead of a traditional auction, we will nowfocus our energy on sharing the incredible story of what God is doing through Western Christian andhow His work is shaping our community.
Funds raised will be given to the General Fund and used for Capital Improvements. You can donate toWestern Christian by check, gifts of grain, stocks & bonds, and your minimum distribution from yourIRA. You can visit our webpage or scan the QR code below to give now!
THANK YOU for considering partnering in the mission of Western Christian. You are part of God’sstory in training the next generation of young people to build His Kingdom. We genuinely believe thatwe would not be able to do this without you!
SNAPSHOTS FROM SCHOOL
Reformation Day (October 31) conveniently fell on a typical chapel day (Thursday). What was untypical of chapel on this day was students and faculty walked to First CRC for a beautiful service. Thanks to Hull First CRC for allowing us to use their church. Thanks to MaryLou Wielenga for blessing us with beautiful organ music, including the classic Reformation Day Hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” Andrew Hoekstra and our worship team joined her with songs rich in biblical truth! Pastor Kevin Muyskens shared a message filled with his love for history and God’s Word. What a beautiful way to praise God and remind us why The Reformation still matters to us today!
Seven students and FFA advisor Emily Joenks attended the National FFA Convention and Expo. During the trip, the students were exposed to many engaging opportunities. They toured the Caterpillar Interactive Museum in Peoria, attended sessions of the convention, visited different businesses at the Expo, and enjoyed a rodeo. The students worked on their team-building skills at a haunted mansion escape room and competed with one another at an indoor karting track. The trip to Indianapolis never disappoints!
Once again, the NWC Innovate business competition did not disappoint. It gave students a lot to think about and a glimpse into all the steps involved in solving community issues. Twelve Western students participated in the competition. Competition coordinators intermixed the students from different communities, teaching them the value of learning how to work with others. Each group needed to put together a presentation that focused on the goal of building a recreation center in Orange City that would be available to the whole community.
From October 28 - November 15, eight Dutch students were given the opportunity to experience life in Northwest Iowa. While at school, the students attended some classes, including cooking American food. Representative Wheeler stopped by to talk about American politics. They also enjoyed visiting local places like Yesterday’s Memories and traveling to the Black Hills—a huge thanks to our families who hosted these students and contributed to an unforgettable experience. To read more about one student’s hosting experience, read the Student Perspective article on the last page of the Witness.
Some student council members collaborated with residents of Aspen Heights in an October pumpkin-decorating activity. As the different generations spent the afternoon together, there were many smiles and heartfelt exchanges.
Musicians from Western Christian were selected by audition to perform in the Iowa All-State Music Festival on November 2123. The students were Allie Wielenga, soprano; Katie Veldman, violin; Jenessa VanRoekel, viola; Ari VanGrootheest, string bass; and Ava VanMaanen, bass clarinet. Congratulations on this excellent accomplishment!
WOLFPACK ATHLETICS
FOOTBALL
This year, the football team embraced the theme “C.L.I.M.B.,” as chosen by our captains. This slogan proved a powerful motivator, spurring our players to climb each day and seize every chance during practices and on game nights to compete and chase their best. We focused on the story of Jonathan and his ring bearer, trusting God has the story written already; we need to trust him with our effort and attitude and C.L.I.M.B. up towards our challenges.
Our dedicated group of coaches shaped our team’s culture, demonstrating a commitment to their leadership role and serving as exemplary Christian role models for our players. Their efforts have contributed to a football culture that grows and shapes young Christian men every season.
A heartfelt thank-you is extended to our seniors for their commitment to the Wolfpack football. Their lasting impact has set a high standard for future Wolfpack teams. We sincerely thank the Western Christian community for their support throughout the season! Go Pack!
Coach Travis Kooima
CROSS COUNTRY
Preparation for the cross country season begins in July, with runners meeting at team members’ homes to run and enjoy meals together. These “Fun Runs” provide excellent opportunities for the team to develop deeper relationships with their teammates before the season officially begins. Each runner set a personal goal for the season, which varied in focus from
running personal best times to developing endurance to making changes in nutrition. The beautiful fall weather and individual discipline allowed many of them to achieve their goals by the end of the season!
For the 2024 season, we had 16 returning runners and nine new ones. One of the team’s greatest assets was the servant-hearted leadership provided by our seven seniors. Senior Kyrin De Groot ran at the State Cross Country meet in Fort Dodge and
finished 24th place with a career-best time. As coaches, one of our season highlights was bringing 19 team members to State to cheer on Kyrin!
