​​​by Adam Kronberger / Head of School

As parents, we have all been there. Our child wrongfully offended another sibling or neighborhood friend and has failed to make amends. Fortunately, our profound parental wisdom does not overlook the wrongdoing, but forces our child to look the offended in the eye and declare, “Sooorrry.” Or perhaps, if it is a good parenting day, we might even require the more verbose, “I was wrong, will you forgive me?”

While controlling outward behavior may comfort a parent’s conscience, it generally does not initiate the needed ongoing transformation in a child’s heart. It is certainly wise and loving to teach our children how to confess when they are wrong. But when the child simply learns how to go through the motions, our efforts can be counterproductive if the child learns to disconnect their behavior from their heart. Our children must fully understand that sin lives inside of them, and because of that, they are in desperate need of God’s rescuing, forgiving, transforming, and delivering mercy. Children will fail to surrender to God’s governance in their lives until they truly understand the failures of their own self-governance.

“You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read” is a well-known quote by Charlie ‘Tremendous’ Jones.  The wisdom of Proverbs similarly declared thousands of years ago, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another,” (27:17), and “whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment” (18:1).

Throughout scripture we find God’s design for His people to live and grow in community.  For example, my understanding of Godly parenting has greatly increased through the routine process of learning from others through dialogue, video, and text. I am so grateful for the deep well of wisdom found in the CCS community. Many in our community recently signed up for 10,000+ Bible Study videos available through instant streaming, covering a wide variety of topics, including parenting. If you haven't signed up yet, simply click on rightnow MEDIA (you can also text RightNow Crosshill to 41411 to join on your smartphone). Join the dozens of parents who have already accessed this free resource available through CCS. You won’t be “Sooorrry!”.
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– Adam Kronberger / Head of School

​​​by Adam Kronberger / Head of School

I had just transferred from the large metropolis of Mitchell (population 200) to Crook County Middle School (population 200+) in Prineville, Oregon. As a new 8th grade student, I was trying to find my place in my new overwhelming community. With my scrawny build, I decided to join the Cross Country team as my football days were certainly numbered. I made a few friends and our team won the District Championship. Yet as the slowest member of our competitive team, I had to learn how to contribute even when I was clearly not the best.

Over the following summer, my parents insisted that I participate on the local swim team. I didn’t even know how to swim! They put me with all of the beginners (little kids). While I did learn how to swim through daily 2-hour practices, I also set the record for disqualifications in both the Breast Stroke and Butterfly Stroke for improper form. My parents agreed with me that I was not cut out to be a competitive swimmer after that summer, and I was allowed to simply focus on running. 

That fall I went out for the High School Cross Country team and was worried there would be no place for me on the team. Now I had to compete against four grades of students, most of whom were older than me. Fortunately, I made the team and prepared for my first varsity race. Whether my swim team experience had expanded my lung capacity, or my extra summer miles had strengthened my legs, something was different. I finished in the top 10 at my first race and was the 2nd fastest runner out of our entire high school! God had been teaching me perseverance and humility as He slowly directed me on His path.

Whether it be board games, math Olympics, or other comparisons, competition gives the opportunity to reflect on our best as well as our own unique makeup given by God. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it” (1 Corinthians 9:24) Paul knew that competition is often the key to unlocking growth in our lives. Competition requires us to give our best and enhances the performance of both the winners and losers. By measuring our success against other standards, we can develop the motivation to improve. When we become aware of our strengths and weaknesses, we choose a direction in the areas of gifting that God has given us. In a race, there may be only one winner. But in life, God designs everyone to win by choosing to give their best for His glory. As your child experiences losses and wins in their life, allow the principles in God’s Word to come to life.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24   
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– Adam Kronberger / Head of School

​​by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal

I gave up counting the viruses, “bugs” and all things communicable that have impacted the health of our families the past few months. Yet, despite the illnesses and absences, not everything transmitted through our community has been dreadful. The most contagious element to hit this school year spread faster than the flu, crossed state lines, and infected hundreds. Weeks have passed and people are still talking about it; the contagious joy of experiencing God. 

It began months before, with Mrs. Bittner’s class praying for a family whose daughter is battling cancer. Although they’ve not met this family, the class has diligently prayed, and have sent encouraging cards.One morning after their time of intercession, a student asked about the cost of having a child with cancer. Mrs. Bittner described the expenses families incur while going through cancer treatment. In response, a student remarked that the class should raise money for the family, and a plan to host a bake sale emerged. Students set a goal to raise $500, however, they soon felt led to pray for God to double it. Believing the promise in scripture that, “Anything is possible for one who believes!” (Mark 9:23), they elevated their goal from the realm of the impossible into the realm of God’s possible. 

Full of enthusiastic faith, these young disciples began baking and preparing. As word of their unselfish mission spread, grandparents, friends, and families in other classes joined in. With the overwhelming support of our community, on the morning of the bake sale tables overflowed. After a steady stream of eager customers, a quick count revealed that over $1,000 had been raised, by 9:45 a.m.! Contagious joy erupted and spread through the school, but instead of proclaiming “look what we have done”, students praised God for what He had done (donations exceeded $1,700). 

In a watching world where self-centered, entitled attitudes prevail, our students reflected the character of Christ. With hearts to serve others and their extraordinary faith that God would show up in a huge way, they became powerful witnesses to our community, extending to hundreds more on social media. A pure motive, nurtured in a culture of discipleship, empowered these students to live out the gospel. They experienced God in a profound way, whereby His mighty power at work within them, was “able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine.” (Ephesians 3:20). 

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” (Psalm 126:3)
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– Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal

​​​by Adam Kronberger / Head of School

I was basking in the warm sun at Pioneer Square (Portland’s living room) sitting on a brick bench. Next to me was a stranger equally enjoying the rare sunny day. Two freshmen Crosshill students joined me and approached the stranger, asking him about his thoughts about Easter. We learned that “Joseph” was an Egyptian immigrant raised in a Christian home and had recently married an unbelieving wife. As he and I engaged in deeper conversation, another curious man approached our group asking what we were talking about. His name was “Joe” and without any direction from me, the freshmen pair focused their conversation with our new friend. Eventually, a third man “Charles” joined our spontaneous group as well. The gospel was shared generously with each person and everyone received prayer right there in the middle of the city. Our continued prayer for “Joseph”, “Joe”, and “Charles” is that they will fully commit their lives to Jesus Christ.

In Luke 10 we read about how Jesus sent out 72 disciples in pairs. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” The discipleship training mission of Crosshill Christian School is annually adding numbers to the “few”. The week before spring break, CCS sent out 90 disciples to Salem, Turner, Albany, Woodburn, Portland, and Mexico as His “workers”. In Luke 10 we read how the 72 disciples returned with joy for being a part of God’s plan of salvation and for the powerful God they serve. In the same way, these 90 students have returned with unspeakable joy. As these students experience the goodness and power of God in their community, their faith that formed in their homes, churches, and classrooms becomes a more permanent resident in their hearts.

Throughout this recent missions week, salvation came to over a dozen new disciples that God had sovereignly placed in the path of our teams. Three houses were built for three families in Mexico who received both a physical and spiritual blessing. Spiritual transformation continues in the lives of students as they better understand their value and role in His Kingdom. Come join our “Worship & Missions Night" on Wednesday, April 10th at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary as our high school students and leaders report with joy the good work God is doing.  
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– Adam Kronberger / Head of School