Change of Plans

Today started late (I got to wake up late)!  It was indeed a rare day on that basis alone.  The fact is that it wasn’t supposed to be the case.  I was scheduled to be taking a Defensive Driving Class from 7:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., due to an unexpected photograph taken of me a few weeks ago arriving a bit late on a red light and crossing the intersection of Scottsdale and Cactus. 

In all fairness, had I been going speed limit, I would have beat the light by seconds.  As it was that day I was driving considerably below the posted speed limit in an attempt to squeeze the last drop of fuel from my already petrol-frugal Prius.  It was a costly mistake—I paid the ticket and was also required to sign up for this “Driving for Dummies” class (now I have to reschedule!)

I am sure the State of Arizona will not care I was unable to fulfill my commitment to the driving class due a commitment to a church member from AWC who lost his wife and scheduled the funeral service on Sunday afternoon.  That was by far a priority.  The service was very edifying and encouraging.  Pastor J did a wonderful job facilitating the service.  I was blessed.

The remainder of the afternoon was consumed with organizational tasks at home.  Suffice it to say that for the first time in months I can actually see the entire surface of my home desk!  It is a wonderful feeling.  Penny and I even got a chance to relax a bit and see a couple of movies on TBN—both were uplifting.  It was a great way to end an unforgettable weekend.

The week ahead appears to be relatively open, which is fine with me since I still have significant projects awaiting me at the office.  I have a WASC training meeting in SoCal on Thursday, a Pastors’ Meeting at the conference office on Tuesday, and a Sabbath School Workshop on Sabbath.  God is good to me.  Every challenge is a masquerading opportunity waiting for God to unmask it!  No fear.  (220.5)

Great Sabbath Day

Sabbath provided a special sense of rest today.  Life can get away from you and sometimes life just punches you in the gut and tells you in no uncertain terms, “Stop!”  Life gave me one of those moments today.

I spent the day reassessing life, ministry, family, and faith.  Sometimes this happens because it is a much needed exercise for Christians.  Other times it is thrust upon you by events and circumstance. At the end of the day “Grace”—unmerited, unmitigated, and unending, made a sudden and surprising entrance.  It’s like I have a new lease on life and am ready to focus on those things that consume much of my time and effort, but that matter on a much lesser level than things of eternal value.

Had a great evening with Penny, reviewing our calendar for the coming school year.  It is amazing how quickly a calendar becomes almost viral!  It takes on a life of its own and will eventually consume you if left to its own devising.  It’s not a living being, but it seems like it is at times.

Yesterday’s introspection has ushered in a new determination to move ahead—learning from past mistakes, and not permitting anything or anyone to deter from the joy of serving the hundreds of children in this system.  They are the focus.  If we lose sight of that reality for any reason they are affected most.  Life’s too short!  Keep all the teachers in your daily prayers.  Students continue to arrive on our doorsteps.  That is exciting!  (221.5)

Sabbath Eve Solitude

Fifteen months ago I set out to Arizona to help a friend—to make a difference.  I left behind the better part of my heart to do it.  My traveling back and forth from Arizona to California and Penny’s itinerary in reverse was the price I paid for the honor of serving this conference.  I have given the fine people of this church constituency the best that I could have, given my personal limitations.  I do not believe this school system is the same as when I arrived.  Our dream was to make our school system one of excellence, empowering students to lead in the church, their community, and their world in the name of Christ and for the Kingdom of God.

We have only begun.  We have taken baby steps.  The process of improvement (like sanctification) is the work of a lifetime.  It is also a work of God.  Without Him our efforts are futile and they are destined to fail.  With God nothing is impossible!

I have been involved in ministry for the better part of thirty years.  I am acquainted with naysayers and doubters.  I have worked obstructionists and complainers.  I have experienced the best that ministry can afford, and I have also tasted moments of abject emotional pain.  I would not wish those moments on anyone.

Given all that, I have always been able to detach myself from these annoyances by simply accepting people and situations for what they are—uncontrollable.  I cannot control people or events—they happen and act as they do.  I have also been cognizant that I also share in the dynamics and thus I am a full participant in whatever happens, bad or good. 

I have guided my ministry by two basic principles:  I will never forget who I work for (God), and I will never lose sight of why I do what I do (people—mostly the young).

