December 8, 1999

Three principles form ministry's foundation
___It is a special privilege to serve at San Marcos Baptist Academy. The experience is both deeply meaningful and profoundly satisfying.

Paul Armes President, San Marcos Baptist Academy

___In a recent meeting of the academy's trustees, I suggested three foundation blocks for the ministry of our school. Perhaps these commitments will help you understand something of who we are and why we exist. These principles form the basis of all that we do as an institution serving adolescents in today's world.
___ Every person is created in God's image. Each of us has been given wonderful skills and abilities. We grow, communicate, learn and reason. We have the ability to choose, to exercise faith and to love unselfishly. These qualities make us unique in the created order. We are special to and cherished by God. We are a family in the best and most positive sense of that word. We teach these values at SMBA.
___ God has a plan for every life. San Marcos Baptist Academy was founded as a faith-based institution. We are not apologetic about the fact we believe in God and in Jesus Christ, his Son. We exist to help others hear and understand the biblical message of God's plan and love. The administration not only permits prayer in our classrooms; we encourage it.
___ Faith and learning are most assuredly compatible. We are a school that values not only the acquisition of knowledge, but also the transformation of lives.
___The appropriate integration of faith and learning will continue to be the challenge and opportunity of this institution. In a world that cherishes pluralism and the absence of moral and personal absolutes, we stand for an open and honest Christian faith that welcomes dialogues with other beliefs and philosophies. Our approach encompasses both excellence in academic enterprise and fervor in Christian commitment. While the faith component of SMBA is not intended to be inappropriately coercive, it is designed to be natural and intentional. To see lives changed by faith in Jesus Christ is why J.M. Carroll and the Baptists of Central Texas birthed us more than 90 years ago.
___Our world seems to have lost its moorings in many ways. For almost 100 years, San Marcos Baptist Academy has been giving its students roots and wings, knowledge and faith. As we face the beginning of a new millennium, it is clear that no human enterprise is more important or crucial to the future of our world and its inhabitants than teaching our young people the really important lessons of life.
___Our Texas Baptist family has walked with us in a wonderful partnership of ministry since 1911. Thank you for your prayers and your financial support.
___We are enabled to make a difference in the lives of young men and women because you care!
___

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