Letter from the President

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12

This past July, my family and I traveled to Oklahoma to celebrate the life of my wife’s ninety-nine-year-old grandmother. After the funeral, we spent some time with family cleaning out her apartment and reminiscing over the items she held so dear to her heart. My wife stumbled upon a note card by her grandmother’s favorite chair that read, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12.

The notecard has been on our refrigerator since that day and serves as a great reminder for our family. While my family has clung to this message since the passing of our family member, the verse is also applicable to our first semester at Mount Dora Christian Academy. We rejoice in the continued success of our students academically, artistically, and athletically. We continue to be patient as we navigate the challenging times we are in. Just as we prayed over each student and the entire campus to start the school year, we pray constantly that God will bless our community richly and that He will allow us to continue the mission set forth to walk alongside children and families for years to come.

At the Mount Dora Children’s Home, we continue to forge forward in strengthening the supports and services provided to children and families. Dedicated staff are focused on creating new strategies and opportunities for those in service to build practical daily living skills, bolster academic and employment options for children and families, enhance parenting skills, and promote spiritual growth and development for every person served.

This year, we will be launching a new program in partnership with a local community group to assist in teaching healthy eating habits and nutritional well-being. We will also be bringing in guest speakers to help support our single parents in better understanding budgeting, money management, and overall financial well-being. And finally, we are incorporating additional tools to assist us in assessing and tracking program outcomes so that we can continually improve services for people.

Whether it is faculty and staff at the Academy or social workers and house parents at the Children’s Home, children and families always experience the beautiful outreached hand of Jesus through our MDCA&CH staff. We will continue to focus on our mission to Educate, Equip, and Empower and to advance His kingdom.

In Him,

Dr. Brian Mast President

Dr. Mast gives Coach Harrison his award for receiving the 2021 Class 1A Boys Track and Field Coach of the Year from Florida Dairy Farmers. Dr. Mast with 2021 BSI inductees. From left to right: Mayson Rodden, Hailey Perry, Aly Cetnarowicz-Brown, Emma Ferebee, Jyoti Kumar, Dr, Mast.