In this moment of Sabbath Eve introspection I am beginning to doubt my future.  I have taken the best shots aimed at me with as much grace as I could muster.  However,  I begin to wonder if the battle is worth it.  Can it be that what we bring is not what is needed?  Is it possible that what we are attempting to elicit is unwanted and unappreciated? 

Here is the rub—can it be that I am the cause of all this animosity?  Have I come to believe in what I am trying to accomplish so much that I have become someone I always said I would never become—a person who values results and goals and things more than he values people?  I cannot bear the thought.

I am going to spend a sleepless night in prayer.  I am going to take a long walk and reassess my standing.  I did not canvass for this position.  I responded to a need because that is what I taught my children to do.  But nothing is so important that it warrants surrendering your faith and salvation.  If I have truly hurt someone because of a decision or choice made, I truly apologize.  To think I may have acted to others as some are choosing to act troubles me and makes me think that it is time to reconsider my choice.  In spite of my failures and shortcomings, and they are many, my family is most precious to me. 

Please pardon my frankness.  Perhaps it’s being alone again that has my heart feeling especially heavy.  Pray for the children of our church; they are a most precious element.  Without them we have no future.  May you be part of the wave of support they need to know Jesus and to develop as solid citizens of this world and of the Kingdom of God.  I sign off. Happy Sabbath! (225.2)

Is This is What Crow Taste Like?

It has come to my attention that some of my commentary of a couple weeks ago may have offended parents who may have been inadvertantly referenced in the posting.  No maliciousness was meant by either comment.  The fact remains that some students are still afraid of me (I'm working on that) and that I am not particularly fond of Italian food in general.  I am sorry my blog was considered hurtful and inappropriate.  I will be more careful in my postings not to make mention of specific comments or make statements which might be considered hurtful. 

Mid-Week Motoring

One moment it’s Monday, and before you know it, it’s   Wednesday!     Today found me in Cottonwood and Prescott for some short school visits.  I got to meet one of the three Donnas at the Verde Valley School who is not the teacher.  She regularly volunteers at the school and seems to be enjoying her work.  She was alone at the school since the students (and teacher) we off enjoying some swimming lessons at the local pool.  Nice!

The Prescott School was humming along with their new technology-driven classrooms.  I know it is not as easy as it seems, but it certainly was a treat to see children immersed in enquiry-based education.  Technology is truly a tool that needs to be utilized to its fullest to assist teachers in small schools become less stretched while still providing and solid educational experience for their students.  The teacher confessed that bringing the students to the point they are presently was no easy task.  But the culture of the classroom was one of independence combined with cooperative learning.  The teacher becomes the facilitator to help student discover the joy of personal discovery in a classroom.

 I rushed back to the office for two meetings, one that materialized and the other that did not.  In the end it was a good day.  As a side note to my anonymous friend:  my blog of last Tuesday the 18^th was not intended to be a condemnation of other people’s drama, rather a critique of my own reaction to my perception.  I was the one with egg on my face.  I was creating my own drama!  How sad for me.  In any case keep praying for me since my life has enough drama without my adding more.  Thank you for your comments—keep them coming.  (227.4)

Monday Night, Already?

The weekend is finally over!  I thought it would never end!  Hey, wait a minute—Monday is gone as well!  Have you even had a weekend like that?  The weekend took me to Desert Hot Springs, Garden Grove, Fullerton, Rosarito, then back to Desert Hot Springs, Scottsdale, Holbrook and then back to Scottsdale.

The good news is that I celebrated my 33^rd anniversary on Sunday with Penny and my children.  All I will say about that is that every day I have with Penny is a gift that I will treasure as if it were my last day with her.  There is a special place in heaven for Penny. 

 A full week awaits me with visits to Cottonwood, Prescott, and a Jam World record attempt on Thursday at TCE.  No preaching this week, but I am beginning my training for the Mud Madness Triathlon on November 4. (228.2)

Friday Rush Out of Town

Tonight finds me in Riverside, California, after a torrid week—figuratively and in actuality.  Just when I thought it was safe to venture outside in the seemingly less intense sunlight—boom, back comes the three-digit temperatures again.  Summer is not willing to surrender any sooner than it has to without a fight.

Week of Prayer ended at TCE today.  Pastor P was away in some out-of-town meetings, so I had to pinch hit for him.  I loved it!  I cannot speak for the kids, but I certainly enjoyed my time with them.  At the conclusion of TCE’s gathering I rushed to TAA to speak to the high school students for their Friday morning chapel.  I enjoyed that as well!  It was great day for the “youth pastor” side of me.  There will always be a special place in my heart for young people and children.