Coaches Anna Bierma, Cara Van Den Top, and Emilee Heynen
VOLLEYBALL
Throughout the season, the volleyball team kept 1 Timothy 4:8 at the forefront of their minds. “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” This theme verse helped remind them of their purpose. The season was filled with highs and lows, on the court and off. By embracing the tough times together,
they held onto the fact that God is always great, no matter the circumstances. Resilience was developed and shined through as the ladies played for each other and qualified for the state tournament for the 24th year in a row!
The team has much to be proud of as State Runners-up, and only two seniors graduate. While the team will miss the seniors’ leadership and
Christian character, the future of Wolfpack Volleyball continues to shine.
Thanks to the parents, assistant coaches, fans, administrators, and all who prayed for, encouraged, loved, and cheered on this group of young women. We are grateful to be in a school and part of a team that keeps perspective on what is truly important - To God be the Glory!
Coach Tammi Verbeek
MEMORIAL GIFTS
Western Christian High School is grateful to receive memorial gifts in honor and memory of:
Donald De Jager - Rock Valley, IA. Don and his wife Helen have had five children, fourteen grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren who attended Western. Don’s children are Leanne (1977), Darwin (1979), Mike (1979), Herlan (1981) and Kyle (1993).
Class of 1964 - a monetary gift from their class reunion and the blessing of the new remote-controlled flag in our gymnasium.
FALL PLAY
The Event Center stage was transformed into the Dust Bowl Era for the Drama Department’s Fall production of The Storm in the Barn, based on Matt Phelan’s graphic novel and adapted by Eric Coble. Nearly 40 students were involved in acting on stage, handling the props, or running the sound or lights for multiple performances on November 14 and 15.
The Storm in the Barn incorporated song, multiple types of storytelling, and spectacular props. Thank you to Yesterday’s Memories Truck Museum in Sanborn for loaning their 1919 Ford Model II.
Kirsten Buiter and Eileen Buiter directed the production.
JUST MY THOUGHTS
YOU CAN CHANGE THE ENDING
During a recent trip to visit our son in Oklahoma, Mike and I were invited to dinner and introduced to the parents of Jacob’s girlfriend. Since we have three kids and Jacob is our youngest, we’ve been in this situation before, and while we’ve learned a few things along the way, this isn’t an advice article on “meeting the parents,” but it is about a lesson I learned that night.
We found ourselves dining at a great Mexican restaurant in Norman, Oklahoma, with our group of six. The restaurant is a favorite of Matt’s, Arden’s dad. While we had never been there before, the overall atmosphere was one that is similar to many restaurants we’ve been to before; it was busy, a little warm, filled with delicious smells, lots of activity and noise. It wasn’t impossible to maintain a pleasant conversation while we sat there, but it was a bustling place. When our food finally arrived, Matt reached out his hands and the rest of us followed his example. With our hands linked, he led us in a quick but wonderful prayer, praying a word of gratitude and blessing over the steaming food before us. Amen. Then we all dug in!
I must admit that Matt’s spoken prayer took me a little by surprise. Even though I was raised in a Christian home and mealtime prayers have been a regular practice in my life, we typically (I would dare say seldom or never) pray the blessing out loud in restaurants. It is more typical for us to pray silently when our food is set before us while dining out. And, to be even more honest, those silent prayers have even become a little less regular over the past few years.
Mike and I talked about Matt’s prayer later that evening. We both noted how appreciative we were for his openness to praying out loud with us. I found myself wondering why we had never started that tradition with our own family and friends whenever we were eating out. And then…I had a moment of realization: we could start that new tradition now. Instead of looking back and wondering and regretting, we could decide to change our regular behavior starting immediately.
And we did. Later that weekend, we were again eating out with Jacob and Arden. When our food arrived, Mike and I held out our hands, joined
hands with all at the table and said a mealtime prayer. It was that simple.
The older I get, the more times I find myself looking back at those blurry busy years of raising three little kids, and wishing I had done more of “this” or had been more intentional with “that.” I know I am not alone. Recently a family friend posted a picture of her growing family–growing with grandkids. She shared that one of the deepest joys for her at this point in life is being able to be more intentional with her grandkids than she had been with her own kids–especially when it comes to sharing and instilling faith. I hear that often from grandparents. But, I don’t think grandparenting is the only “redo” chance we get in life. I think we get a redo chance every single day.
Wish you were more encouraging? Send a card today.
Lousy at saying you’re sorry? Try one genuine apology today.
Never been able to stick with daily devotions? Open your Bible today. Never prayed for your spouse by name out loud? Try it tonight. Passed up lots of opportunities for hospitality? You can open your door today.
