Greetings from the Meyer family! Over the past 7 years God has taken our family on quite the journey. A journey that was well prepared by our years spent at Park Christian. Currently we are serving in a church plant in Grand Forks, ND as the College/Associate Pastors. We minister to students every Thursday night and throughout the week in the heart of the UND campus.

After getting married four years ago, we started out in the ministry together in Fargo, ND at First Assembly of God as the Assistant Worship Pastor. That was a great beginning point for us, but from there God lead us to minister in Watford City, ND for a year and half as Associate/Youth Pastors. This brought us into the central part of the oil boom. This was a key time of growth for us as a family. During all these times, God was preparing us to serve here in Grand Forks where we are watching God do great things. We are blessed with an amazing 21 month old son, Cohan, and a baby girl on the way due mid-December.

We are so thankful for the years we had at Park Christian where we had a safe environment to be able to grow both educationally and spiritually. It was foundational for God to be included not just in chapel services but in the classrooms and extracurricular activities which reminded us that God is a part of our everyday lives.

Passionate, dedicated, artistic, visionary: all words that give a glimpse of the man behind the intriguing concept of Unseen Ministries. Than Baardson, 2008 Park Christian graduate, gives credit to his family and to Park for creating a solid foundation for life in ministry.

“I’m so grateful now for the foundation I was given at Park,” Baardson said. “The sacrifice my parents made to send me there was huge. Like most typical kids, I didn’t know what I had while I was there, but I can appreciate it now. All I remember from school was that it was a blast. But the constant Christian influence was amazing.”

“We had devotions every morning with Mrs. Nesius in home room English—it set a standard,” he recalled. “Other teachers encouraged me in my faith, and there was a daily reminder that prayer was important. I got to see godly people who cared for me spiritually and academically.”

Not knowing what field he wanted to pursue after high school, Baardson opted to join the Air National Guard as a firefighter, and headed out that summer to basic training. “I got to see the other side of life in a real way,” he recalled. “I had never been in a spiritual desert before. At basic, I was forced to make my faith real.”

He came back to town, started college for journalism and film, and soon transferred to the multimedia department with the Guard. He also started his own video production company, called Bentwing Productions, and married a wonderful woman named Emma. But Baardson still had a passion to spread the gospel, help kids, and support missions, and when he shared that passion with friends, Unseen Ministries was born. “We are based in Fargo,” he said, “but operating around the world. We are a team of artists, writers and designers that want to help ministries create ways to share their story with the world.”

“I’ve heard amazing ministries try to tell their stories to their donors and prayer partners without the proper resources or tools, so then the ministry suffers,” he said. “We’re working locally in the FM area, but we are also working in Asia with three ministries that are rescuing people from human trafficking, rescuing child soldiers, and helping children in orphanages. Over 30 groups in southeast Asia have requested our help.”

“Unseen Ministries is revealing the missions around the world that people don’t know about yet,” he summarized. “Our goal is to empower mission groups, to further their capacity for influence. As a non-profit, we can provide these ministries with the best marketing and video products at a reduced cost. It’s only been six months, and we’re booked to current capacity.”

From “crazy kid” to committed adult, Than Baardson has a godly passion, a mission and the capacity to change the world. “There’s nothing better than being used by God to do a meaningful work.”

Jordan Lutz (2011 PCS alumni) has been in Kenya since June and has decided to extend his stay. He is at Mattaw Children's Village, the same site the Lutz family did work at last summer.

In his time at the Mattaw Children’s Village, he has grown incredibly close to the kids and to his two Kenyan roommates, Caleb and Ian. It will be hard for Jordan to leave. He's done everything from making bricks, milking cows, preparing meals, to building a chapel. He's also been busy teaching the kids about zombies, hog piles and yes, arm pit "farts". Ahhh, the best of America! The kids absolutely love him!

Jordan has also done work with the “glue boys” who live on the streets and was able to help rescue an emaciated thirteen year old girl whose father kept her locked in a dark, mud hut. 

