Hillcrest Academy | The Current | Issue 1 | 2015-16

THE CURRENT ISSUE 01 | October, 2015

ERICK BENJAMIN SURVIVES RACISM AND FORTIFIES FAITH PAGE 2

KOREAN STUDIES PIANO IN FOREIGN COUNTRY, FINDS NEW LANGUAGE OF SUCCESS PAGE 3

WEBSITES OFFER NEW OUTLOOK ON CURRENT CULTURE

PAGE 4&5

WOMAN BATTLES GAY LIFESTYLE, FINDS LOVE IN JESUS PAGE 7

3 ESSENTIAL STEPS FOR LISTENING TO MESSAGES IN MUSIC PAGE 8

THE CURRENT | 1

STAFF PROFILE // ERICK BENJAMIN BRINGS DOMINICAN MISSION TO USA

“I plan to help the CLBA open their Spanish department.”

Julie “I plan to help the CLBA open theirKasulis Spanish department,” Erick Benjamin said, sitting in the new Student Union. Laptop open, Erick explains his days at seminary, a myriad of postit notes flutter from the pages of his seminary books. He begins to explain how he is looking forward to his future after seminary. He wants to help the CLBA make the Spanish community feel welcomed in the Lutheran Brethren.

He has experience bridging gaps in culture.

“I look like a haitian, but I am Dominican,” continues Erick. Racial bias between Haitian and Dominicans splattered his childhood.

Erick spent weekdays as a Dominican, but Sunday he was Haitian. “I was going through an identity crisis. That separated me from God. I went (to church) because I had to, not because I wanted to.”

“When I was 14, my parents switched to a Spanish church. I remember one night a woman was speaking about forgiveness.

There I decided to become christian.” Erick said, a smile forming on his face. His renewed faith allowed him to fully understand, and ultimately find, his identity in Christ. “That day was one of the highlights of my life.”

Erick’s faith caused him to seek mentors. His history teacher quickly became someone he aspired to be like. “I just wanted to look like him. Not physically, but regarding how righteous and determined he was. He worked hard and now he has his own high school.

He was the most influential person in my life.

He taught me how to follow my dream.”

Erick wants to encourage people to believe that the Lord will provide. He also wants people to know that If you do your part and work hard, God will do his part and open the doors. He warns people to be cautious, not pretending to do what God needs them to do. He said “The Lord opened the door for me to came to Seminary. He made a miracle.

He did it, I am here.”

Kate Anderson

I . C . Y . M . I // INCASE YOU MISSED IT

Comet volleyball housed some of Hillcrest’s brightest faces that grew closer together during the season

Comet football brough hard hits and high scoring events for students and fans.

The Lady Comets started the year building lasting friendships as they represented Hillcrest Academy in a powerful way.

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The opening week of Hillcrest seems like forever ago, where students met life-long friends for the first time.

As the football team left for the section final game the student body gathered to send them off with prayers and high-fives.

Comet Soccer led the State in excitement as their team bore a reputation for shutouts and football-like scores.

CULTURE // METAXAS INSPIRES THROUGH NEW BOOK ON SEVEN WOMEN

Danny Atwood

“I’ve always admired the women in this book and realized that many people didn’t know their stories.”

“I was never sure whether I would write a book that included the biographies of seven women.” wrote Eric Metaxas of his new book, “people kept asking me about it, and the more I thought about it, the more I knew that I must do it.¨

Seven Women highlights the lives of very different individuals from around the world and throughout history. Metaxas captivates readers, documenting the trials, successes, and accomplishments of well known individuals like Mother Teresa Corrie Ten Boom, and Rosa Parks. Metaxas also reaches into the farthest recesses of history to retell lesser known tales of Hannah More, Susana Wesley, Maria Skobtsova, and Joan of Arc.

