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2025 Mission Trip to Juan Tomás, República Dominicana

July 07, 2025
By Laura Frasa, Secondary Spanish Teacher and Lead Teacher for the Dominican Republic Mission Trip

VALIANT

For several years I had the history of Gideon on my mind as something that I would like to study more deeply, keeping in mind that what I study I often end up leading in a Bible study at some point. At the end of the 2024 school year, I felt that God was laying on my heart “now is the time”-- and so Gideon: Your Weakness. God’s Strength by Priscilla Shirer arrived at our doorstep two days before we left for the Dominican. As I held the book in my hands, looked at that title on the cover, and then read the back, I knew that this message was timely: “[Gideon’s] epic victory actually tells of one man’s struggle with his own weakness—and the One True God who transformed it into triumph.” Ever since COVID, I have been more purposeful, and therefore intentionally vocal, about combating the lies told within the explosion of mental health issues. As followers of Christ, we are not to walk in brokenness; we are meant to walk in victory.

A key truth from Gideon’s life, as with many people in the Bible, is that God “calls things that are not as though they were” (Romans 4:17). However, while this reality rocked my world many years prior to COVID-- during a powerful “living room encounter” with the Lord in 2012-- truth be told, it took another decade for me to start boldly walking out what He showed me then… and, frankly, I am still having to learn that God sees us not as we see ourselves. But that is the epitome of grace, and therefore what is at the heart of “Valiant” and at the center of every Bible Study that I taught and every devotional that I wrote this year. I could not let go of one single, but crucial, aspect of Gideon’s story: The Lord, in the form of an angel, called Gideon “Valiant Warrior” while he was hiding from the enemy. God saw to it that I would be called Laura-- “Victorious One”-- decades before I even caught a glimpse of what that would mean. And shortly after we returned from the Dominican in 2024, God made sure that I could not let go of any of this. For that reason, what I thought was going to simply be the central focus of our Senior Class Bible Study this year actually transformed into so much more…

It became a mission. 

Special Beginnings

This year, our first night brought a special “welcome event” prepared for us by our Dominican friends. It was a time to start reflecting on the theme for this year, to begin building community between our cultures, and to form teams for a Tuesday night activity. The most meaningful aspect of this opener, however, was when the Dominicans had to interview us in English, and we had to interview them in Spanish, and then each person had to go in front of the church and introduce their “new friend” in their non-native language. No pressure! And yet it was a great way to not only break the ice, but to also start aligning hearts from the beginning.

Team Building 

Our first morning, we had a tour of the school grounds, the goat farm next door, and the village. Paul McMillan and his wife Linda, who together helped found the school, have approximately 500 goats (!) that they raise and use to sell milk and other dairy products. It’s truly impressive to see-- and it’s also not uncommon to be awakened to a “screaming goat,” as the farm is next to the girls’ cabin, and the goats are milked at 4:30am.

That day’s community-building activity was then a carnival night that our friends had set up on the basketball / volleyball court. There was a ring toss game, cornhole, balloon darts, a cup-stacking race, Bible Trivia Jeopardy, and dancing. The goal was to win games in order to earn fake dollars to then save for picking prizes-- most of which were brought down by us, so it was a great collaboration! 

Always Plenty to Sand & Paint!

Due to the climate in the Dominican, as well as the normal wear and tear that happens on school and church grounds, every year there is always plenty of sanding and then painting that needs to be done. This year we sanded and painted the playground by the lower elementary section of the school, a few upper elementary classrooms (once school was out for the year), the iron bars on the office and on the building next to the church, the church doors, the wall behind the church, picnic tables, and the garbage enclosures. That last one might seem super strange; however, imagine, a couple of years before we started going to the DR, they didn’t have any trash cans on the grounds, and so five hundred+ kids just threw all of their trash on the ground! Then they purchased huge, blue plastic outdoors garbage cans (no lids) for all around campus… and this year we arrived to see colorful “fencing” around a couple of the trash cans (mimicking what you see on the playground) to make these areas look even more presentable. So, we were simply making sure that all of them were freshly painted.

