Spring 2017

Spring 2017

John Strohman to Deliver
Commencement Address

The most distinguishing feature of the author is that he is a sinner who, in his
early youth, was saved from the judgment to come by the grace of God. He
continues to recognize his complete reliance on the mercy, forgiveness and
grace of Jesus Christ to this very moment.

John M. Strohman is a graduate of the University of Iowa College of
Business and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of South Dakota
School of Law. For over two decades he has served as an Assistant Attor-
ney General for the State of South Dakota. As an attorney with nearly
30 years of experience, he has handled a variety of cases, including as
counsel for more than 170 cases before the South Dakota Supreme Court.
John has also held faculty positions as an adjunct professor for Liberty
University, South Dakota State University, Northern State University and
Colorado Christian University. His teaching experience has spanned both
the undergraduate and graduate level. He has authored two books, The

Application Commentary of
the Gospel of Matthew and
The Fake Commission. He has
served on mission boards and
is the current chairman of
Cross Centered Missions. John
and his wife, Sarah, share a
passion for equipping young
people in Christian service
through discipleship, Sunday
school, Bible studies and lead-
ing short-term mission trips.

Sunday, May 21
Baccalaureate | 10:30 a.m.
Lunch
Commencement | 2:30 p.m.
Reception

2 | The Crusader

Science Bowl 5

“Radium Girls” 6

School Board Music Contest 7
Festival of Women’s Voices 8

Tom Young, Chairman Pie Auction 9

Onida, SD Belize 10

Daniel Paul, Vice Chairman FFA Corner Post 11

Carson, ND To Every Broken Soul 13

David VanHeuvelen, Secretary All-State Band 14

Emmetsburg, IA MegaTeen 2017 16

Paul Beckwith, Treasurer Crusader Athletics 18

Pierre, SD Science Fair 22

Gaven Banik Ministry Team 23

Hartford, SD Development Corner 24

Phil Hamburger

Seneca, SD

Andy Michaelis

Wessington, SD

Ken Shay

Pierre, SD

Brad Ufen

Miller, SD

God’s Truth for Today’s Youth. Support Update 25

According to its Articles of Incorporation, Sunshine SBA Foundation 26
Bible Academy exists to provide “for the general
education of youth in the essentials of culture and in Livestock Program 27
the arts and sciences, giving emphasis to the Chris-
tian doctrines and the ethics revealed in the Holy SBA Family News 30
Scriptures; combating all atheistic, agnostic, pagan,
and so-called scientific adulterations of the Gospel; Front cover: Ben Deal (L) and Andrew
unqualifiedly affirming and teaching the Inspiration Hoffman (R) work on the rustic swing set
of the Bible (both the Old and New Testaments); the being built by the FFA.
birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; His identi-
fication as the Son of God; His vicarious atonement Back cover: The group picture from this
for the sins of mankind by the shedding of His blood year’s MegaTeen Retreat.
on the cross; the resurrection of His body from the
tomb; His power to save man from sin; the new birth The Crusader | 3
through the regeneration by the Holy Spirit; and

the gift of eternal life by the grace of God through
faith in Jesus Christ.”

From Our

Superintendent
The cover of the April 3 issue of
TIME is a black background with human in
large red letters asking, “Is Truth God’s im-
Dead?” It turns out that was a question age.”
used by the magazine to target the
new president, whom the editors of If you’ll
the magazine described as “fact-chal- pardon me a moment I am going to be
lenged.” Unfortunately, however, the simultaneously offensive and politically
possibility of truth being dead in the incorrect: Feiler is wrong, truth does
eyes of the world goes far beyond any exist, volume and offense make no dif-
political debate. ference in determining veracity and the
Bible is offensive to the world precisely
Last fall The New Yorker ran a because it is true--and its message
political cartoon featuring a Jeopar- is convicting! This, by the way, should
dy!-style game show called “Facts Don’t come as no surprise since Jesus told us
Matter.” The caption read, “I’m sorry, that the world would hate His followers
Jeannie, your answer was correct, but because it hated Him. The only way
Kevin shouted his incorrect answer to make the gospel unoffensive is to
over yours, so he gets the points.” Just change it fundamentally--to downplay
the other day I saw on Facebook that sin, righteousness, holiness, judgment,
someone had taken that cartoon and etc. In other words, the only way to
changed the caption to read, “I’m make the gospel unoffensive is to make
sorry, Jeanette, while your answer was it something other than the gospel.
correct, Walter was offended by it, so
he gets the point.” Sadly, both cap- Truth is not dead. God is the same
tions depict the reality we often find yesterday, today and forever and the
in our culture today. So-called truth is Word of God will not pass away. That,
determined by whoever shouts loudest. by the way, is what we are all about
Anything offensive cannot be true. at SBA--teaching God’s unchanging
truth to today’s youth. Yesterday’s
The same issue of TIME I described youth are today’s adults; today’s youth
above featured, on its last page, are tomorrow’s adults. Our mission is
eight questions with Bruce Feiler. In to expose every student that comes to
his reponses Feiler makes such state- SBA to that truth so that it can impact
ments as “Adam and Eve are victims their lives for today, for tomorrow and
of the greatest character assassination
the world has ever known,” Eve was for eternity.
“the first independent woman,” and
“Genesis introduces the idea of gender

fluidity: God creates this ungendered

4 | The Crusader

Science Bowlo get to the SD Regional Bethlehem Mulualem (‘18)

Science Bowl, part of the Our last match was against
Centerville, Team 2. It was a good
TNational Science Bowl compe- game and we enjoyed every

tition, we departed from Sunshine minute of it. By the time it was over

at 7:30 a.m. It was an hour-long we had to go to the dining hall to

drive to Huron. Once we got there get lunch from the buffet that was

we entered the Huron Event Center filled with different ingredients to

and Mr. Seaman informed them of make a delicious sandwich. We sat

our arrival. A few minutes later we with the timekeeper and the guy

gathered in the dining hall where who makes sure the moderator

we were assigned to compete in does not make a mistake and they

Room D along with our first op- were both very nice people. We

ponent, Dakota Valley. Before we had interesting conversations about

started we introduced ourselves, computers, the military, and that

then we proceeded to play. one math question.