Jordan has had lots of sweet times of prayer and worship with the kids and staff; but also lots of heavy times as he sees the great need around him. Please pray for Jordan’s continued health and safety and for the stability of the country. Hundreds of thousands of refugees from the Somali famine are flooding into Kenya in search of food & safety.

Please pray for these sweet souls and for the hope of the Gospel to be heard.

Not many people have the privilege of landing their dream job right out of college. Yet God has given me the wonderful opportunity to live out my dream of becoming a teacher and more specifically, a teacher at Park Christian School.

Park Christian School played a huge role in shaping me into the person I am today. It was during my time at Park that I developed a love for Jesus, strong friendships, and a desire to share God’s love with people around me in addition to a wonderful academic foundation.

In junior high, I was supported by retreats and chapel times that encouraged me to walk closely with Jesus, teachers and Bible classes that gave me the tools I needed to go deeper in that walk, and friends who were striving to seek after Jesus just as I was. I remember one time coming back from a retreat at Cooperstown Bible Camp and we were having bus trouble. We began to sing worship songs and sang all the way back to Moorhead. It was times like these that set my school experiences apart from a typical junior high weekend.

My high school years were filled with wonderful memories of Friday night basketball games and the hangout times afterwards, worship times, early morning prayer meetings, and “circle times” in classes. I was blessed to have teachers who cared about every aspect of my life and who valued my walk with Jesus. As a part of spiritual leadership and the WAF worship team, I was given opportunities to develop as a leader spiritually. I was challenged to take my faith as my own and develop a biblical worldview. I learned and saw the power of prayer as I prayed with my teachers and classmates.

I am blessed to be back at Park Christian, working alongside many of the teachers who poured into me during my student years at Park. I praise God every day for the privilege of encouraging my third grade students to follow after Jesus with their whole hearts. Thank you Jesus for placing me right where I am supposed to be!

Some may argue that a small, private school is a place with fewer things to offer than a larger school (with a larger budget). However it was in a small private school (PCS) that I was impacted by some of the best teachers, role models, and friends I will ever meet. It was there that I was offered the most priceless gift I would ever receive, for it was there that my first grade teacher led me to ask Jesus into my heart.

In my K-12 years at Park, God used many people to speak his word and guide me in his ways. I learned many things in my time there; however, I am truly indebted to my former choir director, Dr. Kelly, for opening up a whole new musical world for me.

They say every teacher has an inspiration. Well, Dr. Kelly was mine.

I will never forget singing in my blue madrigal dress. My favorite times in this dress were when we went to carol at Christmas time to hospitals and nursing homes. I am forever touched by memories of residents and patients singing along with us, sometimes even in their native language, and at times with tears rolling down their cheeks. I will forever remember the first time I sang Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” (in junior high!), how I fell in love with Brahms’s “How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place”, and actually sang in Tchaikovsky’s native Russian tongue. However, the best musical memory from Park I will have for all my life will be singing Mozart’s “Requiem” in high school. So many musicians die before getting the opportunity to sing such a masterwork and I was able to experience it at the age of 16.

Through these experiences God stirred up a great passion in me. I had known I loved music since I was a little girl, but I knew upon graduating from Park in 2004 that I wanted to teach music and give others the musical keys to their world. In 2008, I graduated from the University of Sioux Falls with a B.A. in Music Education.

After four years of teaching music in Christian schools (3 years in Sioux Center, IA, and currently in Sioux Falls, SD), God has opened my mind and my heart to how great he is, how big his plan is, and how much he loves all his children.

Now, being on the other side of education as the teacher and not the student, I feel my eyes have been opened in so many new ways. Not only do I feel bad for all the talking I did in choir rehearsals and other classes (consider this my official apology, all my former teachers, wherever you are), but I now feel that I have a greater sense of how much my teachers at Park really cared for me. When I think about how much I care about the students I have now, I can’t help but think back on my memories of Park and about how much my teachers must have cared about me and my classmates—our successes, lessons, failures, and triumphs. Not to mention the countless times they prayed for us, and we never even knew.

Park Christian School left a big impact for the course of my life. Even after graduating college, moving, and getting married, the things I learned and people I met at Park are and will continue to be a part of my life forever.