Metaxas says he chose stories of women who, “existed and thrived as women, and stand quite apart from anything touching the kind of thinking I encountered.” Metaxas tells each story with a light air of humor as he shows that men and women are, indeed, not interchangeable. Each of the seven women represent specific time periods and unique accomplishments that are individual to themselves, not to be compared to men. Comparing women to men is a denigration of women, an idea Metaxas covers in detail in this book.

Joan of Arc’s story is likely to drum up interest in the heroine. Metaxas boldly addresses visions Joan experienced recounting messages she heard from God. Her life’s calling became liberation of France from the English. Metaxas meticulously walks readers through many travels Joan took, ending with a triumphal entrance in Chinon, where the reader genuinely feels the tension of the moment as Joan manages to convince leaders to allow her to assume privilidge over their army. However, the men leading the army had other plans, where Metaxas reveals trickery as a primary vice. Metaxas’ openness to theophanies shows Joan a heroine as she follows God’s commands.

He details the advantage the army could have had if they listened to Joan and the messages she received from the voices she followed.

Metaxas closes Joan’s story in highlighting her success as an army leader who followed the advice from God. The people of France rallied behind her, but not because she was a woman. Metaxas attributes the country’s adoration for Joan because of her confidence, her innocence, and her faith in God. Metaxas proves that the women in his book are known and admired not because of their femininity and their comparisons to men, but because their accomplishments made an impact in the world, and made an impact that changed people’s lives, changing the course of history.

Nicole Dekok

CULTURE // LIM’S STORY GIVES HOPE TO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Hyun Jeong Lim moved from Korea to France at twelve years old. Her life was difficult, staying awake for hours to learn French in a new country all alone. Her move opened new doors in studying music. Lim is the youngest person to record a complete cycle of Beethoven’s piano sonatas, following her training in France. She is an inspiration to international students, and her story is similar to many students at Hillcrest.

Many students attending Hillcrest have to mature quickly. Students are required to do their own laundry and manage dorm cleaning. Study time and homework is difficult for many international students because parents aren’t walking with them through each step. While many students look young at Hillcrest, there is an expectation that they act older than their age. Lim had a similar expectation in France, “I was a girl who was only twelve years old,” said Lim. “but I had to act like I am not.”

Lim spent most of her time with the piano, saying the relationship was, “Neither with nor without you.” The hard work was selfless, denying things of comfort to achieve her goals. Many Hillcrest students experience similar emotions. They have a passion for what they are doing.

Lim’s work in France gave her opportunity to sharpen her skill. She represents Korea in a powerful way, but her time away from home was difficult. Lim didn’t play publicly for her country until 2013. Many students at Hillcrest will mirror Lim, spending long periods of time away from home receiving their education. While this time is difficult, it is rewarding, and students should feel encouraged. “I am a very satisfied musician,” said Lim, “who is full of gratitude.”

I was a girl who was only twelve years old, but I had to act like I am not.

Judy Kim

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CULTURE // NEW SITE GIVES VOTERS CLARITY

Young voters want something that’s personalized, just for them and how they feel.

The year is 1858. Abraham Lincoln is speaking from the back of a train. The whole world listens in to what he has to say. People are curious to hear more of his thoughts on slavery. Many politicians are flip-flopping in an effort to unify the Union, but those in the North are concerned.

The gathering crowd becomes larger, as many left homes and farms not knowing when they would return. They’re seeking information and education for the future vote.

This was the political process.

Fast forward to the present. Candidates are more accessible. Voters can watch and rewatch debates and speeches, read candidate’s’ books and follow them on social media. The information is daunting, causing many to lose perspective sorting through issues. Enter Taylor Peck and Nick Boutelier.

Peck and Boutelier are founders of a new website that makes hunting for politician’s viewpoints easier. Isidewith.com is their product, and it is quickly becoming the go-to-place for all things political.

Peck saw the need for the site after a conversation with Boutelier, who didn’t know the exact stance of a politician who had changed his mind on an issue important to

Boutelier. Peck thinks the website helps voters become more involved. He notes that new voters will especially find the website helpful, saying young citizens, “want something that’s personalized, just for them and how they feel.”

