CCY CONNECT MAY 2023 EDITION

As Mother's Day approaches, it's a special time to honor and appreciate the mothers in our lives. Often times it can feel like the love and sacrifice that mothers pour into their families goes unnoticed. That is why it is important to take time to recognize and celebrate these amazing women.

Becoming a mom myself I quickly realized how much I took my own mother for granted. Growing up she was always busy, she would be cleaning the house, cooking dinner, and making sure Brittany and I were taken care of. As a child all of that was just stuff my mom was supposed to do and I know for a fact I didn’t thank her enough for any of it.

Mother's Day is a great opportunity to teach kids about the importance of honoring and respecting their mothers. We can talk to them about the different ways that their mothers care for them and how they can show their love and appreciation in return. We can encourage them to make cards, write letters, or do special acts of kindness to show their gratitude.

To all of the moms, grandmas, aunts, and other mother figures, Thank you. Thank you for loving your children unconditionally, and making sure the house is clean and the backpacks are packed for school. Thank you for staying up late to make sure we make it home safely, encouraging us, and wiping away the tears when we have had a bad day. Thank you for being our biggest cheerleaders and for all of the things you do that go unnoticed.

"Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’" Proverbs 31:28–29

It is with great pleasure we congratulate the graduates of 2023. Join us for a special graduation service on May 21, 2023, at CCY. This is a special moment in their lives, and we are proud to be a part of it.

To the graduates, you have worked hard and achieved a great milestone. You have shown resilience and determination in the face of challenges, and your efforts have paid off. Your families, friends, and the whole church community are proud of you. As you embark on a new chapter of your life, we encourage you to hold on to the values that have brought you this far. Remember to always put God first, seek wisdom, and be of service to others. Use the skills and knowledge you have gained to make a positive impact in the world, and never forget the importance of faith, hope, and love.

To the parents and guardians, we congratulate you on this achievement. You have played a critical role in shaping the lives of these graduates, and your efforts have borne fruit. We acknowledge the sacrifices you have made to support them, and we celebrate with you.

To the teachers and mentors, we thank you for your dedication to nurturing these young minds. You have imparted knowledge, skills, and values that will serve them for a lifetime. Your impact on their lives is immeasurable, and we appreciate your service.

To the entire church community, we celebrate together with the graduates. Your prayers, encouragement, and support have been instrumental in their success. Your investment in their lives is a testimony to the love and care we have for one another, and we thank you.

As we celebrate the graduates of 2023, we also recognize that this is a time of transition. We pray for guidance and protection as they navigate this new chapter in their lives. May God bless them with the grace and wisdom to make the right decisions and achieve their dreams.

OUR GRADUATES:

Tylar Beer has been a part of a close-knit family consisting of Jim Wagner, Eric, Kim & Haiden Stephens, Jed & Heather Johnson, and Nathaniel Beer. He has spent four years at Mustang High School and an additional four years at CCY. In his leisure time, Tylar works full-time at Cicis Pizza in Yukon, but he enjoys hanging out with his friends whenever he's off. One of his cherished memories involves the people who have had a positive impact on him - his family. Although Tylar has yet to make concrete plans for his post-graduation future, he remains optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead.

Rose Miller is happily married to Chris and is the proud dog mom to Stevie, Putter, and Artemis. She has been a part of CCY since November 2019. Rose's educational background includes theater management and design, which she pursued at a college in Kansas. Later, while living in Bartlesville, she obtained a massage license. Rose is passionate about helping others and is involved in the House of Healing's equine therapy program. She also enjoys painting, cooking, baking sugar cookies, and spending time with her dogs. Riding horses and being around them is another one of her favorite pastimes. She loves spending time with the youth kids and is always eager to learn new things. Rose feels blessed and thankful for the encouragement and love she's received from everyone as she continues her education. Her future plans include completing her Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree at Mid-America Christian University in the next two years. Whether or not she decides to pursue a doctorate is something she'll consider in due course.

