The devil has a way of attacking.  He works to drag you down when things are going well and when God’s will is being done.  We are blessed to have 111 students enrolled for the 2019-2020 school year.  This is the highest student population in MLA history.   We have 89 returning students and 22 new students. Another blessing is that MLA has three new called teachers on staff.   Mrs. Maas moved into her new role as Teacher-Student-Support.  The blessing of our veteran staff remains to welcome our new teachers and students.  We added music classes to the schedules, 5/6 band and 7/8 band, individual PE and computer classes. 

Even in the midst of God’s handiwork the devil attacks.  We are told in 1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”  Mrs. Thompson, our music teacher, has started the year on a leave of absence so she may care for her aging mother.  Mrs. Folken fell and injured herself.  We have parents and students dealing with health and grief issues.  There are many other challenges that are being presented as well.  The devil prowls looking for us to falter.  

This year’s school theme is “Joyfully Christian” based on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24.  Verses 16-18 are my favorite Bible verses: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  Unbelievers might ask why we rejoice and give thanks for these challenges.  It would be easy to focus on the challenges and not on the positives, but we have a great God.  We can find peace in Him knowing that as we face these struggles that they are His will and that He will continue to use us to glorify Him.  We are blessed to face these difficulties together and with Him. Therefore, as we go into the world, we are always rejoice, always praying to Him, and always giving thanks because this is God’s will in Christ Jesus.