CEO PERSPECTIVE
Over the years, I have been asked about the importance of Christian education. In light of the cultural shifts we see in our society, this is an increasingly important question. I believe that much of the distinctiveness of Christian education is expressed in the word “hope.” In a world that struggles to make sense of injustice, conflict, and pain, a Christian stands as a person of hope. It could therefore be said that a Christian school is defined by hope. God works through Christian schools to present students with the reality of a world broken by man’s rebellion and selfishness. This realization produces a longing to experience things as they should be between God and man. Longing is a necessary component of hope, and it is that longing that God uses to call His people back to Himself through Jesus Christ, the embodiment of hope. I recently read that genuine hope is a combination of imagination, faith, and desire. Jesus teaches our children how
to imagine what could be (an end to war and hate, a Christcentered society, social justice for all). Jesus’ example then encourages our children to believe that it is really possible to make a difference through His power and grace. Our children’s desire to engage the world is then ignited. Christian hope looks outward with an eternal perspective focused on the cause of Christ for the good of others. This is the genuine hope that exists in the Christian school environment and why I praise God for Heritage, a place where children are presented with a vision of the way things are supposed to be and inspired by the hope that gives true purpose, meaning, and joy to life.
Jeff Freeman, CEO
SPRING 2019 HERITAGE MESSENGER
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