About TSCS
FACULTY & STAFF TESTIMONIES
|
Principal Glenn Andes
|
When I was only a young boy of seven, my sister shared the way of salvation with me. This was the first time I had heard the Gospel and I knew it was something I needed. I prayed with my older sister’s help and asked the Lord to forgive my sin and give me a home in Heaven. As I grew up, I had a keen sense of God’s leading in my life. There were times – during sermons, during my devotions, in conversations with others – that I felt a desire to serve God with my life. When I reached my high school years, I knew without a doubt that God had called me to serve Him. |
|
School Secretary Karen Hullinger
|
I was raised in a bible-believing church since I was little. However, it wasn’t until I was in 5th or 6th grade at an after school church program that I realized I needed a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I wandered in my teen years and unto the earlier part of my marriage until the Lord spoke to my heart about fully committing my life to Him. I am grateful to Him for His saving grace and His watchful care over me as His child. My life verse is “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13 |
|
School Bookkeeper Barb Block
|
I grew up on a small farm in Dubuque, Iowa in a Catholic family of nine children. We regularly attended church; however, I grew to understand God as something powerful but distant, and that He would grant prayer requests only if I were behaving. Through turbulent teen years and early twenties, I distanced myself from God. After many selfish years, I began questioning the real purpose of my life and also God’s existence. In 1990, a teacher at the local community college, where I worked, befriended me and started talking about Jesus as a friend and a personal Savior. She taught me John 3:16….about God’s forgiveness and love, and the incredible sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, on the cross for me, personally. Early in 1991, when the U.S. entered a mid-East crisis, I thought to myself, “If the world were to end today, or if I were to die today, where would I end up? Would I perish in Hell or go to Heaven?” Understanding that Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6), I gave my life to the Lord! Though my Christian walk hasn’t always been easy, I’ve learned that I grow the most in times of trial. Our God is an awesome God who can do incredible things in our lives if we trust and obey Him. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. |
|
Marketing Director Grace Keith
|
I was born and raised in Buffalo, New York where I was part of a loving, Christian family. I attended Awana and church where I heard things about the Lord. I began Kindergarten at a Christian school where my teacher would tell us Bible stories and would consistently show us God’s love. One day during our Bible time she explained to us about heaven and hell. I knew, even at that young age, that I wanted to spend eternity in heaven with the One who died for my sins, Jesus Christ. I accepted Him as my Savior that day. That day marked the beginning of my story. I continued to grow and to learn more about things of the Lord and at eighteen, I graduated from High School and received an invaluable gift from my parents. They paid for my first year tuition at Emmaus Bible College. I had no idea what that gift would mean for my life. In August of 1991, the car all packed to go, my family drove from Buffalo, New York to Dubuque, Iowa to drop me off for my freshmen year of college. From that first night alone in my dorm room, I realized that I had been riding on the shirt tales of my parents faith and I quickly realized that I had to make my faith with my Lord, my own. I began to search out scripture, increased my prayer life, and began to make my relationship with the Lord a priority. He began a good work in me and He will be faithful to complete it! I continue to grow daily and am striving to live each day for Him. I am happily married to my husband David and we have 3 children. We strive as a family to love the Lord and serve Him with our lives! I am so thankful for my Savior and for the opportunity to serve Him at such a tremendous place like Tri-State Christian School. |
|
IT Director Bonnie Spore
|
Saved at an early age and growing up in a Christian home and with a Christian education I often took for granted the benefits of growing up in that environment, even feeling overwhelmed at times from so much Christian teaching. It was not until later in my life that I have truly begun to appreciate all that God has to offer and to have a much closer and meaningful relationship with him. One of my favorite verses has always been Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I have thought on this verse often throughout the years and while I haven’t always understood God’s plan for me it is so reassuring to know that he is with me and that he does have a plan! I know he has brought me to TSCS for a reason and I feel very blessed to be a part of Tri-State Christian School and the ministry they have. |
|
Curriculum Director Jen Dreier
|
I was very blessed to have grown up in a Christian home with parents that love the Lord. From my very earliest days they taught me of Christ’s great love for me and His sacrifice on the cross to pay for the penalty for my sins. When I was six years old I prayed and asked the Lord Jesus to be my Savior. I am very thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to grow in the Lord in a Bible – believing church, a Christian High School and at Emmaus Bible College. |
|
Maintenance Tim Gaffney
|
I grew up in a home that attended church regularly as a teenager. I started racing motor-cross on weekends and stopped attending church through my teen and 20’s except on Christmas and Easter. At the age of 30 I married Laura and we started attending church but I didn’t really have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The Lord started working in my life and at a Sunday worship service Laura and I accepted the Lord at the same time. |