After some tasty Thai food while waiting for repairs on the Prius, we headed over to visit the family of the young man who lost his life last week.  Since I was not going to be able to be here for the funeral service on Sunday, I felt I should take some time after the rush of the first week since the tragedy to convey my regrets and share a moment of prayer with the family.  The father is truly an amazing man.  His ability to frame such a tragedy in the context of a loving God who he believes had been preparing him to face this crisis allowed him to be a witness to his family and total strangers as well. 

The trip to Riverside took us through Desert Hot Springs and my mother’s new dwelling, until she moves again.  It was a short visit, but we were able to provide her with some items she had left in Scottsdale.  I had to take her phone in order to repair it since the reception in the desert was not sufficiently strong to speak with the technical support in Manila!  In any case, I will have to return it to her on my way back to Arizona on Sunday.  Well, time for bed.  Happy Sabbath! (228.0)

Staying Ahead...Barely

I am feeling more than a bit tired today.  Perhaps it’s because I went on a five mile walk with Penny this evening after the work day was over.  I must be getting old.  I walked!  That’s all I did—walked!  I am getting sleepy just thinking about it.  Where’s the Ben Gay!

Chaplain R is doing a great job with the TCE students.  I had a good time leading song service for the kids.  There is a lot of energy and enthusiasm in that building every morning.

I had meetings all day, some unexpected.  I didn’t even go to Verde Valley as scheduled.  Instead I just attended more meetings.  My schedule is working imperfectly because my days are so unpredictable.  However, having the detailed schedule truly helps me stay on task during the day.  I am all caught with my phone calls—almost, now that I think about it!

So much to do!  This weekend is my anniversary weekend.  33 years ago at the Azure Hills SDA Church—wow!  Penny and I heading to Mexico for the weekend after our activities at TCE are over on Friday.  I’ll be back, Lord willing, on Sunday morning to attend the funeral for AM at the Beacon Light SDA Church.  Good night!  (229.8)

Confession is Good for the Soul

Today was one of those days you know happened because you actually lived the day, but it somehow managed to slip by like a whirlwind of activity.  I know it is about to end and that I was busy the entire day, but that’s about it.  I guess that is why blogging is good; because it forces you to think specifically about details of a day (and ignore the ones you would rather forget).

Well, today was one of those “parenthesis” days (refer to first paragraph parenthesis).  I must confess that I lost it today—just outright lost it!  Of course nobody but my wife saw it and for that I am sorry.  I don’t mean to say I am sorry only Penny saw my meltdown, but that she had to see it.  I am sure she was a bit surprised since I do not show my emotions easily. 

It’s not like I rolled my eyes back into my skull and produced fangs and produced some rabid foam from my mouth—it was actually a subdued meltdown.  I reacted to a development that led me to the precipitous conclusion that a certain individual was once again spreading misinformation with a perceived intent of manipulating people through fear and coercion.  At least that is how I felt at that moment.  I was in a state or "righteous indignation."

I detest drama!  I voiced to Penny the intent to inform this individual that a change of attitude was necessary.  I believe I said something during my tirade to the effect that “cancer must be removed.”  It was at that point that Penny in her own tender way began calming me down with slow, soft words and a few strokes on the sides of my arms.  She looked at me and said, “Are you sure about that?” or something to that effect—the point is that I blinked and just like that I was reconsidering my intransigent position and thinly veiled threats.  I felt pretty foolish. I needed the attitude adjustment!

The truth is that I still detest drama and hidden agendas—but I am working with my brothers and sisters who, not unlike me, are blind to our own foibles.  “My grace is sufficient,” are the words of Scripture to me and from me to others.

Otherwise, the day was great!  In included a full day at the office, lunch from the TAA cafeteria eaten in Penny’s office; a trip to the tire store and the car wash (my Prius was in sad shape); Barnes and Noble, and California Pizza Kitchen (for a school fundraiser).  I also enjoyed my Tuesday evening AWC pastor’s meeting in CM’s classroom at TAA.  Great times praying and talking pastor “shop talk.”  Big day tomorrow!  Major decisions are coming down the pike.  Some may get kind of dicey before they are over.  I’ll keep you posted as best I can without betraying confidence.  (229.8)

Scheduled at Last!

