Unity Christian High School5900 48th AvenueHudsonville, MI 49426Phone: 616.669.1820Fax: 616.669.5760Website: www.unitychristian.org

Development Office4542 48th AvenueHudsonville, MI 49426Phone: 616.662.4011Email: development@unitychristian.org

SUMMER 2020 TIDINGSUNITY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

FAITH, EXCELLENCE, SERVICE

1 Letter from the Principal From Challenges to Transformation

2 Celebrating Our 2020 Graduates

5 Heart to Heart with Dan Landstra

7 News & Notes Golf Outing Update Class of 1970 Reunion

8 Alumni News

10 Development News Donor Encouragement Program

11 Revive News

12 Revive Update

From Challenges to TransformationGrace and Peace to you . . . This is the greeting the apostle Paul used when he wrote letters to the churches, and it seems appropriate to greet you in this same way as it has been quite some time since we have seen each other. I hope all in our community are feeling the presence of Christ and have remained healthy during this COVID-19 pandemic. At this writing the 2019/2020 school year has been completed. While the school year is complete, the ending has been challenging, disappointing, encouraging, and transformative.

Unity Christian has been educating and transforming the lives of young people for over 65 years. God has been our guiding force since the school began in 1953. We continue to hold to the truths God provides through scripture, and our entire school is based on the Christian faith. Through Christian mentoring the students at Unity meet Jesus Christ each day. When the COVID-19 virus forced the end of school our primary focus of mentoring young people was critically challenged.

The Challenge: Turning Unity Christian into a “Remote Learning” School.

Within a matter of days in the month of March, our entire school was transformed from students walking our building, interacting with others, playing musical instruments, dissecting formulas, creating diagrams and being led in spirit, to an empty building with students forced to be in their homes.

Our school team implemented a plan and we were able to provide an emergency remote learning experience. While education at Unity Christian was never intended to be done remotely or virtually, the COVID-19 situation and the governor’s directive to cancel in-person schooling forced Unity Christian to adjust to the environment.

Teachers adapted curriculum to an online platform where students could view materials, read texts, talk with instructors, and take assessments — all while in their homes. This separation meant our teachers could not be in close contact with students, nor were they able to interact, reteach a topic, or answer questions instantly. Adjustments needed to be made. While teachers made these adjustments, we also knew we could not ignore the personal connections that help support the mental well-being of our students. Teachers set up specific times when they were available to discuss classroom content, and also used this time to reach out to our students and encourage them, ask how they were doing, and pray with them. Even though separated, our students knew the staff at Unity cared for them, loved them, and prayed for them.

(Continued on p.4)

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Celebrating Our 2020 Graduates

CONGRATULATIONSUNITY CHRISTIAN’S CLASS OF 2020!

In a most unusual situation, the UC Class of 2020 received their diplomas via a drive-through “Graduation Cruise” on Wednesday, May 20. We celebrate with them and

look forward to the formal graduation ceremony to be held on Saturday, August 1. We are grateful to God for the creativity and the positive attitudes of our students

and their families during these fearful and stressful months of COVID-19.

Teachers & staff cheer on the graduates during the Graduation Cruise.

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Alena Rae AndersenCamden Peter Andringa

Grant Michael BalcerLauren Renee Bareman

Kendra Rae BenninkCamden Paul Bierling

Grayson Taylor BierlingRylee Grace Bond

Kaden Douglas BoockTessa Lynn Borst

Elizabeth Svetlana BosJenna Grace Bosma

Mariah Leigh BoumaJessica Lynn Brander

Andrew Jon BrillAliyah Marie BrinksKelsey Joy Brinks

Emily Joy BroekhuizenMadeline Della Bronson

Charles Paul BrowerChloe Lizabeth Brower

Devin Riley BrowerJordan Maxwell Bruckbauer

Jacob John BuitJackson Ross Bush

Adryn Paul BylLydia Sue CervantesFranklin John CookCorbin Jon DeBoerJacob Ryan DeJongJason Neil DeJongJesse Dean DeKock

