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Christian Home & School
|
High School Ed.
|
www.csionline.org
Both
of my children have attended Ontario
Christian School since preschool. There are
several others at OC who are "lifers," as we say,
and I know why.
My son's varsity football team came over for dinner last
night, as they do every Monday night after practice for
PIE, as we call it: perspiration, inspiration, and excellence.
I watched as the boys entered my home one by one with
friendly greetings and enthusiasm. At dinner time they all
gathered around, bowed their heads, and closed their eyes
as my son, Blake, said the blessing over the evening meal.
After dinner they swam, shot some hoops, and relaxed their
tired muscles in the spa until the head coach, Chris Stevens,
called them over around the spa for devotions. As they all sat
there during the still of the warm September night, I watched
as they listened and enjoyed the Scripture being read by
their beloved head coach. I couldn't help but think, What a
blessing that my son and his team get to have such quality,
meaningful time with their coach on and off the field.
Tonight after their game, my daughter, Samantha, and her
volleyball team will be headed to a team meal somewhere
with all the players and parents so we can break bread
together and bond as a Christian family. That doesn't happen
By Deborah Manning
at most schools, but it does here at
Ontario Christian! I count my bless-
ings every day and am so thankful
that my children are able to attend
such a wonderful school where teach-
ers and coaches alike make such a
difference in their lives and are able
and willing to spend time outside the
classroom and off the field with them.
That gift is so meaningful.
Even though it is a financial sacrifice
for parents to send their children to a
private school, the benefits certainly
outweigh all the struggle and hard-
ship. When our children attend a
Christian school, we are laying a very
important foundation that will stay
with them forever as they go off to
college and have families and adult
lives of their own someday. I can't imagine my children going
to any other school. They attend chapel; hear the Word of
God; and have prayer in the classroom, at lunch and special
events, and even on the field for all the sporting events . . .
a God-first school! We have even had teachers tutoring and
giving of their time freely--and even free of charge--to help
with studies. They truly make a difference in their efforts
to be present in our children's lives. And isn't that what our
children need: love and attention, even from their teachers
and coaches, and people who are living examples of the life
we are to lead? I am one truly blessed mom.
Deborah
Manning is
the mother
of Blake, a
senior, and
Samantha,
a freshman,
at Ontario
Christian
High School
in Ontario,
California.
T
he
B
lessings
of
C
hrisTian
e
duCaTion