**FUN FACTS: A couple of our team members had a special “full circle moment” with painting this year. When we went to the DR for the first time in 2022, our first job was to sand and paint the entire lower elementary playground. Aaron Frasa and Kate Meyer were on that trip as well, after having finished their freshmen year. Now as graduated seniors, they both came back for their third and final mission trip-- and to sanding and painting the very place where their journey began.

This is the first year where SIX graduating Seniors joined us on mission! That was ~⅓ of the team!

Unique Opportunities

While we did a lot of painting this year, we also had a lot of other “out of the box” moments. First of all, imagine high school students at OCS roaming through the secondary, finding all of the broken furniture, and then fixing it themselves (wait a minute… maybe the DR is onto something here!). Then picture flooding in the street due to not having a ditch, and students digging one themselves. It’s pretty cool to see needs and then be able to meet them by using our own manpower. Well, then imagine a dining hall that was repainted two years ago-- only they never replaced any of the design work that was originally there-- and people who are gracious enough to let someone from another country use her gift to bring life back to that space.   After collaborating with the “first lady” of Juan Tomás, the elementary school principal and pastor’s wife, our very own Evie Cobb was given the opportunity to paint a verse above the serving area in the dining hall, a mural on the front wall, flowers all around the eating area, and another mural on a wall in the ball court! It was such a blessing to watch her make a blank canvas come to life with such incredible skill!

From there, a few students and I had the opportunity to help out with VBS Tuesday - Thursday, connecting the theme of “Valiant” with lessons on the Armor of God that my own Spanish IV students had written. Kudos and special thanks to Faith Denno, Morgan Dowdell, and Mia Gurney, who were brave enough to teach the lessons that they had written-- yes, in Spanish!-- to a room full of kids.

Finally, our group was also able to participate in a very special house dedication. When someone from the village makes a request of the church that a team help rebuild their house, when it is finished, a large group from the church-- plus whoever else is present (like our team)-- goes to the house, piles inside and around it, sings worship songs together, Pastor Richard gives a message, someone prays over the house and the family (this year I was asked!), and then we sing again. Words cannot express how powerful this experience is… and afterwards, some of us wondered if we could adopt this practice in the States.     

More Team Building

The most important thing that I stress with every mission trip is the reality that we are not going to the DR to “do projects” but rather to “build relationships.” Unity starts with our relationships with the Lord and with one another, and from there, we strive to keep building stronger relationships with our Dominican friends year after year. Thanks to the collaboration with “everybody’s friend” (and now a close family friend), Dharling Cruz, we not only had a carnival night, but also a “team night,” volleyball competition, and worship night. For the team night, we were all divided into the teams that were randomly chosen during our first night welcome event, which were a mixture of Dominicans and Michiganders. As a team, we had to design a flag (complete with a team name and spiritual connection), plus write a song or chant-- which we then had to perform in front of the whole group. Based on how well we accomplished these, we earned points to then see who the winning team would be. It was a lot of fun-- and quite hilarious to see what each team developed (including Brandon Pipp grunting like a caveman :).

Fruit Hunts & Party Busses

Some team members find the differences between life in Juan Tomás and life in Michigan absolutely captivating*. It’s always comical to see which students want to go “fruit hunting”-- and how excited they get over their treasures. Equally humorous is seeing the myriad of reactions when we end up on a “party bus” at some point on the trip, this time en route to and from our visit to the Colonial City-- Santo Domingo. In the U.S., if a student stands up on a bus, in less than a minute he/she will be yelled at to sit down. In the Dominican, you may find small, glowing disco balls lining the ceiling above the bus aisle (yes, you read that correctly), music blasted at earth-shattering decibels, and people piled in that aisle as they dance and jump and sing (yes, you read that correctly). This is the Dominican way. And while not everyone may chase after this lifestyle, no one can deny that the unrestrained joy exuding out of many of our Dominican friends is infectious.   

*This also includes capturing abnormally large beetles and tarantulas, but we won’t talk about those, letalone show pictures. Yes, there are pictures… :-0

The Power of Language

Statistics show that, for a number of reasons, knowing two languages is highly beneficial. When traveling on a mission trip, however, we are not focused on “statistics” but on “hearts.” While in Juan Tomás, we saw the beauty of knowing two languages come alive as some of our students worked with a 10th grade English class, assisting them in their conversational skills, and using their Spanish knowledge as needed to aid in the understanding of topics. Later in the week, the majority of our team-- per the instigation of Evie Cobb-- then joined with a group of Dominicans to head into the village to pray over people in Spanish (or in English with someone translating). It’s a wonderful thing to be able to use language to form bridges between cultures-- and even more rewarding when you can speak to someone in their own “heart language.”