Benjamin John DeMeyJared Basil DeVille

Ava Grace Li DeVriesJoshua Lee DeWindtJosie Alysse DeYoung

Nathaniel Kent DrumhellerAshley Elizabeth Dykstra

Averie Joy DykstraCarter Martin DykstraDrake Avery DykstraTyler John Dykstra

Elizabeth Rose EldersCassidy Nicole Folkert

Sydney Nicole FreerksenMadeline Renee FrensCaleb Warren Gaffner

Colin William GlashowerCarter William Grasman

Grant Douglas GulkerJared Dean Haverdink

Paige Lynnae HeemstraMadelyn Sue Hendriksen

Anneke Rachel Dawn HerzogTaryn Elizabeth HinkenJacob Michael Hofstee

Arry Louis HoltropCaleb Luke Hoogland

Annah Jollene HubertsSophie Grace Jensen

Christian Randall KleinRobert Gerald Kleinbrook

Jacob Allan KoetjeSamuel David KuipersLogan Peter KunnenIrene Skye Kuperus

Caleb Michael LaClearRobert Garold Land IIIDavid Scott Landstra

Garrett Charles LaningaMichael Jon LanningHayden Forrest Large

Emily Nichole LeegwaterJenna Sue Levering

Madison Taylor LibbyJackson Terry Loew

Dalton Jacob MiedemaEaston Jay MiedemaKurtis Jay Montsma

Madison Aleigh MulderRiley John MulderShaelyn Li Mulder

Annaley Marie NienhuisEvan Jon NieuwenhuisAaron Richard Noppert

Joshua Michael OosterhouseMadeline Sue Oosterhouse

Joel Kurtis PalmbosJacob David Piechocki

Emily Lin RaakKourtney Lynn ReyersTanner Jay RhoderickSydney Jade Rotman

Madelyn Marie SaagmanMichaela Miona Scarpinito

Jonathan Paul SchelhaasAshley Grace SchreiberLauren Kyla Schreur

Austin Kenneth SchuitemanColton James Schut

Ethan Thomas SeerveldEllory Madelyn SelkKadin Nazir Shaban

Ethan Gregory ShoemakerKailyn Elyse SkogmoRediate Marie Slager

Luke Michael SnoeyinkEthan Norman SomeroAliyah Nicole Stanton

Isaac Mark TeSlaaNicholas Henry TibbeJeremy Todd Timmer

Josiah Michael TuinstraKoen Maarten Twigt

Grace Elizabeth VanderHillCorinne Jean VanderVeen

Abigail Midjyna Pierre Vanderwell

Cole Ermil VanderWestCaleb Timothy Vander ZwaagKennedie Leigh VanKoevering

Virginia Grace VanManenJosie Elizebeth VanZalenJacquelin Teresa Veldink

Megan Brielle VelzenEmily Margaret Veurink

Ava Elizabeth VisserCalvin Nathaniel Voorhees

William Jaymes VosRylee Nicole Vruggink

Bradley Michael WaltersChloe Jean WaltersLucas Dean WaltersNathan Jacob Warne

Abigail Grace WiebengaMaria Gabriel WierengaLydia Renee Wiersma

Emily Elizabeth WoltersElijah David Wynn

Shuo YanNan Ye

William Roy Young IIIConnor Christopher Yowtz

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Letter from the Principal

The Disappointments

One of the most disappointing parts of closing school was the inability to properly recognize our graduating senior class. The restrictions of large gatherings forced the cancellation of our May 18 graduation. While the graduation ceremony has been rescheduled for Saturday, August 1, it was difficult not honoring our graduates in May.

Closing school also forced normal daily relationships to be put on hold. When a student attends Unity, one of the highlights is the personal connection they make with their peers and teachers. It is difficult to fully connect with an individual on-line.

The impact of the pandemic was also felt by our families. Job loss, wage reduction, unemployment, illness, unknown futures, church shutdown, and a stay-at-home order. Our families faced many uncertainties and our prayers continue to go out to all in our community.

All co-curricular events and competitions involving our Fine Arts students in Band, Choir and Orchestra were suspended. Spring concerts and plays, cancelled. Athletic programs and competitions ceased. And, the awards ceremonies that would have publicly recognized these students’ God-given talents and achievements would not take place. All the normal events that are supported by our community and involve the engagement of our students came to a halt. School as we know it stopped!

The Encouragements

Trials and challenges can bring out our best, if we remain open to God’s leading. You may have your own stories that have impacted you, and I pray that during this time of separation you still felt the presence of God.

I hope all of you were uplifted by the consistent video messages that were led by Unity’s Director of Spiritual Life Dan Landstra. Dan, along with other staff members, created a chapel experience for our students, and for the larger community as well. During this time of crisis, a message filled with hope provides great encouragement for all. These virtual chapel messages were intended to engage and strengthen the bond within our community, producing growth out of crisis.