People visiting the website are quickly informed on candidates’ views after completing a web-based quiz. A popular problem with political campaigns is candidate flip-flop. Peck has a solution for that, “You can just refresh your page, or come back a week later and your stance will be remapped with the correct candidates.” The site allows you to take the test once, populating upto-date results on candidate positions. If a visitor’s view changes, they can retake the quiz and receive an updated profile of the candidates.

Voters receive credible results. Links are given following the survey, revealing quotes from candidates on specific issues, showing time, place, and full speeches from the candidates. The information is invaluable for voters, who represent the citizenry of the US. Peck noted their goal is to encourage voting by educating voters. “There are 180 million registered voters out there. We’re trying to reach as many of those voters as possible.”

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Ellen Jacobs

CULTURE // WEBSITES TO BUILD YOUR WORLD WITH

http://www.liesyoungwomenbelieve.com

“Take me down into your paradise, don’t be scared ‘cause I’m your body type.” These are lyrics from singer Demi Lovato, who wants to be a strong role model. Her summer hit encourages young girls to experiment with same-sex expression.

A new blog helps parents and young girls sort through culture being created by the likes of Demi Levato. Topics range from relationships to collegiate future, with articles that represent issues students wrestle with, like, “Ripping Off the Labels Stitched Onto our Hearts”. This blog does an amazing job giving God’s truth to young women.

Even though the word teenager isn’t in the bible, it’s in our culture. Fervr holds nearly anything and everything teenagers will want to know as they navigate life.

Topics ranging from school to picking a God honoring career, Fervr helps teens overcome a public opinion that teens are simply rebellious.

Some of the most helpful topics touch on knowing how to deal with family. The articles are helpful as teenagers mature and build a framework for growing up.

http://www.fervr.net News headlines pour out of our culture each day and each day leave us questioning what is fact and what’s fiction.

If you are wondering what to ignore in our culture today, and what to become more knowledgeable about the news, WORLD is your solution.

http://www.worldmag.com/

Stories ranging from Justin Timberlake crying over his wife to the abortion scandal, WORLD is an easy go-to website to check-in on our culture, leaving readers with a Biblical perspective on current events.

Audrey Stensrud

PROFILE // MR. UNDSETH SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT A shock of silence falls over the student body as Mr. Undseth gives his testimony in chapel. Nearly every student’s mouth is agape, shocked to hear a godly man admit to being a terrible sinner.

tion with the valedictorian speech in his head, an honor everyone knew he would receive.

His studies led him to research Jim Elliot. Mr. Undseth didn’t stand up for Christ, opting to be liked by everyone. But his appreciation Mr. Undseth sits quietly in his classroom, gath- for Elliot formed a type of mentorship, ering his thoughts as we start to debrief his something that changed Mr. Undschapel presentation. He recalls memories eth and redirected his valedictory that guided him to Hillcrest, sitting on a black speech. chair in the middle of the classroom where he guides students to understand Jesus.

“It struck me...Here’s Jim Elliot taking arrows, and people are Mr. Undseth’s fondest memories are from high going to make fun of me for beschool. A momentary pause brings a faint ing a Christian?” sound, as if there is a crack of the bat in his classroom. Mr. Undseth stares into the corner, It became apparent to him that it is as if he were watching the baseball soar if someone was willing to die for over the fence. An imaginary crowd roars in their faith, he should not let his own excitement as Mr. Undseth seems to picture pride get in the way of showing his faith himself running the bases with his head held to others. He then started standing up high. He quietly remembers the thrill of base- for his faith at school, and even though ball and his track to success. High school was people teased him, he was unphased a place of struggle. A place where he battled by what they thought of him. Mr Unpride, what he considers mankind’s worst sin. dseth’s faith formation in high school directed him to Hillcrest, where he “I wanted to be popular, and it wasn’t popular continues to be a faithful messenger to be a Christian.” Mr. Undseth continued. He for Christ to this day. earned top scores in weekly tests. Pouring over books and constant studying moved him into a top rank academically. He prepared for gradua-

“I wanted to be popular, and it wasn’t popular to be a Christian

Nate Larson

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PROFILE // MR. GARVIN IS MENTORED TO MENTOR

“I was mentored by Mr. Preston without him really knowing it.”

