Building Noble Character
Tuesday, Feb 7, 2006 - B. Lavender
As the big yellow bus pulled out of the Rhema parking lot on
Wednesday, each of our Grade 6 students struggled to contain the excitement that had been mounting for weeks. Just over an hour later, our fears of having a "green" trip to Fair Glen Outdoor Christian Education Centre had been replaced by an overwhelming sense of gratitude to our Lord and maker. Snow!

The next three days were filled with non-stop adventure and activity in the great outdoors. Students encouraged each other as they took the "high ropes" challenge, learned the finer points of cross-country skiing, played broomball and attempted to make a fire with less-than- dry materials. Through it all, each of our students found moments of
great triumph and great difficulty as they laughed, learned and lived together in close quarters.

As our evening devotions took their inspiration from the book of Ruth, it became clear that our Fair Glen adventure represented an important step toward becoming the kind of adult that the Lord desires each of our students to be. Just as Boaz recognizes Ruth as a"woman of noble character (Ruth 3:12)", we pray that the students of Rhema will each develop a similar status among the people they interact with. The Fair Glen experience allows each student to be challenged, to succeed and, sometimes, to fail among friends. It is through the practicing of our responses to these trials that we truly develop the perseverance that is held in high esteem by James.

A special note of thanks is extended to Fair Glen Director Brian MacTavish who has the pleasure of working with an incredible and spirit-filled staff. In addition, our parent volunteers - Mr. Alleyne, Mrs. Nielsen, Mr. Matzke and Mrs. Haagsma - each deserve a measure of sincere appreciation. God be praised for an awesome three days!