As stories of how people reached out within a Christian community began to surface, these serve as reminders that our Unity community is one that cares for and looks out for our neighbors. Also, we recognize the members in this community directly involved with our health care system who diligently performed their responsibilities for the betterment of others. We want to thank them for their courage, efforts, and faithfulness of helping others in need. These are the memories each one of us can cherish, learn from and use to help us move forward as the pandemic will eventually come to an end.

The thoughtfulness that we have experienced of those who support our school has also been so encouraging. I have received countless e-mails, letters and gifts that have provided heart-warming encouragement and demonstrate how much the community loves our school, and will support our school especially in this time of need. The need of many is great; yet, the outreach of our community is greater. We have been fortunate to help many in need during this critical time and for this we can all be thankful.

While education has been different over the last several weeks, the parents of our students were incredibly support-ive, knowing that our teachers cared for their students and provided an online education that supported their needs. Thank you, parents, for the support of our teachers and staff during this time! Your words of encouragement were heard and felt.

The Transformation

What is the new normal? What will school look like? Since the COVID-19 pandemic there are critical items that must be reviewed to ensure the safety of our students and staff. Please know that all factors regarding the opening of our school are being considered, reviewed, and preparations are being made to have our students in school on Wednesday, August 19 to begin the 2020/2021 school year.

We have learned much in the past months about a virus that was not on our minds six months ago. While many adjustments have been made and growth opportunities for learning have occurred, we know the ideal Christian education is in-person. We are committed to do whatever we can to bring students into school, but doing this safely.

I am calling on our community to pray daily as we consider the decisions that will be made in the upcoming weeks. Pray that the virus be contained and that we can move forward with in-person schooling. Pray that our God who has always remained faithful will provide us with clarity during the weeks ahead. Pray for our families who have been deeply impacted by this pandemic. Pray that our community may grow stronger even through this time of separation.

I thank our families and community members who have remained faithful to Unity Christian. Your unwavering support of our school and its mission bring great hope and is transformational to the future of our school.

Unity Christian was here yesterday, is here today, and will be here in the future because we have a God who is in control.

May God continue to bless Unity Christian, our students, parents, staff and community.

Jerry DeGroot Principal/CEO

From Challenges to Transformation (Continued from p.1)

5

Heart to Heart with Dan Landstra

June 1985…

The rumbling sound of distant thunder pulled me away from the groggy edge of deep sleep. Eyes still closed, I rolled over wishing I could will away the inevitable… I needed to get up.

“If only it was Saturday…” I thought. “I could just lay here half-asleep listening to the rain and thunder.”

A minute later the alarm clock erupted. From one tiny speaker radio music hits from 1985 burst forth, forcing me out of my cocoon of sheets and blankets, imploring me to start my day.

It was 6:00 a.m. In fifteen minutes, I had to be out the door and on my way to work. As my morning routine began, once-distant thunder grew in frequency and intensity. Jagged bolts of lightning now joined the thunderstorm parade, lighting up our yard with each flash.

Despite the imminence of the impending storm, it remained eerily calm outside. I cracked open the sliding door to our patio. “Maybe the storm will fall apart or just blow over,” I wondered.

Just then, in the near distance, the unmistakable sound of leaves battered by wind gusts interrupted the stillness. Like a tsunami approaching shore I could feel the surge of wind pound through the opening in the slider door. I quickly shut it and for a moment thought, “Am I safe?”

Heavy rain soon followed. So intense was the rain it sounded like a bag of marbles endlessly emptying on the roof of the house.

My Dad entered the room, looked outside with a lack of concern on his face and said, “Shouldn’t you be leaving for work?”

“Work!” I blurted. Caught up in the intensity of the storm, I neglected to keep track of the time. I could still make it on time, but I needed to leave.

Sprinting through the downpour to

get in my car as quickly as possible, I started the car. In the back of my mind I pondered an unnerving thought; “I’ve never driven in this kind of rain!” Turning the windshield wipers on high speed seemed to do very little.

The words of my boss echoed in my head: “Don’t be late for work.”

The words of my parents also echoed in my head: “Take your time. Be safe!”

It was early summer. I received my license only two months prior. My Dad also recently completed his version of an instructional course on the finer points of how to drive our 1980 Ford Escort with a manual transmission. Although no expert, I felt confident enough in my ability to make the Escort my daily transportation vehicle.

My job wasn’t that far away and, as I backed out the driveway, the rain eased up making it easier to see. “No problem!” I thought.

Less than a mile away from home I activated the left turn signal, pulled up and stopped at the intersection of Rosewood and 28th Ave. As if on cue, another torrential downpour began at that very moment.

I couldn’t see anything. Nervously, I put the car in gear and attempted to ease into the intersection. The Escort jerked violently and stalled. The car now sat several feet into the intersection.

