Insights

During Spring Break I had a fairly unique opportunity. Along with a class full of fellow students from ACU, I went up to Collegeville, Minnesota to spend four days living in community with a group of Benedictine monks at Saint John’s Abbey. This involved staying at their guesthouse, joining them for daily prayer (four times a day!), and various meetings/experiences with leaders and workers. We looked at handmade pottery, and by that I mean the clay is literally refined, mixed, and aged by hand. We had a meeting with Abbot John Klassen and were able to hear his story and soak in his wisdom. And as one of the highlights for everyone, we got to spend time learning about and observing the Saint John’s Bible.

The Saint John’s Bible (saintjohnsbible.org) is the first hand-illuminated manuscript of the Bible created in 500 years. Done by Donald Jackson and his team, it is a testament to the skill and creativity of man while also honoring and glorifying God in incredible ways. While meeting with the Director of the Saint John’s Bible, Tim Ternes, we asked about his travel schedule and logistics. The big question, of course, was “How does he feel about traveling the world with pieces of a priceless work of art?”

His response took me aback. Tim said, “Of course we have insurance, but I’m not concerned. At every moment I have 160 monks praying for me and for the Bible. I have nothing to fear.” 

I began to consider all of the different ways my life would be changed if I lived my life with the confidence that Tim had, knowing that I had a cloud of witnesses praying for me at every opportunity. Not only that, but believing that having that type of spiritual support makes a difference. He didn’t even hesitate in his response; he knows he’s covered. There is strength in community. 

We have 532 students representing 351 families at Logos Prep. We have a spiritual force, all united by our Statement of Faith and our Core Values. Even on a smaller scale, if I look at my son’s 1st grade class, there are 34 families represented. Imagine the power, as a co-teacher, of knowing that you had 34 families praying for you at every moment! This is something that I believe is happening–I believe we pray for and support each other–but I know that I often struggle to live my life like I believe it, if that makes sense. I want the confidence in community that Tim has all the time.

Lift each other up to the Lord. Find strength in our community. Find comfort in supporting each other. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” Hebrews 10:24

Jason Henderson
Secondary Education Principal
Logos Preparatory Academy