MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
The Good
Ship Education I
n my reading some years ago, I came across a story about the Franklin expedition. The story takes place in the mid-1800s. Sir John Franklin was tasked with the responsibility to find a route through the northern part of Canada to the Pacific Ocean. This passage would be a tremendous step forward in transportation of both people and goods. The expectation was that this voyage could take a year or more. The winters would be harsh and long. It would undoubtedly mean many forages along frigid coastlines. Perhaps, there would be encounters with wild animals or inhospitable people. It was because of these possibilities that made the preparations stand out in such stark contrast. They carried a
supply of twelve days of coal for the steam engine. I don’t know what they expected after this. Instead, they carried a marvelous supply of entertainment items. They carried a 1,200-volume library for leisurely reading on cold evening nights. They carried a hand organ for singing and perhaps dancing. There was even a supply of fine chinaware for the officers and men, as well as wine goblets and sterling silver flatware. At least they would eat in an opulent fashion. However, they did not take the necessary clothing to protect them from the harsh elements. They had no special clothing, only the thin but brightly colored uniforms found on her majesty’s fleet. This would look great but would serve them
“
very poorly in the possible northern gales so common in the North Atlantic. Things turned out as expected from such an illprepared journey. The ship became stuck in the cold arctic sea ice. Every single person would eventually freeze to death. Some, such as Franklin, were found on the boat. Others were found in various locations on the ice. The obvious lesson to be learned from this is to be prepared for the journey upon which one is embarking. Jesus has assured us He is planning a journey for us as Christians: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to
In addition to these, there is the benefit of a ship called “Christian education” for our children and young people. This is a ship that is often overlooked or underappreciated in our society today. 4
Alberta Adventist News
MARCH 2022
