Your Guide to Issues and Events at A.C.E. August–September 2010
Transcription
Your Guide to Issues and Events at A.C.E. August–September 2010
Your Guide to Issues and Events at A.C.E. August–September 2010 From Our President . . . Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (Matthew 22:37) 2010 International Student Convention As Christian educators, we have the awesome opportunity to teach our children to love the Lord our God. My heart is filled with gratitude as I reflect on the multitude of testimonies supervisors have joyfully shared after praying with a child desiring to receive Jesus as their Lord and Saviour while working through a PACE, sharing their desire to become involved in Christian education, or expressing their calling to be a pastor. A.C.E. provides a system of learning and correlated curriculum that provides to all students a quality academic education, but most important, giving them a Biblical foundation for life and eternity. Mark you calendar and prepare to join the A.C.E. team at the 2010 Christian Educators’ Convention. This one day in-service training will enhance the vision of each person serving in your educational ministry. Come and experience “Matters of the Heart.” The 2010 International Student Convention was a wondrous blessing to experience. The many areas of competition provided students with an occasion to use the gifts and talents God has given them. In addition, ISC was a special time to recognize some who gave of themselves to serve others. The 24/7 team “made a difference” by serving the students and guests, as well as the A.C.E. staff. It was also a special time for me to honor the individuals and schools who gave to provide the funds to begin a BLESS Center for underprivileged children. Now is the time to prepare your students for Regional Student Convention and the 2011 International Student Convention to be held in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Both will provide them with extraordinary avenues to truly give their hearts to God! Congratulations to Lindsey Prater from Liberal, Kansas, for winning the 2010 ISC Pennant Design Contest! Where else can one week last a lifetime? It is my prayer and heart’s desire that as you begin the 2010–2011 school year, you will join the psalmist and me in truly praising our Lord: The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. (Psalm 28:7) In His service, for the children’s sake, for God’s glory, Esther Howard, D.Litt. President 2 Accelerator Visit www.aceministries.com/winnerslist for the complete winners’ list. World Watch Honduras Happenings None of the first and second level students dared raise their flags to go to the restroom. The supervisors had given up on expecting the toilet to be fixed by the end of the day, and they were almost positive they would have to resort to an alternative restroom for at least a week. However, the government continues to place special requirements and taxation on bilingual schools. Even with the lack of BELIZE appropriate resources in many areas, God GUATEMALA HONDURAS has allowed the school system to increase in resourcefulness and creativity in NICARAGUA EL SALVADOR ways that would otherwise not be possible. Lunch break was over. Fifteen to thirty minutes had passed, and students lay on the ground, covering their eyes and noses. The “military cobras” had released a tear gas bomb at their training camp two miles away from the school grounds. These are some of my experiences growing up in a Honduran school using the A.C.E. School of Tomorrow curriculum and program. I attended the model school from Levels 2–5 and the school my parents managed through graduation. From personal experience, I attest to the challenges facing individualized learning in a foreign country. Individualized education is a new concept in Honduras, and government regulations continually change. One of the major challenges for schools in Honduras has been balancing the cost of attendance and payroll. To bless the local families, the schools using the A.C.E. School of Tomorrow program try their best to maintain low costs. COSTA RICA PANAMA A.C.E. School of Tomorrow in Honduras traces back to 1985, when the Regional Directors for Central America decided to enroll their daughter, a victim of cerebral palsy, in school, and found that the only Christian school in the country would not accept her due to her physical impairment. Through a series of divine appointments, four years later the first school using A.C.E. School of Tomorrow in Honduras was started. Their daughter would go on to graduate, receiving her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in human resources from two major Christian universities in the United States. Although the convenience of running to Wal-Mart to pick up necessities is not available, and PACE orders take a long time to arrive, schools using the A.C.E. School of Tomorrow curriculum are