Instinctually, I engaged the clutch and quickly started the irritable Escort. I put the car in gear and this time gave it more throttle—hoping to get out of the intersection. Another bronco-buck lurch of the car brought it to a stall once more.

Now the car sat in the middle of the intersection. Rain was pounding the roof of the car so ferociously I couldn’t hear anything. Panic set in.

“I’m going to get hit in this intersection!” “No one can see me sitting here!” “What’s wrong with this stupid car?!”

“Why is this happening?!”

My heart pounded. Worst-case scenarios raced through my mind. I tried repeatedly to get the car going. Each time — stall!

By now there were vehicles at all four corners of the intersection waiting. I imagined each driver yelling at me, telling me what to do to get out of the way. It felt as though several minutes passed while this intersection nightmare unfolded. I began to give up hope the Escort would ever move forward.

In a last-ditch attempt, I shifted the car in reverse and tried going backward. It worked!

As best I could, I backed the car out of the intersection and into the nearest driveway. Looks of curiosity and bewilderment caught my eyes on my reverse journey to safety. I sat in the safety of the driveway, collecting my thoughts and calming down.

The rain let up. I wanted to go home but didn’t know if I could get the car to move. I put the car in gear and tentatively let out the clutch! It worked!

A surprised look crossed my Dad’s face when I walked in the house.

“Something’s wrong with the car! It won’t shift right!” I said.

My Dad could sense my anxiety about the situation, so he didn’t ask any questions and just drove me to work.

June 2020…

“Mr. Landstra, do you know what

Caught in the Intersection!

6

Heart to Heart

seems to be the most common answer I get to every question I ask lately?”

I was having a phone conversation with Joel (not his real name). The calendar reminded me eleven weeks passed since my last face-to-face conversation with any student, so a phone conversation would have to do.

Joel called to talk about Unity’s hopeful plan for an in-person graduation. As the conversation unfolded, it was clear Joel was frustrated about—among other things—being separated from his senior classmates. His question came out of this frustration.

“What answer would that be?” I asked.

Joel snapped back, “I don’t know!”

I paused, needing clarification. “Do you mean you don’t know what the most common question is? Or are you telling me ‘I don’t know’ is the most common answer?”

Exasperated, Joel replied, “People say ‘I don’t know’ to me all the time! I wish we could have some answers to at least a few things.”

Although Joel couldn’t see it, I nodded my head and said, “I agree with you. I hear it quite a bit myself. And to be truthful, I say it a lot also… especially with Unity students when they email or text me.”

Joel jumped back in, “Let me guess…” Changing the tone of his voice, Joel started parroting dialogue he imagined I had with other students.

“Are we for sure going to have in-person graduation?” – “I don’t know.”

“Are we going to have an all-nighter?” – “I don’t know.”

“Will school be different next fall?” – “I don’t know.”

“Do you think sports will start on time?” – “I don’t know.”

“Will we have to wear masks in school?” – “I don’t know.”

Joel paused. “Am I close?” he asked.

“That’s spot-on, Joel!” I said. “All of us at Unity have been fielding those exact questions and giving the same

answer.”

A moment of silence filled the space between our phones. I broke the silence. “I’m sorry, Joel. I wish I could give you some definitive answers.”

Joel sighed. “It’s not anybody’s fault. And it’s not just with school. It’s everything. There are so many questions with so few answers… Coronavirus, jobs, college… the list goes on. I realize things could be much worse, but at this moment I feel like I’m stuck, and I don’t know what to do about it.”

Joel and I talked about being stuck,

the feeling of constant uncertainty, and about trying to move forward. We agreed to connect again during the summer.

A few days later Kendra (not her real name), a senior, sent me a text. What follows is a portion of the text conversation…

“Hi Mr. Landstra. Back in early March my church asked me to pick out a Bible passage I wanted used as a personal statement for the graduate recognition we do in the spring. I chose Jeremiah 29:11. “I know the plans I have for you…” I think you know it. I chose it because it’s a really popular verse for graduation and I like it! I even have it on my mirror in

my room. Right after I submitted it to church, the COVID thing happened. I still believe the verse is true, but I’m struggling because the positive message of the verse doesn’t seem to fit our lives right now. What should I do?”

Reading Kendra’s text brought back thoughts of my own graduation from Unity in 1987. Our class verse was Jeremiah 29:11. Little did we know we would lose our classmate Bob Huizenga in a car accident just a day after graduation. I understood Kendra’s feeling of a verse not fitting a situation.

