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What It’s All AboutBy Heleena Winter - Student

Ellerslie. It is hard to describe what is happening in each of our hearts as this summer semester begins. It is as though it is too beautiful to explain. Mere letters on a page cannot capture the wonder of what takes place within a soul. But one thing can be said for sure — God is here. And He is working in us.

There is hunger here — hunger to know God more as we rise with the sun to seek Him early in the morning, and desire to seek only Him every moment after. As we grow to know Him more, we cannot help but bow with our faces to the ground, kneeling before Him in awe of His glory. The Ellerslie campus is surrounded by His creation and it is beautiful. But snowcapped mountains, a rippling lake, vast blue skies, and trees that shake in the powerful winds cannot compare to the majesty of the Creator Himself.

There is a battle here — a battle against the flesh as we stand on the solid rock of Christ, determined to not allow self to reign any longer. The throne of our lives belongs to Christ, and we are jealous to protect what is His. As we fight for it, protests from within rise to stop us, like the voice of Sanballat the Horonite trying to stop

Nehemiah from building the wall in Jerusalem. But like Nehemiah, we continue, brick by brick, allowing Christ to work in us and not heeding the lies of the enemy. It is Christ we obey and no other.

There is triumph here — triumph as we stand up and say “no” to sin with the authority of Christ, Whose blood has cleansed us. We can emerge as conquerors because He that is in us is greater than he who is in this world (1 John 4:4), and we will not allow the one of this world to triumph over the One who saved our souls. On the cross, Jesus Christ purchased our lives at no small cost and we are determined to give Him all that is rightfully His.

There is joy here — joy when we see our Savior at Calvary and know that it didn’t end there, but that He rose to be victorious over death and sin. We are joyful because we know that, in Him, we are free from the bondage of the flesh. And with the joy bursting from within there arises uncontainable laughter, excitement, and love for our King of all kings and Lord of all lords. We can never talk about Him enough. We can never sing about Him enough. We want to proclaim for all to hear what He has done in us.

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Table of ContentsWhat It’s All About ………….....… 1Ellerslie Quote …..........…….…..... 2Eyes for Others........................…. 3In This City ................…...…......... 3Bread of Heaven ..…........…......... 4No Excuses ……………………... 5Get Your Game Face On ......…… 6Bravehearted Quote ................… 7God Stories .............................… 8Aletheia ………….......………...… 9Ellerslie Picks ......……………..… 9Defining Moments of Existence .. 10True Honor ..…………………..... 11Kiddo Korner .............................. 12

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We are pursuing Jesus here; that is what this is all about — Jesus Christ and the glory of God. It is about knowing and loving Him with mind, heart, soul, and strength. That is what we want. That is what we need. But, better still, it is what He wants for us. God is pursuing us. Without Him, none of this would be possible. And so, it is with bated breath and expectant hearts that we eagerly await the weeks ahead, saying, “Come, Lord Jesus, Come.”

“Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”

(2 Corinthians 3:17-18, ESV)

Ellerslie Quote:

! ! We are here on this earth to know God intimately, fully, correctly, and contagiously; to house His holy Person in our very bodies, allowing Him to showcase to the world around us His loving nature, His attitude, His thoughts, His emotions, and His actions through the way we live, every moment of our lives.

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! – Eric Ludy

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“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)

The Ellerslie Post is delighted to honor Brady Zietlow for his humble attitude while serving those around him. He has a way of serving others without desiring to be noticed. The men here at Ellerslie always hold the doors for the ladies, but this particular young man goes above and beyond by his act of servitude to those around him. He holds the door for all the students at breakfast each morning and is quickly earning the title “Door Man.” Several people have been touched by his generous manners in the way he treats the ladies and the men. When others watch him serve, it is evident that he is following the footsteps of his Savior without expecting anything in return.

Brady, your work here on earth may often be unseen by human eyes, but your Father in Heaven sees every deed you do for others. Thank you for demonstrating the life poured-out, and for being an encouragement to us all!

Brady Zietlow Rapid City, South Dakota

Photo by Annie Wesche

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In This CityBy Sara Dutton - Student

Photo By Kayla Priest

Eyes For OthersBy A Watchful Eye

In this city Truth has stumbled,Fallen weakly in the streets.

Righteousness stands far awayAnd Justice is turned back and weeps.

This, our city, is besieged.Our walls are broken down and weak.