flourishing. Currently, Honduras has 19 schools and 24 active homeschools. Governmental respect for the A.C.E. School of Tomorrow curriculum has grown due to the high academic achievement of students using the A.C.E. School of Tomorrow program in government assessment tests, and increased rates in university attendance. Not only are the students doing well academically, but they are growing spiritually through Scripture memorization and Godly character development. Pray for the students and staff using A.C.E. curriculum and program in Honduras and all of Central America. Leisel W. August–September 2010 3 2010 CEC Locations Location Date Alabama, Prattville November 8 Arizona, Tempe September 29 Arkansas, Little Rock October 6 California, Orange September 27 California, Sacramento September 24 Colorado, Lakewood September 13 Florida, Altamonte Springs November 5 Georgia, Atlanta November 3 Idaho, Pocatello September 15 Illinois, Carol Stream September 8 Indiana, Indianapolis October 15 Kansas, Lenexa November 17 Kentucky, Lexington October 13 The Christian Educators’ Convention is prayerfully planned to provide in-service training for the staff of all schools using the Accelerated Christian Education curriculum and program. Those attending come from many different denominational backgrounds. In deference and respect for each one in attendance, an appearance standard that reflects our standard has been designed for CEC. In a spirit of Godly submission, please abide by the following standards. Maine, South Portland October 25 Minnesota, Minneapolis September 10 Mississippi, Jackson November 10 Missouri, St. Louis November 19 Montana, Missoula September 17 New Jersey, Cherry Hill October 27 • Gentlemen: Dress slacks, dress shirts, ties, and dress shoes (no denim jeans)—Suits or sport jackets are optional. New Mexico, Albuquerque October 1 New York, Syracuse October 22 North Carolina, Charlotte November 1 Ohio, Columbus October 18 Oklahoma, Tulsa November 15 Oregon, Springfield September 22 Accelerated Christian Education has hand-picked a team of Godly men and women to facilitate the 2010 Christian Educators’ Convention. Among the enthusiastic individuals who will be leading the convention are specialized educators and pastors within the ministry of A.C.E. Together with a highly trained support staff, the CEC team will present challenging workshops and inspirational testimonies that will affect you and your school for Christ— one child at a time. Please join our team for a time of spiritual encouragement and educational support as they visit a city near you! Go to www.aceministries.com/training and click on Christian Educators’ Convention for dates and locations. You may also save time and preregister your school online. ****** CEC Dress Code and Information ****** • Ladies: Dresses or suits and blouses (no pants)—Skirts and dresses should come to the bottom of the knee or longer and blouses or jackets should be at the neckline. With a large group of people, it can be difficult to regulate the room temperature to everyone’s satisfaction. If you tend to be cold, you may want to bring an extra sweater or light jacket. It is a long and intense day, so please get plenty of rest the night before and eat a healthy breakfast before arriving for registration. Babies and children will not be permitted in any session. 4 Accelerator Pennsylvania, Moon Township October 20 Tennessee, Nashville October 8 Texas, Grapevine October 4 Texas, Houston November 12 Virginia, Hampton October 29 Washington, Seattle September 20 Convention Speakers Mr. duane Howard* Vice President Dr. Donald Brodhacker Executive Director of Marketing Advancement Dr. dell johnson* Ministry Relations Representative Mr. and Mrs. Steve Dawson Education Specialists Mr. LOWELL BURNS Tech Support Specialist 2010 CEC Schedule 8:00–9:00 9:00–10:00 Registration—Sales Area Open General Session I Matters of the Heart—Dr. Donald Brodhacker 10:00–10:15 10:15–11:00 Break (15 minutes) General Session II Sales Area Open Working Together in the Ministry—Mr. and Mrs. Steve Dawson Pastor to Pastors—By Invitation Only—Dr. Donald Brodhacker 11:00–11:15 11:15–11:55 Break (15 minutes) General Session III Sales Area Open The Price of Privilege*—Mr. Duane Howard 11:55–1:10 1:10–1:55 Lunch (75 minutes) General Session IV Sales Area Open Stir Up Your Mind—Dr. Donald Brodhacker 1:55–2:10 Workshop I 2:10–2:50 2:50–3:00 Workshop II 3:00–3:40 Break (15 minutes) Sales Area Open—Last Opportunity Track 1 Track 2 Track 3 Mrs. Sandy Dawson Mr. Steve Dawson Mr. Lowell Burns Five Love Languages Critical Thinking Testing with the of Children Skills Are Critical NEW Stanford 10 Online Break (10 minutes) Mrs. Sandy Dawson Mr. Steve Dawson Mr. Lowell Burns Differentiated When Push Comes aceconnect: Learning: Every to Shove: Preventing An E-World of Person Is Unique Bullying Opportunity 3:40–3:50 Break (10 minutes) Workshop III Mrs. Sandy