The buzz in the Del Cerro Baptist Church fellowship hall from Tuesday, January 16 still resonates deeply within me. As we unveiled Heritage Christian School's ambitious 5-year plan, "Better Before Bigger," at the annual State of the School meeting, I witnessed a wave of excitement and unity that I have not seen in a long time. This plan provides a roadmap for strengthening our HCS community of families and your positive response has not only been comforting but also fundamental in shaping the future of our beloved school.
"Better Before Bigger" is not just an ambitious roadmap; it reinforces the values that define us. It is a commitment to nurturing the spiritual roots of our children before we expand their branches.
An Invitation to Prayer
In that spirit, I feel like God has put it on my heart to invite you to join me and the school’s leadership team in a humble call to prayer and, if you feel the nudge, a period of fasting. What is fasting you may ask? Fasting isn't a legalistic measure, but rather a Christian discipline for centuries. It involves relinquishing something significant, be it food, electronics, or other distractions, to focus our thoughts on God, inviting His wisdom and guidance into our endeavors, and ultimately drawing us closer to Him. Matthew 6: 16-18 tells us, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Fun fact.. fasting is mentioned over 70 times in the Bible! For example, there is the Daniel Fast which is a type of partial fasting that involves abstaining from certain foods, such as meat, wine, and delicacies, and eating only vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, seeds, and water. Daniel and his friends practiced this fast for 10 days to demonstrate their faithfulness to God and to avoid defiling themselves with the king’s food (Daniel 1:8-16). Additionally, there is the Esther Fast which is a type of absolute fasting that involves abstaining from both food and water for three days and nights. Esther and the Jews in Susa practiced this fast before she approached the king to plead for the deliverance of her people from Haman’s plot. As we embark on the path laid out in our 5-year plan, let our collective prayers be the cornerstone of its success.
A Call to Action
As we pray, a call to action beckons as well. Moving forward, we seek your active participation. We are in search of dedicated volunteers to serve on one of the six committees responsible for executing the various facets of our plan. The six functional areas of our plan cover campus facility procurement, marketing strategies, sports clubs development, volunteer and alumni network growth, college and real-world preparation and training, and resources for special needs children and financial assistance. By concentrating our efforts on these vital areas, we aim to solidify our position as the premier Christian homeschool organization in San Diego. Whether you have experience in education, finance, marketing, or simply a heart overflowing with love for our community, there's a place for you on one of our six committees. Your contribution will be invaluable as we work towards the realization of our goals.
These are not mere tasks, but threads in a divine tapestry, woven together by the hands of dedicated volunteers. Your individual voice, and your unique gifts, are going to be the lifeblood of this plan! Keep your eyes open for more information that will be coming out in the next couple of months advertising a 5-year plan rollout meeting that we expect to have in May 2024.
As we embark on this journey, let's walk with eyes fixed on the horizon, hands held in prayer, and hearts brimming with unity. We will be the living testaments to our 5-year plan’s motto, "Better Before Bigger," and show the world what it means to build a future rooted in faith, fueled by collaboration, and guided by the unwavering light of God's love.
The prospect of what we can achieve together is both exciting and boundless! As we take these steps forward, let these words from Matthew 7:7 echo in our hearts:
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."
Let the asking begin. Let the seeking commence. Let us knock with unity, with fervor, and with unwavering faith. Together, we will unlock a future as bright as your children's smiles, as strong as our shared values, and as boundless as God's grace.
May God bless and guide us every step of the way. Onward, united in faith, together
by Marc Crawford, HCS Chairman