Enemies are all around us;Soon they’ll have that which they seek.

Truth is nowhere to be found.He who shuns evil becomes prey.

We long for light, but walk in darkness.We grope, but cannot find the way.

He looked and saw there was no Savior,Not a man to intercede.

So He Himself came and brought rescue,Came to fill the gap, and lead.

He came, a Mighty Champion,Clothed in righteousness and vengeance.

He took the blow we could not take,Struck down the foe and brought deliv’rance.

Rejoice, my city! Shout for joy!To us, at last, the Light has come.

The glory of our mighty KingSurrounds us like a shining sun.

But in this city we’ll not rest,For other cities still remain;

Enslaved and darkened, as ours once was,And must be rescued and unchained.

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“My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down

from heaven and gives life to the world…I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst”

(John 6:32-33,35). Sunday school well-acquainted me with the idea of Jesus as the “Bread of Life.” My seven-year-old mind was puzzled at the thought that God wanted us to eat Him, but I vowed to always eat the delicious crackers they gave at Communion each week. Years later, when I returned to this passage, I discovered that the image of the Bread of Heaven came from Exodus 16. Much to my delight, the Lord was asking His people for something more than eating crackers as a mid-morning snack on Sundays. The Israelites were wandering in the wilderness - tired, hungry, and iritable. God had performed miracle upon miracle, beginning with the ten plagues and culminating with the consumption of the Egyptian army by the Red Sea. But their stomachs were speaking much louder than these great miracles and the people of God began to long for the meat pots of Egypt. God’s solution to this grumbling was to provide manna, much like my little crackers, the people to gather each morning.

His intention behind this system was to do more than quiet their stomachs. This bread from Heaven was

sent to create a dependence on the Lord that the people could not muster within themselves. Each morning, they were given just what they needed and nothing more. They could not stock up and save it overnight, or else it would be eaten by worms. They had to trust that the Lord would provide it again in the morning.

Furthermore, God was working to change His people’s taste. They had been satisfied by the meat of Egypt, the food of the world, for far too long. He wanted to create in them a hunger for the true Bread of Heaven: His Son. As Christ said, “...the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world… He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.” (John 6:51b,56). The manna available to us today is not simply food to sustain our bodies; it is our means to permanently abide in Christ. This is far better than the temporary fulfillment we get from the world, which only begets despair and a greater hunger.

Christ is this Bread from Heaven, given each day in sufficient measure. May we be sure to gather the manna He provides each morning so that we have strength to meet the challenges of the day. Our dependence on Him will be a testimony to His faithfulness every day. And may He transform our appetites to hunger only for that which leads to constant abiding in Him. Who needs measly crackers on a Sunday morning when we have the Almighty God to satisfy us?

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Bread of Heaven By Morgan Springer- Student

Photo by Kayla Priest

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“That’s too hard.” “Somebody else will do it.” “That’s not my thing.” “I’ve never done that before.” “It seems impossible.” “That doesn’t make much sense to me.” “I can’t do anything about it anyway.” “No one else is doing that.” “I’m too busy.”

If you’re anything like me, you are probably familiar with these little statements. However, there should be no room in our lives for these excuses or any other. Jesus leaves no room for them. If He says to do something, you do it when He says. Period.

When Jesus was traveling into Jerusalem, people were saying they would follow Him, but… [insert great excuse here] (See Luke 9:57-62). His consistent response was, “Follow Me.” He made it quite clear that His lordship was an all or nothing deal. In fact, that has been the case throughout history.

For instance, when God told Noah to build the ark, He gave him the plans and commanded obedience. Never mind that it had never rained before. Never mind that there was no significant body of water nearby. Never mind that the task was immense. Never mind that he looked supremely foolish to nearly everybody else on earth. Never mind anything except that God said to do it.

Later, when He told Joshua to conquer Canaan and possess the land, there were thirty-one hostile kingdoms standing in opposition. Thirty-one. It’s not as though the Israelites were highly trained or equipped for battle. Nevertheless, the Lord told Joshua that He had given him the land. Can you imagine all the excuses Joshua could have made up?

“There are too many.” “They’re too strong.”

“They’re huge.” “It would be so much easier to just leave them alone.”This time, though, there was none of that. God had, in effect, said, “Do it. I’ll fight for you.” So, Joshua and the Israelites simply obeyed, one step at a time. Human reason and intellect had to bow before the command and promise of the Lord, and excuses had no place.Similarly, when Christ told His comparatively small smattering of followers to “go and make disciples of all nations,” He left them with no loopholes. He didn’t say, “If it seems like a logical, feasible course of action” or “If it’s convenient” or “If you think there are enough of you” or “Only if it’s safe.” He said, “Go.”

