School Days

In an article by Joseph Henrich titled, Martin Luther Rewired Your Brain he writes…
“Writing systems are thousands of years old and are found in ancient Sumer, China, and Egypt. But even in the most literate ancient societies only a small fraction of people ever learned to read, rarely more than 10 percent. So, when did people decide that everyone should learn to read?

The move toward mass literacy began in the 16th century with the belief that every person should read and interpret the Bible for themselves. This belief began to rapidly diffuse across Europe with the eruption of the Protestant Reformation. It was initiated in 1517 by Martin Luther’s delivery of his famous 95 theses. Protestants came to believe that children had to study the Bible for themselves to better know their God. In the wake of the spread of Protestantism, the literacy rates in Britain, Sweden, and the Netherlands rose. Motivated by eternal salvation, parents and leaders made sure the children learned to read.

Religious beliefs also helped spur the beginning of state-funded schooling. As early as 1524, Martin Luther emphasized the need for parents to ensure their children’s literacy and placed the responsibility for creating schools on secular governments. In the 16th century, reformer John Knox pressured the Scottish government to initiate free public education for all children. One of his reasons was that everyone should have the skills to study the Bible.”

This past week our RCA (Ridgecrest Christian Academy onsite campus) and our RCS (Ridgecrest Christian Home School association) began new academic years. I am so proud of them both for their emphasis on Biblical values and quality academic studies.

Earlier in the week I met with our Academy staff and teachers. This is something that I began doing the first year of our school and look forward to each year. With God’s help, we have assembled an incredible team. They are enthusiastic, they are of the highest qualifications, they are committed to the purpose of our school, they love children and students, they are passionate about their work and most important they love doing it for the glory of God.

For these reasons and others our school in its brief history has already excelled in academic testing (testing in the highest percentiles) and has exceeded our early growth expectations. There is a special sense of God when you walk in hallways and classrooms. So, as “school days” return, would you pray for our schools faithfully... for the children, for the teachers, for their safety and for the ongoing presence of God. By the way, if you want to help, consider donating to our Ridgecrest Academy scholarship fund. Your gift above and beyond your tithe to the fund just might change a child’s life, a child who one day may change the world for God.

Awesome August #2… is this Monday, August 11th, at 6:30 PM. Last Monday God touched down in many lives. This week should be no different. Dr. Steve Gaines from Bellevue Baptist in Memphis will be back with a message to stir us and encourage us. Our students and children will also continue their own edition of Awesome August as well. I look forward to seeing you and remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray