The Dawn of a New Year

Mandarin Christian School is poised to launch its 15th year of existence. We continue to rely on God's direction for our school, with prayer and supplication that God's will for us will be done. "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." Mark 9:23. We believe the future is bright for Mandarin Christian School, its students, staff and the Mandarin community.

We continue to seek God's will for the expansion of our school and with your prayers and support, we will be successful. "We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us." Philippians 4:13.

We are in the final stage of renovating the 4th and 5th grade portables. The Field of Dreams is truly becoming a field of dreams, with the leadership of Coaches Thompson and Duez and our athletic boosters. We will play six of our 2009-2010 football games on our Field of Dreams. With the assistance of City Councilman Woods, a sidewalk is being installed along Livingston Road to the Field of Dreams.

Our cheerleaders returned from camp on Friday, July 17th, which signals the dawn of a new school year. I am personally excited to start a full year as headmaster. It will be difficult to improve upon the many successes we shared last year. However, our goal and mission every year is to improve and advance Kingdom Education. "He will not fail us or forsake us until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished." 1 Chronicles 28:20.

Always remember "the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." Let's dedicate this year to be the best and seek God's face in all that we do for the Kingdom of Heaven. Live LOVE, PEACE and HAPPINESS, in all that we do and say.

Our Legacy

Things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
(Luke 18:27)

That which we pass on to our children and students becomes our legacy. We must have faith and knowledge of God’s will and purpose for mankind. (Hebrews 11:1) Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Jesus preached about faith; throughout the Gospels, we read of His response to those who had and kept the faith.

We look forward to the future with growth and prosperity for our school and parents. Our legacy is at stake as we seek our purpose and direction for our school. Mandarin Christian School will continue to grow its mission: To seek God’s will from a biblical worldview in developing each child’s unique potential to become a life-long learner, a disciple of Jesus Christ, and a productive citizen.

Your support is greatly appreciated as we endeavor to do God’s will: YOU can support by praying, mentoring, partnering, participating and contributing to our school. Our continuing efforts with the Major Donor Campaign for the new high school campus require constant and dedicated prayer for God’s guidance. Our endowment fund, Sponsor a Student program and Yeoman Scholarship fund provides financial aid for families in need of tuition assistance.

With thanks for all God has given our school and for the legacy He leaves behind, we again salute the Class of 2009: Shannon, Kevin, Brooke, Kelsey, Emily, Meagan, Matthew, Marlena, Davia, Charles, Tyler, Daniel, Amelia and Philip. CONGRATULATIONS!

Always remember Philippians 4:13: “[You] can do all things through Christ who strengthens [you].”

GO EAGLES!

Moving Forward

“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14

Throughout history, in times of turmoil and discomfort, our faith has provided the foundation for recovery. In Philippians 3, Paul tells us how he chose to live life: “Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” 13-14.

Moving forward means moving on. I look forward to each day as a new opportunity to start anew. We must strive for excellence in all that we do for the Lord. The success of our students is our #1 goal at all times. We all must continue to grow in Kingdom Education and God’s purpose for Mandarin Christian School.

I’ve always been energized by the motto: “Onward and upward” your course plan today, seeking new heights as you walk Jesus’ way; heed not past failures, but strive for the prize, aiming for goals fit for His holy eyes.

God continues to give Christians opportunities to move forward.

Nevertheless, to the degree that we have comprehended and already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. God is and will always be our STIMULUS, IF WE JUST BELIEVE AND KEEP HIS WORD IN OUR HEARTS.

May God continue to deliver us.

Obedience

Please accept my apology for a reference in my last blog. This was an oversight on my part and I am truly sorry for the message it conveyed. My purpose is always to bring glory to God and His message. The entire blog has now been removed so as to eliminate further miscommunication.

Thank you for your support and please continue to check back for further messages and thoughts from the Headmaster.

God can do all things!