I have so many great memories of PCS. I miss playing on the yellow scooters in the carpet gym. I still have rug burns on my knees. We had so much fun together during lunch and in the classroom. Our class grew to love each other very much.

My greatest challenges have not been in the classroom. Because of Park Christian I was more than prepared for the college level of work. My greatest challenge has been finding a future wife... still working on that one.

Today, in an act of nostalgia, I visited the Park Christian website. As I was exploring, I found the school's "wish list". When I went over it, I was blown away by how many items on the list had the word "DONE" next to it, or "IN PROGRESS". God's faithfulness to Park Christian is incredible. It is inspiring to me to see how Park Christian has remained consecrated to the Lord, and focused on His will. I pray that never changes. I am SO blessed to have had the privilege of attending. I tell everyone I know how life-changing that experience was for me. I am so excited for Park Christian as it grows and wanted you to know how encouraged I was after reading about the abundance of blessings God has poured out on that school.

How does a 7th grader create a business to support orphan care for a child half way around the world? Ally Lutz, PCS 7th grader, is showing us how. She and her family spent two weeks this past summer in Kenya at the Mattaw Children’s Village, a village for 60 orphaned children.

Two year old George lives in a Mattaw house with eleven other orphans and two house parents. Ally and George developed a special bond quickly. He lit up with a smile whenever Ally walked into the room and would cry whenever she left the room. She held him and played with him, and in the process he worked his way into her heart in an unforgettable way.

Upon arriving home, Ally wanted to do more than just let the two weeks spent in Africa slide into her history bank. She wanted to continue to be involved with the children at the Village, and especially her little friend George. Children from the Mattaw Village are not adopted out by families, but people can sponsor the children by providing money to assist with school, clothes, food and shelter.

After observing widowed women in Kenya making paper bead necklaces and bracelets to sell, Ally pondered the idea of making them in the states and selling them to help support little George. And so she did. Her mom helped her develop a website (http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwirlingTrees) to sell her jewelry, bookmarks and ornaments. Working whatever days she can after school and on weekends, with occasional help from two neighbors, the Lutz dining room has been converted to a production and mailing room. Orders are being filled and delivered.

Ally is using her time, energy and creativity to make a difference for the voiceless children in the Mattaw Children’s Village in Kenya. What an example to all of us for “serving faithfully.”

“We were very content—complacent even—about our children’s initial school situation,” said Leroy and Beth Nepstad, parents of three children, now all at Park. “Our old school was right across the street from our home, and the kids seemed to be doing reasonably well.” But after a few years, things seemed more difficult and it became a “daily struggle,” Beth noted. “I believe God needed to make us uncomfortable in order for us to seek His will.”

The result of that decision seven years ago has been an ongoing family miracle from the Nepstad’s perspective. “We have a business in Hendrum, and there was a drop in business when we first moved our kids out of the school system there,” Leroy admitted. “The first couple years, it didn’t make sense in our budget to have three kids in private school, but God provided.”

“The decision to switch schools really created unity for us as a couple,” remembers Beth. “It was our first big step together for God.” Both Leroy and Beth agree that God has been faithful in providing protection and growth for their business, energy for the commute, and most of all amazing changes in their children.

“We appreciate the teachers who recognize and ‘water’ the spiritual gifts in the children,” Beth said. “One teacher commented on a particular godly trait he recognized in Bryce in seventh grade. I couldn’t see it then. But I do now.”

Whether it’s in the classroom or in one of the many activities offered at Park, “the focus is how do you do this task or activity and honor Christ through it,” Leroy said. They both credit Park teachers with helping their kids develop the spiritual tools they need, to be respectful in their relationships, and to encourage other students in their studies. They have seen their children grow and flourish, not only spiritually, but academically as well. Their oldest, now a senior, is prepared with both a strong spiritual foundation as well as an excellent academic record for college next year.

Even during a couple family emergencies, Nepstads remember that teachers, kids’ friends and other families rallied around to "cover our family in prayer, to create a security for our kids at a time when life was a little scary for them,” recalls Beth.

