My life changed the day my twin boys started walking. With four children under 5 years old, life was a whirlwind and with two extra tiny walkers, my busy life got even busier. I was outnumbered, and as they ran ahead of me dividing into separate directions toddling towards stairs, ledges, bumps, and cracks, our lives were full of bumps, bruises, and tears most days – me included! It would have been so much easier if they stayed in step with me, not rushing ahead and not lagging behind!
God uses this part of my life frequently as I personally, and we as an HCS community, walk with the Lord. Sometimes we are tempted to rush ahead in worry or independence. Sometimes we lag behind in hesitation and fear. However, it is His desire for us to stay in step with Him, aware of His power and savoring His presence. Sure, the Word says we will still have bumps and bruises along the way, but with Him, we are assured that all things are possible. We can endure trials and heartache and because of Christ’s resurrection power in us, we can overcome.
As we think of what God has in store for HCS, as we stay in step with Him, He has made it clear that we are to press on in faith and keep growing the mission for His glory. Our elementary building is again completely full! This summer HCS is stepping out in obedience to His leading as we plan to convert the former Unity Christian High School shop room and the Band room into usable flex spaces for our band, orchestra, robotics, and nature-based programs in order to serve the needs of our children and continue to be able to make room for every child that wants a Christ-centered education at HCS.
For the last 2 years, our orchestra has been practicing in the only space we have left in the school: the West Gym lobby. PE classes walk through this space during class and the lighting, heat, sound, and instrument storage are some issues that would be solved by creating this dedicated learning environment. This conversion would also help with the needs of our growing Robotics and Nature-Based programs. In addition, our current Band room contains steps at the entry and throughout which makes it inaccessible for some of our students and limits the use of this space and so a small renovation in this area is needed as well.
While back in August we didn’t expect to be running a renovation campaign this year, God had different plans and through several of my “What’s Next?” conversations with people in our community, HCS has already raised $127,000 of the $260,000 needed to complete this much-needed conversion project debt-free! We are stepping into obedience to God’s timing and not ours. Please look for an opportunity to support how God is working at HCS through a financial gift to make possible this step of obedience. An opportunity will be coming soon in your mailbox at home. We thank you for helping us stay in step with Him as we seek first to honor, serve, and follow His leading in every way at Hudsonville Christian School.
Rachel Landstra
Mission Advancement