Dawson 3:50–4:30 Working with the Reluctant Student 4:30–4:35 4:35–5:00 Mr. Steve Dawson Creative Approaches to Fundraising Mr. Lowell Burns Technical Support Questions and Answers Track 4 Dr. Dell Johnson Individualization: Divine Design* Dr. Dell Johnson Education: Divine Verdict* Dr. Dell Johnson Socialization: Divine Interaction* Transition (5 minutes) General Session V—Mr. Steve Dawson *A/V Presentation August–September 2010 5 How to Make the Most of CEC Administrators are required to attend the A.C.E. fall Christian Educators’ Convention annually with their school staff. Failure to do so may result in the revocation of any discount granted. For nearly forty years, Accelerated Christian Education has provided ministry educational training through the Christian Educators’ Convention (CEC). Throughout its history, over 300,000 educators have attended CEC to receive practical Learning Center tips, valuable leadership training, and personal growth and enrichment. Each year we hear comments such as: “The convention was very inspiring, motivating, and educational. I have gained so much and am challenged to return to school so I can apply all I have acquired.” “The convention reenergized and motivated me to return to the Learning Center where I can make an impact in the lives of my students both spiritually and academically.” School and church staff attend CEC year after year expecting a blessing from the Lord. We would be honored to have you and your staff join us at the 2010 CEC! In order to make your trip most effective, please consider the following tips. Come prepared. Take some time before leaving for 1 the convention to prepare your heart and the hearts of your staff. For the sake of your students, ask the Lord to show each of you specific areas where you can improve. Be open to what the Lord has in store. A full-color notebook will be provided for each registered guest, so bring a pen or pencil. The notebook will have space provided to write specific notes; however, you may desire to bring an extra notepad in case you want more writing space. 2 Bring your entire staff. Treat this convention as an “in-service training day.” Bring all your school and church staff as well as any interested spouses, parents, and board members. Many of the insights gained in workshops may be used in other church ministries as well as the home. Although the main objective of CEC is professional ministry training for the school, some workshops are not specifically geared toward the Learning Center and can be applied to all aspects of leadership and ministry. We offer workshops that can meet the needs of everyone from your ministry. Remember, the materials fee is only $5 per person with a maximum of $25. This means it will only cost you $25 whether you bring 5 or 25 people! Where else can you find a full day of professional training for an unlimited number of people for only $25? The purpose of CEC is to give you the updated training necessary to operate an excellent Christian school. 3 Attend as many workshops as possible. Divide your staff, and send a different staff member to each workshop. Ask them to take good notes and be prepared to share at your staff debriefing meeting. Attending a variety of workshops will bring excitement to your staff. They will 6 Accelerator hardly be able to wait to share with others the things they learned in the workshops they attend! 4 Take an extra day off school. We understand that some may travel a number of miles to attend CEC. Counting your travel time and an entire day of training, CEC may be tiring. Please consider ways to avoid making your staff seem like they have just run a marathon. We want you and your staff to go back to your school refreshed, renewed, and ready to implement the techniques learned at CEC. We recommend you spend time with your staff reviewing the information and applying it to life issues. In order to accomplish this, we suggest you plan at least one extra day off in your school schedule. Use this extra day as a staff debriefing meeting. First, let the staff sleep in a bit and begin the day in the late morning. Spend some time sharing with each other how the Lord spoke to each of you during the sessions attended, and then have lunch together. Close the day with a special prayer time. Pray for each student, family, and staff member. When school begins the following day, your staff will be ready physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Your students will benefit from your refreshing time together. 