Just a few weeks ago for my ninth time I got to enter an auditorium with the Faculty of Black Forest Academy for Opening Day ceremonies. It is a sweet tradition at BFA, full of hope and challenge for a new year and the opportunity to be a part of this ministry to these kids - most of whom are from missionary families. We know our service here then benefits these families, their ministries and the ripples move out from there. The Senior Class marches in with flags that represent them - their passport nation(s) or places they have lived or where their families are presently at work. Sixty-two countries in this year's census! The staff is challenged to serve with integrity. The director and the student body president share encouragements. When it's over the families of our boarding kids depart - always a bit tearful.
Earlier, during staff conferences, the entire staff gathers in an circle in the Auditorium. Each person gets a moment to state their given role for the coming year. Then, we take a moment to remember that behind each of these many people gathered in the circle are dozens or perhaps hundreds of people and churches that offer prayer and financial support for this to happen. It's beautiful and humbling and re-affirms one's trust that God is (understatement alert!) pretty good at orchestrating the work of His kingdom.
I'm already falling for this class - like I do every year. Some Opening Day images below:
-Russ
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