After that round robin was By 2:00 p.m. we were back on

completed, we headed outside the road to Sunshine. We made a

to The Donut Shop. It was the quick stop at DQ to get the famous

same place we went to last year; Blizzard. Twenty-five minutes later

we might have started a tradi- we were back at SBA playing Six

tion! After we had our treats, we Nimmet (a card game) with Mr.P.

walked back to the event center The Science Bowl was a good

and played Heads Up until it was experience made possible and

time to face Huron High School. By shared by Mr. Seaman, Doriann

11:15 a.m. we were back in the Brockel (9), Jessica Kim (12), Beth-

room introducing ourselves again, lehem Mulalem (11), Jiwon Park

but this time we were asked to list (12) and Elizabeth Schultz (12).

our favorite ice cream flavor.

The Crusader | 5

“Radium Girls”ix-thirty on the morning of Amanda Bast

Thursday, January 26th, hard the employers of these wom-
en worked to absolve themselves
Ssaw fourteen bleary-eyed of any complicity in the deaths.

students and two harried drama This year, the One Act cast

directors braving the snowy roads was composed of roughly two to

between SBA and Huron, en route three students from each grade

to the Region 5B One Act festival, level, 8th-12th. Experience levels

traditionally held at Huron High also varied, and the directors were

School. By luck of the draw (“luck” glad to see interest from a number

being dependent on perspective) of the younger students.

SBA was chosen as the first per- The team did make it through

formance of the day, so arriving in their early-morning performance

Huron on time was crucial. on the 26th, and took third (of

Due to poor travel conditions, seven schools) behind James Valley

the festival had been postponed Christian School and DeSmet High

a day and with the state competi- School, who, interestingly enough,

tion scheduled for just a few days both also performed historical

later, making it through the region dramas.

competition was essential. Grace Germain (12, below),

SBA’s 2017 competition piece Rianna Banik (10) and Leigha

was titled “Radium Girls” and was Baink (9) each received Outstand-

written by D.W. Gregory. The ing Actress recognition.

piece was a historical glimpse into The Spring Play will be the full-

the lives of several of the hundreds length version of “Radium Girls”,

of young women who were diag- and will hopefully give viewers a

nosed with rare cancers and blood more detailed look at the personal

disorders due to their work using cost of radium poisoning.

radium-based paint to paint clock

dials and airplane dashboard

gauges during the 1920s and

1940s on the U.S. east coast and in

Ottawa, Illinois. By the time many

of the young women were diag-

nosed with health issues, it was too

late for any treatment to be effec-

tive. A quick internet search of the

play’s title reveals just how horrific

radium poisoning was, and how

6 | The Crusader

Music ContestBA had forty students in Kevin Waller

grades 7-12 participate in challenge to switch from one song
to another in a short period of
Sthe Region IV Small Group time. Craig Brockel, Lisa Deal and
Contest at the AARC in Aberdeen Kevin Waller accompanied a vari-
on February 8. There were thir-
ety of the student performances.
ty-one entries performed by the
Most students get their music
students, including instrumental and right before Christmas break, and
vocal student solos, duets and large have under two months to learn
vocal groups, such as the Small
their music and work together with
Vocal Ensemble and the Men’s
their accompanist. Two students
and Ladies Ensembles. The student had six events this year, and many
solos and
were
groups
involved
received
in multiple
twen-
events.
ty-five I
For the
ratings
students
and six
that were
II ratings
involved
(with I’s
in one
being the
event,
highest
they got
score,
to spend
and V’s
the rest of
being the
the day
lowest).
supporting their colleagues from
There were over 500 student SBA. According to senior Elizabeth
events during the day from many Schultz, the best part of the day
schools in the region. Musicians
was “Being able to showcase your
were performing in ten different
best in front of other students who
rooms, and there was an adjudica- care about music.”
tor in each room. The first event for
Despite the challenges of hard
SBA took place at 10:18 a.m., and music, many students feeling sick,
the final event was scheduled for and a small amount of time to get
3:24 p.m. The groups were spread everything learned, SBA’s students
throughout the day at different
did a good job of representing our
times, and some students had multi- Savior and school.
ple events in an hour, making it a

The Crusader | 7

Festival of Women’s

Voices Kevin Waller
SBA had eight high school girls
participate in the Festival of she was greatly assisted by festival
Women’s Voices in Brookings, organizer Dr. Laura Diddle with
SD, on February 9 and perform at rehearsals during the day.
SDSU in the Performing Arts Center.
There were many different
elements that made the festival

The girls representing SBA were a success. Schools received the
Renee Seaman, Hannah VanHeu- music a little over a month before
velen, Grace Germain, Jiwon Park the festival, and music directors
(pictured back, L to R), Lisa Low- started working on the music with
man, Elizabeth Schultz, Jessica Kim their groups ahead of time. Each

and Shelby school was
Belmore to bring
(front L quartets of
to R). The students so
festival had that there

students would be a
from nine- student on
teen schools each part.
throughout The girls
South Da- were some-

kota. times split
The into sections
so they
festival could work on different parts of
lasted all day. The day started the music. After all the hard work,
with rehearsals at 8:30 a.m, and

the culminating activity of the day they performed on the stage of the
was the concert at 7:30 p.m. which Larson Memorial Concert Hall at
featured the festival choir, the SDSU. The SBA students also had a
SDSU Women’s Choir, and the com- bonus because they got a chance
bined choirs on two pieces. There to sing with SDSU Women’s Choir

was around seven hours of practice member Sarah Pedersen (’16, pic-
during the day. The guest director tured back row center), which was
was Dr. Carol Krueger of Valdosta the best part of the day according
State University. However, due to to Jessica Kim. “It was a very good
Dr. Krueger having almost no voice, experience,” she said.

