Christian High School Opens on ORC Campus
Zoe (center) with Holland Christian Kingdom Encounter Students
Blog written by Mike Verkaik
After months of prayers, preparation and paperwork the high school began holding classes on the Oceans Retreat Center (ORC) campus in July. It is the first Christian High School in Fish Hoek, South Africa.
To explain the journey Oceans Ministries has been on to be a part of this new work of the LORD would take several book chapters. However for perspective, the seed for a Christian School in South Africa was first planted 10 years ago in Lesotho, Africa. With similar united hearts land was prayed over and purchased to begin development. However, within months it became clear that a school was not the reason for the land purchase as a church was soon built on the land and our dreams were placed on hold.
Abba has now brought us full circle as in June Tim, myself and a team from Holland Christian joined staff and friends to worship, pray and dedicate the work God began so long ago. We were in awe as people shared how our Father God orchestrated the common passions and hearts of so many to birth this dream into reality. By our Father’s provision we were also able to meet Zoe, who is the recipient of the first Oceans’ Scholarship to attend the school.
It has been a roller coaster of a ride for the team of teachers and the 56 full time and 18 part time students as they transferred onto the ORC premises. In the midst of winter rains, major flooding and sewage problems began their stay. The weather continues to be hectic with pouring rains and thunderstorms, but as vice-principal Heather Cicatello professes, “The LORD is good and we are coping. There are good things happening and the staff and students are very positive about being on the campus grounds.”
Tim and Patty spent several months in countless meetings, planning and praying as the opportunity for a school on ORC campus developed and stated, “It is overwhelming to consider how the Sovereign Streams of God have flown together to begin the first Christian High School in Fish Hoek, South Africa. We believe only God’s amazing sovereign hand could have brought this together and we are placing all the needs, students that will come, staff, teachers, principal, yes all the details back in His firm grip knowing it will be by His grace and strength alone.”
Students in Conference Room on Oceans Retreat Center Campus
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