Mr. Marshall’s Marching Muster

For the students in Mr. Marshall’s “Civil War Marching” elective class, history came alive on Saturday, April 27th. The students were invited to participate in the Third Michigan Volunteer Infantry Company F’s, spring muster.

A “Civil War Muster” is like a practice for the groups’ reenactments, which they hold throughout the year at different locations. This muster was special to us because we not only got to watch history come alive, but we also got to participate.

The day started bright and early at Hilt’s Landing in Montague. Students were instructed to wear long sleeve shirts and shorts because part of the muster included dressing in the authentic Civil War uniforms. The uniforms were made of wool and were hot and itchy. Let me emphasize the “Hot and itchy.” After several hours in the hot sun, we could relate to the soldiers.

After a morning filled with marching drills, there was lunch for the entire group. Then more drills. It was then time for a nice afternoon “hike.” We marched for about two miles while wearing our hot uniforms and carrying an 1861 Springfield Musket which is what most troops back then were out-fitted with. Did I say the uniforms were hot and itchy?

After our hike, we then came to my favorite part. We got to actually shoot the muskets! After instructions on safe usage we started by biting the top off the gun powder cartridge. We then dumped the powder into the barrel of the musket and used a ramrod to pack it down. We replaced the ramrod and then lifted the gun, cocked it partially and put a primer cap on and then pulled the hammer back all the way, aimed and fired! We used real gunpowder, but no bullets. We got to do this several different times.

The rest of the day included meeting some of the other reenactors and dinner. It was great fun and let us put what we learn in our elective to work. It also gave us a chance to see what our forefathers went through. Thanks Mr. Marshall!!!

- Cory Greeno, Sophomore

CCS Track & Field Off to a Slow Start

The 2013 track and field season has got off to a good start. The only thing is that so far both of their track meets have been canceled due to rain. Although those who compete in track were disappointed that the meets were canceled, but it probably was a lot better than standing outside in the cold and rain all day wearing their track uniform. Their first meet has not been rescheduled yet. Although their second meet was rescheduled for the following weekend, but they cannot make it to the meet because of the band and choir trip to Chicago that was already scheduled for that same day.

There are still many meets left this track season so they hopefully will be able to get out on the track in a meet for the first time this season. The team is anxiously looking forward to their first meet of the season, and hopefully they can get out there soon weather permitting.

- Isaac Burns, Sophomore

Spiritual Emphasis Day 2013

The Thursday before Spring Break was an exciting day for the high school students at Calvary Christian Schools, as this was Spiritual

Life Emphasis Day! Spiritual Life Emphasis Day is special because it’s not just a day off from regular class schedules, but a day taken to reflect on our beliefs. The fact that it was on our last day of school before “Easter Break” made our reflections seem more important than ever.

After a fun bus ride to the Reformed Campgrounds, South of Grand Haven, we arrived at the camp which is located in the woods along beautiful Lake Michigan. It’s the perfect place for this kind of activity.

This year the high school learned about persecuted Christians in other countries. Mr. Collins spoke for the first half. Living in America with all of the freedoms that we have, we do not realize all of the freedoms that are taken away from people in other countries. Some people can not even go to church without the fear of being killed. In America we can go to church freely with no fear.

We had the music pastor from Harvest Bible Chapel to lead us in worship. Some of the songs that we sang were: One Thing Remains, Blessed Be Your Name, and The Revelation Song.

We then were introduced to our main speaker who represented the “Open Doors USA” organization. She spoke about the persecuted Christians that are found all over the world today! It is hard to believe that in these modern times there are still places where people don’t have the freedom of religion. Some of the worst places for the persecutions of Christians are countries like North Korea, Iraq, Pakistan, and Somalia. She then showed us a short video before we broke for lunch. After a tasty pizza, veggie and brownie lunch, we then had a free hour to explore the campground or just hangout.

When we got back together after lunch we saw another video. This one was about a terrorist from Indonesia who eventually changed his ways and became a Christian.

We then broke up into small groups to study about countries where persecution still exists and then we prayed for all those who are still persecuted today. We got a sheet of paper that had a country on it and it had a story about a person being persecuted in that country. At the end we all got bracelets that looked like barbed wire to remind us to pray for the persecuted Christians around the world. For me being able to go to my own church without fear is amazing. It makes me think that so many people can not even go to their own church without fear of being persecuted.

- Cory Greeno and Samantha Nesbitt