In case you were not able to attend our ribbon-cutting ceremony, we want to share the speech with you from the President of the Board, Luke Patterson.
Valor 2023 Ribbon Cutting Speech, Prayer & Dedication
Luke Patterson | 8/31/23
Over a year and a half ago, 4 of us parents got together to talk about the idea of starting a Christian High School in Sandpoint. Our reasons were primarily of necessity - there was no full-time Christian option for high schoolers. But what started as a pragmatic solution to a need has grown into something so much more.
Almost everyone wants to be part of something epic, an adventure. I think this is part of the allure of movie and book franchises such as Marvel, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, etc. And it’s not that this desire is a bad thing. Yet often I think that we fail to see our lives as this epic adventure that we so desire. We can mistakenly miss that our lives have all the ingredients of such stories: twists, turns, tragedy, triumph, loyal friends, companions, and enemies. And most likely, we all at least sometimes question whether we have a mission in life, at least one of significance.
Matthew 28:19-20 says:
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
This is our mission, whether we choose to accept it or not. We’re here today to celebrate the opening of this new school. And I think it’s important for us to understand how the mission given to us by God applies here.
Ephesians 6:4 says
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Deuteronomy 6:6-8 says
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.
I think these scriptures should influence how we must think about school and its intersection with our mission as Christians. School IS discipleship, and the real question is, what religion, what faith, and which god will we educate our children about? The god of materialism, of pleasure, of self? Or the god of secularism, nihilism or the state? In America, overall, many of our education institutions have strayed from educating our children in the ways of the one true God. However, with this new school, we are determined to, like King Josiah in the Bible, clear away that which offends God and opposes Him and instead restore that which brings him glory.
Second Kings 23:25 says, speaking of Josiah:
Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him.
God is seeking those who will do this. Those who will take the path less trodden, who will stand up for truth with courage and boldness. It’s been said that all men die but few men really live. As Christians we know that to really live is to die in Christ and be born anew - to live life fully animated by Him. THIS is the epic adventure that we find ourselves in today. And such an adventure requires adequate training. With the start of this new school, our students will be learning and growing in their knowledge of God and His Word, growing in character and knowledge. And ultimately growing to live lives that are fruitful and honoring to Him.
The world we live in now is not that of our parents or of their parents. As time goes on, we may find that faithfulness to Christ requires courage, determination, and grit. We may have to take risks, venture into the unknown and be bold. Obedience to Jesus will require strength, commitment, and… valor.
We intend for this new school to be a center for discipleship and formation of these character traits. We plan to train our students to be future leaders, equipping and preparing them to rightly image Christ as they proceed into adulthood and take their places in our community and beyond.
Thank you for joining us as we commemorate the establishment of Valor.
Gratitude
This day would not be possible without a multitude of individuals. To call out names would be to inevitably forget some. Instead, let me address some of the main groups of people and how they have contributed to this project.
First, let me thank our donors. About 4 or 5 months ago we reached a point in building this school that we needed money to hire teachers, money we didn’t have yet. We prayed, we started a donation campaign and we continued working. Finally, at the very last moment, one individual stepped forward and pledged a large donation, with no assurance that any others would. You know who you are, and I want to thank you for your willingness to risk and to lead the way. Following that, almost immediately came others who understood our vision and have also given out of their own pockets to see this school succeed. May you all be blessed for your generosity.
I want to thank North Summit church staff, pastoral team and their board of elders. We explored a multitude of locations for this school and none were a good fit. The decision by the elders to help establish this school by partnering with us for a campus was critical for getting us to this point today. The pastoral team and staff have worked in so many ways to accommodate us and be gracious hosts for this next year. On behalf of the Valor team, I’d like to say that it has been a pleasure working with you as we serve the Lord in our differing arenas but towards the common goal of discipleship.
Additionally, I want to thank our friends and family. You were the first to buy into our vision and begin to come alongside us and help. In so many ways over the last year and a half you have volunteered your time, energy, money and support. You have helped make this day possible with your sacrifices and your love.
Finally, to the parents of our students - you have taken a bold step of faith, and in doing so I see that you are prioritizing the spiritual and character development of your young adult. The decision to enroll in Valor involves your money and their future. Thank you for entrusting us with those things, for your decision to take this step. Over the coming weeks, months and years, we will give our all to ensure that we deliver on our mission and strive to equip your young adult for a life of faithfulness to Christ.
And now, I would like to pray for the school and then formally dedicate it. Please bow your heads.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I pray to you, that this new school will bring glory to your Name. That as times goes on, that the dedication to our mission will not waver. That we will always employ courage and valor in our defense of the gospel and in our work to form and equip leaders for your kingdom. Please help us love each other as we speak truth, that we may be salt and light in this community. I ask that you form each of us in your image, that day by day you sanctify us and prepare us to do good works of righteousness for your name’s sake.
Please give us an enduring commitment to truth, that we will not falter or waiver on issues of core doctrine but will boldly teach what is right, the truth that divides good from evil, right from wrong. That despite how controversial it may be, that we will not bend to the cultural forces pushing us to compromise. And we ask for your continued provision, that we will have the resources we need each year, the right teachers, staff and administrators and in your timing a permanent campus location.
I ask all of these things in your name, Jesus. Amen.
And now I will speak a formal dedication over the school.
Dedication
On this 31st day of August 2023, I, on behalf of the rest of the School Board do declare that Valor Christian High School is under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords and that we commit ourselves as school leaders, teachers and staff to being used by him in this community, for His purposes and Kingdom. May he use us and this school however he wishes to accomplish his will in Sandpoint. To Him be all of the glory, forever and ever, amen.
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