Jr High Blog

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.  

In my role as Director of International Programs for Cascade Christian Schools, I have had the great privilege of working with people from all over the world. In fact, I often joke when people ask me what I do saying that I am a “lazy missionary.” I am not out on a mission’s field serving, but rather, I allow God to bring them to me!

One of the greatest gifts of working here is that CCS provides opportunities to both students and staff to be a part of our expanding world. Just last week, we hosted our Global Education Fair. The fair was aimed at helping all junior high & high school students see how God has designed diverse populations of people and to celebrate the beauty of our cultural differences. We had fourteen cultures represented! Students displayed items such as food, music, arts & crafts, and even wore traditional dress. It was an incredible event that allowed students to engage with their peers and learn something new in the process.

This week we have been celebrating Spiritual Emphasis Week. We have had extended prayer from the office as well as guided prayer time with our advisory groups. Wednesday’s chapel, which included all our current 6th grade students, was magnificent! The sound of worship from more than eight hundred people was palpable! We rounded out the week with dedicated spiritual classes, allowing students to discuss topics in a smaller group setting as well as provide opportunity for Q & A and discussions.  

As we prepare for our Impact Term in two weeks, I am reminded of Matthew 28:19, which is often referred to as the Great Commission. It is a command for all of us to “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” This statement doesn’t come with limitations of race or ethnicity, gender, age, or language. It’s simply a multicultural and multigenerational command. How grateful I am that CCS provides these wonderful opportunities outside the ‘traditional’ classroom to love and serve ALL people from all over the world.