Think about this. Each of these examples, dealt with a colossal task. Even so, the pattern was "no excuses.” If there weren’t any acceptable excuses for these situations, (and I can think of several seemingly logical reasons for not trying stunts like those), then when is there going to be a valid excuse for not following the command and leading of God? Why do we think that we can make excuses that He will acknowledge? Do we have an excuse to make excuses? I think not. Your circumstances, whatever they are, are not somehow different.

We must realize that our almighty King is perfectly faithful and will always enable us to accomplish all He calls us to.

Hudson Taylor put it well: "We believe the time has come for doing

more fully what He has commanded us; and by His grace we intend to do it. Not to try, for we see no Scriptural authority for trying. Try is a word constantly in the mouth of unbelievers and far too often taken up by believers. In our experience, 'to try' has usually meant 'to fail.' [The Lord’s] command is not 'Do your best,' but 'DO IT.' "

No excuses. Why? Because “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24) and “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13).

You see, we serve the same God. We serve the same God who told Noah to begin an overwhelming construction project and then gave the directions and strength to complete it. We serve the same God whose righteous right hand defeated Canaanite empire after Canaanite empire as Joshua and the Israelites obediently battled them. We serve the same God who commanded His disciples, “Go,” and them declared, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b).

With a God like this, who needs excuses?

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No ExcusesBy Cristina Driscoll - Student

Photo by Cristina Driscoll

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It was a clear summer day in Windsor, the temperature reaching near-record heights, as eighty-plus participants gathered on Ellerlie’s front lawn in their team colors— red, blue, green, brown, purple, orange, black, and yellow. Excitement and expectation hung in the air as thick as the blazing July heat.

Not only was this a day of celebration, but it was also a day to remember— it was Independence Day in America and Game Day at Ellerslie.

Anticipation mounted as team names were announced: Slayers of Agag, Sons of Tachmonite, Sod Pottage (an Ellerslie tradition), Strateia, Fuego de Dios, Ninjas, Apocalypse Phenomenon, and the Grapes of Wrath. As the names seem to indicate, this would be a competition like no other. Passion, boldness, and bravery were soon to be the defining points of the Summer 2011 Epic Ellerslie Games.

“Runners, on your mark!” Mr. Zornes bellowed out the opening competition.

Game One was a fascinating blend of speed, balance, and footwork, combined with the ability to recognize and retrieve a shoe. Our reporter from the field commented that one contestant particularly (Chris Parr of the Slayers of Agag) dominated the pile as he madly searched for his own shoe.

With much sweat and tears (only in a figurative sense), the Sons of Tachmonite burst across the finish line, securing the first win of the day. They received one hundred points.

As the runners recovered under shade trees, cones were arranged in a large circle with various staff members surrounding. All players were then told to enter the center and the game was announced - Fish in a Barrel. A giant purple ball became deadly as it was thrown through the tight crowd of contestants. Pressure tightened as players were eliminated right and left. Suzy Brand captured the title for her beloved, black-shirted Ninjas.

A second round of Fish craziness was announced and the weary “fish” returned to the barrel. Each team played to win, but alas, the Ninjas were on a roll. They maintained their position of prominence and came out the victors in two consecutive games.

By this time, the h e a t h a d i n t e n s i fi e d dramatically, so the huge buckets of water to be used in the next g a m e w e r e received with a hearty smile from every player on the fie ld . Th i s

game, Splash Bomb War, involved throwing skills, dodging abilities, and teamwork. The final round brought Strateia (Team Brown), the Ninjas (Team Black), Apocalypse Phenomenon (Team Yellow), and Fuego de Dios (Team Orange) into an intense battle. Then, after the final elimination of Strateia and Apocalypse Phenomenon, the Ninjas were suddenly overtaken by orange power. Fuego de Dios celebrated this close victory.

After a short half-time and several sips of Chick-Fil-A lemonade - sponsored by the Ludy kiddos - the players were ready to return to the field.