5 Make CEC special for your staff. Set aside funds in your budget to spend some quality time with your staff. If you must travel a long distance to attend the convention, spend the night in the hotel after the convention. Take your staff out for a nice meal, such as lunch on the day of convention or dinner after the convention. During your personal staff time together, let your staff know how much you appreciate them. You will want CEC to be a time your staff looks forward to each year. 6 Attend the entire convention. Plan your travel time so you arrive before the first song is sung, and stay until the very last “amen.” It is our sincerest desire that you leave CEC with all the blessings the Lord has for you and your ministry. You will be awarded a Certificate of Attendance at the end of the CEC meeting. 7 Utilize the CEC notebook all year long, taking time throughout the year for ongoing training. Each workshop has PowerPoint slides, as well as space to write your own notes, in the CEC notebook. You can use these notebook pages as subjects in your weekly staff meetings. The notebook can provide ideas for discussions on how your staff can use the tips and ideas to meet the specific needs of your school and students. Keep your notebook handy for reference all year long. We look forward to seeing you and your staff at this year’s Christian Educators’ Convention. Please visit www.aceministries.com for more information. � The Importance of Prayer www.aceministries.com You have made the right choice to educate your child in a Christian school using the Bible-based Accelerated Christian Education program. However, I Peter 5:8 warns that our “. . . adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” Satan is using everything in his power to keep young people from serving God; therefore, we cannot be passive in the battle. God promises that “. . . the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.” (II Corinthians 10:4) We must pray. However, before we can pray effectually and fervently for our children, we must be sure our hearts are right before God. James 5:16 gives us a promise, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” We can have power in prayer, but we must first place our own hearts before God for cleansing, making our lives right before God. Then, we can effectively pray for and with our children. So, for what do we pray? • Pray that your children’s friends and peers will have positive, spiritual values, since they will have an influence on your child. • Pray that your child will make good life choices and influence others in Godly ways. • Pray that your child will surrender all areas of his life to God and be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. • Pray for your child’s future—God is able to lead him to the university, special training, or preparation of His choosing. • Pray for your child’s future mate. We love our children, but God loves them more, and only He knows what is best for each one. So, how can we become actively involved in the lives of our children? • Keep the lines of communication open with school staff. • Know your child’s friends and their parents. Truly listen so as to gain insight into your child’s thinking and the issues important to him. • Let him know you are always there to listen, understand, and guide. • Share Scriptural promises and relate how God has faithfully led and directed you. • ncourage your child to E give the reins of his life to the Lord, and God will direct his steps. Never underestimate the effectiveness of prayer, because God’s almighty power is released when we call upon His name. “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27). August–September 2010 7 Learning Center Helps Different Learning Styles Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given us . . . . Romans 12:6 For who maketh thee to differ from another? Cognitive Style (How One Interacts with Information) • Analytical—deals with smaller, component parts; focuses on facts I Corinthians 4:7 Learning styles are those inborn strengths and characteristics possessed by every individual. Understanding our prominent learning styles is not a formula or solution to all our problems. It does, however, provide a framework, enabling us to focus on individual strengths and build confidence. Learning styles in themselves are neutral; therefore, students of various learning styles have equal opportunity to do well. There is no single BEST style, nor does any style make a person smarter or more capable than another. All learning styles still require accountability and high standards of conduct (not an excuse for inappropriate behavior); however, supervisors should be flexible and not rigidly compartmentalize students. Each person’s individual learning style is as unique as his signature. Learning style strengths are pieces of a puzzle, not neat categories to be identified and fit into. There are some of all styles in every one of us, and we must remember that acceptance and unconditional love are imperative to any child’s successful development. What Affects Learning? Environmental Preferences (How One Concentrates) • Time of day—works with his internal clock • Intake—knows nutritional intake during the day • Light—uses soft light or brightly lit room as long as he can comfortably see • Study area—sits