Repairing the Ruins

In the Old Testament book of Nehemiah we read the story of how Nehemiah, upon learning of the destruction of the walls of Jerusalem, set out to rebuild them. At the time he was employed as a cupbearer to the king of Persia, King Artaxerxes. In the king’s presence one day Artaxerxes noticed that Nehemiah was downcast and so he asked Nehemiah:

“Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This can only be sadness of the heart.” (Nehemiah 2:2)

Nehemiah responded by saying:

“May the king live forever! Why should my face not be sad, when the city, the place of my ancestors’ graves, lies waste, and its gates have been destroyed by fire? (2:3)

The king then asked Nehemiah what his request of the king was, and Nehemiah responded in part by saying:

“If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor with you, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my ancestors’ graves, so that I may rebuild it.” 2:5

Nehemiah went on to ask the king to help him in his effort by supplying him with the timber needed to repair the walls and gates of Jerusalem, as well as for the house that Nehemiah would occupy while attending to his great task. The king obliged his request and (if you don’t mind me spoiling the end of the story) Nehemiah was ultimately successful in his work to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem.

So why do I relay this story in relation to Ancient Paths? Well, I believe we are in much the same situation with modern education as the walls of Jerusalem were in Nehemiah’s time. Education has been crumbling all around us for quite some time now, and we at Ancient Paths are on a mission to rebuild what has been torn down. We want to do so to protect a new generation of children from the evils of atheistic and progressive catechization in government run schools (…not for the fame and fortune that comes with starting a Christian and classical school). Nehemiah wept and mourned when he learned of the state of the walls and gates of Jerusalem, and we too weep when we think about what passes for education these days, as well as how children suffer the tragedy of low expectations at government schools across the nation.

But just like Nehemiah needed the king’s help we too need help if we are going to achieve our goal in starting Ancient Paths Christian and Classical Academy. Because we are passionate about the idea of Christian and classical education we want every child of Christian parents to be able to afford tuition at Ancient Paths-that’s why we are capping tuition at $3000 per student per year. Since we are doing that, we are relying on the generosity of donors like you to help us get this school off the ground. We won’t be coming back year after year asking for more money-our plan is for the school to be self-sustaining after a year or two. We have already experienced great generosity up to this point, but we need more to make the school a success. Our hope is that you’d prayerfully consider donating to APCCA through the website or by mailing in a check so that we can carry on the great work that the Lord has burdened our hearts with.

Thank you so much for traveling this road with us. May God get all the glory for this endeavor’s success!

Tim Boggs - Board Member