PACIFIC BEROWRA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ESTABLISHED AND GUIDED BY GOD Recently some Pioneers of Pacific Berowra Christian School, Mr Stephen Spies and Miss Mavis Hudson, shared their memories and faith journeys through the first few years of the school. They shared many stories of the early days, of faith-filled staff and parents serving, but said the best stories are told through the lives of the students, as they pass through the school and become adults, about whom the school can say, ‘ For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes? Is it not you?’ 1 Thessalonians 2:19 (NIV) Steve, who founded the school and was its first principal, remembers how God took him on a journey which involved a significant career shift. As a teenager, he was deeply involved in church youth activities and CSSM Beach Missions. When God challenged him in his mid-twenties to leave his role as a Civil Engineer and ‘feed His sheep,’ (referencing John 21 where Jesus asks Peter to demonstrate his love), Steve made a monumental professional change but not a spiritual one. Meeting Bob Frisken in Newcastle in late 1977 led to 11 years teaching at Regents Park Christian Community High School. During that time, Bob inspired him with the idea of establishing a Christian primary school. Planning ahead, Steve’s wife Jenni initiated discussions about their own children’s education when their eldest was three. With support from Bob and Peter Hester, founders of Christian Community Schools (CCS) who happened to be Steve’s Principal and Deputy, and David Magill as the third member of the CCS leadership, a strong backing was established to help present the concept to Berowra Baptist Church where Steve was the Church Secretary. The support and friendship of the new young pastor and many enthusiastic friends saw Berowra Christian Community School officially open in March 1986. David recommended Miss Mavis Hudson as the founding teacher, and she proved to be crucial in establishing a strong foundational culture. Mavis also remembers this period, with a chuckle. When Berowra Baptist Church initially announced its plan to open a new school, it was suggested that she apply for a teaching position, in which she was initially uninterested. Mindful that she was approaching her 50th birthday, her focus was on securing an executive position at an established school. However, as she prayed about it, she felt God shifting her perspective. Reflecting on Isaiah 30:21, she felt as if a voice was behind her, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’This was God’s guidance towards this new path. Trusting in His guidance (Psalm 3:5-6), she decided to apply. 41
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