I also remembered there was more to the story than just one verse. So, I texted her my reply:

“It’s a great passage, and I’m glad you chose it. Take a look at the heading for Jeremiah 29. It says ‘Letter to the Exiles’. Things weren’t great at all for the Israelites when the words of verse 11 were written. It’s a very long-term hope and future. Read the whole passage and let me know what you think.”

Two days passed. Then, around noon, another text from Kendra arrived: “Hey Mr. Landstra. I see what you mean. It changes the way you see verse 11 when you read the whole chapter!”

I replied: “Definitely! Jeremiah wasn’t called the ‘Weeping Prophet’ for nothing! Life was hard for lots of people at that time in Israel’s history.”

Several hours passed. My phone alerted me to another text from Kendra: “Sorry Mr. Landstra, but this is bugging me. Do you think it’s wrong to use passages like Jeremiah 29:11 for graduations? It makes it seem like everything is going to work out fine when it often doesn’t.”

I smiled while reading the text, grateful for Kendra’s willingness to ask hard questions. Then, I replied: “It’s not wrong at all, because in the big scope of all things verse 11 is very true. The problem comes if we isolate a single verse without understanding the rest of the Biblical story in a world

“…There are so many questions with

so few answers… Coronavirus, jobs,

college… the list goes on. I realize things

could be much worse, but at this moment I feel like I’m stuck,

and I don’t know what to do about it.”

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impacted by sin.”

I wondered if the delay in a response from Kendra indicated her wrestling with my reply. Kendra verified my suspicion. Her response; “I guess…”

Time passed into the evening. The inability to meet in-person left me wondering how Kendra left our “conversation”. So, I sent another text to Kendra: “Hey Kendra, are you up for a suggestion?”

A few minutes later Kendra replied: “Sure!” I texted back: “Great! If you need something in addition to Jeremiah, read Psalm 13… but read all of it! It’s a ‘big picture’ Psalm written by a man who, like you, loved God, struggled with ‘why?’, but still trusted and believed! Read it and let me know what you think.”

Kendra replied: “I’ll check it out.”

The next day a short text from Kendra: “Awesome!” I replied with a smiley emoji.

Moving Forward…

When I held a brand-new driver’s license and the keys to a 1980 Ford Escort in my hand, amazing feelings of freedom and independence completely overshadowed any thought that there would be scary and difficult situations pushing in on me within weeks accompanying this new privilege.

A month later, I sat stalled in the middle of an intersection. Rain pounded like a hammer on the roof. I couldn’t see anything. Paralyzed by the fear of “what might happen”, everything I thought I knew about cars and driving evaporated in a panic. I remember yelling to myself “What’s wrong with this thing?!”

Over the last few months Unity students, our community, and the world entered another intersection. From behind masks we cry out, “What’s wrong with this thing?!”

Like Joel and Kendra, we have a growing awareness that “the way things ought to be” is not often the

way they are. Pandemics, among a myriad of consequences resulting from brokenness, challenge easy answers and platitudes which work when life goes smooth.

If only we could experience all of life as Jeremiah 29:11 people. The reality is we live in a Psalm 13 world.

Through the “intersections” in all of life, our prayer for Joel, Kendra and our Unity community echoes the last words of Psalm 13:

“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for He has been good to me.”

May those words of encouragement be the testimony of the Unity community in all of life’s “intersections.”

From the front row…

Dan Landstra

Director of Spiritual Life and Leadership

UC Golf Outing PostponedDue to the COVID-19 restrictions, we decided to postpone our annual golf outing scheduled for Monday, June 1 to Monday, October 5 at Sunnybrook Country Club. While we are disappointed to push this important fundraising event back, we anticipate a fun-filled day of fellowship and golf this fall as we raise funds for the Athletic Boosters and Education Foundation.

Registration and sponsorship information will be published at unitychristianathletics.org in early August, so make plans to join us!

Class Reunion in 2020Unity Christian High School Class of 1970

will celebrate its 50th class reunion on

Friday, September 18, 2020 from 5:00 – 9:30 p.m. at Hagar Park in the Hagar Park De Vries Room

8134 28th Ave., Jenison, Michigan

A picnic-style buffet dinner is planned. Cost is $20 per person. Mail checks to Barb Nysse,

2627 Cedar Grove South, Jenison, Michigan 49428.

Please include your phone number or email address when you mail in the check so we can notify you of any

changes in venue restrictions due to COVID-19. If you have any questions, email Linda (Kleinjans)

Aukeman at linda.aukeman@gmail.com.

