Jr High Campus Blog
An Unforgettable Experience
April 17, 2024
CCS Community:
I recently had the chance to chaperone the 8th grade I-Term trip to Washington D.C., an unforgettable experience. It was rewarding to watch our teachers and staff plan the trip, our parents engage with students as chaperones, and our students view American history through a biblical lens. I was reminded of Cascade Christian’s core value of wisdom, viewing life from God’s perspective, and of the commitment to immerse students in a biblical worldview in every area of life.
The trip reminded me of our many blessings, including living in a country where our founders established religious freedom nearly 250 years ago. This freedom allows us to continue to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ actively, making it possible for our students to pursue their God-given purpose and potential. Not all societies around the world enjoy these same freedoms and privileges that we do.
I was impressed by our students’ engagement during the trip and by their ability to respectfully interact with each other for five days. This is one of the many benefits of Cascade Christian Schools, where we are committed to treating everyone with love, respect, and dignity, recognizing each individual as uniquely created in the image of God. It was great to see the kids living out the importance of unity within community!
As a board member, I participate in an annual meeting with outgoing seniors. When asked about their favorite memories, the most common answer is I-Term. This is where all the learning throughout the years is put into action, either through serving others or learning more about God’s Kingdom. This is a beautiful reminder of the blessing of being part of the Cascade Christian community.
Finally, I want to specifically thank all of our teachers and staff who facilitated these amazing trips. Our students will surely remember their I-Term experiences for years to come. Your hard work and dedication has created a significant impact.
Tyler McClung
CCS Board Chair
Finding Refuge in God's Presence: Trusting in His Unfailing Security
April 10, 2024
As we navigate the challenges of life, we often seek security in various forms—financial stability, social connections, physical safety. Yet, true security can be found only in God, who is our ultimate refuge and strength. Like a sturdy shelter in the midst of a storm, God offers us a safe haven where we can find peace and protection.
Psalm 27 speaks to the universal human longing for security and protection in the face of life’s uncertainties. Written by King David, this ancient hymn resonates with timeless truths about finding refuge in the intimate presence of God.
In verse 5, which says, “He will hide me in the secret place in His tent” (NASB), secret place is from the Hebrew word çêther, which means “covering, shelter, hiding place.” And the word tent is from the Hebrew word ʼôhel, which means “dwelling, home, habitation” of God—more than merely physical proximity. David is emphasizing the profound intimacy of our relationship with God that transcends the physical.
Throughout the month of April, we will be exploring what it means for us to DWELL IN GOD’S SECURITY. We want our students to look to God and trust in Him for ultimate security. Trusting in God's security means surrendering our fears and anxieties into His capable hands. It means acknowledging our dependence on Him for guidance, provision, and protection. When we place our trust in God, we can rest assured that He is faithful to uphold us, even in the darkest of times.
In a world filled with uncertainty, God remains our steadfast anchor. He is the one constant amid life’s ever-changing circumstances. When we abide in His presence, we experience a profound sense of peace that surpasses all understanding. We are reminded that no matter what challenges we face, God is always with us, leading us forward with unwavering love and grace.
Trusting in God’s security doesn’t mean that we will never encounter difficulties or hardships. Instead, it means that we can face life’s challenges with courage and resilience, knowing that God is fighting for us and working all things together for our good. In Him, we find the strength to persevere, the wisdom to navigate adversity, and the hope to press on toward the future He has planned for us.
As we reflect on Psalm 27:5, let us be reminded of the profound truth that God is our refuge and fortress, our ever-present help in times of trouble. May we take comfort in the assurance that we can trust in His unfailing security, knowing that He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Source:
StudyLight.org. (n.d.). Interlinear Bible. Retrieved March 19, 2024, from https://www.studylight.org/study-desk/interlinear.html?q1=Psalms+27:5.
He Is Risen!
March 26, 2024
This week is Holy Week. We set time aside to celebrate the most significant events in history. Holy Week marks the time between when Jesus enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to His crucifixion and resurrection the following Sunday.
The resurrection of Jesus is a pivotal aspect of our faith.
We know, with historical proof, that Jesus of Nazareth lived and died … but do we believe that Jesus is who He claimed to be—God’s Son, the God of the universe, in human form?
If Jesus is who He claimed to be, His resurrection is the necessary confirmation of all He said and is the crux of our belief system as Christians.
“The resurrection of Jesus Christ was necessary to establish the truth of his mission and put the stamp of all-conquering power on his gospel.” —Edward McKendree Bounds
This week, reflect and meditate upon the glorious truth that Jesus loves you enough to come live for you, die for you, and rise to conquer sin and death for you.
If you haven’t put your trust in Him, I encourage you to research and study the resurrection. Particularly, read the story of Lee Strobel or watch the movie Case for Christ. Some of the most important questions for you to answer for yourself are, Who is Jesus? Is He a liar, is He a lunatic, or is He the Lord?
If you are a believer, this weekend is the biggest celebration for us! We begin the weekend by honoring and weeping over our suffering Savior, but we end it by worshipping our glorious risen Lord!
I hope you all have a meaningful, powerful celebration this Easter weekend. He is RISEN!
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Anticipating I-Term
March 20, 2024
IMPACT Term is a unique secondary-level experience held between third and fourth quarters each year. I-Term is designed to provide opportunities outside the classroom so students can experience who God is and how He uses His people to love and serve each other (1 Peter 4:10). Through local, domestic, and international experiences, students gain a more thorough perspective of God’s kingdom on earth. As a result of participating in I-Term, students can develop skills, discover passions, and build relationships that may not have been possible in the traditional classroom setting. Below are some thoughts from high school senior, Zoey Baldwin, as she anticipates her I-Term trip.
As the days slowly tick down to the flight to South Africa, I start to not only grow in my excitement but also the bonds with those also going. Throughout the year, we’ve started meeting with the team going, playing games, and learning about what we will do once we finally get there. Going the farthest away from home I have ever been makes me a little nervous, but after hearing the joy and faith of the people we will be working with and the love of Jesus we get to share with those we serve, my anticipation builds. From when I was young, I heard from my older sister of the impact I-Term had on her life. As I finally get to go on one of the foundational I-Term trips, I continue to pray that God not only works through me to show His love for His people and the grace He has on us but that He also changes my heart and perspective. I can’t wait to spend this upcoming I-Term trip in a beautiful place alongside wonderful people to serve an amazing God.
