In Trust
I leave this here as a reminder to the students, to those whose lives had been affected by the ministry of many. Having achieved its original intent and more, we have with great consideration decided to close the school. What a priviledge it has been to be a part of this. You have been entrusted with the truth of the gospel, and it has been placed in your care. May you always stand as faithful to the truth that you know. 2 Tim 3:14-17.
Amani Acres Christian Academy
Amani Acres Christian Academy or AACA in short. Amani – a
suggestion given to us as we considered a name for the school. This
was given to us by two, who were instrumental in the starting of
this school. Their support, prayers and wise counsel were greatly
appreciated. I am referring to two faithful missionaries, with
well over two decades of mission work in the Country of Kenya, Africa,
namely Larry and Kathy Hopkins. The Word Amani in Kiswahili
means peaceful. Well nobody knew what a contradiction that
term would come to be. For anyone who has visited our yard,
where the school is, has been anything but peaceful for the last
4 years, for the activities there are numerous.
Through many hours of dreaming, searching, questioning, praying,
and consideration, it started to develop into a viable plan. Originally,
the idea came from attending a meeting at a neighbouring church as
they were thinking of starting a Christian school themselves. They
were not prepared to go ahead then, but it was too late for us. The
idea was planted in our wives minds and soon, many more here caught
that same vision.
The plan... Move a school house onto our yard, as that was a central
location and available. It was a unique school with one room, a few
unwanted guests at times. A little mud, a lot of mud, but the lawns
were seeded, the flowerbeds manicured and the two additions were
completed.
But that is just the building. As God has enabled, this dream which
has become reality. And He has used other parents, who shared
the same goals of Academics, of study, of knowledge and wisdom, of
trying to root our children’s identity in the existence and
glory of God. We wanted our children to know that they are
made by Him, they belong to Him and they are called to live for His
glory. We had a unique opportunity to provide this education for
our own. To join with other parents who saw this to be a viable
option for our youth. Whether it is private, public or home school,
we as parents have this opportunity to watch our children grow into
adults. You will see all the seeds you have sown in their lives,
how they have internalized truth, and how they have been prepared
for a productive God-honouring life. We will remember the times to
pull alongside them, to offer them truth, and to give them hope.
My wife and I have had the time of our lives managing the school
in our humble yard. But we were never alone, as a wonderful group
of Moms and their husbands offered us all the support we needed for
us to continue in what we have started.
And Sarah, Miss
O, Miss Osinchuk, a diligent, faithful servant of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ. Willing to give of herself, she has been used
by God in assisting us as parents in this noble pursuit of knowledge
and wisdom for our youth. She has been a Godly example for
our youth, a life worthy of imitation. For that, we thank you Sarah.
But today, beyond the structure, beyond the building of rooms onto
a one room school house, there was greater building going on. That
I can see clearly now, but to that I can take no credit. We can take
no credit, for I have seen Christ build his church. To Him
be glory alone.
We remember what Charles Spurgeon has said “In the church of
Christ in heaven, no one is glorified but Christ.”