"Securing His Promise for our Future” CAMPAIGN 2009

Our youth need a plan, a hope and a future.

God has promised them all … and we are part of His plan.

 As a result of a troubled public school system in Duval County (Jacksonville, FL) there has been a heavy increase in the number of private and parochial schools in northeast Florida, among which have been Grace Lutheran School in 1998 and Guardian Lutheran School in 2001. With the growing success of these two schools, the addition of classes through eighth grade, and the pleading of concerned parents for a similar high school environment, plans were laid by members of Grace Lutheran to begin a Lutheran High School in the Jacksonville area.

The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod has long held that education should address the whole person — body, mind, and spirit — and has fostered a system that starts in early childhood, is emphasized through the elementary and high school years and continues throughout a person’s life. With that same mind-set and with the dire need in Jacksonville for a high school experience offering high academic standards coupled with a strong emphasis on personal responsibility, the Lutheran High School of Jacksonville (LHSJ) was founded in 2008. Having two elementary feeder schools already in place and the support and encouragement of local LCMS congregations, a safe, moral, academic environment for educating the whole high school student – in mind, body and soul – is now a reality.                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

In our current cultural environment this opportunity must not be squandered. Our children need to know about reading. writing and arithmetic. But they also need to know the Truth .. and His name is Jesus! The future of our community, our city, even our country depends upon a refocusing on what is truly important in the lives of our youth. The LHSJ is young, eager and ready … prepared to offer high school students what many other schools do not … a well- rounded, quality education coupled with high moral standards. Biblical teaching, and life-stretching expectations.

The challenge is that we are the “new kid on the block” … we are not yet accredited … we are just now developing an athletic draw … and we opened our doors in a severe economic downturn. We need abundant prayers, outspoken encouragement, additional students, and resources. The next several years are critical. God has mightily blessed us so far … but He is not done with us yet! His plan is still unfolding!