at a desk in an area conducive to study • Temperature—utilizes a brisk cool, a cozy warm, or somewhere in between Modalities (How One Remembers) • Auditory—talks through things, even to self; thrives on verbal drills • Visual—highlights while reading, color-coding notebooks or files, flash cards, pictures, charts • Kinesthetic/Tactile—constant motion; short spurts of good work 8 Accelerator • Global—deals with the big picture; assumes details will fall into place Multiple Intelligence (How One Expresses Information) • Linguistic—verbal abilities: reading, writing, speaking, debating; skilled in word games and semantics • Logical/Mathematical—abilities in numbers, patterns, and logical reasoning (i.e., scientists, mathematicians, philosophers) • Spatial—ability to think in vivid mental pictures, restructuring an image or situation in your mind • Musical—ability with melody and harmony • Bodily/Kinesthetic—ability to use body skillfully (i.e., surgeons, artists, athletes, actors) • Interpersonal—ability to intuitively understand and get along with all kinds of people (i.e., pastors, teachers, counselors) • Intrapersonal—a natural gift of understanding self Mind Styles (How One Communicates Knowledge) • Taking information in: Concrete—using five senses Abstract—using intuition and imagination • Ordering information and organizing life: Sequential—linear, step-by-step manner Random—in chunks, with no particular sequence • Concrete sequential—practical, predictable, straightforward, stable, reliable, an “anchor” • Abstract sequential—logical, methodical, objective, take your time making decisions • Abstract random—sensitive to and effective with people, spontaneous, flexible, know intuitively what others need • Concrete random—curious, adventurous, quick to act on hunches, always changing, growing, and taking risks We are each unique! Add to all of these: birth order, temperament, culture, brain dominance, genetics, etc. It all adds up to a one-of-a-kind individual whom God created! What Motivates the Different Styles? Concrete Sequential—“Do-It-By-the-Book” • Wants to know exactly what is expected • Needs tangible, concrete rewards—not just words • Wants to know work will be graded and recorded • Needs clear, specific directions, preferably in writing • Loves charts and checklists (Goal Card!) • Does not like surprises • Does not like any vague or general directions Abstract Sequential—“Don’t-Rush-Me” • Wants to be thorough and deliberate • Wants serious and genuine recognition for achievements and a more challenging level of work next time • Is motivated by grades • Does not want a lot of frivolous awards • Does not like cheerleading or an emotional approach Abstract Random—“Let’s-Make-Sure-Everyone-Is-Happy” • Is highly motivated by the fact that what is done will please those he loves and respects • Is very susceptible to guilt (does not want to look bad) • Loves working in a group (highly sociable) • Is a peacemaker (loves harmony) • Does not like strict, rigid rules; does not respond well to a person who tries to control him through force Concrete Random—“I’ve-Got-a-Great-Idea” • Is driven by a need to keep things moving • Is bored easily • Is motivated by working with a supervisor who shows an interest in him • Does not like rules and requirements; is not motivated by threats or anger What Is Most Challenging for Each Learning Style? • Auditory learner—not talking in class, reading silently, blurting out answers and ideas (Whenever I get an idea, I want to hear how it sounds!) • Visual learner—listening to a speaker without visual aids, using white paper or one color ink • Kinesthetic learner—sitting still, doing the same thing for longer than 10 minutes • Analytic learner—identifying the main idea, summarizing or paraphrasing, answering essay questions • Global learner—outlining material, remembering details, documenting an answer • Concrete sequential—reading between the lines, accepting interruptions or changes in the routine, accepting exceptions to the rules • Abstract sequential—finishing assignments during class, participating in cooperative learning and group activities, learning to use gimmicks or games for learning • Abstract random—socializing too much in class, following detailed instructions, feeling that a supervisor doesn’t like him • Concrete random—following someone else’s rules, not being allowed to use his imagination, investing the time and effort to master concepts and tasks Final Thoughts: • Emphasize and reinforce the positive aspects of each person’s learning styles. • Encourage and validate differences in learning styles. • Resist the temptation to test everyone and categorize them according to a particular learning style label. • Don’t expect instant change as you implement these good ideas. • Don’t give up! Change may come slowly. CELEBRATE THE CHILD! Each one is a unique and precious jewel! The very characteristics and traits that challenge you most about the child may actually be what makes him a success later in life. As you invest your love, time, and energy, consider how much the investment will grow when you nurture each child according to the way he is naturally bent to learn. August–September 2010 9 ISC 2011 ISC 2011 May 21–26 at James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia Join us at ISC 2011! 