8 | The Crusader

Pie Auction Ginny Brockel

February brings excitement on the out that if their name wasn’t at the
campus of Sunshine Bible Acad- bottom of the list they were not going
emy even more so than that little home with the “goodie” they were so
box of chocolates and flowers many hoping to go back to the dorm with. At
look forward to for Valentine’s Day. the end of the night the silent auction
It’s the annual PTF Pie Auction. As it is sold twenty items and raised $1,820.
my first year planning for the auction Six of those items were purchased at
it was a challenge to put together all the $150 Buy-It-Now price which left
of the background happenings when I quite a few long faces as those partic-
hadn’t been through any of it before. ular items were simply outstanding.
Thanks to Tresa Paul, Kenette Rogers
and Andrew Boersma who gave me During half-time of the varsity
guidance and assistance that I believe games we also gave the crowd an
led us to another successful Pie Auction. opportunity to get in on the fun of the
night. Mr. Boersma and some of the
The auction was held in conjunc- FFA chapter boys auctioned off four
tion with girls’ and boys’ basketball pies which brought in $460.
so the pies and our purpose for the
pie auction had some great exposure The main event began around 9
to the community in attendance. The p.m. with a good crowd forming. The
ladies and gents that whipped up their 106 pies and goodies were placed
mastered creations in the kitchen did on tables in front of the crowd to be
an outstanding job this year. Many scoured over and to be picked as
wide-eyed faces passed up and down favorites. Sixty-five bidders were
the aisle enjoying the view as well as registered and were waiting in an-
the aromas each entry emitted. ticipation for their chosen items to be
on display as the bids were called
A Silent Auction was held during out by Todd Waring, Billy Campbell,
the varsity games where ten pies, can- and Jacob Knippling, assisted by the
dies, muffins or rolls were auctioned. FFA chapter members. Mr. and Mrs.
We had a great go-round with a few Seaman were gracious enough to
of the items up for grabs. One in par- provide soft ice cream free of charge
ticular at the close of the boys’ game to anyone who purchased a pie during
left two anxious participants counting the auction that couldn’t wait to get
down the very last seconds before the their prize home to taste. By the end
of the evening the kids were running,
bidding closed to vie for their turn to the auctioneers were spent and the
increase the bid to make sure they bidders were exhausted but a great
were going home with their treasured evening was shared by all and $8,850
item. It was great fun to watch. It was was raised during the live auction. All
also fun to see some of the students total raised through the three events
bidding on the items set out. Some of was $11,130. God is good!
our international students were unac-
customed to what a silent auction was Thank you to all who participated

but it didn’t take them long to figure in the auction in any way!

The Crusader | 9

Belizeack from Belize! Thank you all Savanna Roghair (‘18)

so much for your prayers, the hard to say goodbye at the end of
the week, but I know the Lord has a
BLord is good! The trip came plan and will take me back if that
is where He wants me.It was my
up so fast and before I knew it I first time to see the ocean...I’ve de-
was back in the States! I will just hit cided I would much rather have a
a few highlights: sea of prairie than water! I had the
opportunity to snorkel with sharks
We started out the trip by vis- and stingrays…not cool! I did it
iting an orphanage outside of Hai- anyway and am still alive!
tiville. My heart was overwhelmed
as I was surrounded by beautiful Belize was the most wonderful
little kids with headfuls of black experience I have ever had, and I
curly hair,bright smiles, hearts full will never forget it! I’m excited to
of joy, and waiting for someone to see what the Lord has planned for
show them love. I think they were the future! If the opportunity for a
in shock of all my whiteness and missions trip comes up, take it! You
blonde hair! Lots of little hands will never regret it.
wanting to feel, and I definitely
went away with less hair, but left “ Commit your way to the
with much more love in my heart. LORD; trust in Him, and He will
They are so happy and content act.” Psalm 37:5
with everything they have, such ex-
citement for their Father in Heaven.
We also visited a Mennonite school
in Haitiville and led devotions for
two mornings during the week. We
sang songs and talked about the
greatness of God and that His love
never ends. They are so excited
to know Him as their Savior.We
worked alongside Haitiville Bap-
tist church in leading a VBS and
putting in some new windows. The
VBS was very chaotic! Ninety plus
kids who were full of energy even
after a long day at school! But we
had fun and reached lots of kids.
We even got the windows put in
through all the busyness! It was so