News & Notes

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Alumni News

Veralyn Marie Dykman was born to parents Thomas (’07) and Katelyn Dykman on March 22, 2020.

Nadia Kate Foreman was born on April 14, 2020 to parents Keegan and Ashton Foreman (UC Teacher), and welcomed by siblings Bennett (6), Alice (4) and Eve (2).

Levi Douglas Glashower was born on May 13, 2020 to parents Luke (‘11) and Alyssa Glashower, and welcomed by big sister Ella (2).

MarriagesRyan Andringa (‘12) and Shannon Balcer (‘12) were married on December 14, 2019.

Tony VanTimmeren (‘98) and Elizabeth Bareman (‘05) were married on October 19, 2019.

Chelby “C.J.” Wondergem (‘10) married Robert Overweg on December 31, 2019.

BirthsEvan James DeYoung was born on February 12, 2020 to parents Scott (‘04) and Sara (Jongekrijg ‘05) DeYoung, and welcomed by big sisters Aubrey (5), Tessa (4) and Carlie (2).

Livia Noa Pelon was born on March 13, 2020 to parents Shawn and Maria (Vander Wilp ’05) Pelon, and welcomed by big sisters Malia (6) and Evie (2).

Colton Lee VanderBand was born on February 26, 2020 to parents John and Emily (Boven ’09) VanderBand, and welcomed by big brother Hudson (2).

Please submit any Alumni birth or marriage announcements to: development@unitychristian.org, or call 616.662.4011. (PLEASE NOTE: To celebrate our newest little ones, we have a FREE “UC Blue Crew” Onesie that parents/grandparents may pick up from the Development Office at 4542 48th Avenue, Hudsonville MI. Please call or email the Development Office and we’ll put one aside for you. Thank you! If you would like your announcement shared on our UC Instagram and Facebook pages, please send a picture of your news, and we will post it at the end of the month!

UPDATE:vTim and Kari (VanOverloop ’79)

Willoughby are serving in Uruguay, South America.

Please remember to keep Kari and Tim in your prayers, as well as all our alumni listed here. Also, remember those whose names cannot be published here as they are serving in countries where sharing their work would put them and other missionaries in danger, as well as those to whom they are ministering. We give thanks for ALL who have answered the Lord’s call to “Go and spread the Gospel to all nations…!”

Joshua Bode (’95) – Omán, UAE (RCA pastor)Jeff and Melissa (DeJonge ’93) Bos – Omán, UAE Patti (Steenwyk ’88) Brander – Mission India/Grandville MIKristin Bremer (’17) – Mexico (YWAM)Ben and Kari (Vriesman ’09) David – Uganda, AfricaRay (’93) and Angie De Lange – Vancouver, BC, Canada

David and Jillian (Honderd ’09) Draayer – Zambia, Africa

Abby (Deters ’12) and Ronald Nowicki, Jr. – Glen Arbor, Michigan (Grand Traverse Young Life)

Barry Dykstra (’10) – Byron Center, Michigan (Youth for Christ, BCHS)

Ryan Elders (’05) – Eastern Ottawa County, Michigan (Young Life Ministry)

Kyle (’01) and Heather Glashower – Coral Springs, Florida (One Hope)

Merissa Harkema (’09) – India (Sarah’s Covenant Homes)

John (’74) and Ruth (VanZalen ’74) Hoekwater – Chicago, Illinois

Carrie Kennedy (’03) – Nicaragua (Young Life Ministry)

Thomas (’99) and Tera Krol – Karen, Kenya

Edgar and Jamie (Ponstein ‘05) Martinez – Minneapolis, Minnesota (YWAM)

Gary Miedema (’71) – Robertson, South Africa

Matthew (’07) and Rachel Schmitt – Bloomington, Minnesota

Mandy (Beute ’97) and Josh Shaarda – Obule, Uganda

Angie (Beute ’95) and Tim Sliedrecht – Soroti, Uganda

Scott (’81) and Mary Ann Stroven – Orlando, Florida (Student Ministry of Cru/Campus Crusade for Christ)

Brenda Vander Schuur (’78) – Guinea (Resonate Global Mission)

John (’88) and Kazumi Van Farowe – Japan

Tim and Kari (VanOverloop ’79) Willoughby – Uruguay South America

Noah and Maria (Postema ’98) Ward – Thailand (OMF International)

Nathan (’87) and Brenda Yonker – Haiti. If you know of other UC Alumni serving in missions, please send their names and informa-tion about their ministries to development@unitychristian.org, or call 616.662.4011. Editor’s Note: We have been asked not to publish the names of the alumni who are serving in coun-tries where publication of their work would put them and other missionaries in danger, as well as those to whom they minister.

