Share: 

Delmarva Christian students explore their callings through J-Term courses

January 31, 2018

The mission of Delmarva Christian Schools is to proclaim the gospel by preparing students spiritually, academically, and physically to know and do God's will in their lives. Throughout the school year, the schools offer many opportunities for students to live out God's call on their lives, and for the high school students, this culminates during J-Term.

During a two-week period between the fall and spring trimesters, J-Term encourages students to pursue their passions in a non-traditional learning setting. Students choose to serve, explore or participate in a number of interests. Students become involved in mission ministries locally or abroad, short-term career internships, academically focused projects, conferences and numerous other growth opportunities.

Sophomore Leah Schlabach traveled to Israel along with three other DCHS students on a nine-day trip to immerse themselves in the history and culture of the Holy Land. The students and chaperones visited many historic places, read scripture that correlated with where they visited, and participated in cultural experiences.

"There were so many memorable moments throughout this trip, but as we were on the Mount of Olives I realized how much history I was standing on and how the Bible really came to life," said Schlabach. "The part that truly got to me is someday Jesus will conquer the world, right where I was sitting."

As if sleeping in a Bedouin village, riding camels, visiting the City of David, or seeing numerous historical places to include the Mount of Transfiguration, the Wailing Wall, and the House of Caiaphas wasn't enough, the students were greatly impacted by the boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.

"Taking a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee was amazing," said junior Kailee Daisy. "Thinking that we worshipped on the very body of water on which Jesus had walked was too much for me to understand!"

While some students journeyed out of the country, others went on trips right here in the United States. The Marine Biology J-Term students spent six days in Key Largo kayaking through the red mangroves, dissecting sharks and squid, snorkeling on local reefs, swimming with dolphins and visiting the Dry Tortugas. While the trip was an educational experience, several of the group members saw God in nature and how everything points to a divine creator.

"I think what impacted me the most was the shark and squid dissections, because I have never see such an intricate design up close and in person," said senior Charli White. "God never did anything halfway, and boy, did I realize that. Not only did God put intense thought into the universe, the planets, the earth, and the ocean, he was not finished until he perfectly designed every single element of each life form."

Though many of the DCHS students traveled far and wide, some stayed in Sussex County to give back to the local community. The Delmarva Christian Relief J-Term students put together overnight survival bags for the homeless, and volunteered at Our Daily Bread soup kitchen and A.C.E. Peer Resource Center.

"Seeing the smiles on the faces of the people no matter the problems they were facing was incredible," said sophomore Mackenzie Hopkins. "I am so glad DCHS gives us opportunities like J-Term to be the hands and feet of Jesus!"

Committed to excellence, Delmarva Christian Schools offers nondenominational, Christ-centered educational opportunities to students from 6 weeks old through eighth grade in Milton and from ninth through 12th grade in Georgetown.

For more information, call 302-856-4040 or go to www.delmarvachristian.com.

Subscribe to the CapeGazette.com Daily Newsletter