10 | The Crusader

Corner Post Andrew Hoffman (‘17)
As the winter reluctantly turns
to spring, the life of SBA, its once again in the yearly animal nurs-
community, and its FFA chapter ery. Capping off the week was the
culmination of the teacher-participation

picks up as all work to seize the sea- fundraiser, where students purchased

son’s opportunities. the honor of adorning Mr. Burma, be-

January came with the start of a loved PE, Health, and Anatomy teach-

new project for the chapter; a large er, with a cow costume for a day. Early

swing set build happening at the March began with an FFA CDE school

Paulson Ranch under Mr. Dale Paulson’s where some of our students learned

keen overseeing eye. Some of our about their upcoming competitions. The

chapter members also helped at the students began their collection of CDE’s

school booth in Miller’s Farm and Ranch for the year, with the Livestock team

Home show. February brought the gen- taking first both at Redfield and Miller,

erous donation of a well-restored Ford and the Ag Mechanics team taking first

9N tractor, affectionately named Max- in Miller as well. Cassidy and Teigan

well in a competition. February was Clark placed first and third individual-

home to the school’s annual pie auction, ly in Livestock while Andrew Hoffman

where FFA students dutifully displayed placed first overall in Ag Mechanics.

and delivered the items. February The chapter’s fervent activity

18-25 was national FFA week, which continues as the students continue to

entailed a collection of Ag-themed work on the swing project, practice

events. This year’s pep rally included for the upcoming competitions, make

“Ag Olympic” themed games like a preparations for state convention, and

hay bale toss and potato peeling. Kids get ready for the year end banquet.

displayed creativity to the tune of Blessed by God’s good will, the SBA

“transform”, the theme of this year’s art FFA chapter is looking forward to the

competition and Ag students taught completion of another great year.

The Crusader | 11

SBA juniors and seniors visited the capitol in Pierre on March 1 to observe
the state legislature in session. They saw SB 136, to permit and regulate
the practice of licensed certified professional midwives, pass the House by
a vote of 52-16.
Representative Spencer Gosch of District 23 (Campbell, Edmunds, Faulk,
Hand, McPherson, Potter, Spink, Walworth) took time to talk and take a
picture with our juniors and seniors.

12 | The Crusader

To Every Broken Soul

Senior Elizabeth Schultz wrote the following poem and entered it in the ACSI Cre-
ative Writing Festival. It received a rating of Superior in the initial round and has
advanced to regional competition.

To drug addicts too hooked to choose To expecting couples who learned
To leave the heinous slums Their child’s lifespan is short
Their own life they would rather lose The doctor said she’ll last a year
Than ceasing to feel numb. One option’s to abort

To police plagued with the gruesome task To man standing upon the heights
Of knocking on the door His fatal feelings trump
And when the worried mother asks, The wish that he had will to live,
Say her child lives no more. But all he hears is jump.

To soldiers with PTSD To every broken soul whose woes
Who still can hear the screams And worries do increase,
Too terrified to sleep at night No matter where you are in life
In fear of what he dreams. Just know you can find peace.

To the wife who’s done all she could I know it sounds impossible
To snag his wandering heart This world’s full of despair,
Her fragile soul can’t bear to watch But soon the world will be redeemed
Their marriage fall apart. And under the Lord’s care.

To children in the cancer ward His steady hands will hold you close
Who’ll never have the chance In times you can’t control
To score his winning hockey goal And He will take your emptiness
Or have her wedding dance. And fill the chasm whole.

To kids who have taken care of So pray for those who do you wrong
Themselves since they were four Know you are not alone
And when their drunken parent shows, For our God overcomes the world
They know to lock the door. And He will take us home.

To a father with Alzheimer’s
The memories fade to gray
His son dropped in to visit, but
Dad knew him not today.

The Crusader | 13

All-State Band Kevin Wallereniors Elizabeth Schultz and

Jessica Kim both performed with

Sthe All-State Band at the Lorang
will often start working on their music
in November (or earlier) to prepare
for the audition. Students need to

Theatre at O’Gorman High School in memorize the chromatic scale, be able

Sioux Falls on March 25. They were to play 18 of 24 major and minor

both in the Clark band, with Schultz in scales, perform an advanced solo,

the French horn section and Kim in the sight-read music, and take a terminol-

clarinet section. ogy test. All of this is done (except the

Before the students could partici- terms test) in a seven minute audition.

pate at All-State Band, they first had The four adjudicators for All-State

to audition in front of judges. Students Band each listen to a set of instruments

14 | The Crusader

so one person heard all of the clari- the students came from the three larg-
nets, while another person heard all of est cities in the state. Only fourteen
the horns. Due to the nature of balance out of 86 class B schools had a student
for a band, some instruments require make it, and three of the seventeen
more people than others. Through this class AA did not have one member in
process, Schultz was ranked the eighth the band! Despite the disadvantages
best French horn player in the state, compared to many other schools, SBA
and Kim was ranked the 39th best had two students make it into the finest
band for high school students in South
clarinet in the state. Dakota.
The students and director Kevin
The band the girls played in
Waller left for Sioux Falls on March performed four songs during the con-
23 to be at rehearsals Thursday cert. All of the pieces were collegiate
evening. The students rehearsed for a level music, and they were directed
total of over 13 hours during practices by renowned director Dr. Elva Kaye
on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Lance of Mississippi State University.
Rehearsals were spent working to Lance has been at Mississippi State for
get the music to come together with 25 years, and the band program has
a group of students that had never grown immensely in part to her hard
worked together before March 23. work and dedication to her craft. If
you would like to watch the perfor-
Students received the music in mance, it can be found at the SDPB
early February so they could start Facebook page. The band the SBA
learning the music ahead of time. students perform in starts at around
the 46:00 mark of the video. The first
Over 500 students auditioned for part of the video was the Lewis band.
All-State Band, and 178 were select-
ed for the weekend. Forty-five schools
had students involved, and over half of

The Crusader | 15

MegaTeen 2017 Jason Watson
As accurately as onyone can
remember, this year marked Iowa, led the music for the weekend.
the twenty-fifth annual Mega- David VanHeuvelen (opposite) is a
member of the SBA school board

