Newark Christian School (NCS) opened in 1984. I joined World Impact three years later, and became the first grade and music teacher, serving there for nearly ten years. After our first child Joshua was born, I worked with my husband David in church planting and prayer ministry, homeschooling our kids, and ministering together as a family. Yet recently, I was able to step back into NCS and was amazed by all the evidence of God’s faithfulness.
Newark Christian School is a vital educational ministry in a city whose public school system is still under state supervision. The school offers excellent Christian education through loving teachers who demonstrate God’s Word, ministering not only to the students, but reaching out to the families as well. Over the years there have been “ups and downs,” struggles with staffing, and family crises, yet God’s Kingdom continues to advance through NCS.
Last December, I was asked to substitute for a month in the fourth grade after their teacher was injured in an automobile accident. What a blessing to serve in the classroom again! It was fun to lead New Jersey history discussions, teach the students a rap about helping verbs, watch them grow bean plants in a plastic bag, and see them grow day to day.
God’s faithfulness was also evident as our own kids helped minister. Stephen led a field trip for the class at the Newark Museum and was definitely the “fun guy” as he took them through a revolving door and let them run up and down “piano” steps. When NCS held a Christmas “Spirit Day,” Stephen led games in the gym and Rebekah was in charge of cookie decorating. The students loved them.
For me, perhaps the greatest evidence of God’s faithfulness was meeting three students whose mothers were in my own first grade class over 25 years ago. To meet these second-generation NCS students and reconnect with their moms was overwhelming.
We praise the Lord for His faithfulness in answer to your prayers, and ask you to keep on interceding for NCS. There is a crucial need for teachers, as well as financial support, so the school can continue and grow. Please pray that God will use Newark Christian School to advance His Kingdom in this great city of Newark.
