A couple of weeks ago, I published an article giving a peek into our life and work here in Los Angeles.
Most of the families in our community in North East LA send their children to public schools. A couple years ago, however, some expressed a desire for something better than the public-school system, something with a much healthier educational environment.
Many of the students in the public-school system use drugs. Many schools offer sex-ed classes for grades as young as fourth and fifth. None of the public schools teach from a Christian worldview.
What’s more, many of the teachers in public schools seem to be giving up. Their classrooms run wild, they let students pass on low grades without nudging them for their best. I’m sure much of this has to do with the bureaucracy built-in to the public-school system, and I’m also sure there are exceptions. But sadly, this too often defines the environment of the public schools.
When children spend six to eight hours of their day someplace, that environment profoundly shapes who they become and what they believe.
What if there could be an alternative environment for these children?
After hearing some of these desires from their neighbor, Benji and Maria Beiler began moving towards developing what is now known as LA ROAD Christian School (LARCS).
Through LARCS, children are given not only age-appropriate training on sexuality, they are also given a Christian worldview—ultimately hearing the story of Christ. They are cared for by their teachers, not only so they can exceed in their education, but so they can thrive in life.
The first year (2017-2018), there were five students from Kindergarten through second grade. The second year (2018-2019) started with seven, although it ended with five. This time a few extra grades added. This coming year looks to be closer to ten students with even more grades added.
To get a better feel for how things have gone so far, listen to these stories of this past year from The Fingerprint Files by Jessica Yoder, a LARCS second-year teacher:
January 25, 2019
Today on the way home from school, one young man suddenly said, “I would rather have God’s power than a Lamborghini.” He looked at me with shining eyes and a small smile. “A Lamborghini is not as expensive as God’s heart,” he added. Language limitations aside, we just might have a budding theologian on our hands.
February 20
We’re making progress in the praying department around here, to be sure, but there’s still a definite shyness about praying alone without teacher-help. This week in Bible, I’ve been asking for volunteers to pray before class. They cheerfully volunteered each other yesterday, but no takers. I asked again today for someone to pray that God would teach us what He wants us to learn and that He would give me the words to say.
I couldn’t believe it, but Irving offered to pray on his own. He prayed that God would give me the words to teach, and that the class would listen. My heart could hardly take it. Irving had no idea how God had used him to hug me today when I desperately needed it.
He amened and I thanked the beaming boy.
“Miss, my eyes are watering.” Jonathan looked at me and I looked at him.
“Is it because of Irving’s prayer or because of your Takis*?”
“The Takis.”
Well, my eyes were watering too and I haven’t had a Taki for weeks.
*Takis are a spicy chip-like snack
February 23
God is moving.
Doors are being unlocked, slowly, slowly, and we’re beginning to peek around the corner into a few rooms of one boy’s heart. Some days the doors open suddenly and the breeze stuns us. For inside those rooms dwell life and passion and knowledge and intrigue.
After school yesterday, Brendon mentioned that he has sensed a change in this boy the last week or two. I absolutely agree. Something is coming alive within him and he’s slowly growing in confidence. We’re glimpsing some of his interests—honey badgers and octopuses and quetzals and Japanese architecture, for example—and watching him get excited sharing that knowledge. He’s a smart guy, that one. Some days he’s open, and other days he’s not. We celebrate every open moment with have with him.
April 29
Bible class was starting, and Mr. Brendon asked for a volunteer to pray. His gaze hovered near one boy. Now, this one has never prayed out loud at school, never even remotely expressed interest. Within the last few days I’ve been sensing that he may be ready to try soon, but we haven’t pushed it yet. Mr. Brendon’s gaze yet lingered and he asked this boy if he’d like to pray. A slight pause but no shrinking back.
And then, “Tomorrow.”
“Ok, I’ll ask you tomorrow.”
Mr. Brendon and I glanced at each other in thinly veiled wonder.
And I’m pretty sure we can’t wait for about 10:46 a.m. tomorrow.
April 30
“Thank you for giving us another day of life. Please protect the people around the world who don’t know you. Thank you that you are good to us even when we don’t deserve it. Give Mr. Brendon wisdom as he teaches…”
It may have taken this young man eight months to become comfortable with the idea of praying out loud at school, but when got there he absolutely nailed it. No “copy after you” prayers for him. Just a calm, measured—dare I say—confident few words with the King of the universe. The same King who we hope is, or soon will be, King of his heart.
King of our hearts, we stand in awe at your work.
June 7
And just like that, the 2018-19 school year is history. But for our students, a fresh journey has just begun.