|
Custodial Lila Worsham
|
I did not come from a Christian home. As a teenager, my life was not a good one. I developed a reputation that soon caused me to hit rock bottom. I knew something had to change, but somehow, I couldn’t do it myself. Not knowing where or who to turn to, I found a tract which gave me information on how I could be saved from all my problems. I knew that I had nothing to lose, so I read through it and sincerely said the prayer at the end of it. What a peace came over me! I thought that’s all there is to it and continued living my old familiar ways. Nobody was around to help me grow. About 16 years later, I attended a church with a pastor who truly preached salvation. He had an interest in my destination, and so with his help, I was able to rediscover my Lord and Savior. |
|
Special Needs / Gifted & Talented Jamie Davis
|
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. I came to accept Jesus Christ as my personal Savior in my mid-twenties. God placed people in my life to prepare the way for me long before I realized the significance of their actions or the impact they would have on my life. God created a special place in our hearts that only He can fill. I praise and thank God for the grace that He has bestowed upon all of us, through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, when we invite Him into our heart. “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me,” Galatians 2:20. It is my desire for Jesus Christ to live His life through me. |
|
PE / Athletic Director Chris Fransman
|
I was born in a Christian home to Christian parents. I went to a small Christian elementary school and I attended Church every Sunday. I went to Sunday school, catechism, and youth group, and did all the things that I thought a Christian should be doing. I memorized bible verses learned all the stories and I knew who God was, but I didn’t know him personally. I went to the local public high school. I became active in sports and began to make that the focus of my life. Sports became so important that I put God on the back burner and lived for myself. As I continued to play sports I didn’t see the success I thought I would have. I became angry with God and pushed him farther away. My mom got hurt, my grandpa got sick and passed away, and I got even more upset at God. Through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes I realized that I was a sinner and that I needed Jesus. I went home that night and gave my life to the Lord. Since then my life has been filled with joy. My soul is at peace and I await the Lord’s return with great eagerness. I rejoice for “to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Jn. 1:12. To God be the Glory! |
|
Elementary Art
|
|
|
JH/HS Art Suzi Sulzer
|
I grew up knowing who Jesus was, but I never understood what it meant to give my life to Christ. At the end of my third year of college I was at a personal low. My best friend and a classmate teamed up and made me go to The Salt Company, a Christian group. I went, and the fourth week the leader spoke on Psalm 23 “the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…” He said that “God will give you what you truly need and what your heart longs for even without you asking.” The next evening I thought about what was said and made a list of all that was bad in my life and all the things I had truly been longing for. Then it hit me like a brick, in the four weeks that I had gone to The Salt Company and was hearing His Word, God had gotten rid of everything bad on my list and He had given me every thing good on my list. Who could argue with that? |
|
Music LeeAnn Hedrick
|
In God’s sovereignty, I was born into a loving, musical, Christian family and I came to know the Lord as my personal Savior at the age of 6. I grew up going to church several times a week and had a firm foundation laid by the committed teachers there. In high school, God called me to full-time Christian service. During college I worked as a student summer missionary in Montana one summer and Pennsylvania the next. In Pennsylvania God introduced me to a tall preacher boy from Kansas who shared my call to ministry.. For the past 27 years we have served the Lord together wherever He has led us. Along the way,, He has blessed us with three wonderful children who are also serving the Lord. I am so thankful God has brought our pilgrimage to Tri-State Christian School and I look forward to being part of God’s work. |
|
K4-K5 Kelly Wilson
|
I grew up in home that believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as the only way to get to Heaven. From a very young age I understood that I was a sinner. My dad explained to me what the Bible said about getting to Heaven. God is a perfect God, and can’t have sin near Him. But because He loves us He sent His son to die on the cross. Jesus Christ paid the price for my sin. I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior at a young age but He is still showing me how to be more like Himself every day. |
|
First Grade Lillian Catron
|
I was raised in a Christian home but did not accept Jesus Christ as my personal Savior until I was twelve. This wonderful experience took place at a Billy Graham Crusade in Toronto, Canada. At age fifteen I gave my life totally to the Lord and was baptized as witness to this change. Since then I have walked with the Lord in valleys and on mountaintops. He has always been there and kept His promises fully. He is worthy of all my trust. |
|
Second Grade Sue Briggs
|
