Maranatha Christian Academy

3 The new equipment has already been put to good use by students in Maranatha summer sports camps. FaMily news S trong Christian family is at the center of everything we do. Being a family means coming together and rising to the occasion—and the Maranatha family did just that in acquiring our new strength and conditioning equipment. It all started with just one parent noticing a need and stepping forward to make it happen. As a longtime volunteer and coach, this parent knew of MCA's need for new weight room equipment. He witnessed the strong impact of Maranatha coaches and the drive of MCA students in their athletics, but saw the limitations because of the lack of space, quality, and quantity of strength and conditioning equipment. Having prayed about the strength and conditioning equipment, this parent dove in when he became aware of an opportunity. As Immaculata High School in Leavenworth closed its doors, the school offered Maranatha the chance to purchase its nearly-new weight equipment at a great discount. Much of the equipment was only a few years old and in great condition. "When this parent became aware of the opportunity to update our weight room, he saw the need, stepped forward to communicate it to the parents, and rallied the troops," says Kelly Wilde, MCA community relations coordinator. "It's an incredible blessing to have parents take on that volunteer leadership." The parent sent e-mails, made personal asks, and encouraged everyone to pray for this opportunity. What happened next was a testament to the dedication of Maranatha parents. In just three weeks, parents came together and donated several thousand dollars above and beyond the price of the weight equipment, allowing MCA to purchase the equipment and cover future upkeep and maintenance. The new equipment includes multi-station universal machines, squat racks, free weights, a leg press sled, storage racks for the weights, and new industrial- strength floor mats. This recent accomplishment echoes the dedication of all MCA parents. "The parents of Maranatha are very committed and exhibit a strong desire for their children to have a sound foundation of a Christian worldview at home, at church, and at school," Mrs. Wilde explains. "They know this works best when parents are deeply involved and supporting in whatever way they can. That really is what makes Maranatha a family." PARENT INVOLVEMENT MAKES A WEIGHTY IMPACT Lorene Bethell is the proud grandparent of students Addie and Zach Pelham. She retired as a registered nurse from Hutchinson Regional Hospital in 2012, and her husband was the Kansas state representative of District 113. After his death in 2012, Lorene donated a portion of his campaign account to Maranatha. She says, "I think they used it to purchase new football uniforms. We love the school!" Megan Bowlin '14 is studying pre-physical therapy at Oklahoma Baptist University. Xavier Henderson '16 is a sophomore on the Dean's List at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Ga. He is studying physical therapy, with an internship at KU Hospital this summer. He is thankful to Maranatha faculty for their support, especially Coach Travis. Robb and Lisa Eaton are proud parents of two former Maranatha students, Emeri and Micah '14. Emeri accepted a position as a full-time worship pastor at Sun Valley Community Church in Gilbert, Ariz., as she finishes her online studies with Ozark Christian College (OCC). She is married to Evan Kornosky. Micah attended three semesters at OCC in Joplin, Mo. Michael Elliott reports that his daughter, Sara Elliott '16, attends MidAmerica Nazarene University and was accepted to the honors program. As parents to a Maranatha teacher and grandparents to an alumnus, Ike and Joan Gordon share, "We have always been proud of Maranatha's educational and life encouragements. Keep it up!" (Continued on page 4)

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