The new school year 2021-2022 has started and we are back with our news. From day one, along with the psalmist, we lift up our eyes and ask God for help and protection (Psalm 121:1). The past has taught us that whatever crisis we face, God is ready to help. Our student pastors Natalia and Janka prayed for God’s care on behalf of all of us at the opening worship services. As in the past we could not fit all the students and parents in our church, so we held three services.

The author of the Letter to the Hebrews reminds us in 13:7 to consider the outcome of one’s life. He speaks predominately of the church leaders and expects that suffering and death would not affect their good works and adherence to Christ. Although suffering and death was not nearly as close to us as to the persecuted Christians in the first century AD, the 2020/21 Covid pandemic negatively affected our lives, let alone education. However, our steadfastness to our mission has remained the same. Throughout this school year, we did our best to provide a first class academic and spiritual experience for all our students either online or in person. Therefore, thanks to God, the CCE’s outcome for this school year is positive.

If a psalmist were among us in May and looked back over the spring dominated by Covid pandemic restrictions, he would exhort: Give thanks to God’s holy name, for His anger is but for a moment; His favor is for a lifetime (Psalm 30:4-5). Yes, after all the lockdowns and empty classrooms, all our students finally resumed in-person learning and our school is filled with life. Looking back, we must confess with the Psalmist that God’s favor surely dominates in our lives. This perspective gives us strength to face all the present and future trials, knowing that His favor shall overcome. This May we received an extra measure God’s favor and are excited to share it with you.