The Beauty of Connections

From morning until night, it was all about connecting with one another and with the Dominicans. Each morning started with a personal, “pre-devotional” time of preparation and reflection-- and then after breakfast, we had group devotions (divided into two separate groups for the majority of the week). Since school started while we were eating breakfast, we were always greeted by lots of noise and “¡hola!s” from outside the dining hall, as well as plenty of hellos and hugs throughout the morning around the school grounds. The kids always wanted to be with us every chance they could get-- even when we were working-- and this year they were getting more bold in asking me to talk to their teachers to try and get them out of class. Oh, that sounds so familiar! :)  For those students that live near the school or are related to adults that work at the school or church, it was not uncommon to be playing games with them at other points in the afternoon or evening as well.  Finally, “late night chats” have become a tradition in the Dominican, and those who choose to participate will contend that the most rich conversations happen under the beloved mango tree…

Worshiping Together

Our friends in the DR are always so generous in their support of having team members use their gifts during church services as well. This year, as part of the week of community building events, our friends planned a special worship night during the usual Saturday night Youth Group group session. They called it “Firmes” in connection with our team verse, II Corinthians 15:58, where it commands us to “Manténganse firmes” = “Stand firm.” This night included a time to share praises & blessings, sing lots of worship songs (with our very own Kate Meyer and Tyler Morrissey helping to lead), and hear a tag-teamed mini-sermon-- given in Spanish by two of my Spanish IV students, Tyler and Aaron (yes, it was a proud teacher AND mom moment! :). But in all seriousness, to echo III John 1:4, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children [and students] are walking in the truth.” To God be the glory!

Sharing God’s Faithfulness

Our last night of the trip is always a time of reflection, where each member of the team shares what they are most taking away from their time on mission. I didn’t think that anything could top last year’s two-hour long time of deep thoughts and connections, but this year genuinely left me marveling at how we saw the Spirit move in that space-- with 20 people crammed into my hotel room! Not only was it a time of sharing, but it was also a time of laying hands on people and praying fervently as things were shared and we felt led. Three hours later, we were emotionally exhausted but spiritually uplifted. It was the perfect way to end a trip that had God’s fingerprints all over it. We are most grateful… 
 

To view all of the photos from our trip, click HERE.
 

Tags: Secondary
Posted in OCS Life

Oakland Christian School Receives National Recognition for Music Education

May 20, 2025
By Oakland Christian School

Oakland Christian School has been recognized with the SupportMusic Merit Award from The NAMM Foundation for its commitment to music education. This national award honors individual schools that demonstrate outstanding achievement in providing music access and education to all students—regardless of background, interest level, or ability.

Each year, the NAMM Foundation evaluates over 1,000 schools and districts across the country. Only a select group earns recognition through two awards: the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME), given to school districts, and the SupportMusic Merit Award (SMMA), which honors individual schools like ours. We're proud to be among the schools that have demonstrated the highest level of dedication to music programs.

“Our music program plays a vital role in shaping well-rounded students at Oakland Christian. Music education encourages creativity, teamwork, discipline, and personal expression—all of which align with our mission to develop the whole child.”

Thomas Blue, Elementary Music Teacher

As part of the selection process, Oakland Christian submitted detailed information about its music program, including funding, student involvement, curriculum, facilities, and community support. The data was reviewed and confirmed by WolfBrown, a national arts education research firm.

“This recognition is meaningful for our students and teachers. It affirms the hard work we’ve poured into building a music program that reflects excellence and gives students a chance to grow in ways that go beyond academics.”

Angela Scheu, Band Director and Fine Arts Coordinator

Whether it's a student picking up an instrument for the first time, singing in chapel, or performing at a concert, music is a key part of student life at Oakland Christian. This award underscores the school’s commitment to nurturing students both academically and artistically.

For more information about The NAMM Foundation and the SupportMusic Merit Award, visit nammfoundation.org.