The Mattress Race started off the second half. It is an unassuming, perhaps even relaxing title, but as the contestants soon learned, there was a lot more involved

Get Your Game Face OnBy Tiffany Gingerich - Student

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than monitoring afternoon siestas. Their backs became the bedposts, arms and legs supporting a human’s full weight atop a wobbly twin-sized platform, while maneuvering the full length of the field. Days after the Games, this seemingly innocent event would bring winces from the contracting muscles of our contestants.

In the next game, one man got to take the hit for his entire team. A bottle of shaving cream, many hands, and a single glass of water - these were the ingredients for lots of laughter and crazy competition. The real winners were the guys who bore the indignity of a headful of shaving cream with a smile.Af ter a h i la r ious water-transporting competition, the runners returned to the field.

Each team rallied together, waiting expectantly. Essential components for this game included long arms and fast legs. As the rules were announced and players took up their positions, our field reporter happened to overhear a conversat ion amidst the Slayers of Agag. “You know, we haven’t won a single event yet, but let’s win this one! We’ll do it with teamwork.” As the competition progressed, this decisive action was revealed. They played hard and gave it their best. At the very last moment, when a competing team had their last man on the field, David Ingram pulled ahead and crossed the finish line first - with exactly one-hundredth of a second to spare.

One of the final, and perhaps most competitive events was caber tossing - definitely a man’s game. It was three rounds and three chances for each team. In round one, Caleb Baumgarn led the way with a particularly accurate toss. The second round featured Abraham Fehr just a few steps farther ahead. Finally, on the pivotal round three, Tristan Cork took home the gold with an outstanding throw.

Thusly the Epic Ellerslie Games were completed, and while Apocalypse Phenomenon (Team Yellow) won the day, it was three cheers for team participation, good humor, and bravehearted champions.

Bravehearted Quote:

Consume my life; my God for it # !in$

I seek not a long life,

but a full one like Y&rs, Lord Jesus.

–Jim Elliot

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I was reading some of Leslie’s books and went to the Set Apart Girl website. While I was looking, I found a link for Ellerslie School of Honor. I checked it out and after my research, I saw that it was good and to the glory of Christ. For those reasons, I decided to come to Ellerslie. Another reason why I wanted to come is because around four years ago, I had cancer and went through chemotherapy; with the treatments I lost my strength. I could no longer rely on my own strength and had to truly rely on God for my every need. After the chemotherapy was finally over, I started to do things on my own again and I didn’t have to depend on God as my everything anymore. He was no longer my strength, but I was. Coming here is lighting the fire of faith in my life again and finding in Him my perfect strength that will never fade.

I read one of Eric’s books called God’s Gift To Women and I really enjoyed that book and God used it to change my entire life. I was listening to another pastor and he introduced me to the Ellerslie program but I was already planning to go to a different school, but it did not work out. I found out that Eric was starting the Ellerslie School of Honor, and I though it was cool. I made the decision to go for the summer, and as I was preparing to go, I was not able to pay for the tuition. But God made a way for me and provided all the finances. It was awesome to see how God is faithful to provide [for] His children.

God StoriesBy Caleb Baumgarn and Gabriel Yeadon- Students

What is your testimony in a nutshell?

What do you desire God to do in these nine weeks?

How did God lead you to Ellerslie?

I am desiring that He would show Himself to me in a deep and personal way; that I would know what His will is for me, and where He would like me to go. I am basically

looking at these nine weeks to seek God’s heart, His burdens, and the profound wisdom He would like to show me. I also yearn to be found faithful to know the heart of God, and how He can use me in my generation. I desire to know how I can be used of Him for His glory. I know Ellerslie is the perfect place where my self will die and God will be lifted high — where I can find God’s purpose for my new life in Him.

My heart’s desire is that God would pour me out for Him and that I would be able to draw others to Christ. I used to lead a teenage girl Bible study group and I would like to learn how I can be more effective and disciple for Christ’s honor and glory.

I grew up in the church and in a Christian family, so I understood what it meant to have faith; and I always thought I was on the right track. But as I grew up and went to middle school, my faith was just a name that I carried with me; it was not a reality that was living in me, causing others to be drawn to Jesus Christ. My life did not match up to the name, I was claiming and there was no freedom or the power to be free. Over a series of events, God got hold of my life and I surrendered my life to Christ. Shortly after, I came to Ellerslie and I started learning that I no longer had to ask God what I was supposed to do with my life, and that I no longer had to try to live a victorious life by my own strength. I could let Christ live in and through me by allowing Him to enter my heart and fill me with His Spirit. I have reckoned with truth and I am now in Christ and seated with Him in heavenly places.

