Christian-based educators in Vergas looking for more students

By Robert Williams

Editor

An increase of local public schools providing preschool classes has created some difficulties for smaller, independent preschools, but a three-generation family in Vergas is continuing to offer a Christian-based learning environment for three-five year olds at Jesus Little Lambs Preschool (JLL).

Mrs. Lois Wippich, wife of pastor E.R. Wippich began a preschool ministry in the early 1980s in the basement of St. John’s Church of Vergas. This preschool ministry offered play time, bible time, music, devotions, snacks, story time and outside fun. A small, suggested donation was asked by Mrs. Wippich, but no child was turned away. 

Lois basically provided the instruction for free as a common donation was $20 per month. Those donations were typically used to purchase new things for the preschool like furniture and basic necessities.

“It all started with a few toys, a Bible, and a teacher with the heart to love little children like Jesus,” said Lois’ daughter and current preschool Director Priscilla Orvik.

The preschool continued to grow with more children coming for both morning and afternoon sessions. In the early 1990s, St. John’s church added an addition that allowed the preschool to be expanded full-time into a bigger area.

Mrs. Wippich was the main teacher with many volunteer helpers throughout the years. 

“Many helping hands and giving hearts blessed the little ones coming to learn and hear about God’s love through Jesus,” Orvik said.

In 1994, Priscilla began teaching together with her mother. More sessions were added to the growing number of children attending.

Kids attended four times per week for 2.5 hours. Priscilla convinced Lois that she has to charge a little more money for her services.

“You’d pay more for a babysitter,” she said.

JLL continued to grow thanks to contributions and donations from the congregations of both St. John’s and St. Paul’s churches. In 2000, both churches combined to purchase the current preschool building and land at 301 Altona Avenue to give Jesus Little Lambs Preschool a permanent home. What was a ministry became an official preschool when both churches financially supported the preschool and the teachers. 

“Their mission to reach children with the love of Jesus was still the focus with no child being turned away,” Orvik said.

Throughout the life of the preschool, providing services to children, whether or not their family could afford tuition, was something organizers at the school and both churches quite emphasized. Nobody would be turned away.

Weekly attendance grew to more than 80 children. Mrs. Wippich became known as Grandma Lois to many children in Vergas and local communities: Frazee, Perham, Pelican Rapids, and Detroit Lakes. 

Through 30+ years of teaching, Grandma Lois has had the privilege of teaching some of her first preschooler’s own children before retiring seven years ago. Lois was known for making home visits in Vergas and surrounding towns, field trips to Vergas State Bank, Goodman’s, Vergas Hardware and Big Jim’s. She also had a spring program with special skits by her students.

Her retirement was interrupted two times when she was needed back at the helm and she always thought Priscilla would come back and teach.

However, Priscilla was busy home-schooling six children and helping to run their family’s new business Crossroads Garden Center and Landscaping with her husband Scott in 2007.

Another family member, Lois’s granddaughter and Scott and Priscilla’s daughter, Mikayla Orvik decided to pursue Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) at college and began as an aid three years ago. She is currently hired to teach while she completes her college degree.

According to Priscilla, Mikayla enjoyed coming to Jesus Little Lambs Preschool when she was little. 

“Mikayla is excited to teach and share her love for these children and Jesus’s love,” Priscilla said. 

Priscilla continues to serve as the Director until Mikayla completes her full licensure.

ECFE is unique to Minnesota. Revenue is provided through a mix of state aid and local property taxes. In this area, parents of students from Frazee-Vergas received an even bigger bonus when a grant was received that provided free tuition for four-year-olds to the Hornet Academy Preschool for the 2024-25 school year.

From the church board to the three generations of one family keeping JLL going, they are working hard to not get lost in the shuffle.

“I know there are children here who can benefit,” said Priscilla. “And you can do both, both ECFE and still come here one of two days.”

Class sizes have decreased in the past few years, but Lois and Priscilla are reminded often of the positive impact they had on area kids.

“I can give you stories upon stories of grown men who come up to my mom and they share memories of it,” said Priscilla. “There is something special about that age of three and four; it’s a wonderland and you want to build friendships and teach kids how to treat each other and the whole thing of knowing Jesus. It lasts. Christian Education leaves a legacy in our lakes area and this gift all started with a few toys, a Bible, and a teacher with the heart to love little children like Jesus.”

Class sizes are small at the preschool. Tuition is affordable at $100 per month for three days per week. There are openings for more children to attend Jesus Little Lambs Preschool in Vergas. For more information, please call (218) 342-3402.