10 Accelerator RSC 2011 2011 REGIONAL 2011 STUDENT CONVENTIONS Convention Date Facility Location Coordinator Email address Phone Carolinas March 28–April 1 The Wilds Rosman, North Carolina Joe Johnson [email protected] 615-887-6446 Coastal Plains March 7–11 Texas Baptist Encampment Palacios, Texas Emory D. Thompson [email protected] 281-753-5652 Cumberland Valley March 7–11 Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, Kentucky Emory Thompson, Jr. [email protected] 615-887-8683 Deep South March 29–April 1 Georgia Baptist Conference Center Norman Park, Georgia Jimmy Burt [email protected] 229-244-8436 Frontier March 14–18 New Mexico Tech Socorro, New Mexico Jeremiah Mustered [email protected] 615-887-8264 Great Lakes May 3–6 Adrian College Adrian, Michigan Jerry Bowen [email protected] 269-664-3229 Heartland March 8–11 Ball State University Muncie, Indiana Dennis Joslin [email protected] 615-887-6089 Mid-Atlantic April 11–15 Tuscarora Conference Center Mt. Bethel, Pennsylvania Phil Floyd [email protected] 615-887-8942 Mid-South March 28–31 Camp Garaywa Clinton, Mississippi Mike Stancil [email protected] 601-373-2708 Northeast April 25-29 Word of Life Schroon Lake, New York Don Maguire [email protected] 207-208-6249 Northwest March 21–25 George Fox University Newberg, Oregon Tom Klohn [email protected] 615-887-6106 Ozark March 22–25 Baptist Bible College Springfield, Missouri Gary Loomis [email protected] 615-887-6068 Pacific Coast March 14–18 California Baptist University Riverside, California Philip Raya [email protected] 615-887-6179 Macomb, Illinois Prairie States March 15–18 Western Illinois University Bill Root [email protected] 618-825-0609 Southern Plains April 4–8 Mt. Lebanon Baptist Encampment Cedar Hill, Texas Truong Ly [email protected] 214-697-2395 Sun Coast April 18–22 Word of Life Hudson, Florida Timothy Smith [email protected] 615-479-9623 Upper Midwest April 13–15 Northland Bible Baptist Church St. Cloud, Minnesota David Gerhardt [email protected] 615-887-8292 Virginias April 12–15 Appalachian Bible College Bradley, West Virginia Gary Stoots [email protected] 434-574-6674 Wisconsin March 22–25 University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Wisconsin Richard Clayton [email protected] 920-235-5400 August–September 2010 11 ISC 2011 Begin Now to Prepare for the 2011 International Student Convention! The key to accomplishment lies in careful planning and commitment. As the school year starts, it is time to begin preparations for International Student Convention 2011! The following schedule is designed to assist you in effectively preparing for participation in Student Convention. May the Lord bless your preparations. September •Print these schedules and lists for students and designated adults. Go to the convention section on the A.C.E. Designate a file for Student Convention website to access the Student Convention paperwork. Guidelines and the Student Preparation This file will help you avoid the hassles Handbook. of gathering forms, photos, dates, and •Make copies available for staff and signatures the day before you are to board students. the bus for Convention. •Become familiar with the Guidelines Y our file should include: because they are the key to Student 1.An Entry List for each student. Convention preparation. 2.A copy of all schedules and deadlines. Host an “ISC Orientation” for students and parents. 3.Sections of forms for: school, students, •Set aside an evening for this special event. and sponsors. •Invite all convention-age students and their See pages I–16 through I–19 in the Student parents to this informative and fun kickoff. Convention Guidelines for a detailed •Have staff members explain the different explanation of what forms should go into categories offered at Student Convention, these folders. and be sure to leave time for questions. •Set up displays with examples of projects. •Be enthusiastic, and encourage students to get involved. Prepare for Student Convention. November – February September – October Select student events. •Select those events that will best develop each student’s individual gifts and talents. •Have the student mark areas of interest on an ISC event list. •Review the student’s academic level, preferred activities, and hobbies. Develop schedules for students. •Designate staff or volunteers to work with students in specific categories. •Write practice schedules for all music and platform events. •Set deadlines for various stages of written and exhibit projects. 