Matthew 16:24: “Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” The complete abandonment of self for the total impartation of the Son of God indwelling in my life and I being complete in Him; it is me denying my own strength, my own ideas, and my own will for the complete honor of Jesus Christ.

What Scripture has had the most impact on your life?

How did God lead you to Ellerslie?

Jacob TillsonCottagegrove, Oregon

Kaylee GoodmanSydney, Australia

Photo by Annie Wesche

What do you desire God to do in these nine weeks?Photo by Annie Wesche

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Hupŏmŏnē (hoop-om-on-ay’) — cheerful or hopeful endurance, constancy

In its thirteen occurrences in the King James text, the Greek word hupŏmŏnē is literally translated “endurance” or “patience.” Though accurate, this translation is somewhat limited; the actual connotations of the word are much more profound - this is probably because the context conveys the substance of the word sufficiently. Unlike the word “patience,” the word hupŏmŏnē is generally used in the active voice. The word could literally be translated: “hopeful endurance in the face of suffering.”

In 2 Corinthians 6:4, hupŏmŏnē is translated as “patience”—

“But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses.”

(2 Corinthians 6:4)Though this verse effectively captures the

correct connotation of hupŏmŏnē, it gives us a still better understanding of the word to consult Strong’s Dictionary. In the context of 2 Corinthians 6:4, patience doesn’t mean we are simply waiting calmly in afflictions, necessities, and distress, patience instructs us to be cheerful and hopeful, with an endurance and constancy

in trials. We must endure hardship for the sake, and in hopefu l expectancy o f the coming k ingdom.

In the early verses of 2 Corinthians 12, Paul speaks of enduring hardship for the sake of the kingdom. Paul pleaded with God three times to remove this “thorn in the flesh.” God’s response — “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Only three weeks into this semester, many Ellerslie students have already had to endure great difficulties. When you put your confidence and hope in Jesus Christ, the “author and finisher of our faith” the Lord proclaims, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”

As we endure trials and tribulations of our faith, may we depend wholly on Jesus Christ. May we endure suffering with undaunted hope and joyfulness. When we are apointed trials, may we display hupŏmŏnē — that cheerful endurance — as we were called to, in confidence of the coming kingdom.

“And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.”

(The Apostle Paul, 2 Corinthians 1:6)

Aletheia (al-ay'-thi-a)Uncovering the True Meaning of Misunderstood Biblical WordsBy Philip Hartman and Austin Middleton - Students

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The Spiritual Secret of Hudson Taylor - Dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor

“This book taught me the secret to living the Christian life. Hudson Taylor was a man fully surrendered to Christ. He was a great example of living the abiding life, giving up his finances, heritage, home, comforts, and strength – laying it all at the foot of the cross.” – David, Ellerslie Student

The Autobiography of George Müller

“Giving everything to God, George Müller was a powerful testimony of a life not ruled by fear. Instead, he trusted that although he did not know the future, his Savior did. His faith has served as an example to me of the sovereignty of our God.” – Heleena, Ellerslie Student

In the Presence of My Enemies - Gracia Burnham

Living in captivity in the Philippine jungles, missionary Gracia Burnham shares how she and her husband, Martin, trusted and rested in God even through the darkest trials. This story encouraged and challenged me by how she loved her enemies and prayed for those who persecuted her. – Mariah, Ellerslie Student

Ellerslie Picks

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Come with me and let’s imagine we’re walking the streets of a charming city. The day is bright, birds are singing happily, and a slight breeze is tousling our hair as we walk. We stop momentarily when sounds of laughter echo from a nearby street. Our curiosity is aroused and we venture forward to discover the origin of the happy sounds. The noises seem to be coming from a nearby house. We slip quietly into the back corner of a delightful, green yard.

The kids are playing, laughing as only kids can and running happily about the play yard.

Little brother shouts loudly, “When I get big, I’m gonna fight the bad guys with my sword!”

Little sister echoes, “Yes! And I will be the fastest runner ever!”

We smile at their charming enthusiasm and grin at their naivety.

Time passes as the kids continue their games and laughter. After a season of battling the perceived bad guys, little brother grows bored. Sword-fighting and valiant rescues have lost their attraction. His childish ways reveal themselves as he turns to other amusements.

