When people find out that North Hills has been here for over fifty years, they often respond with the remark, “I guess you’ve seen a lot of changes over the years.”  The answer to that is affirmative, of course… as we’ve watched buildings being added, curriculum being changed, policies being modified, programs being developed, and most significantly, young people entering as toddlers and leaving as high school graduates.  Along with all of the changes comes a legacy that has been established - something handed down from one generation to the next.  As we continue to improve and build our programs, may we never forget that we are building on the foundation that was previously laid down for us.  I recently contacted Robert Smith, who was on the original board when the school was founded, to share his thoughts on the early days and the legacy upon which we stand.  Here are his thoughts:

I was privileged to serve on the original Board of Directors along with Dave Davis, Roger Harrison and Bill Ryburn. These three men were visionaries, having been led by God to establish North Hills Christian School.  Roger and Mary Harrison had enrolled their two sons, Roger Jr. and David, in Christian schools out of town. The Harrisons prayed for the Lord's direction in establishing a Christian school, which would serve Salisbury and Rowan County. Their vision was unanimously embraced by the rest of the Board.

As I think back over the 50 years, I am constantly reminded of the Lord's faithfulness. There have been difficult and challenging times, but God has always supplied our needs and given direction in many miraculous ways, and we give Him the praise!  I have observed many changes over the years ~ number of students, teachers, staff, and facilities. Our first kindergarten class, taught by Mrs. Dorothy Dameron, had 28 students. We thank the Lord for over 300 students presently, and I understand that the class of 2021 will be the largest graduating class in the history of the school.

"To God Be The Glory" is one of my favorite hymns. This certainly applies to North Hills Christian School, thinking of these past 50 years. As we press onward, may we be encouraged by remembering that the same God who has blessed North Hills over all these years, is "the same yesterday, today and forever". (Hebrews 13:8)  A noted Bible teacher shared this, which stays on my desk as a daily reminder… SEEK JESUS CONSTANTLY,  SERVE JESUS FAITHFULLY, SHARE JESUS BOLDLY.  God tells us in His Word, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8 NIV)

In closing, "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26 NIV)

May North Hills Christian School always be pointing boys, girls, young men and young women to the Saviour ~  and to the studying and teaching of God's Holy and Inspired Word.

Minds:
Think on those admonitions: Seek Jesus constantly. Serve Jesus faithfully.  Share Jesus boldly. How are you doing in building upon the foundation laid out for you?

Hearts:
Please pray for the ministry of NHCS as we have the opportunity to continue the work to which God has called us.  Pray for the hearts and minds of students to seek, to serve, and to share Christ.