We have a big heart for missions in our schools. Missions is simplistically defined is "the act of sending." As Christians, we tend to think this as meaning proclaiming the gospel to people-groups in a foreign country. And, we do! But as followers of Christ, we also need to think of how to send His message of salvation to those in our immediate vicinity: the Miami Valley. Our students are very good at doing both, as is evident throughout the school year and most recently through Thanksgiving food drives, hurricane help, jeans days, and coat donations!
This week at Dayton Christian, we had visitors, Comfort and Gifty (shown here with DCSS President Bob Elliott), from International Needs share their ministry of rescuing girls and women from physical and sexual bondage in the country of Ghana. You can read more about their wonderful visit to our campus and their heartfelt story here.
The same day they came, we also heard about children in Dayton who rarely get hugs or are told "I love you." We heard about our students who have started to minister to those children. Their mission is just down the road and is as vitally important.
Please pray for all those involved in missions - be it in an office cubicle, down the street, or across the ocean! Pray for our children who are now developing their own passions for sharing God's love. Pray that one day they can boldly proclaim the saving grace of our Heavenly Father! Pray for our alumni who are serving all over the world, that God keeps them safe.
Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Election day is behind us (hooray), and immediately on its heels is Veterans Day. Over and over, during the political season, I heard how veterans "fought for our privilege to vote." This is a day to thank them for that and the many other various freedoms they have insured our nation.
Our military personnel sacrifice a lot for us, especially those who have spent time away from their loved ones. We have many families in our school system with relatives who have been on tours of duty or are currently deployed. Not only do the military personnel sacrifice, but the family he or she has left behind carry a great burden to live life without that special person beside them, be it a husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, etc. They love, worry, and care about them constantly!
Over and over, I have seen our schools' love and support for the veterans and their families. I have seen classes who send care packages to far off countries to supply both servicemen they knew as well as total strangers. I have seen hundreds of encouragement cards and drawings placed in the mail. I have seen children reunite with their dads and moms after a long deployment.
This month in particular, our students are learning about the heroes who have dedicated their lives and sometimes given their lives to securing our freedom. We are supporting Operation Heal Our Patriots (a project of Samaritan's Purse) and Operation Gratitude. Pray that these and all opportunities we have to bless our military personnel also bless the DCSS families who donate to them. My own two airmen (shown above) have been recipients of such packages and prayers and were greatly touched by the outpouring of care and concern over them. It meant a lot to me, as well.
God bless our armed forces!!
Thank you for your service.
Joshua 1:9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
