THE GOOD SHIP EDUCATION

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

The Good Ship Education

In 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 the 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 marvellous 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 ill-prepared 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 prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:1–3, NIV).

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.

Jesus wants us to be prepared for this journey. The Franklin expedition had two ships, the H.M.S. Erebus and the H.M.S. Terror. I believe we have three ships to prepare us for our journey on this earth and the earth to come. We have the ship of a Christian church, a place where we can hear God’s Word spoken each week; a place where we can be encouraged by the fellowship of the saints; and a place where we can pray and worship God. We also have the benefit of a Christian home, where we can worship daily.

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. People argue that it is too expensive, while in many cases, entertainment is considered essential. People argue that our schools are not as well-supplied with books and gym programs as are the public system. People argue that there are more teachers in the public system. All this is noted while the benefits are underappreciated.

In Christian schools, people benefit from the instruction of Christian teachers. They are blessed with daily worship and prayer. They are given the opportunity for service, both locally and abroad. So many young people remember with fondness the time of mission service abroad. These things, taken together, keep us staid and ready for the time when Jesus will return to take us on another journey to a better land.

By Gary Hodder, President Alberta Conference