"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)
    The verse above is one of the most important tasks given to us by God. It helps us answer the question "What is the meaning of life?" It is a theme that we've been exploring in Gr. 6, 7, and 8 throughout the school year and one that has re-surfaced for me this past Easter. Our pastor talked about the early church and reminded us of the courageous faith displayed by Jesus' disciples who were assigned the enormous task stated above: also known as The Great Commission. He explained the concept of "dying to self", and living completely for Jesus. He explained that because of what Jesus did and the actions of his disciples after he ascended into heaven, we are able to sit in church today - the same church - worshipping and believing in that same truth. 
    In both our Gr. 7/8 Bible unit on Early Church History, and our Gr. 6/7 unit on Faith, we have begun studying historical figures (such as Jesus' disciples) and how they have influenced Christianity. We have also been discussing what true Christian faith really is. Easter weekend has tied in well with our studies because it allows us to reflect on and remember what Jesus did for us and how his followers responded with courageous faith by carrying out The Great Commission - even if that meant death because of it. Our hope is that students will come to a better understanding of faith, and begin to long for a close relationship with Jesus so that we may "die to self" and carry out this immensely important mission given to us by Jesus Christ.

                            Axel Hiemstra