Anchor Academy Newsletter
Spring 2012
Greetings from Anchor Academy. We have taken in six new students since our last newsletter. Please pray for Manuel from FL, Sam from MO, Trent from CA, Alfredo from CA, Everett from VA, and Sean from CA that they will allow the Lord to work mightily in their lives.
In January we finished remodeling the dormitory with new paint and carpet (since it was hit with a flood in 2011). We were also able to put new carpet down in the learning center. Our facilities are clean, spacious, and inviting. I remember when all we had here in Missouri was one modular building and lots of grass. We have slowly worked on the building as money allowed. Now we have over 14,000 square feet of usable space.
Our school had the opportunity to participate in the ACE Regional Student Convention in Springfield, Missouri. Our principal, Heath Stengler, took five students to compete in various events, from athletics to Bible bowl competition. Our guys placed in several events, but the biggest honor was winning the Christian Character Award. The sponsors from the attending schools voted on this award. We had no idea that we would win; it was very humbling for us. And we are reminded of the fact that people are watching our lives and testimonies.
Dennis McElwrath, our Ministry Director, recently took all the students and dorm staff to a youth conference in Walls, Mississippi. The host church, Bethel Baptist, graciously paid for hotel rooms for everyone. They also paid for roller skating and paintball. The conference was centered around strong Bible preaching. God worked in the hearts of many in our group.
Oscar Cazun, a former student of our Academy, is here visiting for two months. Oscar has completed two years at West Coast Baptist College and serves in the Spanish ministry at his home church. He has been helping me with evangelistic outreach in the small towns around our church, as well as preaching in the Sunday night service. Oscar says the Anchor Academy changed his life.
This summer the young men will be helping a land owner with a major tree trimming project. They will also eradicate weeds for farmers and help renovate old houses. We just opened an upholstery shop which we hope will be both educational and income producing. Nothing builds confidence like hard work.
In the months ahead we will keep taking in new students and helping the ones we have make positive changes. Feel free to call us or stop by for a visit. We appreciate your prayer and support.