For the next half hour, little sister runs about the yard, proclaiming her dream of running to all who will listen. However, when the sun reaches its highest, and the midday heat sweeps the land, she swiftly retreats to the cool shade, where she lays aside the dream. “Too hot!” she says.

The next day comes. The sun is again hot and the sword still lies forgotten among the leaves. A new game has captured the hearts of the children, pushing yesterday’s dramatic proclamations aside.

We nod our heads knowingly. “That’s typical of children. They dream much, but when reality strikes, they quickly tire. I’m not surprised.”

We stealthily creep from our perch and continue our walk down the street. Only three houses down, we stumble upon two more kids laughing and playing as only kids can. We enter the play yard and listen quietly as they speak.

“I’m gonna be a fighter,” he states.She speaks with decision, “And I will be a

runner!” Again, we call them silly and laugh at their

cuteness. “Such enthusiasm is nice,” we all agree, “but totally unrealistic.” Yet, that tiny hope lingers in our hearts as we stand watching the kids play.

He is five—aspiring to slay dragons, capture cities, and rescue helpless victims. The backyard is his domain, and a wild imagination his greatest playmate. Small sticks and pine needles form the walls of his fortress.

She is a chubby three-year-old. Cute as a button and sweeter than creamsticks, she giggles and laughs as

she toddles around her play yard. Falling face down, she picks herself back up, repeating the process over and over. The midday sun beats down, yet she continues running and laughing hilariously.

Innocence marks their existence. Big dreams and little wisdom is their trademark, with a naivety for the grave realities of life so clearly evident. Our little guy wields his sword to slay the imaginable dragon. Precious baby girl continues exploring her tiny world.

That love for life, the unbridled enthusiasm, that thirst for the unseen— it propels them forward. Days pass quickly. Young Warrior grows stronger and more skilled in his heroic endeavors. His games become less imaginary, morphing into reality. Baby Girl gets taller and steadier, her stumbling walk transforming into a confident run. They are children no longer.

The hunger that hallmarked those early days of their existence has never left. The Warrior and the Runner grow stronger and more skilled. True, there are moments when other pursuits threaten to crowd in, but a daily reckoning with the truths of existence continually points them forward. Passion and hunger morph into direction and pursuit.

With time and purpose-filled practice, he develops into a Champion Fighter, known by all as tirelessly dedicated to struggling on behalf of the weak. She also, with much determination and dedication, becomes known among the crowds as a “Runner for Righteousness,” ready and willing to give all for that prize which she pursues.

And we sit back with amazement. “What was different? Why did two of the kids never see their dreams to completion, while the other two became winners?”

Now, let’s imagine that the Warrior and the Runner depict the reality of us. Here at Ellerslie, we are daring to beg God’s Biggest Plan for our lives. In this season, the excitement propels us forward. Yet, there will be a day when the sun is hot and distractions are calling louder. Then the true test will reveal itself. Are we going to press forward into the heat of battle, or will we cower at the hugeness of the endeavor, complaining that feelings have fled? Only one choice leads to endless victory and rejoicing. May we all lay hold of the perseverance and hunger which truly hallmark the life of every Eternal Victor.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us aside the weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

(Hebrews 12:1-2)

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Defining Moments of Existence Chapter One: In PursuitBy Tiffany Gingerich - Student

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“All be prepared, for the king is coming! Be ready for He can arrive any day now!” This is the message that was proclaimed in the very small town high up in the mountains. Everyone was talking about it. “What will the king look like?” “Will he come on a horse, and will he be wearing his golden crown?” The villagers felt very honored to be visited by the king, and they truly looked forward to the day. But then the question arose: “How would they prepare for the arrival of their great king?” How can they show honor and respect to him? What does the king like? What gifts can they give him? So everyone went about all day to prepare. Each one knew of something they could give to the king. Among the townspeople there was a very poor family of five orphans. Their parents had been gone for several years. The three brothers were all very excited about the arrival of the king and boasted among themselves who would be the greatest and who would have the best gift to show their great love for the king. The first spoke of his great knowledge, and how he planned to study all he could so that he would be able to answer any question the king might ask, for he was sure that the king would like a wise man in his courts. The second was very talented at carving wood, so he boasted about making a great woodwork for the king, for the king certainly needed someone to carve his palace. And the third said that he was going to be the best soldier, and started to practice all day with his sword, fighting imaginary enemies, for he is going to be the best defender in the kingdom. The oldest sister set her mind on preparing the best feast for the king’s arrival. She baked and scurried about all day long. And so as the youngest sister, Emily, was looking on, she became very discouraged. She had no special talent, or anything exceptional to give to the king. Her brothers and sister were not willing to share their gifts with her, for they said that she should get her own gift. Saddened, the little girl went about her day as usual. At the well, she helped an old lady to draw water, and brought a smile to her face. She gave water to a stranger who came by and he thanked her for her kindness. She carried the groceries of a mother who had her hands full with three children running around. Although Emily always found delight in what she did, she had the coming of her king in the back of her mind all day. Maybe, she later thought, just maybe I could be the first one to see the king coming. She was constantly on the lookout for him from the top of the hill. Oh, if she could catch the first glimpse of her king. And so the days went by. The people of the village were very busy in all that they were doing, every one focused on what they would present. They were so absorbed in it that they completely forgot to greet each other when they passed on the street.