CS Lewis must have had a similar realization in his life: “You can’t go back and change the beginning but you can start where you are and change the ending.” He was right, so very right. Start today and change the ending.
Just my thoughts, KC
Uphold Biblical Truths, Foster Academic Growth And Equip All Learners To Love God And Serve Others With Your Retirement Assets!
Through a life income gift, you can give to Western Christian High School and receive income for life! And when you fund a life income gift from your IRA, you will also reduce your taxable income. It’s a win-win giving solution!
Benefits of a Life Income Gift
»
» Fixed income. Receive a lifetime of fixed payments for you or your spouse. Reduced taxes. Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) reduce your taxable income. This benefits you even if you don’t itemize deductions on your tax returns!
» Convenient. It’s a simple way to support your favorite ministry in a significant way.
» Impact. Gifts from your IRA are tax-free to the charity. After your lifetime, the remainder of your gift will go to ministry!
How it Works
DONOR
Gift from IRA Reduced Taxable Income + Ongoing Payments
CHARITABLE GIFT
Remainder of Gift
Life income gifts are wonderful solutions for Christians who wish to give in a substantial way, but are concerned about having enough retirement income.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who qualifies to give in this way?
IRA holders must be 70 ½ or older at the time of their gift to make a qualified charitable distribution.
2. How much can I give?
When giving from your IRA, you can make a one-time gift (or multiple QCDs within a single year) totaling no more than $53,000*, to fund a gift that pays income. This specific type of IRA gift can only be done once in your lifetime.
* As of January 2024.
Indexed for inflation annually.
3. Does this help satisfy my required minimum distribution (RMD)?
Yes. Any QCDs given to ministry, including those given toward a life income gift, help satisfy all or part of your RMD.
4. Do I receive a tax deduction for my gift?
No. Because the IRA assets haven’t been taxed, no deduction is allowed. You will, however, reduce your taxable income.
L e a r n M o r e
Is funding a life income gift from your IRA the right solution for you?
To learn more, email Brad Vis at brad.vis@westernchristianhs.com or call 712.439.1013.
STUDENT PERSPECTIVE
HOSPITALITY
For me, hospitality consists of two main things: patience and boldness. I’ve never been much of a social person and enjoy a consistent routine, so going out of my way to open up my life to people isn’t easy for me. Yet, after my experience hosting a Dutch student this fall, I know I wouldn’t change a thing.
The choice to host a Dutch student was pretty last minute for my family. I knew I wanted to apply to go to the Netherlands in the spring, but I was more hesitant about hosting. My house is forty-five minutes away from school, kind of in the middle of nowhere, and I was afraid that being on a farm wouldn’t be an enjoyable experience for a girl my age. My parents were more open to the idea, and an extra spot was needed, so we signed up.
As I said earlier, the first step in hospitality is patience. For both my student and me, it took us a few days to get comfortable with each other.
UPCOMING EVENTS
December 20 Christmas Break Begins
January 6
January 19
Classes Resume
Between lost luggage, late nights, and a new sleep schedule, it was a long first weekend. I knew this wasn’t something I could hold against her or myself. It was okay that we didn’t ‘click’ immediately; we had three weeks to get to know each other, and big changes needed time.
The more difficult step in hospitality for me is being bold. Since I was the host (about three years older than my Dutch guest), I felt responsible for starting conversations and directing our activities. Fortunately, my Dutch sibling has a very bright and funny personality, so we got along very well after a couple of long car rides. Honestly, I was stressed and a little scared when it came to giving her an excellent American experience, but after a few awkward steps toward getting to know her, that bit of boldness paid off.
My definition of hospitality comes partly from Ephesians 3. This chapter teaches how the same Spirit unites
all believers, and through that Spirit, we gain access to Christ “in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in Him” (verse 12). The love of Christ fills us and gives us the strength to, in turn, show love to others. When building new relationships with new friends, we must first prioritize our relationship with our Savior so that we will see our earthly connections grow even more.
I am beyond excited to visit the Netherlands in the spring! I will be able to stay with the same girl that I hosted, which will help our relationship grow even more. Learning about a different culture, a different language, and a different lifestyle will be a lot more fun since we have had this experience already this fall. I encourage anybody who is even slightly interested in hosting a Dutch student to go ahead and volunteer. You never know how it could let you grow!
Sophia Pausma, Senior
Be watching for more information through email and social media
1st Chamber Singers Church Service
@ Immaunel CRC in Sheldon
January 16-17 Semester Exams
January 20 2nd Semster Begins
Febuary 17 President’s Day - no school
March 17-21 Spring Break