Maranatha Christian Academy

3 teachers with eyes on the kingdom G raduating from Baylor University in 2002, Travis Webb's first job out of college was different than most. For his first few years post-college, northern Africa was home as he served with International Mission Board. When he returned to the States, Travis began his teaching work, first at Kansas City Christian and then at Mill Creek Middle School. In those years, Mr. Webb and his wife, Kristy, started their family of 11 children, 10 of whom are adopted from Ethiopia, Liberia, and the United States. As their children grew and began progressing through public school, the Webbs saw the need for a change in their oldest children's education. When a position opened at Maranatha, Mr. Webb saw the opportunity to return to Christian education and reduce some of the tuition cost for his children. "Given our kids' background, we didn't have the opportunity in their younger years to instill Christian principles from that young age. Kristy and I wanted our kids to have more of their day surrounded by Christian peers and teachers. "I've found that public school tries to divorce the understanding of a creator of all truth, saying that truth is neutral. A key part of a good Christian education is that learning and knowledge about a subject sends you back to the Creator. If you study a subject in isolation, you're not understanding who created it." For his part, Mr. Webb teaches freshman geography, cultural geography, and sophomore ancient world history. "Yes, we study history and geography, but ultimately that's for the purpose of knowing who God is, why we're here, and understanding the Gospel and our roll as his creation. "Ultimately, the most important lesson is that God loves us even when we don't think he does or when it's hard for us to see that. We have to hold to that truth because of what Jesus did with his death and resurrection. He has not only forgiven us, but has provided life for us. Often as Christians, we settle for survival and getting by instead of understanding that abundant life is what Jesus offers. If I can help others grasp that reality, it changes so much of what they're able to do and the life they're able to live." Since starting at Maranatha in 2013, Mr. Webb has found a school that not only allows him to talk about God freely, but also strives for excellence. "There is a high standard and expectation for students both academically and in terms of conduct. This matches my own personality and I am grateful to work with a faculty and administration that hold that line to keep excellence the standard." Understanding Abundant Life Faculty Spotlight on Travis Webb Maranatha Faculty Member Selected as Teacher of the Year C ongratulations to our own Mr. Duane Cilke, who was named the 2017 Distinguished Teacher in a Christian school by the Kansas Association of Independent and Religious Schools! Throughout his career, Mr. Cilke has carried the titles of pastor, principal, and life coach. But here at Maranatha, his presence has been felt as an English teacher to our high schoolers, guiding them in their discovery of leadership and vocation. His genuine love for students and commitment to molding their hearts and minds to be disciples of Christ is evident in the classroom and the hallways. Mr. Cilke is committed to our school, helping our faculty become more effective in true integration of their subject matter into God's Word. Mr. Cilke was recognized at a banquet in Topeka in February and shared, "When I was notified that I had been granted this award, I was humbled and honored. I am humbled and honored because I serve among colleagues who teach with excellence and serve in such extraordinary ways. I have chosen to teach in a Christian school because of my gifting as an educator and my calling as a mentor. My passion is to help high- capacity leaders realize their God-given redemptive potential." Maranatha Family news Kristi Berg Orr '84 has changed direction after a nearly 30-year career with McDonald's; she now enjoys her work at a veterinary pharmaceutical company warehouse. Her husband, Mark, is self- employed in lawn care and landscaping. They live in Kansas City and have one daughter, Lindsay, and a granddaughter, Ava. E-mail: kristysgarage@yahoo.com Michelle Brisendine '88 is a sign language interpreter at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park. She and her husband, Michael, have two children, Christopher (13) and Jacob (10). E-mail: mbrisendine@kc.rr.com Kathy Alber '90 is an assistant teacher at Horry County Schools. She and her husband, Tim, have two sons, Clayton (11) and Dan (13), and live in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Email: kathytimalber@yahoo.com Debie Clegg '95 is the early childhood director at the College Church of Nazarene. She lives in Olathe with her husband, Bryan, and has two children, Peter and Hannah. E-mail: thecleggsare@sbcglobal.net Megan Milner '96 is a deputy superintendent at Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex in Topeka. She and her husband, Chad, live in Oskaloosa and have two children, Caleb and Samuel. E-mail: cnmmilner@gmail.com (Continued on page 4)

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