Teen Retreat at SBA. We are grateful and a pastor in Emmettsburg. He was

for the way the Lord has continued joined by his wife Laura and their chil-

to bring attendees to this event each dren Chris (‘16), Hannah (‘18), Taylor

year and for the lives that have been (‘20) and Joshua, a sixth grader.

impacted through this event. Henderson’s firs message was en-

Before I describe the details of titled “Identity Theft - Who We Are in

the weekend, let me point out that Christ.” In it, he reminded the audience

making all of the details of MegaTeen that each person must find their true

come together and work smoothly identity in Christ in order to understand

requires tremendous effort from many who they truly are, and that in Christ

people--from SBA faculty and staff each person is created, chosen and

to sponsors, alums and volunteers who clean.

pitch in to help. When the number of Following the first session there

students on campus more than doubles was free time that included the three-

for two days--and they all have to be on-three basketball tournament, the

fed and housed--there are plenty of start of the ping-pong tournament and

logistics to work out. So to everyone time to just visit with friends old and

who helped out in any way, thank you! new before heading to bed.

The speaker for this year’s retreat

was Tom Henderson (right), the founder

and lead communicator of Restoration

Generation. ResGen is a ministry

targeted at reaching people “with the

life-saving message of Jesus Christ and

help[ing] them restore the broken re-

lationships in their lives.” The four main

sessions in which Henderson spoke

were centered around that theme.

Friday evening’s session kicked off

the weekend. Jason Burma and Ryan

Arentsen were back together again

as the emcees for the weekend after

Arentsen missing last year’s retreat.

Everyone was glad to see them back

to their usual antics to entertain and

engage the crowd--as long as they

were not the ones being picked on! The

VanHeuvelen family from Emmettsburg,

16 | The Crusader

After breakfast Saturday morning Sunday morning brought a close
the second session featured a message to the retreat with a final session after
titled “Hurt - Where is God During breakfast. Henderson’s closing mes-
Difficult Times?” After reminding the sage was entitled “Heart Not Hype
audience that even in the midst of - Walking With Jesus in the Normalcy
those challenges God is there, still in of Life.” Henderson has authored a
control and able to restore joy, Hen- book by the same name, a seven-day
derson provided an opportunity for discipleship journey that helps believ-
any of the young people who wanted ers understand their faith and grow
to meet individually with leaders for in their walk with Christ, and each
prayer--and a number of them did. attendee who wanted one received
a copy of the book. In this message
The afternoon was filled with a Henderson walked the audience from
volleyball tournament, a continua- the mountaintop moment of Jesus’s
tion of the ping pong tournmanet, a transfiguration, down the mountain and
soccer game and plenty of time to movement into mission. (To learn more
visit with friends. Then the attendees, about Henderson and his ministry visit
divided into twelve groups for small www.resgen.org).
group discussion times after each
main session, worked with their group Junior Susan Wilken, who was
members to complete a version of the attending MegaTeen for the fifth time,
Amazing Race that included a variety said this one was the best one yet.
of activites at different stations around “The speaker was really good,” she
campus. said. Asked what she thought about
MegaTeen, freshman Bom Han, attend-
After supper it was back to the ing for the first time, said, “Tired!”
east gym for the third session with
Henderson with a message entitled Our prayer is that students will
“Inconceivable - The Amazing Love continue to think about and apply the
and Forgiveness of Christ.” In this truths they heard at MegaTeen 2017.
message Henderson took the audience
back to the Garden of Eden to reflect The Crusader | 17
on the original sin committed by Adam
and Eve. Through this he also brought
out the truth that sin is what separates
us from God--and that sometimes the
only thing worse than getting caught is
not getting caught. Forgiveness of sins
provides freedom from the bondage
and weight of sin.

Saturday wrapped up with the
finale of the basketball tournament,
after which a team of sponsors and al-
ums took on the champions. The student
champs won that game too--though it
did take them until overtime to secure
their victory!

Crusader Athletics

SBA’s winter sports seasons came to an end in February. Here, the
head coaches reflect on their seasons...

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

SLindsey Hettich
piritual growth, individual growth and team growth are three aspects that
this year’s SBA Lady Crusaders strived to obtain. The team studied the book
of James where they found a wealth of instruction about spiritual growth through
the everyday situations we face and how we react to them. James encourages
us to not just know the right way to live, but to actually follow through on it and
do so with the right motives. Senior Helen Wilkinson commented, “I learned that
you cannot grow spiritually on your own, but that you need others who will be
there to learn with you.” Learning and growing with others can be great fun and
more productive than trying to do it on your own, a concept that applies to both
basketball and spiritual growth.

This year we looked to improve our team by working to improve each
individual’s skills. This was evidenced by emphasis on offensive skills including
shooting and ball-handling. Each practice started with an individual competitive
shooting drill in which team members could measure their improvement throughout
the year. Individually, many players showed tremendous improvement through-
out the season which made for a great team experience as well. Jessica Kim
(senior) noted, “Personally, I think this basketball season was the best of my four
years, not only as a team, but also individually. All of us improved a lot. Every-
one worked hard, devoting their time and effort, which really made them better
at basketball. In addition, everyone was encouraging each other while always
having a positive attitude.”

