HOPEbriefs | Perseverance Produces Hope
Derince is one of the young men I admire most for perseverance.
When he was just seven years old, his father was arrested. Instantly, he became the ‘man’ of the house, wrestling with concerns few adults manage. With no male role models at home, God graciously provided men to mentor and advocate for Derince. They saw he was not receiving the attention he needed in public school.
Derince applied to Hope Academy in 9th grade, but was denied admission. Because Derince’s previous schools failed him academically he worked relentlessly with a tutor for one whole year, and was admitted to Hope as a sophomore. “When I found out I got into Hope Academy, I had this joy in my heart,” explains Derince. “I wanted to jump up and down, but instead I just played it cool. I was so happy I got in.”
In the last year and a half, Derince has become a learner and a leader. He has sought good friends to sharpen him. He respects his football coaches for their athletic and spiritual advice. He is growing and giving. “My belief is that, when I’m going through something difficult, as long as I believe in Christ, I can get through it,” he says.
Praise God for his relentless love for Derince, and for each one of our students. He is rebuilding our city, one heart at a time.
Other students like Derince also need need partners for this school year. Please join us in praying for God’s provision for the youth of our city, and considering how God might use you to administer his grace.
With deep joy,
Russ Gregg | Head of School
Stories of Hope | Shevon & Nadine
If you’d enjoy learning more or staying connected to Hope, we invite you to:
- Click to visit us during a school day – and bring a friend!
- Click to sign up for our Hopebriefs email (~10/yr)
Doubling Kindergarten: Our Next Step of Faith
It’s an exciting time at Hope Academy! Last week, we opened our doors wide to 435 students (and counting!) – nearly 70 of whom are Kindergarteners this year.
Over the past fifteen years, we’ve seen that “oaks of righteousness” do not grow overnight. Rather, they start by planting tiny acorns, in good soil.
Then, it takes years for this little acorn to grow deeper and wider roots. Roots that will draw refreshment in the harshest droughts; roots that will anchor this tree in the most tumultuous storms.
That is why our hearts are full of joy – and faith – this year as we double our Kindergarten from 2 classes to 4. We are thrilled to widen our admissions funnel and offer a remarkable, God-centered education to more and more families, K-12.
Thank you, for your help in reaching more “acorns” in our quest to grow “oaks of righteousness,” right here in the inner-city.
Pray that God will continue to grow our students into servant leaders who will work for justice, economic opportunity, racial harmony, hope for the family, and joy in the community.
Blessings,
Russ Gregg
Head of School
P.S. – Join us for Partner Day Sept. 24! RSVP to Jim Stigman (612-721-6294 ext 106) or Jamie Olson (952-807-2888).
Hope Principal's Frozen Experiments Go Viral!
We are rejoicing over the teachers and staff that the Lord has brought to serve the students and families of Hope Academy.
They are talented and passionate educators who believe that each child who walks though our doors has unique, God-given abilities and intrinsic value. And they are committed to providing a classical, Christ-centered education of the utmost excellence to the children of the inner city.
Many of these teachers and staff also have a flair for innovation and creativity. That was revealed again this past week when Hope’s upper school principal, Nathan Ziegler, was featured on The Weather Channel, Good Morning America, and KARE 11 for his “below-zero” weather experiments. His “Minnesota Cold” YouTube videos have garnered national attention and millions of views.
Click to see Mr. Ziegler’s Sub-Zero Experiment that has Gone Viral!
And while Mr. Ziegler’s notoriety is fueled by frostbite, our hearts are melting over God’s faithful provision and the joy-filled, year-end generosity of so many.
As we round the New Year, we have received more than 90% of our annual fundraising goal for this year. We are so grateful to the Lord for his provision!
Thank you to each one of you who has given sacrificially to this labor of God’s love!
With deep gratitude,
Russ Gregg
Head of School
