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Running the Race

I just finished my twelfth year teaching at East High School this year.   It has rarely been boring, and always changing.  Each day has brought new challenges and opportunities for spiritual growth.  One of the most significant changes that has taken place during this time is the racial and ethnic diversity of the students in the school.  About six years ago the minority population became the majority of the population.  Last year, the fastest growing ethnic group in the school was classified as “multi-ethnic,” meaning that the student population at East is truly a hodgepodge of humanity.

With all this diversity, a variety of cultures, and over 70 languages spoken by the students at East High, one might think that we have constant strife and struggles, but it is just the opposite.  For the last six years we have seen a decline in suspensions for       assaults, fighting, and drug use, even while our diversity has continued to grow.  It is obvious that most of the students are “buying in” to what the teachers and administrators desire for them, a commitment to excellent and academic growth.  On any given day you will find Hmong, Korean, Chinese, Black, White, Hispanic, and Pacific Islanders in my room at lunch studying and talking with each other, committed to learning and growing.

After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.  They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.  And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." Revelation 7:9-10

It is not just the population at East High that is becoming more diverse.  East High is just a microcosm of a city that is changing.  We have the potential to become a place that can be used by God for great things if, like the students at East, we are steadfast in our focus on “who” we are and “why” we are.  We are a chosen people, saved by grace, and focused on the Word and spiritual growth so that we can fulfill the purpose for which God has created us.  As we run the race this summer, let us use our time in God’s creation to reflect on and demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ.

Your brother in Christ,

Todd Smoldon

Men’s Breakfast

The Men’s Monthly Breakfast will not take place this summer. Hopefully, we will be spending the third Saturday of the month enjoying the beautiful world that God has created with family, golfing, fishing, biking, or camping.  Our next breakfast will be Saturday,   September 18 at 9:00 a.m. in Room 8.  See you in September!