In an effort to build our team chemistry, we stressed the importance of
communicating on defense, needing every individual to box out for rebounding,
and moving the ball around effectively on offense. Throughout the season there
were significant improvements made as a team and it was visible for C-games as
well as Junior Varsity and Varsity games. Senior Cailey Banik reflected upon this
year’s team and said, “The season started off great. We practiced hard, worked
together, and clicked well, always trying to better each other. I think our team
grew greatly both as teammates and as players. We never became negative
and always wanted to fix what we could for the next game. I am very proud of
the girls this year. We may not have won every game, but we were one of the
hardest working teams out there and never gave up. I am glad I was able to
finish my career with this team.”

18 | The Crusader

Upon finishing the season, two Lady Crusaders were voted to the 281
All-Conference teams by the coaches in the conference: Lindsey Wilken (below
left) receiving first team all-conference and Susan Wilken (below right) second
team all-conference. Progressing towards our goals, the SBA Lady Crusaders con-
tinue to develop their individual and team skills on the court, while also growing
stronger in their relationship with Christ and with the family of God. As a team,
we try to live out Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens
another,” by challenging and encouraging our teammates’ growth in all aspects
of sports and life.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

TJamie McClain
hough they did not break through in the
win column, the SBA boys’ basketball team
showed maturation as the season progressed.
From a skills standpoint the team showed
great improvement from a year ago; phys-
ically they still face challenges from older
opponents, but that gap is narrowing. The
guys competed hard and represented SBA
well. With no seniors on the team there is
great optimism for the future. Hard work and
commitment have been evident from many of
the team members, and as they move forward,
they should see some of the fruit of that effort.

Sophomore Travis Hass was named 281
All-Conference Team Honorable Mention.

The Crusader | 19

WRESTLING

TJason Burma
he Crusader wrestling squad finished their season with four wrestlers qualify-
ing for the State tournament. Jed Konechne, Jace Burma, Iver Paul and Teigan
Clark (L to R below) all advanced to the state tournament in which Jed and Jace
both won a match. One of our goals for the team this year was to “finish strong,”
and I felt that the group as a team did just that with some very good wrestling
from each wrestler in the last tournaments in which they participated. During the
season, five of the six varsity wrestlers recorded ten or more wins and each of
those five placed at a tournament. Also the team was able to win four of the ten
duals they had with just seven of the fourteen weight classes filled. It was fun to
watch each wrestler improve in his areas of weakness. These athletes wanted to
improve those areas in which they struggled and they showed that hard work and
determination was worth it while wrestling out on the mat. Senior Jed Konechne,
a returning state qualifier, led the team during practice and events and will be
missed next season. Jace Burma commented, “I appreciated the way Jed would
set the pace in the practice room; we worked hard but we were still be able to
laugh and joke around during practices. Practices were never dull with Jed, Gar-
rett and Teigan in the room.” I am excited about the talent, ability and character
that we have coming back into our room for next season. They are a great group
who will push and encourage each other on and off the mat.

Individual stats for the season are:

WT Name Wins Losses

106 Iver Paul 28 14

132 Teigan Clark 21 22

160 Jace Burma 32 14

170 Grady Davis 12 17

170 Garrett Davis 4 7

182 Jed Konechne 24 15

20 | The Crusader

On January 19 Mr. Jamie McClain was presented with a plaque rec-
ognizing his induction into the 281 Conference Hall of Fame. This hon-
or comes in recognition of his many years of teaching and coaching
at SBA. During the past twenty-seven years he has served as as-
sistant and/or head coach of volleyball, football, boys’ basketball
and boys’ track--and still serves as head coach of the latter three.

Mr. McClain’s plaque was presented to him by Mr. Greg Pedersen,
SBA Athletic Director and himself a member of the 281 Hall of Fame.

Congratulations Mr. McClain!

The Crusader | 21

The junior high students presented their
science projects on January 27. Clockwise
from below: Abby Haun, Titus Deal, Ruthe
Lopez, Taylor Michaelis, Jakki Burma,
Cassidy Watson and Evelyn Jones.

22 | The Crusader

Ministry Team

The SBA Ministry Team resumed this year after a few years’ hiatus. Ashley
Ritenour and Kevin Waller lead two teams of young people who combine
drama, music and personal testimonies to tell others about Christ and
about Sunshine Bible Academy. While their schedule is full for the remain-
der of this school year, please contact Ashley Ritenour if you would be
interested in having the Ministry Team visit your church next year.

The Crusader | 23

Development
Corner Ashley Ritenour

Building sustainable relationships for
the mission of Sunshine Bible Academy

Greetings!
As the school year is nearing its end, I wanted to take this opportunity to

thank our many faithful financial supporters who ensure that future generations
are being established in God’s Truth at Sunshine Bible Academy. Tuition only
makes up 50% of the cost to operate SBA so we could not continue without you!

Just as an example, we would like to share a recent testimony from one of
our seniors. Sterling Holland is from Moorcroft, WY, and this is his second year at
SBA – he will graduate in May 2017. Sterling heard about Sunshine from family
members and friends who attended SBA.

Sterling shared, “SBA has impacted my life in
a variety of ways. It has deepened my knowledge
in everyday school, as well as in God’s Word. It has
opened opportunities for me that I would have never
known about had I not come to SBA. The caring peo-
ple have also made a large impact. If you are having
a rough time in life or are in a pinch, the staff of SBA
has your back and will help you out no matter the
situation. SBA provides a great foundation that plants
or deepens a student’s understanding of the Bible,
and the school operates mostly on donations.”

If you feel led to support SBA on a monthly basis
or give a financial gift to help us with year-end costs,
there are many options - so feel free to contact me at [email protected]
or send gifts directly to the school. Thank you!