Well, another full day!  Week of Prayer began today at TCE, where Penny and I are “principal-ing” together.  RP, the TAA chaplain is providing the messages every morning until Thursday—and then I take over.  He did a great job today introducing his theme for the week.  By the time the service was over and I got to the conference office it was after 10:00 a.m.  I still caught the tail end of the office worship time.

I finally had to put together an hour by hour schedule in in an attempt to compartmentalize my day better.  It takes me from 5:00 a.m. to midnight.  I find myself falling further and further behind in one area or another.  Today ended up being a very productive day.  Tomorrow will be the first real test since I will have a whole day to see how the schedule develops.

We had a great school board at TCE tonight.  Not only did the board approve an aide for our 1^st & 2^nd grade class, they also approved a new secure gate for the main entrance to the school, not to mention the purchase of the Pathways program for the lower grades.  It was surprising to discover that the teacher has been working with an incomplete reading curriculum.  She will be delighted to know the board supports her.

One of the refreshing things to see on the board is how well they get along.  I had not seen that ability to work together since I arrived on the board two years ago.  We laugh regularly and do not seem to mind the fact that we do not always agree.  Our common goal is to make TCE a better place to teach children about God and the joy of learning at His feet.  I better call it a day.  (229.8)

Departure from the Script

It was great day in Sedona, Arizona!  It has been a long time since Penny and I just spent a day together just being together.  So much of our lives in wrapped in what we do that it is not surprising how easily work swallows up life in its entirety.  Not good.  We rediscovered how much we enjoy being with each other in a non-professional role.  We went out to eat at a restaurant called the Javelina Cantina (Yes, that is how they spelled it).  After that culinary treat we went shopping for a considerable amount of time at a place called Tlaquepaque, in Sedona.  My friend PD recommended it to us during the previous evening’s wedding reception.  We spent some money (that was a bit uncomfortable).

On the way home we diverted from the rush to return to the Valley of the Sun and visited a site called Montezuma’s Castle and Montezuma’s Well (luckily there was no revenge there).  It was warm, but the sights were picturesque and informative.  It was an amazing place with a natural spring in the middle of the desert and a running creek (Beavers Creek).  Penny suggested we stop and I did.  No excuse that we needed to get home quickly.  No appointment waiting that demanded immediate attention.  I discovered I can actually depart from a predetermined travel plan and simply alter it by gently turning the steering wheel slightly to the right and exiting the Interstate.

We even took time upon our return to Scottsdale to visit Fashion Square!  I have always claimed I have an allergy to this mecca of extravagant spending, but I actually went in and left a few minutes later none the worse and with no enduring physical symptoms.

Tomorrow will bring its own share of challenges.  I have no control on the future or on the events that await me if and when I get there.  But I can choose to stop more often in deference to the love of my life.  I did so today!  Happy wife—happy life!  That sounds simple enough.   Good night, y’all. (229.0)

Saturday Night in Sedona

I am in Sedona, Arizona tonight with Penny, my lovely wife.  We just returned from an evening wedding for a long-time friend.  The scenery was spectacular—it overlooked the Sedona Valley from high above near the Sedona Airport.  It truly was an amazing scene.  The ceremony was unique and the homily was classic HB—a mixture of personal vignettes on the couple being married and subtle humor all his own—and of course a spiritual core.

The reception is still continuing, but being the homebodies that we are we returned to the Super 8 to rest.  We had the opportunity to reconnect with a few new and old friends.  We had a part in the reception.  We laughed at the comments and stories shared between tables.  We are happy for the new couple and wish them many years of happiness.

This morning I had the privilege of preaching for the second week in a row at AWC.  This week I preached out of Psalm 103.  My sermon title was, “We Haven’t Got a Prayer.”  Ironically it was call to make prayer a more central part of our lives and our church—something that is lacking in our ranks.  I will take it to heart and will try to find ways to increase the time I personally spend in prayer.

The morning was obviously tempered by the news of the untimely death of AM, the young man from the Beacon Light SDA Church and also a student at TAA.  There was a particular TAA student present at AWC that was in a very somber mood as a result of the shooting.  The sermon was apropos for him and any other person struggling with finding a reason to praise and be thankful to God in the worst of times.

Penny and I are beginning to engage in the discussion that was inevitable—our future in Arizona.  I cannot bear the thought of being here without her again, and she is not quite sure she is ready to retire from teaching in California.  It really is nice to have her with me every day—even if some moments are spent just being together.