Alumni in Missions

One of our newest “Blue Crew” members! Welcome Veralyn Marie!

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Alumni in the Military Please remember to keep in your prayers all those listed below who are serving our country—and their families as well.

Carson Schaaphok (Class of 2018) is serving in the US Navy, and is currently stationed in San Diego, CA. Parker Elenbaas (Class of 2014) graduated from the US Marine Corps bootcamp on May 22, 2020.

Please remember to keep both Carson and Parker in your prayers, along with all our young people listed here — and their families as well...

Class of 1987: Chad Geers; Jeff RozemaClass of 1994: Eric Alan BrewClass of 1996: Jeremy Molendyk Class of 1998: Allen Broene; Joon Kee Lee

(Patrick Crans)Class of 1999: Derk Nyenhuis; Ron Thenn Class of 2000: Steve Bloem; Rick Martinus;

Clayton PoortengaClass of 2001: Seth Allen; Darin Elgersma;

Drew VerHageClass of 2002: Bryan FlietstraClass of 2003: Adam Bosma; Jeff Dekkinga;

Katy Driesenga; Justin Oosterbaan; Brian Tucker; Eric VanBeek

Class of 2004: Kody Fennema; Justin Hatchner Class of 2005: Brett Jackson; Chris Kitler; Andrew

Niewiek; Stephan Thenn; David ZylstraClass of 2006: Jay Baum; Joshua Lankheet;

David Van AbbemaClass of 2007: Aubrey Bosma; Brandon Dragstra;

Drew Grooters; Quynn Schaaphok; Rachel Scott; Bobby Sorensen; Lauren Zandstra

Class of 2008: Michael Dekker; Kyle Emelander; Brandon Zomerlei

Class of 2009: Corbin Durek; Kent Schaaphok; Tyler Stroven; Ryan VanVels

Class of 2010: Tyler WiersmaClass of 2011: Austin Dornbush; Jon MohrClass of 2012: Jeremy FolkertsClass of 2013: Lucas Brower; Wyatt Johnson;

Charlie Vrieland Class of 2014: Parker Elenbaas; Andrew Folkerts;

Jacob Herzog; Scott Lokker; Gavin Miedema; Joshua TerKeurst; Nathan VandenBosch

Class of 2015: Trevor VeddersClass of 2016: Maddy HarmonClass of 2017: Michael PiechockiClass of 2018: Carson Schaaphok; Mitch WyniaClass of 2019: Josh VandenHeuvel

The names of the Alumni listed here have been submitted by their families for recognition of their service in the military. If you know of other Unity alumni currently serving in the US military branches, we would like to recognize and honor them in the Tidings. Please send their information to development@unitychristian.org, or call the Development Office at 616.662.4011. Also, if you have updated information on any of the Alumni listed, please call or email the Development Office as soon as possible.

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Development News

Aukeman Development Co.

Bareman & Associates, Inc.

Boschma Oil Co.

Carl & Berdie Prins

Crème Curls Bakery, Inc,

Dr. and Mrs. Robert C. Huizenga

Elders Electric

Financial Advisory Corporation

Gemmen’s Ace Hardware

Georgetown Waterproofing Inc

Grassmid Transport

Greenline Inc.

Hudsonville Auto Sales

Hudsonville Trailer Co.

Hudsonville Wheel Alignment

Ike and Carolyn Koetje

INONTIME, Inc.

Jack and Barbara Grasman

Jim and Nancy Meyer

John F. and Delia Koetje

Kaptein, Dykstra & Company, PC

Kelly and Judy Glass

Kessel and Bouwens Orthodontics

Koetje Builders Inc.

Kremers’ Painting & Graphics Inc.

Lakewood Construction

MBK Corporate Promotions, LLC

Meade Zolman Family Dentistry P.C.

New York Life Insurance Company

North Coast Components, Inc.

Potluck Pick-Up Inc.

Schuts Body Shop, Inc.

Speed Wrench Inc.

The Drawing Board, Inc

West Michigan Document Shredding

Western Michigan Fleet Parts, Inc.

Donor Encouragement Program 2020

Thank You, Sponsors & Donors!In recognition of their generosity and support, our gratitude goes to the following Sponsors who helped encourage continued giving to Unity during the pandemic:

As we were unable to hold our annual Celebration Banquet fundraiser the end of April this year, we reached out to you, our UC Community, for help. And, as always—with God’s grace—you responded most generously!

