Adventure Specialists' Advice
April 13, 2017
Seeing the End from the Beginning
This morning during SAT, I took some time to talk with my students about Good Friday and why it is called good. From this vantage point in history, we understand that the death of Jesus brought salvation to many, and his resurrection on Easter proved that God conquers death.
However, I tried to put myself in the place of the disciples on that Friday and Saturday. We all agreed that, had we been there, we most likely would have responded like Peter. When Jesus was crucified, his followers must have felt abandoned. What had all of their work been for? What was the purpose? Now what? When the women went to the tomb on Sunday morning, they were expecting to find a decaying body, not a miracle. They went with an attitude of mourning, not rejoicing. Why do we now celebrate this Friday as "good?" Because we know the end.
There are still many areas in our lives where we do not know the end from the beginning. Chuck and Deana are still awaiting the final paperwork for their adoption. Dave is moving back to the U.S. Michele is switching to elementary school. We don't have another social studies teacher for next year. And the list goes on and on.
So, what's the good news? Even though we don't know how things will end up in our lives, God does. The other, even better news, is that we really do know the end.
Isaiah 46:10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’
Matthew 24:14
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
1 Corinthians 15:20-25
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man,the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
And so we celebrate Good Friday, knowing that Easter is coming. And we live by faith each day, knowing that God does even more than see the end from the beginning.
Important Dates
April 14 - Good Friday (no school)
April 16 - Easter Sunrise Service (7 AM, optional)
April 20, 10:15 - ES Sneak Peek (5th grade only)
April 21 - Final Strategic Planning Day (only those on the team)
April 24 - King’s Installation (no school, teacher work day 9-3)
Combined Staff Meeting, 9:00
April 26 - Instrument Drive (3:15-5:00)
April 27 - MS Service Learning Day
School Dismissed at 12:30
Curriculum Work Time 12:30-2:30 (teachers may leave at 2:30)
JSB 4:30 (optional)
- April 28-May 1 - Labor Day (no school)
The Silver Bullet
Is there one single factor that has the most significance in influencing long-lasting student faith? Though there is no “magic pill” to give to students, research shows one factor does stand out as having the greatest potential to impact student faith. This factor is intergenerational relationships, or significant spiritual relationships/mentoring between older and younger generations. This of course means that adults need significant interaction with students but also includes older to younger students. The power of mentoring and spiritual community between the generations cannot be underestimated. If there is one thing to prioritize, this is it. I find it interesting that many churches are creating multiple services to cater to different age groups. This has actually been proven to be quite ineffective in developing student faith. Students need to hear the stories, ask questions, and feel loving connection with older Christians. Research finds that if a student has 5 older people investing in his/her life (like parents, coaches, a special teacher, and mentor), the odds for life-long faith go up exponentially. At Dalat we do intergenerational relationships so well! I want to encourage you that what you give is making such a great impact on the lives of our students. Thank you for all that you do to invest, and may you be encouraged and strengthened in the work God’s given you to do!
Susan Allen
HS Teacher, Instructional Coach