Russell Smith comes from a close-knit family consisting of his parents, Robert and Jessica, his grandfather Jon Smith, his siblings, Chris, Jonathan, and Emma, as well as his Granny, Aunt Tonia, and Uncle John. He has been attending school and church for two years now. Russell is interested in both taekwondo and computers and actively participates in these extracurricular activities. When he's not busy with his hobbies, he enjoys spending time with friends and working on his computer. Among the people who have had a positive impact on him, Russell considers his teacher, Mrs. Lucas, to be a significant influence. In terms of his future plans, he intends to attend trade school. Russell's favorite saying is "good beans."

Hunter Wythe is part of a loving family, which includes his mother and stepfather, Melissa and Mike Wrona, as well as his father and stepmother, Shane and Cara Wythe. He also has siblings named Garrett and Jaycie Wythe, and his grandparents are Mike and Sheree Avila. Hunter's aunt and uncle are Ashlea and Jason Amway. He has been attending Yukon Schools since he started kindergarten and has spent two years at Canadian Valley Vo-Tech. Hunter has been a part of CCY for as long as he can remember. In school, he takes a keen interest in computer programming and forensics classes. When he's not studying, Hunter enjoys playing video games, spending time with his family, playing board games, fishing, and collecting swords and knives. His favorite teacher was Ms. Caruthers, who he had in his junior year, and he has some fond memories of his cabinetry class. After graduation, Hunter plans to enroll in Canadian Valley Vo-Tech and take up Computer Aided Drafting and Design. His favorite saying is "If it bites, don't put your hand near it."

If you are a 2023 graduate or know of a graduate to celebrate on Graduation Sunday, please let us know by clicking the button below.

Written by Rob Courtney | Guatemala Missionary

At Morning Glory Christian Academy, 2023 has come in like a breath of fresh air. Since the pandemic started, this is the first year we have been able to come back with no restrictions whatsoever. Our schedule is normal. Masks are optional. And no more take-home study guides. We can high-five, hug, dance, and carry on just like before as the students of San Raymundo, Guatemala develop their minds, heart, and soul at Morning Glory. It’s been a long road, but we can now play to all our strengths in the classroom again. And we can see the fruits of our labor in smiles and changing lives.

Being primarily a school, it’s important for students to get out of the house, have an established routine, and above all, encounter relationships that model and teach them the love of God. We’ve said it before, and we will say it again. God is relational. He sent his Son down to the world to show us the way, but to do life with us. It was imperative that God related to His people face-to-face, in a way we could see and feel his love like never before. That relationship is what we try to mirror every day to our record-breaking 620 students this year. From Pre-K to college entry, we want to support mental, emotional, and spiritual growth through relational connections.

And here’s the part we haven’t even mentioned yet: Groups are coming back this year! We can’t talk enough about how groups raise the whole level of everything we do. Kids love to play with and learn from the “crazy gringos.” Short-term groups have been largely absent for the last few years and this year, almost all of our visiting churches are coming back to visit. Short-term groups relate to our students in ways we never can. Groups show love by improving our campus, having fun, and teaching about God’s love in a special way. I can tell you from experience, the presence of God we feel in the chapel when groups come and love unconditionally.

And CCY has a special place in ours hearts. Few groups are as creative in looking for new ways to show love and meet our true needs. Over the years, CCY has left incredible impact at Morning Glory. Bible classes are always memorable. Teachers remember the gifts handed out with a smile and a hug to encourage them. CCY has given improved our campus in leaps and bounds. We still have tables from the first trip that have names from CCY engraved on them. But more importantly, CCY leaves the name of Jesus engraved on our students and teachers. Because with all the activities and donations, there is an aura of joy and love. Whether speaking in English, Spanish, or a mix in-between, Christ’s Church of the Yukon loves like Jesus loves. And we all know, that’s what matters most.

Saying “We can’t wait to see you again” feels incomplete. Saying that groups make a difference feels insufficient. CCY are our friends, partners, and an indispensable part of our ministry. CCY leaves behind a fingerprint, an impact, and a message of Christ’s love that changes lives and changes Morning Glory forever. Maybe one day we will have the words to adequately express it. Right now, we will have to get by with the purest smiles and most authentic hugs you can imagine, from almost 700 students and teachers who wait for you here.