We celebrated so much in the last month of school as our students each answered God’s knock on their hearts. Jonathan and Nayeli asked Jesus into their lives after school one day as we sat in the car. What sweet moments! The next day, their big brother Irving asked Jesus in after Bible class. That weekend during a boys camping trip with Mr. Brendon, Kevin also decided to accept God’s forgiveness for his sins. And little Damian—well, about a week later, Jonathan announced during devotions that the previous evening Damian asked him how to accept God’s gift. So right there on their trampoline, the two brothers prayed together. What a beautiful sight that must have been!
How we rejoice over each of their decisions! The level of spiritual warfare at school escalated drastically in May as the battle between light and darkness, between truth and deception, manifested itself in new ways. Thankfully, as children of the light, we can don the armor of God. Amid the battle we were able to introduce our students to this necessary attire and they could put it to immediate use. Praise the Lord for the ways He reveals His truth to His children of all ages.
There is no doubt these children are getting a better education from more caring teachers then they’d get anywhere else.
But a private, Christian school education does not come without its challenges.
First of all, rent for a building is outrageous here in LA. A small 500 sq./ft. building with three separate sections (not rooms) within the proper zone costs $1,200 per month. This little building sits in the middle of a parking lot right off one of the busiest streets on its side of town. There is a nice park within walking distance, but no place to have a quick recess immediately close by.
To upgrade—recess area, actual rooms, possibly with a kitchen—would easily add another $500 a month.
Secondly, LARCS serves families with low incomes. Public schools are free for families because they are paid for with tax payers money. Private schools are completely dependent on internal revenue, which is low since the families we serve aren’t really able to add tuition into their already tight budgets.
Thirdly, families want to know they are going to be giving their children a credible education. It’s wonderful when a school can teach children about science, math, and history from a Christian perspective, but will their children’s work at school count toward a legitimate diploma? Will their transcript be accepted when applying for college? These things matter to families, and it’s not always easy to get a private up to speed on accreditation.
Fourthly, public schools offer far more extra-curricular activities than private schools can—especially when a private school is just getting started. Many families like their children to be involved in sports or music programs. Some need after school tutoring or take advanced classes. Private schools just starting out don’t have the resources to provide such extra-curricular programs, so families can often be skeptical of making the switch.
While these obstacles often stand in the way of private Christian schools becoming successful, they are obstacles that can be removed with the right kind of help. It doesn’t seem right that families who want something better than public schools should have to go without an alternative.
I taught at a small private school for three years, and I know how crucial supporters are to accomplish its mission. Private schools cannot make it in the inner-city without its donors.
Already, three dedicated teachers are volunteering their time to guide the students of LA ROAD Christian School. Some of these teachers are doing it even as they advance their own education. But without further financial resources, LARCS won’t be able to keep even them.
Would you be willing to help give inner-city families the education they deserve?
I ask this on behalf of LA ROAD Christian School. I get nothing from inviting you to become a financial supporter of LARCS other than the satisfaction of seeing the school to continue providing the education these families deserve.
Are you able to help pay for curriculum, rent, supplies and equipment, or teacher compensation?
The families already pay a small tuition fee, but as mentioned before, they can’t afford to pay much more. Would you be able to fill the rest?
If this sounds like an investment you want to put your money towards, I invite you to watch the following video. And if after watching the video, you are convinced it’s where you want to put your money, donate to LARCS through the PayPal button below.
Then, after you’ve donated, I’ll make sure your email gets put on the newsletter list so you can witness families of LA give their children a good education at an affordable price that results in disciples of Christ.
You won’t be the only one giving money, however. I will personally match up to $1,000 of all donations given by August 15, 2019.
The thing about giving money towards LA ROAD Christian school is that your money is being invested into Kingdom work. Through LARCS, people are coming to Christ, families are getting a better education, and together we play a crucial part of bringing transformation to cities of America.
Without the financial support of donors, LARCS may not be able to offer as good of a program (if at all). Without support, a private school is not sustainable and families will have to send their kids to public schools. Their children will be taught secularism and humanism, and not about God’s design.
In short, without everyone working together—teachers with parents, school administrators with donors, and everything in between—the educational environment of our inner-cities goes unchanged.
Don’t sit passively by pointing fingers at the problem in America. Become a part of the solution by donating today and helping to give inner-city families the education they deserve.
Here are a couple of immediate financial needs LARCS has as of July 25, 2019:
- Curriculum
- Teacher compensation (housing rent, food & gas money, etc.)
If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below.