“This is not about our sacrifice as a family, or about a perfect school,” Beth said. “It’s all about a God who lovingly guided a family out of their comfort zone in His timing. In response to our obedience He protected and provided. It’s not about perfect people, but prayerful people who have helped us along the way.”

At Park Christian, I take comfort in knowing that every day the teachers are praying for the students. It brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart at our first parent/teacher conference when the teacher opened by pouring her heart out to Jesus for our son. It took my breath away.

As someone who has taught at other schools, I know that Park Christian has very high academic standards. I have complete confidence that when our son graduates from Park he will be prepared not only academically but spiritually.

At Park Christian, academic material is not the only thing discussed in class. Teachers get to know each student personally and spend time building into their spiritual lives, and are able to address other relevant life issues as well.

The first time I had parent-teacher conferences, I had a parent say their child prayed for me each night at dinner. I welled up in tears knowing how special the parents and students are at PCS.

I love to have the students understand their faith maybe for the first time and to see them begin to make it their own in junior high. That’s why I teach these kids. They want to know Jesus, and He is becoming real to them. All the stories and lessons in Christianity are clicking.

On the way home from the varsity volleyball tournament last weekend, 1 of the 3 players in our car had her guitar and the 3 girls sang worship songs all the way home from Parkers Prairie.

I am so thankful for a school that is training our children unto godly living and thinking in a world full of temptations and in spite of their own weaknesses!

Two seniors shared a challenge to the junior and senior high PCS students during chapel. The chapel concluded with several choruses of “How Great is Our God”, and the junior class surrounding the senior class and praying over them. This brought on hugs and tears and circles of students continuing to pray for each other. What a privilege to have our children nurtured and loved and challenged to grow in their walk with Jesus Christ, not only while at Park, but for life!

Later in the day, during classroom devotions, one of the high school teachers asked her students to comment on today’s chapel. A few of her students had recently visited a public high school to seek information about starting an extracurricular activity, and emphatically shared with the class that they are so thankful to be at Park. They were overwhelmed seeing what students have to deal with on a daily basis at other schools and were reminded very clearly the difference at Park. The difference is Jesus Christ! Praise God for student’s hearts that see this difference, and want it, and appreciate it.

Park is a place where I was cared for as a person. My teachers were invested in my life and desired to see me succeed, not only academically but spiritually as well.

Park Christian is different because of the way that our family’s faith walk has been enriched due to what PCS stands for and is grounded in….a Christ-centered mission.

One thing that always touches my husband and my hearts is praying with our sons’ teachers before conferences. We just LOVE hearing their words poured out to God regarding the success and well being of our children.

The privilege of attending Park Christian School is something that has molded me, changed me, and helped me to grow both academically and spiritually. The focus on Christ and my relationship to Him (and to others around me) being integrated with academic excellence sets Park apart. It not only prepares us for college and life, it prepares us for eternity.

Over the years, Park Christian has always worked hard to provide scholarship dollars to aid families that the Lord wanted to have at Park Christian. Park Christian’s desire has always been to not be a financially exclusive school but inclusive of all who desire a Christian education if at all possible.

We made a lot of excuses of all the reasons we shouldn't attend Park Christian. Too expensive, too far away from our home. We all loved the friends we had made at the school we were attending. They were/are so nice. The teachers were good. They weren't learning too much of the worlds ways. Why change? Would it really matter that much?

It was verses 6 and 7 that got me. One chance. Yes it matters! It matters to God and it has made a difference in the boys lives, too. We love Park Christian School. I love that the teachers and administration are Christian and are NOT ashamed of it. The more we can soak in a Christian environment the better. How else can we stand up in this world??

We have partnered with Park Christian School for the past 17 years to assist in raising our children with a Christian worldview. We are blessed by the Christ-centered education our children received at PCS as they continue to be a witness for Christ on their college campuses.

I attended Park Christian School from 4th grade through my senior year. Some of my best memories of Park were my first ones. Before I came to Park my parents were missionaries in the Philippines. We moved back to the States during the winter of 1995. It can be hard starting off in a new school right in the middle of the year, but my class and teacher made it a very smooth transition. Before we even got back to the States my future class wrote me letters and sent me pictures, welcoming me to their classroom. I still remember walking in the door and meeting my classmates for the first time! Not knowing then that I would build many close relationships during the next 8 years that would last a lifetime!

