Character Welcome

There is a popular TV network slogan that simply states "Characters Welcome". The implication is that the world is full of lots of different types of characters and they want to celebrate the differences through their programming. Not a bad goal. However, I can't help but think every time I hear those two words that it would have been better to say, "Character Welcome".

In today's world of self-promotion and a "claw your way to the top" mentality, it is often character that is missing in so many situations and relationships. It has been said, that character is who you are when no one is looking. I believe that to be a true statement. Who we are in a crowd of onlookers may be very different than who we are when we believe no one is watching us.

In the MCS Student Leadership Institute, we expose our students to numerous methods, styles, and theories about leadership. We focus on Christ-like humility and servanthood. We teach the students about the importance of Godly character. The Apostle Paul tells us in I Corinthians 13:13 that love is the most important character quality. In today's culture, character often times falls to the wayside as people strive to get ahead and make a name for themselves and their careers. At MCS we want our families and staff to strive for Christian character in all aspects of their lives, and to expect it from each other.

We know that King David was a man after God's heart. That does not mean that David never failed, or made mistakes. In fact, if we examine his life, we find David had many flaws. He was human and sinful. But we also discover in David a strong sense of responsibility, humility, and brokeness when he failed.

I hope for each of us at MCS that it can be said of us, as it was said of David, that "[we lead] with integrity of heart; and with skillful hands..." Psalm 78: 72

Passing the Baton

I've always loved to watch the relay races at a track meet. As a high school student I had the privilege of running the first leg of the 4 x 100 relay race. The event requires that you have 4 fast runners, but it also requires 3 handoffs of the baton. As we saw in the Olympics with the United States relay races, the handoff is a crucial part of the race. It doesn't matter how fast you are: If you're unable to pass the baton to the next runner within the space allowed, or without dropping the baton, you will not be able to finish the race.

Mandarin Christian School is facing one of those important handoff points of our ministry. I'm proud to announce that beginning on Monday, September 22, I will have the privilege to pass the baton of leadership to a beloved and respected member of the Jacksonville academic and Christian community, when we welcome Dr. Milton H. Threadcraft, as the new Headmaster at Mandarin Christian School.

Dr. Threadcraft comes to MCS with over 30 years of experience in the field of education, having served as Principal at Ribault Junior High School, Northwestern Junior High School, Mandarin Senior High School, William M. Raines Senior High School, and Paxon Senior High School. Dr. Threadcraft and his family have been active members of Mandarin Christian Church and Christ's Church for over five years. Dr. Threadcraft is regarded highly for his Christian walk, leadership skills, mentoring and team building philosophy, ability to motivate students and staff, and an enthusiastic love for children and families. He is a gifted communicator and proven leader with a deep faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.

Please join the MCS school board and staff in welcoming Dr. Threadcraft and his family into the MCS family. For those of us who've had the opportunity to get to know Dr. Threadcraft, it is evident that God has uniquely prepared him in his professional and Christian journey to be ready to take the baton and complete the race that is before us.

Seek God

As a child and as a parent, I have always enjoyed the game of "Hide and Seek". I'm not sure that the game necessarily teaches young people good social skills, but it is a fun game to play. Depending on where you played the game and the confines with which you had to work, it could be a really simple game or incredibly difficult. I remember playing an advanced version of the game as a young teenage counselor at a camp on Mt. Rainier, Washington. We played in the snow over 200 acres of forest, trails, hills, and rocks. It took us more than 2 hours to find everyone. Now that is a serious game.

It's also true that some people are really good at the hiding part and some are better at the seeking part. I have always enjoyed the seeking part much more. There is something about being perfectly still and quiet, sometimes even in tight or small spaces, that just doesn't excite me. However, looking for someone and finding them has always been exciting to me. I even like the hunt of looking for that missing item at home or school, that others have not been able to find. I enjoy the hunt. I enjoy the search.

Many people think that God is like that person hiding somewhere in the wilderness hoping to be found. It is true that He desires for us to seek after Him. The difference in seeking after God is that He is not hiding. He has made it clear through His Word, His people and His creation that He is God. He gives us a choice, but He also shows us the way.



Several scriptures come to mind. In John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." We read in Hosea 10:12, "Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and showers righteousness on you." In Matthew 6:33, we read that we are to "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."



As a Christian school, our goal is to point people to Jesus Christ as Savior, Lord, and Son of God. Stop hiding and let us all seek Him daily.