God for him, and how his life had been used. Despite his suffering, God had used his life to bless many other people. He bore a lot of difficulties in his life, but out of those difficulties came a school and camps for people with disabilities. Most of the time we won’t find out the purposes while here on earth. Through my parents’ experiences, I’ve come to see that God’s plan continues especially during times of conflict and challenge – a valuable life lesson in faith and courage. For example, while the school was being established in its first few years, they received no income but trusted God to provide. These were also lessons - that God shapes and moves people in and out of situations and that He appoints a time for everything. God’s sovereignty was not questioned. I have also learnt to love generously. Dad had a very personal warmth about him and would speak to anyone about Jesus, no matter who the person was. He would stop to talk to anyone, mainstream or marginalised – he loved talking and connecting with people. Through watching my parents I have also learnt a valuable educational lesson - that ALL students need a teacher who REALLY cares about them, not just academically, but spiritually, wholly. Finally, I thank God for my parents, respect them deeply and pray that I will live out the lessons learnt and be as useful to God as my parents always strived to be. Their courage for God was inspirational and will forever stay with me. John and Robin Odell – my much-loved parents and special Pioneers for God. Pioneers of Christian Education and PHCS - Lynn McCrindle “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) Lynn McCrindle, the first teacher, is one of the pioneers of Pacific Hills Christian School. In her words, she is naturally a shy, quiet, ‘behind the scenes’ type of person and this carried through in her service to God. She loved contributing behind the scenes and seeing things come together. But as she found out, “When God calls you, how can you be reluctant? When He calls you, He gets you through”. In the beginning, Lynn’s three children were at another school and she wanted more for them than was being offered at that school. She wanted them all to experience the joy of learning, in conditions that were conducive and amenable to learning in a Christian environment. Each was at a strategic stage and their experiences at that school were becoming frustrating. God’s timing is always right. In this year of struggle for Lynn, she heard about John Odell’s desire 10
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