Attending church regularly was part of my childhood. I heard stories from the Bible and knew about Jesus, but did not know Him as my Savior. During my sophomore year of college I attended an evangelical service and realized there was something missing in my life. I started going to a Baptist church and heard a clear presentation of the Word. Soon, I accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord of my life. God brought my husband and me together shortly thereafter. Since that time we have tried to honor the Lord in raising our four children, through our local church. |
|
Third Grade Katelyn Hester
|
The Lord definitely blessed me by allowing me to grow up in a Christian family. My parents made sure the family was at church when the doors were open. We heard the Gospel in the church as well as at home. One night it clicked that if I were to die that night that I would not be going to heaven. That night I put my faith and trust in Jesus Christ. It wasn’t until high school that I realized what it meant for me to be a Christian and that I was to live my life in total surrender to Him. He has definitely placed situations and people in my life to help me as I continue to grow in Him. I am very thankful that He has brought me to Tri-State to serve at the school. |
|
Fourth Grade Keri Keller
|
I am so excited that the Lord has called me back to Tri-State. After graduating from Emmaus Bible College in 1997, I taught fourth grade here at Tri-State for two years. In 1999 my husband and I had our first baby. It was truly a blessing to be at home raising our children. Now with all three in school at Tri-State, I felt the Lord leading me back. I grew up in Romeoville, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. My parents became believers when I was very young and through their example I too wanted to give my life to Christ. At the young age of five I understood that my sin separated me from God. I accepted Christ as my savior one summer day and have walked with Him ever since. Currently I attend Asbury Community Chapel and along with my husband we are actively involved in the Sunday School program. Throughout the year we are involved in various Bible Studies, and we enjoy spending our summers volunteering at Lake Geneva Youth Camp in Wisconsin. It is our desire to learn, grow, and serve the Lord. I am always excited to see how the Lord works. He has been faithful to me in so many ways. I am anxious to begin this new chapter in my life. With the help of the Lord I pray that I will be a joyful, faithful, servant for Him. Psalm 126:3 “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” |
|
Fifth Grade Carla Kreiss
|
Although I was raised within a mainline denomination and had a head knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, I lacked a personal relationship with Him. When I was twenty-two years old I asked Jesus to become my Savior and the Lord of my life. It was then I became a new creation in Christ Jesus, my sins forgiven and I was given the promise of eternal life. Being a Christian is an exciting adventure! I witness again and again the living God working in my life to conform me to the image of His Son, Jesus. One of the most profound moments of my Christian life has been the understanding of God’s grace. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9 |
|
Sixth Grade Tabitha Krahling |
|
|
Jr. High Becky O'Connor
|
How wonderful to be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord! Having been so blessed, I realized the need to ask Christ to be my savior after watching a video of C.S. Lewis, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe at the age of 7. However, it wasn’t until I was in college and after the September 11th attacks that I asked Him to be my Lord as well. He has been so faithful through every trial. “Being confident of this very thing that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 |
|
Secondary Science Jay Jusino
|
I began a personal relationship with Jesus Christ when I was about nine or ten years old while I was on first base under the cherry tree in our front yard. It was then and there that I became aware of the fact that Jesus actually gave me all that I then had and that I could actually talk with Him outside of a Church building. Repentance was not part of this original experience nor was there confession of His name (and mental acceptance of His substitutionary death) as these things had not yet been preached to me, nor had I read such things in the Bible. Since then however, I have been, “. . . diligent to make certain about His calling. . . ” (cf. 2 Peter 1:10). I have learned and grown much since then, yet I still desire to “ . . . grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18) as I attempt to “. . . seek first His kingdom and His righteousness” (Matt 6:33) in all that I do and say. May my weakness be His strength! |
|
|
|
|
Secondary History Carole Cochrane
|
Ever since I can remember, I have believed in God. I was saved at the young age of five, but all through my growing up years, as I look back now, I see that there was really no depth to my Christian walk. In high school, I even began to doubt whether God was in fact real. This changed during my freshman year at Cornerstone University, where several circumstances compelled me to rely and really trust in the Lord, and He proved Himself faithful continually. I soon found myself developing a real relationship with my Father in Heaven. In the past four years, God has led me to places I never would have dreamt possible. Through these experiences, I have learned that God wants to take us places where we cannot rely on our own strength or abilities, because it is there that we learn much about the character and glory of our Savior. As I look back on where God has led me, I can say with confidence and assurance that “The Lord is my Shepherd.” Psalm 25:4 |
|
Secondary Mark Kreiss |
|
Secondary Jesse Stoltz |
|
Secondary English Natalie Breeden |