12 Accelerator March – April Attend Regional Student Convention. April – May Make final preparations for International Student Convention. May 21–26 Attend International Student Convention in Harrisonburg, Virginia, at James Madison University. His Servants 24/7 Squad ISC 2010 at ISC 2010 As 24/7 Squad members arrived from five nations around the globe—Australia, Mexico, Haiti, the United Kingdom, and the United States, they became an integral part of ISC 2010. These volunteers were available 24/7 during the week of ISC to do whatever was asked of them. Not only did they do a great job in making ISC run more smoothly, but their service had a life-changing impact—here are some of their exciting testimonies. This week was by far the best week I have had in my entire life. I’ve made friends from all over the world because of the 24/7 Squad. This week has shown me what I can do with God’s help. I have seen that in being a blessing to other people, I am also blessed. —Jolynn K. I very much enjoyed my experience with the 24/7 Squad and would definitely do it again. It was fun to see and be a part of everything that goes on behind the scenes at ISC. Probably my favorite part was being able to meet other Believers from across the country and around the world. I think the 24/7 Squad is a great opportunity for young people to get involved in serving, making lasting friendships, and growing in the Lord. —Emily W. The biggest thing that I will take away from being on the 24/7 Squad is a better understanding of how much the A.C.E. staff sacrifice for ISC. They want students to have fun competing, but more important, they want them to have an opportunity to give their lives to Christ. The long days made us rely on God and each other more as the week progressed. I would highly recommend applying to be on the 24/7 Squad, knowing that when we help others, God returns the blessings. —Robert C. The 24/7 Squad is an exciting way to make a difference. I loved watching students receive awards for using their God-given talents and submitting themselves to God at the rallies. The weeklong ministry is hard work and many times exhausting, but it can open your eyes to what the Lord has for you. So if you love ISC, love the Lord, and want to make a difference in someone’s life, you should consider the 24/7 Squad. —Donald C. The 24/7 Squad was a great way for me to give back for all the years that I enjoyed ISC and Regionals. It was neat to practice the things that I have been taught in my church. I learned what it means to be a 24/7 Christian—living for Jesus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week is the best thing anyone can do. —Myrna B. My experience this year as a Squad member was life-changing. As a student I had always enjoyed Convention, but I had no clue that I would enjoy being a Squad member so much. I loved being able to help the A.C.E. staff. They have impacted my life so much, and it felt amazing to be able to return the blessing. Being on the Squad forced me out of my comfort zone, and I made many new friends. —Andrea S. I absolutely loved being a part of the 24/7 Squad! It is a great chance to give back to something that blessed me so much as a student. Now I can help other students have the same life-changing experiences. The 24/7 Squad members quickly became great friends, and after less than one week, I felt like I had known this group of amazing new friends forever! It was so awesome to serve with other like-minded Christian young people at ISC 2010! —Leticia P. I loved being on the 24/7 Squad. I was blessed to be part of a group that was so enthusiastic to serve God and the A.C.E. staff. I am so grateful that I was chosen to be on the squad. —Jessica K. Visit www.aceministries.com if you have a graduate who misses the ISC experience and wants to be a blessing to others. You can also see photos of the 24/7 Squad in action, print out an application, and find out how to be part of the 24/7 Squad at ISC 2011 in Harrisonburg, Virginia. August–September 2010 13 Reaching a generation for Christ is priceless. Consider how you can give of yourself to reach the children of this world. BLESS Basic Literacy Education Saving Souls® We are grateful for each ministry and student that helped support BLESS through prayers and giving. Each ministry that raises enough to open a BLESS Center ($200) is personally recognized by Mrs. Howard at International Student Convention. BLESS Donor Certificate Recipients at the 2010 ISC Abbotsford Christian Academy Alice Christian School Berean Christian School Berean Christian School Christian Faith Academy Cornerstone Homeschool Academy Fairview Christian School Faith Christian Academy Gideon Apostolic Academy Hoyt Christian School Landmark Christian School Lighthouse Christian School Lighthouse Christian School Mableton Christian Academy Millville Baptist Academy Millville Baptist Academy—Settle Homeschool Northgate Christian Academy Orange Avenue Baptist School Prospect Christian Academy Saline Christian Academy Spring Creek Church of the Nazarene Abbotsford, Wisconsin Alice, Texas Fairview Heights, Illinois Galesville, Wisconsin St. Georges, Manitoba, Canada Auburndale, Florida Reading, Pennsylvania Anaheim, California Bakersfield, California Hoyt, New Brunswick, Canada Oneida, Tennessee Madison, Tennessee Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada Mableton, Georgia Frankfort, Kentucky Frankfort, Kentucky Seattle, Washington Fort Pierce, Florida Prospect, Virginia Somerset, Kentucky Bridgewater, Virginia Visit www.aceministries.com/bless or call 615-612-5200 for more information. 