The Nigusse Family
"We cannot guide them by our own strength alone. Ultimately, we must place them in the gracious hands of our faithful Father."
Nowadays, even if we desire to help our children grow in Christ and live Christ-centered lives, raising them in this way is becoming more difficult. We live in a fallen and often chaotic world where many influences compete for the hearts and minds of our children. Like all parents, we recognize that our kids are growing up surrounded by choices that can easily pull them away from a Christ-centered perspective. Because of this, we constantly remind ourselves that we cannot guide them by our own strength alone.
One of the clearest ways we express our dependence on God is through prayer. We regularly seek Him, acknowledging that true spiritual growth in our children can only come through His work in their lives. We ask the Holy Spirit to fill them and to transform them from the inside out through His Word, both at home and in the church.
At the same time, we know this responsibility is not meant to be carried by parents alone. It truly takes a community. As the saying goes, "It takes a village to raise a child." For our family, ZCS has become an important part of that village. We see the school as a mission field in the local community, where staff and teachers are deeply committed to helping students grow through Christ-centered education. This commitment is visible in the school's values, administration, classroom teaching, Bible instruction, chapel services, music programs, and many other activities. ZCS provides an environment where learning about Christ and learning to live like Christ are naturally woven into everyday education.
One of my most memorable early moments was unexpectedly joining a prayer gathering at the school entrance. That simple experience left a deep impression on me and set the tone for what followed. Since then, our family has attended chapel services, listened to our children excitedly recite Bible verses on the drive to school, and heard them share what they are learning in class, including lessons from Scripture.
We have been especially encouraged by the dedication of the teachers, whose work requires patience, passion, and perseverance. Our children quickly made friends, grew to love their teachers, and truly feel at home. We have also deeply appreciated the kindness and professionalism of the school's administration, from the reception area to the admissions office and leadership team.
Another blessing has been the school's music program. Through choir and band, students develop musical abilities while discovering ways they may one day serve the Kingdom. Watching our children grow in these areas has been a joy for our family. We are also deeply thankful for the scholarship support that made this opportunity possible.
As a family, we continue to pray for ZCS. We pray that it will remain faithful to its Christ-centered mission, continue to grow, and receive the resources needed to flourish. Like any meaningful work, this mission requires partnership from parents, individuals, organizations, and the wider community. Ultimately, we all depend on the Spirit of God to continue working in and through ZCS. We are truly grateful for our experience at ZCS and pray that the Lord will continue to guide and use it for His glory.
