Taste of Heaven
Dear Classical Community,
It was a taste of Heaven!
Last week, my wife Dawn, who teaches 4th grade at Classical, and I took eight of our rising 8th and 9th graders to Camp Barnabas so they could serve as Barnstormers and so Dawn and I could serve as Cabin Parents. Over the years, I’ve been to multiple camps, retreat centers, and various church and school discipleship events – but I’ve never been anywhere as special as Camp Barnabas.
Benjamin and Hudson get psyched to clear lunch tables for the campers and missionaries.
Before we set out, we made sure that we understood our WHY, which stems from the 6th tenet from our Portrait of a Graduate: Work diligently and serve faithfully by acting for the good of others.
That goal took on a completely new and deeper meaning when the campers arrived. And this is when my taste of Heaven occurred.
When I picture Heaven, I see a beautiful place saturated with the glory of God and with the praises of the saints; and those saints, in our glorified state, will capture an innocence we came close to experiencing in our childhoods – but even then, tainted by our sin nature. Our bodies, minds, and souls will be “imperishable, honorable, and powerful” no longer subject to decay and death; we will live in “victory over sin and death,” won by Christ (1 Corinthians 15). Our new bodies will be honorable in that they will not be shamed because of sin. (Genesis 3:6–7)
Pictured above is me, a camper named Brad, and one of the students who served as his Missionary. At this moment, we are sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a camper, who at age 59, has a mental age of 9-10 years of age. It was one of the most memorable moments of my life, among so many others at Camp Barnabas.
Our vision, by the grace of God, is that Classical graduates grow into disciples of Christ who love truth, goodness and beauty — furthering His Kingdom as they discover their unique giftings.
May selfless service at places like Camp Barnabas always be a vital way we strive toward this end.
Respectfully in Christ,
Jim McCormick, M.Ed
Blessed to be Head of School