I would like to echo the thanks of the Athletic Director, coaches, students, and parents alike in thanking three members of the 2012-2013 Des Moines Christian boys' basketball team for taking the time last Saturday (March 2nd) to speak with the 2nd and 5th grade basketball teams of the i9 recreational basketball league.  Seniors Connor Wohlenhaus, Keaton Anfinson, and Nick Gerlach -- in conjunction with Coach Todd Miler and DMC Parent Craig Aldag - spoke to these teams about being high-quality people both on and off the court.  One parent wrote, "The young players loved to hear what it is like to be a high school basketball player.  Thank you to all involved who made this happen!" Not only did these three fine young men come to the gathering at the "after game" party, but they showed up to watch the 2nd graders compete in their game as well.  The same parent added, "You couldn't believe the excitement on the young men's faces when those three players walked into the gym with their DMCS Lions warm-up outfits on!!!  Once at the pizza party, they played PS3 basketball with the younger guys and answered questions from all of the 2nd graders - from 'What is your favorite Bible story?' to 'How has God helped you be successful?"' to 'Do you have a girlfriend?'" The parent concluded, "Keaton, Nick, and Connor were exemplary in their answers and absolutely thrilled these young DMC students.  The 3 hours they spent with us were sincerely appreciated, and it made us parents even more proud to be associated with the DMCS community."  Another parent wrote, "Keaton, Nick, and Connor represented the Des Moines Christian school and the basketball team so well, reinforcing and reminding all of us why we send our kids to the best school in the metro and state!  Like other parents, I am so proud to be associated with the DMCS community and praise God for these young men.  I can only pray that, when my children are varsity high schoolers, they will have the same level of character, integrity, and spiritual maturity of these young men.  I am confident our children will give thanks to DMCS' commitment to Christian education and growing up with students and parents alike who have a common bond in putting God first!  God is great!"  Coach Miller added, "I appreciated Keaton, Nick, and Connor going above and beyond to brighten those students. My guess is that the elementary students are talking about it at school all day today!"  He wrote to the varsity basketball players, "Thanks again for stepping up, and don't let this be the last time you step out of your comfort zone to lift up others. One of my favorite bible verses is  Philippians 2: 3-4 - 'Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.'"  There can be no doubt that these DMC seniors exemplified this passage when interacting with the i9 student-athletes.  I, Dr. Bob, praise God for their examples of godliness!

Have you returned your Benefit and Auction response card?   Don't wait too long to reserve your seat; prices are only $25 through March 15, and are $30 starting on March 16th. Questions? Contact Peggy Lettow at 252-2496.   

The date for the Big Blue Bash has been changed to avoid a potential conflict with a sub-state varsity basketball game, so re-mark your calendars, and plan on attending the BBB from 4:30-7:30 p.m.  on Saturday, April 20, 2013! The BBB is filled with fun, food, and fever pitch excitement! You and your children will not want to miss this memorable event!