We’re spending the night in Sedona.  Perhaps tomorrow we will spend some time visiting places here before we return to the valley.  Good night!  (229.1)

Sad News is Never Timely

Today was a very sad day.  Notice arrived early this morning that a TAA student was shot and killed the previous evening while at a park near his home while on “home leave.”  A pall has descended on the community.  A 16 year-old was senselessly killed.  Details are sketchy, but even if they were not, the tragedy is still stark and disconcerting.  Personally, I have had enough of this!  This is not the way things are supposed to be.  His parents emptied their scarce personal financial resources to send this young man and his two sisters to Adventist schools this year.  “Life is not fair” does not make it any more palatable.  How long, oh Lord!

Next week will an interesting week on the campus of TAA.  Grief counselors are being secured and plans are being set in motion to allow as many students as desire to attend the services a week from Sunday.  It is truly a tragedy.  Keep the family of this young man in your prayers.  His name was Andrew. (231.0)

Busy-ness Continues

Today was my brother Art’s birthday.  It brings closure to the weeklong parade of brother birthdays.  They begin on September 8, followed by September 11, and closing with September 13.  Three brothers born one year after the other within a week of each other’s birthdays.  I usually forget to call them, but this years I actually remembered and more surprisingly I called all of them to wish them a happy birthday.

Today was a good day.  The day began as usual on the campus of TCE.  I greeted parents at the entrance of the school.  I am discovering that a lot of kids have still not figured out exactly what role I play on that campus.  I even had a parent tell me today that her daughter is frightened by the “man that blocks the entrance to the school.”  We laughed about that…sort of.

Penny and I had a conversation of considerable length and depth with a parent who felt inclined to share specific concerns about the school.  We ended on a very positive note and I sense she felt listened to and affirmed.  She raised some important points and identified areas that need attention.

I met with the event coordinators of the Doubletree Resort in Scottsdale regarding a potential Family Ministries event next year during Labor Day.  It was a pleasant meeting and the locale seems very nice as a site for next year’s Spanish Couples’ Retreat which we held this year at the Downtown Phoenix Westin.  It seems promising but we will be considering other options.

This was followed by a spaghetti lunch at TCE with Penny.  The spaghetti was forgettable—but then most spaghetti is forgettable to me.  But I enjoyed the company…

The afternoon was spent mainly at the Glendale school visiting the classrooms and talking to the teachers.  I squeezed a trip back to TCE to finish the minutes for next week’s school board, and then raced back to GAA for their evening school board meeting.

I ended up heading back to TCE to finish some last minute documents for next week’s meetings; I then took Penny home.  There does not seem to be any slowing down any time soon—but at least I am enjoying what I am doing.  Penny’s out like a light.  Time to join her in dreamland!  (230.8)

Backwards Report

I know that today was a busy day because it is after midnight and I am still typing.  I am having trouble remembering exactly where my day went.  Perhaps I should begin backwards….

Oh yes, I went to visit both schools in Tucson.  My original intent was to visit the Saguaro Hills School and stay for their board meeting at 6:30 p.m.  The meeting end around 9 o’clock.  I got home after eleven o’clock. In any case, I ended up stopping by the Desert Valley School in north Tucson before the SHACS board meeting in order to pick up some documents we needed in the office.  While I was there I got to meet the long term substitute teacher that began teaching this school year due to a delivery date for our newly hired teacher that pretty much aligned with the beginning of the contract report day and the beginning of the school year for the school.

The long-term substitute teacher and I had a good conversation.  She shared the struggles of being part of a culture shift in a community she was not acquainted with prior to arriving from the other side of the Mississippi.   It was quite a culture shock for a retired teacher in a homogenous community.  But she has been doing a great job and has brought a different classroom culture that some students are challenging.  Thankfully she is getting parental support.

The new principal was also happy to see me prior to the board meeting at that school next week.  They have serious computer needs that need to be addressed sooner than later.  We will see what we can do.  She is delighted with the substitute but realizes that she will have to begin all over again trying to build a team when the regular teacher returns in early October.

Let’s see…oh yes, I had lunch at home with Penny.  I’m getting used to eating at home with Penny.  It really is nice—quite honestly I do not know how I managed without her.  She makes life more comfortable and pleasant.  I am pretty certain that I will not want to return to the set-up we had for the last couple of years.  She is either going to stay or I am going to leave; either that or a personal visit from God.