Ryan Garvin’s passion for History started in a desk in Mr. Preston’s classroom. Now back at Hillcrest as a teacher, Ryan’s road to the classroom developed faith, formed his family, and redesigned his idea of student formation.

Ryan, a 1999 Hillcrest alumnus, attended the University of Minnesota, where he graduated with a degree in Social Studies. He stayed in Minneapolis, building his family with his wife, Amy. Their family expanded to include 3 beautiful daughters, Paisley, Veda, and Waverly, during their 10 years in the Twin Cities.

sprouted about a position at Hillcrest, where Mr. Garvin might teach history.

Talks with Wayne turned into an interview with Principal Isaac. Months later, Mr. Garvin packedup his family to walk the path God laid out for them as Hillcrest’s newest staff members. The decision wasn’t easy, change never is, but Ryan and Amy trusted God through the process. “We wanted to trust that what God had planned for us was even better than what we had, or what we were planning,” Ryan explains.

own perspective using, logic, reason, and the Bible. It is a training that will build their Christian faith to stand firm in a secular classroom.

Mr. Garvin loves mentorship, mostly because of the strong mentors he has in his life. He wants to be available for his students, dropping everything to focus on messy situations by offering prayer, raising bigger life questions, and simply praising God. He desires deep relationships; meaningful interaction that causes students and faculty to live lifeon-life while walking alongside each other.

The transition to the classroom is opening doors for Mr. Garvin’s three passions, history, “I am in the mission field,” Mr. Garvin explains, mentorship, and ministry. He lives-out his “big seeing mission opportunities everywhere as three” everyday. he lives his life as an ambassador for Christ.

He is now seeing everyday as a new opporHistory, taught from a Christian worldview, is a tunity to love others. primary love. He teaches in such a way that his students begin to think for themselves. Recent- Walking Hillcrest’s halls, the same ones he ly, Ryan halted his lesson plans to talk about walked 20 years ago, Mr. Garvin is seen in a current events, directing students to think about tie instead of his high school converse. He the recent shootings in Oregon. Their discus- isn’t Ryan any longer, now it is Mr. Garvin, and sion led to a project where students are com- he stands in front of desks that he sat in years municating their perspective on the Second ago. His life journey prepared him for this job Ryan started feeling called to something dif- Amendment. Mr. Garvin directs his students at Hillcrest, and God’s plan is still not done yet. ferent. A shot-in-the-dark email connected to lay down a foundation for why they believe Ryan with Wayne Stender, and conversations what they believe. He is helping them build their Ryan and Amy grew closer together, stepping into leadership roles in their church. A subgroup called married for life drew them into their home church and gave Ryan and Amy a unique place to blossom as a family. They loved their work in the Cities, blessed by a tight-knit community with whom they shared meals, practiced accountability, and grew in their faith. The Garvins experienced God’s presence in their marriage ministry, but God’s plan wasn’t complete.

Sophie Iverson

Students gathered to close formations day with a student led worship night.

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Mrs. Jensen shared at a girls only chapel, passing out imaginary roses to her small group and sharing her testimony.

A guys only chapel had students working through conflict resolution as a follow-up to formations day.

The girls enjoyed coffee and conversation as a panel of mentors answered questions to close formations day.

I . C . Y . M . I // INCASE YOU MISSED IT THE CURRENT

Student winners of the costume contest gathered prior to trickor-treating through the dorms at the fall festival.

A host of students protested abortion at the annual 40 Days for Life rally.