"Jesus looked at them and said, 'For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.'" Mark 10:27

Taking a leap of faith into the unknown, letting go and letting God reveal unlimited possibilities. I know that with God, all things are possible. Now, more than ever, our motto "[We] can do all things through Christ" is the foundation on which we grow. Mandarin Christian School has a history of excellence, with outstanding students, teachers and supportive parents. We are now poised to take a leap of faith, to improve the learning environment for all of our students.

"...with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

What is faith? It is confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen; it is the evidence of things we cannot yet see. (Hebrews 11:1)

Everybody believes something. Everyday life is not possible without the exercise of belief, trust, and dependence. Shouldn't we be tempted to embrace the common philosophy that "seeing is believing." We should remember that, in fact, much of our "seeing" is determined by our "believing."

No human was present at the beginning of creation; no one saw what happened. So we all speculate and scientists explore theories unabated to this day. As believers, we accept that it is "by faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command" Hebrews 11:3. As believers, every dimension of our life is touched by faith.

We all have the opportunity to be present and a participant in the growth of our school. We will do God's will and step out on faith. We are creating the best environment for our students to matriculate through Kingdom Education here at Mandarin Christian School. Be prayerful at all times and prepared to join in where appropriate.

How Can We Help?

We continue to work hard in providing the best education for all the students of Mandarin Christian School. Our mission began with Dennis Bratton and Mary Sterett, was built upon by Pat Stuart, and now continues to be the purposeful pursuit of Christian Education. It is our belief that Kingdom Education begins in the home; the family is the core for the education process. The Church also has its role, along with the school and community in this developmental process. It is our prayer that we will, with God's blessing and your continual support, continue to create the environment for this to happen.

We are all aware of the economy and the number of people out of work; our staff has worked hard to be good stewards and keep our cost low and affordable. Our 2009-2010 tuition is the lowest of the FCIS-accredited schools in Jacksonville! However, quality education and enhancement programs do come at a cost, and we know that tuition payments can be a significant challenge to many of our families. If you need help, please contact our Business Office to apply for assistance. We are committed to working with all our families to find a way to help.

Our faculty is certified in subject areas they teach, and passionate and committed to fostering academic excellence in all that we do. Our teachers go beyond the call of duty and are involved in every aspect of Christian Education and Kingdom Building to meet the needs of our changing world. The investment you make today in your child's education will more than pay off for the immediate hardship of today.

I personally would like to THANK all of you for the support you have given me and my family. We will continue to work on your behalf to maintain and improve Mandarin Christian School. The future is our CHILDREN and we must do everything in our power and God's will to this end. As a veteran of many years in the education arena, I truly feel God has placed me here for a very special reason and season in my life. Join with us and make all that is in God's will for our school a reality. Your prayers are welcomed daily for students, staff and parents. The leadership of our school and church will continue to act on your behalf, for the sake of Christian Education.

Let's show the world and this community that we will stand on God's Word: Hebrews 13:5 for God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Remember your leaders, who spoke the Word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Let us start a 90 days of prayer for special blessing for both our school and church.

My mother's prayer has always been "Let Go and Let God." Prayer Changes People. Always remember Philippians 4:13 "I (We) can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (us)."

May God continue to bless you and your family.

No Greater Love

The great love of God comes to us in the Gospel of grace. This inspiring passage (John 15) speaks of God's sovereignty in calling the believer to salvation. Although we may think we alone made the decision to receive Christ as Savior, God was working behind the scenes to bring us to Him. "You did not choose Him, He chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain." (John 16)

The cross of Jesus is the supreme evidence of the love of God. Let us rejoice in our appreciation for His birth, earthly walk, suffering and death. "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." (John 15: 13). During this time of the year, we all reflect back in our lives and remember loved ones who are no longer with us here on earth. My family and I pause and pray, and say thanks for the many blessing that have been bestowed upon us. I pray that we all pause and take the time to pray and enjoy family and friends. Although our country is facing financial difficulty, we still have life and an opportunity to make a difference in our community and our world.

On behalf of Mandarin Christian School, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I trust you will enjoy the time with family and fellow believers in Jesus Christ, always remembering the reason for the season. God Bless.