The morning was spent trying to catch up on office work, phone calls, and emails at the conference office.  I did not accomplish any of these goals for the day.  I was able to solve a Tax Credit mystery over the phone for a parent in Tucson and make a presentation to the Spanish Pastors who were having a meeting at the conference office.  I also shared a quick plate of Pansit (Filipino noodles), one of my favorite foods, with some Asian-Pacific pastors who were also having a meeting, before rushing out of the conference office for lunch with Penny.

The day began at TCE, greeting parents, trying to learn names, dealing with a minor discipline item that could have gotten out of hand if left unchecked.  I need to learn the names of the TCE students—and oh yes, I also have to confirm the Week of Prayer speaker for TCE.  Week of Prayer begins next Monday.  Good night (230.0)

Moving Along

This day consisted of a multiplicity of tasks that took up most of the working hours of the office day.  Opening reports for the Arizona Conference were being prepared by my able administrative assistant.  This was made more difficult by the failure of certain schools to submit their local opening reports.  It sets off a domino effect as missing reports keep required reports from being completed on time, which certainly keeps other reports down the chain of processing from being used to produce other reports on time.  Oh, well…we sent some “friendly reminders” again.

PUC and Baybarz Scholarships are being processed today and tomorrow.  As hard as we try to remedy chronic gaps in information there are applications that are still not complete at the deadline.  These poor students will literally lose their scholarships if the missing documents are not submitted no later than Thursday, since incomplete applications submitted to the PUC office are disqualified out of hand.  The clock is ticking.

The AAEF deadline is past, but we extended the deadline on some university scholarship applications in order to help more students with the new funds we located.  It is not an infinite amount of money, but it is sufficient to reward those parents who were willing to take a step of faith this year.  God provided again.  I am confident we will be able to fund the requests we receive.

 By the way, after much planning and waiting, today we shot some footage to what we hope will be a DVD on the Arizona Tax Credit program to be used in the Arizona Conference churches.  It is about time!  This project was a long time coming.  Thanks to AT we have finally gotten it off the ground.  I’m looking forward to seeing the final product.

On a personal note, my mom moved recently from the duplex Penny and I share, preferring the cooler climates of Desert Hot Springs to the toasty weather of the Valley of the Sun.  Go figure! (229.0)

Monday Teaser

This was relatively uneventful day in education…if you consider potentially finding tens of thousands of dollars for scholarships which had been lying dormant, so to speak, in some cases for years.  I had been concerned again this year where we were going to find the funds to assist all the students wanting an Adventist Education but lacking the financial resources to afford it.  It seems like God found a way again this year.  God is good…and rich, too!  More news will follow.  Good night! (231.1)

Sunday Night Brief

I really have to get back into the habit of blogging.  Otherwise catching up is just too difficult.  In any case, a new week has begun.  ITBS/ITED testing takes place all across the Arizona Conference school system.  It finally dawned on us that since the Cognitive Genesis study is not being extended, there is no need to complete the Cognitive Abilities section of the test!  That should shorten the time required for the testing.

The Maricopa Village school experienced a sequence of miracles in the last few days.  Over $100,000 dollars materialized where none existed a few days before.  This will allow them to catch up on their financial arrears and broaden the scope of support to allow for some organized development to take place.  God is good!

TAA continues to go through the growing pains associated with a growing student body and developing teaching staff.  The good news is that the student body this year appears to be more focused on the task for which their parents (or sponsors) sacrifice so much—for them to receive a strong and spiritual educational experience.  The financial picture is still tenuous, but the new principal is being quite creative in prioritizing debt while at the same time investing in the students.

The new development director working for both the conference and TAA is laboring feverishly to broaden the financial resources through as many avenues as are available.  The Arizona Tax Credit program has yet to maximize its potential within the Adventist community—she’s on it!  The task of organizing and building relationships and a culture of support for K-12 Adventist Education has never been a strong suit in Arizona since our people have traditionally been more than generous.  But as the greying of the benefactors continues, the next generation has not been properly groomed to fill the gap—she is working to make this happen.  Pray hard!

The amount of money needed to help all those who need help to stay in school is staggering.  The funds do not appear to be there.  But we are pressing on trusting that God will deliver as he has in the past.  I will do my best to be more regular in populating this blog. (228.2)