Many of us recently had the opportunity to watch the Artemis II voyage with a renewed sense of wonder. While the historic moment of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing on July 20, 1969, is etched in history, many of us were not there to experience it firsthand. For me, following this crew's 10-day journey was captivating. One of the most powerful moments came when they were more than 160,000 miles from Earth, looking back at our planet. As astronaut Victor Glover described the experience, he said, “You are special, in all of this emptiness, this is a whole bunch of nothingness, we call the universe, you have this oasis, this beautiful place we get to exist together.”

That perspective is both humbling and deeply affirming. In the vastness of space, Earth stands out as a place uniquely designed for life—intentionally created and sustained. As believers, we are reminded that this is no accident. God created this “space capsule” called Earth specifically for us, His creation, made in His image. Scripture captures this awe in Psalm 8:3–4: “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” 

We must never lose that sense of awe. The same God who created the vast universe also cares deeply for each one of us. He provides for us, sustains us, and loves us beyond measure. As we reflect on the beauty of Earth from such a remarkable perspective, may we be reminded that this world is a gift—an intentional, life-giving place where we are invited to live, grow, and know our Creator more fully.

I am excited to introduce Words of Hope, a new monthly blog for our HOPE Christian School families. Each month, I’ll share stories, news, reflections, and Scripture to encourage, inspire, and remind us of God’s faithfulness and the hope we share as a school community. Whether celebrating new beginnings or reflecting on growth, this blog is meant to uplift and connect us, keeping hope at the center of all we do. 

Recently, I had the chance to take students inside our new high school building as it nears completion. For all of them, it was their first time inside, and the reaction was immediate—amazed at the size, the light, the colors, and the intentional design. What they imagined from the outside was very different from the experience of stepping inside. It reminded me of our walk with God: sometimes we stand on the outside of what He is doing and assume we understand it, but when He invites us in, we often discover something far greater than we expected. As Isaiah 43:19 says, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

I’m thrilled to share that we will be moving into this new building this summer, ready for the first day of school in August for the 2026–27 year. This space isn’t just classrooms—it’s an opportunity for ministry, growth, and community. I can already imagine worship nights in the outdoor amphitheatre, concerts, chapels, food and fellowship, school programs, and everyday moments for our students where God’s love and presence come alive. Buildings don’t create transformation, but God uses spaces like these to shape hearts and deepen faith. I am filled with gratitude and anticipation for what God is doing—and that is hope.

Just as Aaron and Hur lifted Moses’ arms so that the Israelites could defeat the Amalekites, we, too, rely on one another for support as we step into the new season God is leading us into at HOPE Christian School. Each of us—students, families, and staff—plays a role in encouraging, strengthening, and lifting one another, helping each person to persevere and thrive in the opportunities before us. In community, we experience God’s faithfulness, and together we can step confidently into the new spaces, new experiences, and new ministry He is creating among us.

“Moses' arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands.” Exodus 17:12

In His Service,
Terry L. Heisey
Head of School