ENCOURAGING CHRISTIAN EDUCATION ELLEN THOMPSON - A ROLE MODEL

1 Th. 5:11 Encourage One Another

On December 7, 2022, Ellen Thompson went to be with the Lord. Ellen with her husband, Dr. John Thompson, raised their four children in the Tri-Cities area, but twenty years ago after John’s passing, Ellen moved to Chattanooga to be closer to where her children lived at the time. Today, some of you may have known Ellen as Lydia Jones’ (wife of Matt Jones) mother, or as the grandmother to Gracie Thompson (2022 Providence graduate) and Luke and Eli Jones (currently in Kindergarten at Providence Academy). For me and my wife (Bonnie), Ellen and John were our life mentors. We met in the mid-1980s, and they were always willing to take the time to encourage us in our role as parents and role-model for us a commitment to Christian education. They were faithful to I Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are doing.”

As I ponder the passing of Ellen, I was deeply reminded of the role we need to play in encouraging one another in our commitments to do what the Lord would have us to do, especially in the context of Christian education. A commitment by any family to provide their children a Christian education in the context of a Christian school is a significant commitment. If, for no other reason, the financial commitment can challenge the best of budget experts and strain monthly cash flow like few other commitments do.

We can encourage one another by avoiding judgment on whom among us can more easily afford the commitment. Each family lives in their own reality of the financial sacrifice that comes with sending children to Providence Academy. My years at Providence Academy have taught me that there is sacrifice behind each and every child who attends the school. The degree of sacrifice can be relative, but a commitment to Christian education is always a family sacrifice. If your blessings in life do allow you to be a contributor to the Providence Academy Scholarship Fund, that creates encouragement for those who benefit from and value the financial support they receive.

We can also encourage one another by developing connection with each other, especially families that are near the age and grade of one’s own children. Ellen and John were focused on hospitality and being in their home was a joy to each member of our family over the years.

Ellen continued her gift of hospitality in Chattanooga for countless college students who were blessed to attend Sunday lunch in her home. Enrolling children into Providence can feel like a cutting off from other activities and organizations in the community. Reach out to families that are not taking advantage of all the opportunities that exist at Providence today to build community so they too can feel the sense of belonging.

The memory of Ellen and Dr. John Thompson will be lasting for Bonnie and myself. Each of our children will forever reap benefits from the years they were loved by the both of them. Twenty years ago, we said goodbye to John. As we now say goodbye to Ellen, we rejoice in her love, kindness, and generosity given to all who were a part of her life. As 2023 begins, and throughout the year, seek out those who need a word or an act of encouragement from you. We often find what we seek and those whom you find will be most grateful that you did so. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.”

Mark Hecht Dad of Four PA Alumni Granddad of PA 7th Grader Providence Academy Board Member

Ellen Thompson Memorial Gifts

To date, two families have contributed $9,000 to the Need-Based Annual Scholarship Fund in memory of Ellen Thompson. You are invited to join these families in honoring Ellen. The intent is to announce the total of this memorial effort at the scholarship dinner as an encouragement for others to support needbased scholarship. If you would like to support this effort via a contribution, you can give online at www. providenceacademy.com, or you can mail a check to: Providence Academy, 2788 Carroll Creek Road, Johnson City, TN 37615. Please note "Memorial for Ellen Thompson" in the memo line.