A few years ago, the BVCS staff received a powerful reminder from one of our very own Big Valley Christian School Board members: always remember to put God and His Kingdom first. This simple yet profound message resonated deeply, and we wanted to share an excerpt of that inspiring email with you today.

The board member recounted the joy of spending extra time with four of their grandchildren who attend BVCS. These moments offered a beautiful glimpse into their lives and the impact of their learning environment. From a fourth grader reciting Romans 12:12, showcasing their engagement with scripture, to a high school senior reflecting on the preciousness of her remaining time at BVCS and the growth in her relationship with Jesus, these anecdotes painted a vibrant picture. These stories, echoed by many families within our community, highlight the transformative power of the work being done here at BVCS.

As the school year draws to a close, let us be encouraged and strengthened, knowing that your dedication is making a real difference in the lives of our students and that you are held in prayer daily.

The words of Bob Talbert ring true: “Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best.” While we may not know Mr. Talbert’s personal beliefs, the sentiment is undeniably powerful.

Our School Board explored this very concept through the book Kingdom Education. This quote sets the stage for a truly moving story shared by the author, Glen Schultz. He recounts a conversation between a mother and her child’s first-grade teacher, Mrs. Clausen. The mother received a distressed call because her daughter, Keaton, had performed poorly on a test.

The mother’s response was both unexpected and profoundly insightful: “[Mrs. Clausen], did you teach my child to love the Word of God? Yes. Did you teach her to praise and worship Jesus? Absolutely, you did. Did you love my little girl with the love of the Lord? Always. Then both you and Keaton have had a successful year. I’m not worried about her test scores.” She went on to say, “I knew that God would make sure that Keaton had everything she needed to fulfill God’s perfect plan for her life … I am so glad that I didn’t worry about Keaton’s test scores because test scores don’t count in heaven. I’m so glad I didn’t sweat the small stuff. You might argue that with me, but test scores are small stuff in comparison to knowing Christ.”

While this could be seen as a supportive parent’s testimony, the rest of the story, as the renowned commentator Paul Harvey would say, adds an unimaginable depth. Just weeks after this conversation, little Keaton tragically passed away in an accident.

In her grief, Keaton’s mother shared these powerful words: “I am so grateful that in preparation for Keaton’s death the Lord placed my children in a school where for many years they have been saturated with the Word of God and His powerful truths. Though academics are important, it is the Word of God that has seen us through our darkest hours.”

Oh, how completely accurate Mr. Talbert’s words were!

To our incredible educators and community, keep doing what you do best. Set a high standard for academics, yes, but let us all always remember to put God and His Kingdom first. For it is in Him and His eternal truths that we find the things that truly count.

Source: Schultz, Glen. Kingdom Education: God’s Plan for Educating Future Generations. LifeWay Press, 2002.