1 Peter 4:9 “As each man has received a
gift, use it to serve one another, as good
stewards of God’s varied grace.” (ESV)

24 | The Crusader

Support Update
The graphs at right are designed
to reveal quickly what the cur- Tuition Income
rent status is of SBA finances. Livestock Income
Gifts/Fundraising
SBA relies on three main areas
of income to provide the necessary
funds for our operation: tuition in-
come, livestock program income and
gifts/fundraising. Each component is
essential.

Each pie chart at right rep-
resents 100% of the funding that
is needed from the three identified
areas in order to meet our operat-
ing budget for the fiscal year that
ends May 31. The burgundy area
represents the percentage of
support received for that area as
of late March, with the green area
representing the shortage. We
anticipate meeting our budget for
tuition revenue this year, but with
livestock prices low it appears that
we will finish the year considerably
below the budget in that area. At
this time, we are anticipating a
year-end shortage of close to
$100,000.

If you feel led to help meet the
anticipated shortfall for this year’s
general operating budget, please
mail your gift to the school at 400
Sunshine Drive, Miller, SD 57362 or
give online through our web site at
www.sunshinebible.org by clicking
on the “Donate to SBA” button in the
upper right hand corner of any
page.

Thank you for your support! The Crusader | 25

SBA Foundation David Paul

Awall? I don’t want this editorial viewed
as political. I wish for it to be just viewed
as common sense. Our winter travels take
us along and on both sides of the U.S./Mexico
borders of Arizona and Texas. In Mexico we find
the people friendly and helpful. We see what we
call poverty but it doesn’t seem to be reflected in
the people. They are happy and smiling as they go about their daily lives. Are
they poor? By our standards, yes. The reasons are many, but one circumstance
at the center of what makes everything difficult for a young Mexican family is
their money. Many years ago I remember the exchange rate was always about
two pesos for one US dollar. We find that we get a good value for our dollar
in goods and services in Mexico with all major brand products costing about the
same as in the U.S. Not so for the Mexican people because the exchange rate
now hovers around 20 pesos to one U.S. dollar. Any work the Mexican family
man can find probably won’t pay enough pesos a day to more than keeping his
family fed and a roof over their heads. We find the traffic to be light because
cars, pickups and gasoline are not in their budgets. They want a better life for
their families but there will never be enough green work cards for all who want
to come north to work. And the problem is a whole lot bigger than what I just
outlined. This family man is not involved in the criminal drug activities the news
talks about and the “Wall” will have little or no effect in solving the problem of
criminal drug activity.

The Old Testament talks about walls, how they were built and how one
came tumbling down. But the New Testament does not talk of building walls. In
a manner of speaking it calls for building bridges. When Jesus was asked which
commandments were the most important he answered, “Love the Lord your God...
and love your neighbor...”

I am about one hundred yards from the Rio Grande River which separates
me from Mexico here in SW Texas. As I write this article I am looking at a picture
in a local newspaper showing a young lad carrying a sign in a protest parade
in Presidio, Texas. The lad pictured reminds me very much of Sunshine senior,
Sterling Holland. His sign reads: “Have your wall – But my generation will tear it
down.”

Should we spend twenty-five billion tax dollars building a “Wall”? Better it
would be if we each reduced our tax bill by increasing our charitable giving by
supporting and building up Sunshine Bible Academy. Our students at SBA are be-
ing equipped today with God’s Truth to go forth tomorrow to build bridges which
will bring down walls around the world.

26 | The Crusader

Livestock Program Dan Todd

here is a new kid on the block” is a phrase that has been running
through my mind. I guess it applies as I was appointed the new Live-

Tstock Director for the SBA Livestock Program following Dr. Frusher’s

retirement. I have big shoes to fill and
I know right up front I need help.

The SBA Livestock Program has
been a vital resource in SBA’s mission
of providing GOD’S TRUTH FOR
TODAY’S YOUTH. Thanks to the many
livestock producers and families
involved in the program, in 2016 the
Livestock Program provided SBA with
$157,395.48 and in 2015 it provid-
ed SBA with $170,732.22. THANK YOU LORD! I am hoping, praying
and trusting those numbers go up.

I am reminded of the lyrics of an old John W. Peterson song that says,
“He owns the cattle on a thousand hills.” With spring in the air and those
cows having babies, I am hoping to put the SBA brand on a few more of
them! Can you help us find some NEW livestock producers to be involved
in the program? Give me a call (605-280-9214) or send me a note
([email protected]). I’d love to hear from you.

Construction on the new dorms will
begin once SBA has received $1.2
million in cash and pledges. The con-
struction loan is already in place and
site preparation has been completed.
That means we can start building as
soon as the balance comes in. As of
March 31, we still need about $250,000.

Would you be willing to make a gift to-
ward this project to help us reach our
goal and get construction started?

Just indicate that your gift is for the Building Fund when
giving online or mailing a check. THANK YOU!

The Crusader | 27

Gifts

HONOR GIFTS

Gift Given By In Honor of

Given to General Fund

Robert and Marcia Hettich Lindsey Hettich

MEMORIAL GIFTS

Gift Given By In Memory of

Given to General Fund

Kathleen Hass Deloris Koth

Ron & Edith Crosby John Olinger

Dave & Bonnie McClure Mill & Timmy Seaman

Phil & Vicki Hahn Scott Runge

Daniel & Deanna Bartkowski Joanne Yost Ledford

Jim & Marjorie Letellier Lova Bushnell

Amanda Eldridge Foresta Pullman

Amanda Eldridge Julie Schimke Kellogg

The following families gave memorials in memory of Carroll Brockel:



