We have found a new Principal and I am very pleased! Mr Scott Ambrose will join us in November; we are truly blessed.
If you missed the announcement you can read the full message from the CEO and Board President.
Southern Christian College is releasing their Deputy Principal with grace and the sure knowledge that God will provide for the huge ‘gap’ he leaves in their community and school. Please pray for them as they now seek to replace him.
Our God does provide for all our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). As I look back over my journey through life, I can certainly testify to the truth of these words. In person, I am happy to share examples from my life but on this page I want to exhort you to look at your own lives and remember the answers to prayers, the blessings you have received, the encouragement you have found in Scripture, the joys of relationship with family and friends…
But, if this is a time of grief or suffering, I again exhort you to reach out and talk about your needs with Him. We often talk about our burdens: work overload, sickness, relationship problems, rebellious children, fears and anxieties, financial difficulties, being taken for granted and the list goes on. Do we ask others to pray for us? Is our first impulse to turn to God, whose arm is never too short nor His ear deaf (Isaiah 59:1)? The enemy would have us be hopeless, complaining, discouraged, broken and unbelieving but Jesus tells us He came to give us an abundant life (John 10:10).
I often ponder this verse. I know it is more about the purpose of life than about my pleasures and comfort. ‘Abundance’ means to have more than we need (not want). God’s idea of abundance is that we know Him intimately, talk with Him and seek our encouragement in Him. Is the ‘peace that passes understanding’ (Philippians 4:7) better than getting our own way, whatever that might be? The most content, joyful and ‘rich’ people I know are those who have the qualities mentioned here.
The ‘core business’ at school is, of course, our academic program as that is what schools are about; however, the ‘core business’ in life is to worship and serve our God. We are partnering together in training up our young people to know Him and the world He created. Let’s remind them also to depend on their Lord as they navigate life with all of its joys and sorrows. Let’s model this in the way we navigate life.
There is a beautiful song that goes:
When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings; name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
[Chorus]
Count your blessings;
Name them one by one.
Count your blessings;
See what God hath done.
Count your blessings;
Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings;
See what God hath done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings; ev’ry doubt will fly, And you will be singing as the days
go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold, Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold. Count your many blessings; money cannot buy Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.
So amid the conflict, whether great or small, Do not be discouraged; God is over all. Count your many blessings; angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
— Johnson Oatman Jr (1856–1922)
We don’t often invite those in our school community who may not share our faith, to chat with us about the reasons for our faith, but I would like to do so now. Please email me or any other staff member you might feel more comfortable with, should you like to chat. We would also be happy to pray for any needs you might have. May God bless you.
Ineke Laning — Acting Principal