CULTURE // CHILD ADOPTED FROM DEATH ASYLUM STANDS FOR LIFE AS ADULT Michael Lataweic was a Romanian orphan. Thirty years ago he sat in a cold crib in the middle of Romania, wasting away. Unheld and untouched for three years, Michael survived a culture of abortion, sustained life in a world where he wasn’t wanted, and is now speaking out for life.

Michael is the son of a gypsy. His father pleaded for an abortion, but Michael’s mother refused. His dad walked-out on his mom, and Michael was placed in a Romanian orphanage after his birth.

Michael’s ethnicity pushed his crib to the back of the orphanage. Children were held during feeding as bottles were propped in his crib. The lack of human touch stunted Michael’s brain development, pushing him into a mentally-retarded category. At three years old the orphanage deemed him obsolete.

Jennifer worked with the orphanage to rescue Michael, realizing his stunted development pushed him closer to an asylum. Asylums in Romania are places for children with special needs who are left to die after their third birthday. Judy took action.

Judy traveled home for Christmas. Lights blinked on the Christmas two as Judy and Jennifer sorted through pictures from Judy’s trip. Jennifer stopped to hold Michael’s picture, unaware of his story and his sentance to death in an asylumn. Jennifer determined that Christmas that Michael was her son.

She was going to adopt him and save his life.

A long battle started, one that Jennifer walked eight times. The Lataweics have twelve children, eight adopted from situations similar to Michael’s.

The cold crib grew to a distance memory as Michael started a new life in Minnesota. Treatments A world away, Jennifer Lataweic sat on her couch and continual love opened doors for the Romaflipping channels. The 1990 news series 20/20 nian Gypsy. Violin lessons provided an expressive started reporting on orphanages in Romania. Jenni- opportunity for Michael. After lessons in Vivaldi, fer was captivated. She watched the entire program. Michael and his mother stood outside a nearby Her heart broke, stirring a passion inside her. She abortion clinic to stand for those who can’t stand resolved to start an organization to make an impact. for themselves.

The Eastern European Children’s Fund is saving lives today, and started because someone flipping Michael’s consistent protest directed a resolve to channels turned a news story human. oppose what happens behind the walls of abortion clinics. Hours standing for life caused Michael Jennifer’s sister, Judy, brought food, diapers, clothes to question why he was saved from the Romanian and toys over to Romanian orphanages in following orphanage. Sensing God calling him to something years. She found Michael, wasting away in an iron bigger than protesting, Michael started counselcrib. She tried to rehabilitate the children in the or- ing women considering abortion. Michael saved phanage. Her work brought many small children twelve babies in five years of sidewalk counseling. from the brink of death to meet benchmarks for adoption.

Michael travels to abortion clinics regularly. His mission is peaceful protest in speaking for life in Jennifer periodically moved crib-to-crib to awaken communities where abortion numbers rival kinnew life in the rows of neglected children. She dergarten enrollment on a weekly basis. Michael’s walked the final row of cribs, small mouths of chil- story shows that even the most unwanted people dren agape with eyes staring into the distance. in the remotest areas can do amazing things if That’s where she met Michael. they’re given the chance.

“The lack of human touch stunted Michael’s brain development, pushing him into a mentally-retarded category.”

Jennifer bent over the iron crib to wrap her fingers around Michael’s lifeless body. She was the only person to hold Michael in three years.

Sophie Iverson

CULTURE // TEACHER BATTLES SAME-SEX ATTRACTION AND FINDS LOVE IN JESUS “I cannot believe I had been persecuting my Jesus,” said Rosaria Butterfield, a middleaged woman who was Lesbian a lifetime ago.

Her story brings hope, as she claims she was “converted out of unbelief, not Lesbianism.”

I converted from unbelief not lesbianism

The moment Rosaria crossed the threshold of the Smith’s home, Ken and his wife showed unconditional love, stirring Rosaria’s heart. Conversation, led by Pastor Ken, did not preach consequences of Rosaria’s lesbian relationship.