14 Accelerator Character Emphasis Secure Character Counts! The A.C.E. character trait of secure is defined as “building my everyday life on eternal things which cannot fail or be lost.” In this character strip, Christi remembers when she asked Jesus to forgive her sins and be her Saviour. Christi has joy because she knows that her life is secure in God’s hands. Believers are challenged to place their trust in eternal and not temporal things. II Corinthians 4:18 states, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Many seek security in temporal things such as possessions and people. But the Bible clearly states in Luke 12:15, “. . . a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Jeremiah 17:5 states, “. . . cursed be the man that trusteth in man . . . .” Clearly, all that the world offers lacks eternal value. Possessions and people provide only false security, and that for a limited time. God keeps Believers secure through His eternal presence, protection, and provision. We can be secure in knowing that the Holy Spirit is within our hearts. Jesus’ promise is recorded in Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” In Matthew 28:20 He said, “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” This is an especially good reminder for the student who is facing a new challenge. Remind him that he is not alone; that, as a Christian, Jesus is with him. When we realize that Jesus is the Friend “that sticketh closer than a brother,” that He is near, suddenly our difficulties become surmountable and our goals achievable. What a precious promise to always have His presence! God’s protection keeps us secure. In Psalm 56:3 David exclaimed, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” Encourage your students to trust God when they are afraid. Be assured and assure your students that nothing is too hard for God. God loves each of us; He will keep us safe eternally. We can be secure in knowing that our God is greater and more powerful than any fear we will ever face. Psalm 34:4, “I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” We can be secure in knowing that God’s provision is always sufficient. Philippians 4:19, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God knows exactly what your needs are, and He has promised to supply all of them. Remember and share with others the times in the past when God has provided for your specific needs. Model the character trait of secure before your students as you show them that your faith in God does not falter as you trust Him to supply daily needs. God’s presence, protection, and provision are eternal. They cannot fail or be lost. When we build our everyday lives on these, we are secure in Him. � August–September 2010 15 In This Issue P.O. Box 160509 Nashville,TN 37216 www.aceministries.com Presort Std US Postage Paid Permit # 55 Lewisville, TX ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED From Our President 2010 ISC Pennant Design Winner World Watch 2010 CEC Locations 2010 CEC Schedule How to Make the Most of CEC Parent AcceleGRAM Learning Center Helps Score Key Changes 2011 RSC Schedule 2011 ISC Planning Guide His Servants 24/7 2010 BLESS Donor Certificate Recipients Character Counts! Staff Distribution List ◽ Senior Pastor ◽ Senior Administrator ◽ Pastor ◽ Principal ◽ Supervisor ◽ Supervisor ◽ Supervisor Please note. Diagnostic Testing ONLINE Are your students really mastering basic math, English, social studies, science, and Word Building skills? Could there be some learning gaps that have not been identified? A.C.E. diagnostic testing begins with simple concepts and continues through more advanced abstract thinking. Successful completion of these tests indicates readiness for high school level curriculum. www.aceministries.com p. 2 p. 3 p. 4 p. 5 p. 6 p. 7 p. 8 p. 10 p. 11 p. 12 p. 13 p. 14 p. 15 ◽ Monitor ◽ Monitor ◽ Monitor ◽ Secretary ◽ Pres., P.T.F. ◽ School Board Members Basic Literature 9 Study Guide (item #63009) is available for ordering, but it will not be reprinted when available stock is depleted. High school literature requirements are integrated into the A.C.E. high school English PACEs. Therefore, it is not necessary to maintain a separate Level 9 literature course. FREE p. 2