I am so grateful to the Lord for using Park in such an important way in my life and pray that it will have the same impact in student’s lives in the years to come!

Our son’s first response when he hears a siren is to pray for the people in need. I know he got that from his teachers at Park Christian.

Received September 2010

Since Graduation:

We had a baby boy named Brice Andrew on May 13, 2010. He has been an extreme blessing to our lives and we love him so much. We want to see him grow in the things of the Lord and serve Him with his whole heart. Having our son gives us a different perspective on how much the Lord must truly love us as His children.

A potential student who attended our Pre-K Open House was very sad after attending the Pre-K round up when he discovered just how far away the end of August actually was! He thought he got to come to his "new school" the next day. His mom called to tell us.

Another little one that didn't even want to turn 5 because then he knew he would have to go to school, came to the Kindergarten Round up and immediately afterwards asked why he couldn’t come to school right now.

(Received Oct. 11, 2010)

I feel so blessed to have been a part of the Park Christian community from Kindergarten through graduation. I feel equally blessed for the opportunity to rejoin the Park Christian community as the Pre-K Teacher’s Aide.

I just feel so honored to work with the Pre-K teachers and students. It has been so amazing to see young children learning Scripture and spending time practicing ‘loving God, and loving other.’ I look at our students and just smile because God is definitely at work. He is and will continue to do great things through our students, and I get to be a part of it.

Our son just turned 16 last Monday & we were really struggling with what to give him for a gift. I asked him to think on it & give us some ideas. Without hesitation, he looked at me and said, "I want a Bible like Dad's with my name engraved on it." Let me tell you...my heart just melted...with love for my son & with love for the Father who is molding him into a godly man. I share this with you to tell you that my son would not be the person he is today were it not for PCS. The Christian focus of his education, the opportunities he has been given to develop his talents, to use his spiritual gifts, the teachers and staff who encourage him & model a Christian walk to him, the prayer that has covered him, and the deep friendships that challenge him in his faith. All of these have impacted his life, so that he can impact others. When I think of all of the gifts that a 16 year old boy could ask for...cell phone, video game, laptop, iPod, car! When I think of all of the things that a 16 year old boy could be doing with his time. I say thank-you to PCS for walking along side us as we raise our children. Needless to say, he did get that Bible for his birthday!

I just need to take a minute and tell you how very grateful we are to have the privilege to have our kids at Park. We really do feel like it is such a privilege and don't know why God's grace is so abundant to our family. It's so easy to fail to tell you, so that's why I am taking this minute to share this with you.

Thank you. Thank our gracious, kind and merciful God.

Mrs. Lysne (4th grade teacher) had her students complete a worksheet about John Wesley. Side history lesson: Did you know that John Wesley (alive in the 1700's) was raised in a home where he was taught about God and was blessed with a godly education, yet he was a minister and missionary for 8 years before coming to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ? It was through the Moravians that "he heard the truth that brought peace to his restless soul. Salvation could never be earned by works. Sinners are saved by faith in the blood of Christ alone."

After his conversion he began to preach with true inner zeal and passion and many came to Christ through his preaching. Eventually his entire family accepted the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

In the end, John Wesley traveled all over England preaching the good news. During his lifetime, he preached 40,000 sermons and traveled over 225,000 miles. That's about 15 sermons a week and 5,000 miles a year, on horseback.

The smile in this story about PCS is that our students get to read and study about men like this and the difference Jesus makes in a person's life. The last question the children were asked to answer was: What big lesson does John Wesley learn in this story? One student's response, "John learns that good deeds cannot get you to heaven, the only thing that can get you to heaven is having Jesus Christ as your personal Savior." Each paper reflected a similar response. Mrs. Lysne had not told them this answer. They had read the story and come up with it themselves!

We are so thankful for the freedom and privilege at Park Christian School to boldly proclaim Jesus Christ!