Cheryl Kosakowski, Steve & Margaret Frusher, Phil & Vicki Hahn, Keith & Connie

Fjeldheim, Ruth Waller, Glenda Palmer, Larry & Sherry Van Zee, Jeff & Dixie Beit-

elspacher, Brad & Jolene Haun, Lavida Dickinson, Dan Schwenck, Melvin & Phoebe

Huber, Kelly & Gwen Hettich, Lindsey Hettich, Marvin Beck, Lyle & Garnet Perman

and Carroll Brockel Family



The following families gave memorials in memory of Esther Mehlhaff:



Bernie & Sharon Moser, Craig & Lori Brockel, Joe & Denise Stout, Jan Brockel, Rob-

ert & Ruby Hollenbeck, Glenda Palmer, Lynn Holzwarth, JoElla Thorstenson, Jeanette

Weiland, Rich & Millie Richer and Esther Mehlhaff Family





Gift Given By In Memory of

Given to Scholarship Fund

Joe & Barb Warner Phyllis Barber

Joe & Barb Warner Foresta Pullman

Given to Building Fund

Dave & Bonnie McClure Orris & Ruby Shippy

Thomas & Judith Brady Foresta Pullman

Philip & Amy Kruse Lawrence & Betty Kruse

28 | The Crusader

Gift Given By In Memory of

Given to SBA Foundation

David and Janet Paul Esther Mehlhaff

David and Janet Paul Roger Paul Memorial Scholarship Fund

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are both rapidly approach-
ing-- May 14 and June 18 respectively. A wonderful way to
recognize your mother or father is a memorial or honor gift
to Sunshine Bible Academy. Mothers and fathers are perhaps
the most important people in the world, given the unique re-
sponsibility and special privilege of raising children and
teaching them God’s Word. Sunshine Bible Academy exists
to come along side mothers and fathers, partnering with them
to train children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

All memorial and honor gifts are tax deductible. Sunshine Bible
Academy will send a letter to the individual(s) specified by the
donor, letting them know about the gift that was made and all
memorial and honor gifts will be recognized in The Crusader.

What better way to recognize your mother and father than
to make a financial gift that will help SBA come along more
families in fulfillment of our mission? Just send your gift to the
school along with a note letting us know the name(s) of the in-
dividual(s) that the gift is in memory or honor of as well as
the address to which any acknowledgement should be sent.

Father’s Day

The Crusader | 29

SBA Family News
MARRIAGES HOMEGOINGS
Rebekah Konechne (‘15) and Timothy Foresta Pullman passed away on Janu-
Morgan (‘15) were married in Platte on ary 6. She served as a cook at SBA from
March 4. 1989-91 and two of her children grad-
uated from SBA, Felecia and Wade.
ENGAGEMENTS
Cole McClain (‘12) is engaged to Al- Delores (Shelbourn, ‘60) Taylor passed
ison Lammers. Cole is teaching History away on January 23. Delores enjoyed
at James Irwin Charter School in Colo- living in Brush, Colorado, near her son
rado Springs. Alison is an RN working and his family. She died peacefully of
in Denver. natural causes.

BIRTHS LaVonne Mae Derscheid Dugan went
Lucas and Megan Hall, SBA resident to be with the Lord on February 5. Her
supervisor and lower elementary teach- son said, “I imagine Jesus waiting to
er respectively, welcomed a baby girl greet her with open arms and her eyes
on March 12. Jovie Noelle joins older wide open as she could see him clear-
brothers Avery and Jaxon. ly without the blindness that had beset
her many years ago. I can hear him say,
NEWS ‘Well done my good and faithful ser-
Terrie (Oswald, ‘77) Todd is thrilled to vant.’ Vonnie’s husband, Toby, served as
announce the launch of her second nov- chaplain at SBA from 1970-72.
el! It’s called Maggie’s War and, while
not being marketed as a sequel, it does Jerry Mackey (‘62) passed away on
have a couple of the same characters March 19.
as her first book, The Silver Suitcase.
Tom Kosakowski passed away on March
Terrie says, “I want to thank my SBA 21 after a lengthy battle with leukemia.
family (Class of 1977 and others!) for Tom served as business manager at SBA
your warm support and encouragement. for seventeen years beginning in 1992.
You can ask for Maggie’s War at any Tom and his wife Cheryl also worked
bookstore or purchase it online from with the SBA ministry team and served
Amazon.com. (And Jon says to say hi to as musicians at St. Lawrence Community
all his classmates from ‘76. He’s proud Church. The K’s served SBA again brief-
of his author wife!).” ly in 2015 as ambassadors for Phase
II of the building campaign and were
We want to hear from you! Please inducted into the SBA Hall of Fame in
send all information and updates 2016. The Kosakowski family has asked
to [email protected]. that memorial donations be made to the
SBA building campaign.

30 | The Crusader

Calendar

Upcoming events...

APR SBA Track Meet
11 Huron

APR No School -
14, 17 Good Friday and Easter Monday

APR Junior/Senior Banquet
21 Pierre

APR Elementary Music Contest
22 Miller

APR Spring Play - “Radium Girls”
27 7:15 p.m. - East Gym

MAY Awards Night
4 7:00 p.m. - West Gym

MAY Track and Bible Day
5 Registration forms available on SBA web site

MAY Junior/Senior Dedication
10 7:45 p.m. - Chapel

MAY Spring Concert
12 7:15 p.m. - West Gym

MAY Last Day of School
12 K-6

MAY Last Day of School
17 7-12

MAY Baccalaureate and
21 Commencement

The Crusader | 31

SUNSHINE BIBLE ACADEMY

400 Sunshine Drive | Miller SD 57362
Address Service Requested.

For more information:
www.sunshinebible.org | 605.853.3071