In Joshua chapter four as the children of Israel are about to cross into the promised land, they face one last obstacle-the Jordan River. After God allows the people to walk across miraculously on dry ground, God commands the nation to build an altar. Twelve stones were taken from the bottom of the Jordan River for the altar. In verse six, the reason for the memorial is given when God says "In the future when your children ask you 'What do these stones mean?' tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord."

Notice that the natural curiosity of a child is assumed. God does not say "If your children ask," he says "When your children ask." The function of a Christian school is like that of the altar beside the Jordan River. Institutions of Christian education exist to be ready with a Biblical answer when our children ask about the world around them.

Christian education is much more than just a Bible class added to the state's curriculum or daily devotional services added to an otherwise secular environment. Christian education is about the intersection of faith with every part of the curriculum and each activity that the school sponsors. Christian schools are uniquely able to handle the questions about the nature of God, his creation and what he expects of us-questions that can arise naturally out of any class.

An increasing number of parents are seeking the difference found in Christian education. Enrollment in NCSA schools has increased 27 percent in the past decade. In addition, several new schools are beginning each year. For more information about the National Christian School Association or how you can begin a Christian school in your community call or write: