The importance of compassion

Dear Parents and Students, I don’t know about you, but I am incredibly humbled by God’s grace and mercy for our nation as we make a relatively ‘normal’ start to the term. I know that many of you have family members who are living in countries that are still in some form of lockdown. I think the best response to our situation is gratitude. We have also been encouraged by God’s answers to our prayers to provide for the livelihoods of families’ who have been affected by COVID-19. His loving provision is no surprise because “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). 

Prayer is always the best place to start. God also calls us to action. James says, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17). Room 4 has been leading Tyndale Park Christian School in a practical response to people’s needs. Their first project was a ‘clothing drive’ that took place during the last half of Term 2. They gave some feedback to the school during assembly in Week 2 of Term 3. Here is a short summary of their presentation in their own words.

Bentley said the following: “When we returned from Lockdown to school in May this term, our teacher asked us to do some reflective writing on a command from the Bible - Love thy neighbour as you love yourself. We were challenged to come up with ideas that were ways we could help our neighbours. My buddy Ayaan and I came up with the idea to help the poor as Jesus had commanded us to do. Our teacher then asked us to create an action plan, which we did, and speak to Mr Blom about our idea. Mr Blom approved our idea and so the Winter Community Drive began with clothing donations for people in need. On Monday, 29th June 2020, a team from the non-profit organisation, Sower’s Trust, came out to TPCS to receive our donations. And Sophia is going to tell you a little about that”.

Sophia continued: “Both our class and the team were greatly blessed by the donations you contributed. We were humbled to learn that the team at Sowers Trust needs these donations to help people that live on the streets, as well as troubled youth and families going through difficult times. We also enjoyed a Samoan game with our guests, Mili Mili, which was really fun. In Acts 20:35 Jesus gave us this command, ‘I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Thank you Tyndale Park Christian School for your generosity and clothing donations!”

The class has been so encouraged by the outcome of the project in Term 2 that they have launched a new project that will run in school next week, starting Monday 3 August. Ayaan explained the plan during assembly: “In Week 3, we will open up the Hot Chocolate Warehouse. We will be selling Hot Chocolate at lunch break for $1 and $2. Please bring along your money, come enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and support a good cause. All proceeds will be donated to the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF). MAF is a Christian organization that provides aviation, communications, and learning technology services to more than 1,000 Christian and humanitarian agencies, as well as thousands of isolated missionaries and indigenous villagers in the world's most remote areas. Thank you in advance for supporting us!” You are encouraged to bring your gold coins to make a practical difference in God’s Kingdom around the world. Staff and students will also be warmed up by delicious hot chocolate!

We are proud of Room 4’s efforts and committed to supporting them because our mission is to “assist parents by providing a Christ-centred education that encourages academic excellence and Christian service to the glory of God”. Faith in God is both intellectual and practical. Christian service helps students to understand God’s charity, or love, for the people He has made and transforms their thinking in the process. We hope to expand service learning opportunities at Tyndale Park Christian School over time.

We are grateful for your partnership with us and we look forward to working with you this term. Please let us know how we can pray for you. Now may “the Lord bless thee, and keep thee: the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:  the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).

Barend Blom

Principal