The Smith’s home became a place where RoRosaria taught English and Women’s Studies saria started to understand the love of God. at Syracuse University in her twenties. She was vegan, pro-choice, anti air-conditioning, The Smiths and Rosaria became close friends and feminist. She found identity in her les- and mentors, showing Rosaria the hope and forbian relationship, and she resented Christi- giveness that Jesus offers. Rosaria experienced anity. a remaking of her values. She left her girlfriend and her LGBT community, married a pastor and The Bible sat on the desk in her office. She and adopted four children. thumbed through it as a research tool for her new book on gay rights and Christianity. This “If God is the creator of all things, and if the Bible book criticized Christians for their beliefs, has his seal of truth and power, then the Bible calling Jesus followers ignorant hypocrites. has the right to interrogate my life and culture, and not the other way around.” If the believers Letters arrived in her office frequently. Some of this country look to the character of Jesus, from former students, others from LGBT ac- and radiate the love of Christ to everyone they tivists. A letter appeared one day, with Ken meet, more eyes we can see Jesus, and more Smith’s name on it. Ken is a Presbyterian pas- lives will turn from sin. tor. The letter invited Rosaria to the Smith’s home for dinner. Rosaria kindly obliged, Seeing the dinner as a chance to pull more research from the Christian pastor.

Alyssa Shilson

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CULTURE // 3 STEPS TO THINKING BETTER ABOUT MUSIC

if a man is permit ted to make the ballads of a nation we need not care who makes the laws Earbuds plug into our head and giving a map and a mirror, at least that is what Walt Mueller thinks. Mueller is a researcher who gauges trends, with over thirty years of experience backing his thoughts. He says music reflects values that are widely held, and we use music to navigate how to behave. In other words, Mueller thinks music tells us who we are and who we should be.

If Mueller is correct, music signifcantly impacts life, and can either support or destroy it. Because the stakes are so high, it is important to ask questions inspecting whether music is good or bad for us.

Apologist John Stonestreet, in a Summit Lecture Series, devises three simple tests to help with this. Stonestreet notes that good music has excellent form, true content, and noble function.

The third test is often the hardest to pass. Every musician has a motivation for making music.

Sometimes songs are written for money and fame, others reflect a band’s fighting for a cause or retelling a story. A noble purpose ultimately drives listeners deeper into life, often glorifying God, directly or indirectly.

If the purpose is noble, directing people to worship, it passes the final test.

In other words, music needs to pass the test of quality, message, and purpose.

Music was created by God as a way we can worship Him, and it’s a beautiful thing. It drives us deeper into life or death, so listeners should take messages and hold them captive as they listen to music.

Following Mueller’s warning, if a song is poorly done it should be thrown away. However, if a song is well composed, we should progress to the next question. Listening to the lyrics, if the message of the song is true, noble, trustworthy, or worthy of praise, we are instructed to think about such things, according to Philippians 4:8.

Ultimately, if the message is honoring to God and his creation, it passes the test. However, some songs seem innocent, but carry an immoral message. There’s a tendency to replay songs that are done well, but that carry an immoral message. Mueller warns not to, because music many times influences listeners covertly.

Thomas Martinson

JOURNALISM STAFF //

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Luke Song

Nate Larson

Nicole Dekok

Sara Jennen

Alyssa Shilson

Audrey Kallus

Audrey Stensrud

Elias Pribbenow

Ellen Jacobs

Jim Song

Judy Kim

Kate Anderson

Sophie Iverson

Susan Nolan

Tony Nguyen

Thomas Martinson

THE CURRENT

IN THE FUTURE // UPCOMING STORIES Billy Graham is close to eternity. He released his final book that details how readers can find the Gospel in each book of the Bible.

Life is full of problems.

Lacrae and Tyga have opposing ideas of how to deal with problems. Read next months edition to hear their solutions.

Kendra embarks on a new role at Hillcrest, taking on the girls Basketball team. Catch a profile on her upcoming endeavor next month.

Kermit Gosnell ran an abortion clinic that many call a “house or horrors.” His life sentence for murder is the topic of a new documentary.