One day, it happened that while Emily was helping a little girl with bruised knees, a stranger came on a horse. Emily looked up and saw that the stranger was very tired and dusty. She smiled and asked if he would like some fresh water from the well. The man looked very pleased and said that he would like that. Quickly, Emily went about to get the water from the well and gave it to the man. He drank it all and sat down to take a nap. Emily tied the horse to a pole nearby and gave the animal some water to drink, too, then she went back to the little girl. After Emily had washed her knees with loving care, the girl ran off happily. Emily sat and waited for the stranger to wake up, so she could hear some of his stories. She loved to hear stories. At last, the stranger woke up and looking around, he was surprised to see Emily. He came closer and asked her why she was still there. Emily told him about her day at the well and how she was waiting and on the lookout for the king coming to their little town. The king, (for this is who the stranger really was), was very impressed with this answer - but he didn’t tell Emily that. Instead, he asked her to show him the town. Emily, feeling very honored to show the stranger around, excitedly led the man down the street, telling little stories of all the people she knew as they passed their homes. The streets were very busy, for the villagers were still preparing for the kings arrival, so no one took notice of the stranger. Saddened by the realization of the type of people living in the town, the king stopped. Emily asked if anything was wrong, so the king told her the truth of who he was. Very surprised by this, Emily looked at him puzzled, and asked him where his golden crown was and why he wasn’t wearing kingly robes. The king replied that this was the surest way to test and see what is in the hearts of his people. He didn’t care about their gifts or in what way they wanted to show honor as king, he only cared if the townspeople took care of one another and loved one another, even if he was not nearby to see. For if they would do it for one anther he said, he knew that they would do it for him, too. True honor is not about giving gifts and showing special attention to those of great importance, rather it is loving and serving others daily, whether or not your efforts are ever noticed or praised - and Emily was the only one to do just that.

True HonorBy Gerda Aartsma - Advanced Student

ADVANCED PAGE

Photo by Heleena Winter

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Head WriterTiffany Gingerich

Lead WritersCaleb Baumgarm

Maria FehrMariah FowlerPhilip Hartman

Rebecca KinabrewMelinda Kruger

Austin MiddletonMorgan SpringerHeleena WinterGabriel Yeadon

ContributersCristina Driscoll

Sara Dutton

Head EditorDiana Arvizu

EditorsSara DuttonMaria Fehr

Photography Corrie Ladd

Rebecca KinabrewChristina Driscoll

Kayla PriestHeleena Winter

Design & Layout Daritza AlvarezKate Hudson

Austin MiddletonDaniel Rangel

www.ellerslie.com Want to submit a comment or article? E-mail Ben Zornes at ben@ellerslie.com

Unless otherwise noted, all quoted scripture is from the King James Version.

By Maria Fehr and Melinda Kruger - Students

Photo by Kayla Priest

Q: What is your favorite thing about God?A: Talia, 9: “That he cares.” Hudson, 6: “I like that He created animals.” Hannah, 6: “He loves me.” Chloe, 7: “That He died on the cross and saved our sins.”

Q: What is your favorite thing God created?A: Hannah, 6: “The sun.” Talia, 9: “My family.” Chloe, 7: “My family and that they protect me.” Hudson, 6: “My family and my friends.”

Q: God lives in Heaven, what do you think Heaven looks like?A: Hudson, 6: “Gold and stuff.” Chloe, 7: “Anything I can imagine of...with trees and houses and stuff.” Talia, 9: “We can’t even imagine it.”

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