Stepping Stumps Created by Audrey Sirois

December 07, 2024
By Oakland Christian School

Audrey Sirois, a senior who has been at OCS since Kindergarten, completed the Stepping Stumps as her capstone project for the American Heritage Girls, an organization she has been a part of since she first became a student at OCS! Audrey says, “It has been a blessing to grow up in this organization, as it has a strong focus on the Bible, leadership skills, life skills, and service to the community. Throughout high school, I have earned 18 badges so far. Some notable examples are Women of Faith, Money Management, Bible Basics, Outdoor Skills, and Emergency Preparedness. I also have 700+ hours of community service throughout my high school career.”

When Audrey told Mrs. Clark about wanting to do her American Heritage Girls capstone project at OCS, they decided to create the Stepping Stumps (based on a playground element in California) with the telephone pole scraps left behind from an old climbing wall OCS had years ago. The American Heritage Girls organization required Audrey to write up and submit a full report explaining every aspect of her project, from the plans to the designs to the schedule for implementation, etc. Audrey oversaw volunteers and got her own hands dirty completing all of her action items just in time for our elementary students to enjoy the new playground addition on the first day of school!

Thank you, Audrey, for doing your American Heritage Girls capstone project at OCS, and for creating something that our students will enjoy for years to come! 

If you would like more information about the American Heritage Girls organization, check out their website: https://americanheritagegirls.org/

Posted in Student Highlights

OCS Earns Nation's Highest Recognition in AP School Honor Roll

October 29, 2024
By

Oakland Christian has made the AP School Honor Roll Platinum Level, the highest level of distinction for 2024.

The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.

The AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. 

Posted in OCS Life

Meet Ken Juday

August 21, 2024
By Oakland Christian School

What is your role this year?  

Math teacher: Honors Algebra 2; Personal Finance; Pre-Calculus; AP Calculus

Tell us about your family.

I am married. I have 3 daughters and my wife has 4 daughters and 2 sons. Together we have 9 children and 12 grandchildren. There is always something happening. We also both take care of our mothers. 

What hobbies or interests do you have outside of work?

I like to play chess and darts. We go swimming and kayaking at the lake. I like to read and go for walks.

Why do you choose to work at Oakland Christian School?

I like the Christian mission of Oakland Christian School and many in our congregation send their children to OCS.

What is your favorite Bible Verse?

Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Tags: Secondary

Meet Julie Brouwer

August 12, 2024
By Oakland Christian School

What is your role this year?  

I'm excited to join the team at OCS serving in the kitchen.

Tell us about your family.

My husband, Matthew, and I have been married for 13 years. We are blessed to have two boys who keep our life so full of joy and opportunity to grow in God's grace. Our oldest will be in 2nd grade this year and our youngest will enter Kindergarten. We love to adventure with our boys in the daily things at home or through travel. We love spending time with extended family here in Michigan and in my home state of Washington. We're thankful for the friendships God gives our family through OCS, church, and community, and look forward to meeting more of the OCS family.

What hobbies or interests do you have outside of work?

I love to read and enjoy being a part of a book club. I like to play with my family whether that be a bike ride, a sport, or another activity.  We like to travel both to the UP and Washington to see family and travel to new places. This summer I've especially enjoyed sharing my love for the Olympics with my family. I enjoy baking, mostly cookies, but occasionally something else. I love being a part of the international Bible study program of Bible Study Fellowship and how it has fostered my growing love for God and His Word and for others.

Why do you choose to work at Oakland Christian School?

We're passionate about Christian education and so blessed by our family's experience at OCS. I'm excited to be a part of supporting this community and seeing the students and staff more. It brings me so much joy and I pray God will help me to share His joy.

What is your favorite Bible Verse?

"I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 has been a favorite from when I first memorized it at a young age. It reminds me that in all circumstances God is my strength, and my strength doesn’t rest in myself but in Him. His strength knows no limit. This both comforts me and challenges me, correcting my thinking to not limit God but choose to trust in faith His will. 

Meet Leslie Hawkins

August 08, 2024
By Oakland Christian School

What is your role this year?  

Physical Education 6-9 grades

Tell us about your family.

Family of 5- Doug (husband) 3 children: Alexis-25, Kayla-22, & Nicholas-19 & our dog Chaser-12

What hobbies or interests do you have outside of work?

