The RenewaNation Review 2016 Volume 8 Issue 1 | Page 42

  Most importantly, the culture of the school is now thriv- ing with a godly, vibrant spirit of energy, enthusiasm, and encouragement. A brief walk down the school hallway provides an immediate sense of purpose. Passionate educa- tors are dedicated to engaging their students at every age to mold minds with a biblical worldview.   Each of the nearly 70 new students that came to SMLCA over the past few months has an incredible and beautiful story of how God worked to lead them to this decision in such a short period of time. These passionate families are reshaping the future of the school as they are committed to SMLCA’s vision of molding minds with a biblical worldview and humbling hearts to the one, true God. The following parent’s story will give you a glimpse of how God has worked to revitalize this school. “It was then that I knew it was what God wanted for her. Why else would Satan fight so hard against it?” “WHAT WOULD IT TAKE to get Samantha a Christian education?” Those words from Lincoln Bryan have led us on a wonderful adventure filled with God’s goodness and provision. I loved the thought, but assumed it was for others—not for us; so I let him know that as a single mom, I really couldn’t afford it. He let me know of grants that may make it possible, so I began to pray about it, as did Samantha.   We felt that it was something that God wanted for her, so we made an appointment to visit the school and learn more. On the day of the appointment, we were greeted by a flat tire on our main vehicle. We immediately grabbed the keys to the car that had been sitting for a while and found a dead battery! It was then that I knew it was what God wanted for her. Why else would Satan fight so hard against it? I called to let them know that I wasn’t able to make it, and we started the initial “discovery” on the phone. I then found out that I didn’t qualify for the grant I was hoping for, so Sam’s school was going to cost more. I thanked them for their time and for caring about Sam but felt defeated as I went to the task of letting her know. She was very saddened by it, so I comforted her the best way I knew how. We prayed, and I told her if it was God’s will He would make it happen. I reminded her that “God will make a way when there seems to be no way.” Mr. Bryan let me know that 42 he hadn’t given up yet and was in no way prepared to give up the battle. I then went back to Sam and asked her how much it meant to her. She let me know she truly wanted it and felt it was God’s choice for her, so I promised that maybe not middle school, but by high school I would get her there. But that really wasn’t good enough for either of us. We began to talk about the things we could give up to make it so. The first thing that came to my mind was cable television. It cost a huge chunk of money each month, and I felt it could definitely go, but would a ten-year-old? Much to my surprise, her answer was to give it up! She then went to her room and did the most incredible thing—she brought her piggy bank out and willingly gave up all that she had—roughly $25 in change! At this point, the battle became very real for me.   We had more phone conversations, lots of texts, lots of prayers, and then came the week of our church camp. It was on a Tuesday night that David Gallimore talked about believing God for fruit out of season. The message ripped me apart, and