When I came to serve as principal at Wheaton Academy in 2006, a friend of mine asked how I felt about leaving the school where I was serving to “join the Yankees.” From a distance, this friend of mine perceived Wheaton Academy as a school with a successful yet storied history similar to that of the New York Yankees. While Wheaton Academy has been richly blessed over the years, many in our community may not be aware of the hard times in the early and mid-1970s that almost resulted in the permanent closing of our school.
As we celebrate the Academy’s birthday each year on December 14, remembering God’s faithfulness to us over the years is so important. Few Christian schools in the United States have been around for as long as Wheaton Academy—it will be 169 years in December—and few have remained true to their original mission as we have. As you read this issue of Connection, I trust that you will enjoy reflections from our alumni that highlight God’s work in their lives through some of the most challenging times we have faced as a school.
"I look back with admiration and great awe of those in Wheaton Academy’s history who trusted God to carry them through the most challenging times."
Understanding Wheaton Academy’s history and God’s faithfulness through hardship and uncertainty is an excellent reminder that our successes today are a gift for which none of us can boast. At this time of year when we celebrate the birth of Christ and our salvation in Him, we are reminded of His grace for which none of us can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works so that no one can boast.” As we approach this Christmas season, we celebrate this common bond of God’s gift of grace through Christ Jesus.
I may have come to join “the Yankees” of Christian education, but I am keenly aware that this is God’s team for which I play. I look back with admiration and great awe of those in Wheaton Academy’s history who trusted God to carry them through the most challenging times. Their faith and courage were remarkable; I am thankful for them, and I am thankful to each of you—for your continued support, encouragement, and prayer for us as we seek to nurture growth in students through relationships, excellence, and service to the glory of God!
Soli Deo Gloria,
Steve Bult