We asked for sponsors (see list included) who, through their generosity, helped us “encourage” donations by providing over 200 “encouragement” gift cards (from one of our local UC business community members Hudsonville Rainbow Grill) that went to each donor who gave $100 or more.

The generosity of the donors and sponsors reflects their dedication to Unity and is a testimony of their commitment to and support of Christian education. Here is the breakdown of what was received:

For the Education Foundation: $38,047

For Tuition Assistance: $56,072

From our Sponsors: $10,900

TOTAL Pledges & Gifts: $105,020

The Lord has blessed Unity Christian High School with a community of people and businesses committed to Christian education and the mission of developing Christ-followers into Leaders for Him. “Thank You” seems hardly adequate, but we deeply appreciate and are humbled by your giving.

Blessings!

11

Revive News

When the COVID-19 pandemic prevented all volunteers over the age of 60 from helping out at revive, this was no small inconvenience. Revive doesn’t operate without the help of its faithful volunteers, and most of them are of that age population. This precious and faithful group is critical to the day-to-day operations of the store. How we missed them as we tried to begin receiving donations again after the shut-down! How we needed them to help us sort the piles and piles of goods our community had been saving for weeks! As the leadership team at revive began the careful and detailed planning process for reopening, we faced a large challenge that is unique to our business model.

Thankfully, revive still had a faithful few in the “60 and under” category (and some new faces too!) who came to our aid. They worked hard and fast to move donations into the backroom, to sort and prepare them for the store floor. And eventually, when the store reopened to shoppers, we were also able to substitute our “over 60’s” at the cash register with the “under 60’s” to greet returning customers!

Operations… “Behind the Scenes”

But our core volunteers would not be sidelined for long. It is not in their nature. They are too servant-hearted with too much passion for revive and our schools to sit idle when there’s a job to be done. Their creativity, work ethic and passion for revive soon began to shine through as we came up with solutions. And so, they began working from home.

Like many of us who have spent hours in front of our computers and on our phones to keep our jobs rolling, they too spent hours working to keep revive donations rolling along. These dedicated volunteers picked up boxes of donations using revive’s new “curbside” service. They spent hours in their living rooms, basements, garages and spare rooms processing revive donations. Trailers bursting with donations sat in driveways as our faithful volunteers spent time sorting, testing, cleaning, pricing and getting goods ready to sell. Many also graciously stored these prepared donations at their homes until after revive reopened to shoppers, and once again the shelves were restocked. The list of willing

volunteers calling to help grew to such a great length! And the inventory of all that they were working on and accomplishing was amazing! It is truly what allowed revive to make it through this pandemic with such success.

We at revive express a very special THANK YOU to our “first responders” that came through. From teachers to students to athletes and other UC supporters, they stepped up. Many who were dealing with life adjustments of their own volun-teered to get us through those first few weeks as we prepared to open. Your help blessed us greatly.

THANK YOU, revive Volunteer Family, for once again showing us what it means to serve joyfully and to bless those around you. YOU are truly a gift! To God be the glory for all our success thus far. We look forward to the day of serving side by side once again at revive.

Revive’s Essential Volunteers

Ed Overweg sorting through hardware and getting ready for the store floor

Article by Steve Draisma (Husband of Volunteer Extraordinaire Leslie) and Store Manager Candace Nienhuis

Ella Kolk working on Jewelry from home in her kitchen

“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?”

–Psalm 85:6

Join us on Facebook; we’re gaining new followers all the time! Get regular sneak peaks of what’s new at revive, previews of upcoming sales, and special updates on revive happenings!

Find us on Facebook! Revive has reached over 3100 “Likes”… Help us reach 3,200!

Please Note: Revive’s Hours:For the most up-to-date storefront and donation hours,

please go to reviveresale.org

Phone: 616.662.3375; Email: revive@unitychristian.org; Website: www.ReviveResale.org

3675 Baldwin Street, Hudsonville, MI 49426www.facebook.com/ ReviveResaleStore

UNITY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL5900 48TH AVE. HUDSONVILLE, MI 49426

Revive is Alive, Thanks to Amazing “Superheroes!”Some of our faithful volunteers working at home so operations could continue at revive!

Joan VanFarowe working on hats & scarves in her spare bedroom

Bruce Duthler taking on the Toy Department in his basement

Larry Schipper working on electronics

Wilson Haarsma dropping off vacuums to sell and picking up more vacuums to check at home

Nancy Quist & Esther Zeerip accomplishing a full revive trailer of linens

Char Overweg tackling children’s clothing in her garage