Inside Look - Berean Academy

First Quarter 16-17
Spiritual Emphasis Week
Inside Look
Ruiz Esparza Letter,
New Faces pg. 2
“Because the tomb is empty, our
lives don’t have to be.”
- Dustin Galyon
During the last week of August,
Dustin Galyon, head basketball coach at
Hesston College and motivational speaker,
was the keynote speaker during Spiritual
Emphasis Week. Through the four
sessions, Galyon was able to discuss students’
relationships with God, relationships with others,
and how to practically share the Gospel. Using
illustrations from coaching and interactions with family and friends,
Galyon talked about practical applications to illustrate the work of God’s
power in real life situations. A particularly poignant moment in one of the
sessions was the challenge for students’ to identify the most significant
deterrent from complete surrender to Christ. Galyon used the illustration
of Peter jumping from the boat to swim toward Jesus after Christ’s
resurrection. The students were challenged to consider what was holding
them back from jumping out of the boat and committing wholeheartedly
to Christ. Galyon followed that challenge with the quote, “Because the
tomb is empty, our lives don’t have to be.”
Another spiritually compelling session was provoked by the
analogy put forth by Jesus concerning vines, branches, and fruit in John
15. Galyon pointed out that branches do not produce fruit, but that fruit
is produced by the nutrients conveyed through the vine and the branch.
Students were challenged with the reality that believers are part of the
fruit production process, but they cannot produce spiritual fruit without
being fed by the vine. Throughout the week, Galyon remained at school
to visit with students individually and in small groups. God used Galyon
to produce fruit during Spiritual Emphasis Week and we pray the fruit
production continues throughout the school year as a result of the many
challenges presented.
Superintendent’s
Desk, Alumni News
pg. 3
pg. 3
New
Board Members
pg. 4
Icebreaker,
JH Retreat
pg. 4
Warrior Calendar
OCTOBER
3 - Host JH Soccer & VB
6 - SH Vocal Honors
- Host SH Soccer
7 - Fall Would-Be Games, 4pm
8 - Host JH Soccer Festival
9 - C.A. @ Presby
10-15 - SH Soccer, North Cup
13 - XC League Meet
14 - Elementary Carnival
17 - Host SH JV VB
22 - Regional XC
- Sub-State VB
24-28 - Regional Soccer
25 - K-12 Picture Day
29 - State XC
- State VB
NOVEMBER
1,4,5 - State Soccer
7-13 - Buffer Week
8 - Host SH HOAL Instrumental
- Dismissal @ 11:30am
11 - NO SCHOOL, In-Service
11-12 - Our Town, Senior Play
18 - SH Fall Concert
21-22 - ACSI Nexus Live
21-25 - No School, Thanksgiving
29 - Picture Retakes
Message From the Head of School
My family and I have been very humbled and blessed by the warm Berean welcome. The Ruiz
Esparzas are excited to be here!
I would like to introduce our theme for the 2016-2017 year: “To Make Him Known.” As
Christian parents, we’ve had a very important question come to our minds: “Lord, how do I help
my child put their trust in you?” As a school we ask ourselves the same question concerning the students entrusted
to us.
I believe Psalm 78:2-8 gives us some powerful insight and instruction to help us answer this question:
“...we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders
he has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law of Israel, which he commanded our
forefathers to teach their children...Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds...his
commands.”
It was from these verses that we chose our theme “To Make Him Known.”
God was calling the nation of Israel to be intentional about their parenting so the next generation would
know Him. These passages remind us to be intentional as parents in two ways. First, we must talk about the
activity of God in our lives. We must discuss with our children the many ways in which God is working in our
families. Our children need to hear about and see an active God at work. Second, we must teach our children the
truths found in scripture. The enemy at work in this world is trying to convince us and our children of lies; we
must be diligent in teaching our children God’s truth. We cannot rest in this area because the enemy never rests.
The result: “Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds...his commands” (v. 8).
That is what it means “To Make Him
Known.” Can you see what happens when we talk
about an active God and teach the truth of His
Word? The Psalmist says the next generation will
put their trust in God. Therein lies the answer to the
question we have all asked as parents.
When someone asks you, “How do I help my
child to put their trust in the Lord?” point them to Psalm 78:2-8. If their child is not going to Berean Academy,
let them know there is a place where the teachers, staff, and leadership are intentional about proclaiming the great
things that God is doing and are serious about a biblically integrated education. Psalm 78:2-8 is our commitment
with every single student who walks through the doors of Berean Academy because we have a passion “To Make
Him Known.”
Blessings,
Mrs. Tami Entz
Mrs. Sara Morris
Mrs. Kris Claassen & Mrs. Tiffany Hall
as of 8/31/16
n
Given to Date: $162,069
ive
Berean is pleased to employ two new teachers and one new food
services member. Mrs. Tami Entz is the new Kindergarten teacher and comes
to Berean with 18 years of primary teaching experience. The junior high and
high school choral program is under new direction with the arrival of Mrs. Sara
Morris. Mrs. Morris also serves as a band assistant for Mrs. Lister in addition
to providing assistance in the Berean Learning Services Program. Mrs. Kris
Claassen has taken leadership as the new Head of Food Services which also
added Mrs. Tiffany (Veer) Hall (class of 2010) to the team.