Read, crafts, golfing, kayaking, walking, gardening, hiking & traveling.

Why do you choose to work at Oakland Christian School?

Worked for 26 years in public school & still love teaching. Wanted to be surrounded with more brothers & sisters who walk the same path as Jesus.

What is your favorite Bible Verse?

Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Also, Luke 15:3-4, ”Then Jesus told them this parable: ‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?’"
 

Meet Shannon Owens

August 01, 2024
By Oakland Christian School

What is your role this year?  

I’ll be teaching Second Grade this year!

Tell us about your family.

My husband and I just celebrated our two year anniversary! We have a golden retriever named Sunny. My mom lives in Erie, PA where I grew up. I have an older sister who lives in Kent, OH and she’s a photographer. My little brother is living in Pittsburgh, PA currently and works at Highmark. We’re all spread out but love to catch up often!

What hobbies or interests do you have outside of work?

I love being with my husband and my dog, embroidery, cooking, reading, hiking, drinking coffee, and exploring my new state! We moved here from Cleveland, Ohio in January.

Why do you choose to work at Oakland Christian School?

Coming from a previous Christian school, I know how amazing it is to be able to share Jesus’ love with the students, staff, and families. I am overjoyed to be back in a Christian School. From the short amount of time I’ve been here, I can already tell this place is very special. I cannot wait to begin teaching here.

What is your favorite Bible Verse?

2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

This reminds me that I am not in control, and I can do nothing apart from Christ!
 

Tags: Elementary

Meet Diana Mejia

July 31, 2024
By Oakland Christian School

What is your role this year? 

I'm happy to be a Kindergarten Assistant for the Spanish Immersion Program.

Tell us about your family.

I've been married for 25 years to my lovely husband Everardo. He is a Mechanical engineer working for General Motors. We have the blessing of being parents of 4 kids and a dog. Our oldest son Ever graduated from Oakland University in 2023 with a Computer Engineering degree, and is currently looking to pursue a masters degree. Jorge is currently studying Information Systems and Business Analytics at DePaul University in Chicago and he's looking forward to his study abroad program this fall. Our youngest, the twins who attend OCS, Aaron and Elizabeth are excited to start 8th grade. Aaron is passionate about his involvement in OCS robotics and soccer. Elizabeth loves her church group and she's practicing tennis. We also have a lovely 4 year old mini golden doodle called, Bumper. 

What hobbies or interests do you have outside of work?

I love spending time with my family and friends. We love watching a family movie, playing board games, taking our RV to go camping and fishing. 

Why do you choose to work at Oakland Christian School?

I wanted to be part of a community where my values and faith align with it. OCS has been a great place for my twins, they have grown deeply in their faith and love to Jesus as well in their academic skills. Therefore, I humbly want to be an instrument that helps in the spiritual growth and development of the kids where God called me to serve.

What is your favorite Bible Verse?

2 Timothy 1:7 " For God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control."

Tags: Elementary

Meet John Rama

July 25, 2024
By Oakland Christian School

What is your role this year?  

I will be teaching high school Statistics, AP Statistics, Algebra 1, and Honors Algebra 1.

Tell us about your family.

My wife, Lynne, and I will be celebrating our 28th anniversary in August. Lynne is currently a Professor and Program Director of the Medical Laboratory Science program at Eastern Michigan University. We have two wonderful children, Ben and Elaine. Ben will be a junior at Central Michigan University this year. He is working toward a degree in Business and plays club lacrosse for Central. In the fall, Elaine will begin her freshman year at Michigan Tech University and is planning to pursue a Biomedical Engineering degree. She plays soccer and cello and really loves snow.

What hobbies or interests do you have outside of work?

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, vacationing, camping, hiking, mountain biking, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, volunteering at church, playing games, and exercising.

Why do you choose to work at Oakland Christian School?

I am excited about the opportunity OCS is giving me to share my love of Jesus and passion for mathematics with students. I am looking forward to being part of their high school journey and hope to encourage them to grow in their faith and challenge them to deepen their understanding and appreciation for mathematics.

What is your favorite Bible Verse?

Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Tags: Secondary

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7/7/25 - By Laura Frasa, Secondary Spanish Teacher and Lead Teacher for the Dominican Republic Mission Trip
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