65% G
Emir A. Ruiz Esparza, Head of School
New Faces in New Places
FEG
Family
Education
Grant
Needed to Date: $87,931
Alumni News
WEDDINGS:
From the Superintendent’s Desk
Dear Friends,
Last year at this time, I wrote about “change” and how we
are always amazed at the changes that take place over time. Most
of us are able to embrace change, knowing that it is inevitable,
especially if we view it as being positive and an indication of
progress. Others struggle with change usually because they may not understand the
factors leading up to the change or just don’t like change.
This school year marks the 70th year of the ministry of Berean Academy.
Needless to say, there have been many changes throughout the years. In 1946, the
school began in the basement of Zion Church with fifteen senior high students
and two staff members. Today, we are blessed to be housed in a very nice campus
setting with 306 students, Pre-K-12, served by fifty plus staff members.
During the first nineteen years of existence the school had eight
superintendents, but in the last fifty years, we have had two. For the last five years,
the Board and I have been discussing a plan for the transition of leadership when
the time came.
As you know, this is a year of leadership transition. It has been thrilling to
see how God has guided this time of change. There are many evidences of God’s
provision and timing for this transition period. The transition is going smoothly
and we would ask that you continue to pray for all that’s involved in this kind of
change.
It has been my joy and privilege to serve the school in leadership for the
past twenty-two years and to see how God has lead along the way. My primary
role this year is to walk beside Mr. Esparza and help him learn the community and
culture of Berean Academy.
While you will see a new face, new ideas and a different leadership style,
what you will not see is a change in commitment to the mission of Berean Academy
which is to help students develop a Christian world- and life-view by providing a
Christ-centered, biblically integrated education.
I am confident the Lord has provided His man for the future of Berean
Academy. To God be the glory!
Bryan & Hilary (Wolfe, ‘09)
Tapia, were joined together in
marriage on April 23, 2016.
Adrian & Christine (Silknitter,
‘13) Condit, exchanged vows of
marriage on May 27, 2016.
BIRTHS:
Josiah (‘10) & Amanda
Crandall, celebrated the birth of
Ayla Lorraine, on May 5, 2016.
Chad (‘05) & Rachel
(Tippin, ‘08) Friesen,
welcomed Asher Joseph to the
family, on May 9, 2016.
Jeff & Stephanie (Busenitz,
‘95) Hiss, celebrated the birth of
Brooke Marcene & Paige Ann, on
August 8, 2016.
Terry Tilson, Superintendent
Berean Academy - Elbing KS
Mrs. Tiffany Hall
Food Service
Joe Bisterfeldt
Senior
Ellie Beverlin
Grade 4
Keaton Leinbach
Freshman
Emma Neal
Grade 8
Who was your favorite athlete in
the Summer Olympics?
Kerri
Walsh-Jennings
Gabbie
Douglas
Gabbie
Douglas
Michael
Phelps
Michael
Phelps
Mr. Emir Esparza emigrated from
Panama at what age?
Seven
Seven
20
Seven
Eight
Who has been the most influential
in making Christ known in
your life?
Grandpa
Ted Veer
My Parents
My Uncle
Owen
Ryan Adams &
Elias Martinez
Pastor Loren
Kurtz
What is your favorite part about
coming back to school?
the social life
learning new
things
seeing friends
my friends
the food or
sports
What is your favorite activity
in the fall?
Volleyball
Soccer
Jumping in
Leaf Piles
Soccer
Basketball
by Addy Weller
(age 7)
The high school students enjoyed a beautiful day of fellowship on Friday, September 2. Beginning
the day with a pancake and sausage breakfast followed by bouts of tug-of-war, then to the chapel
to absorb the final Spiritual Emphasis Week message. The students ended the day at Camp
Hiawatha where they participated in zip-lining, a climbing wall, and other various group activities.
Nonprofit Organization
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
2016
Icebreaker &
JH Retreat
Box 70
Elbing, Kansas 67041
Elbing, Kansas
Permit No.1
Return Service Requested
The junior high students traveled to East Lake where they participated in team building games
under the direction of Mrs. Cheri Busenitz. Mrs. Kristen Wiebe delivered a devotional following a
worship time facilitated by Mrs. Sara Morris. After lunch, the students continued to fellowship at
the bowling alley in Newton. A beautiful day of fellowship and enjoyment was had by all.
Four Elected to Berean Board at BCLA Meeting
On August 27 in the Berean band room, the Berean Christian Laymen’s Association held the annual business
meeting. The constituents elected four board members: Kevin Friesen, Joel McClenahan (class of 1999), Mark
Meisinger (incumbent), and Bruce Penner (incumbent and class of 1978). The new board members bring biblically
centered skills to provide leadership and vision for Berean’s future. Please pray for these men, the returning board
members, Mr. Esparza, and the rest of the administration as they prayerfully pave the path for current and future
ministry at Berean Academy.
The Board elected officers at their September meeting—Mr. Joel Smith was elected President; Mr. Bruce
Penner was elected Vice President; Mr. Ted Bender was elected Secretary; and Mr. Stephen Unruh was elected
treasurer.
The Warrior Path is published monthly by Berean Academy and distributed free as a service to those who are interested in its educational ministry. Correspondence is
welcomed and should be addressed to: The Warrior Path, Editor; Berean Academy; Box 70; Elbing KS 67041 Email: amorrow@bawarriors.com © Berean Academy 2016;
Office Phone: 316-799-2211, Fax: 316-799-2601, Email: berean@bawarriors.com, Website: www.bereanwarriors.org Berean Academy does not discriminate on the basis of
race, color, gender, national or ethnic origin in its hiring practices, educational/activity programs, admissions policies, or financial aid.