From the Executive Director

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Peter Moore performing the wedding of Dan and Leslea in 1984

Leslea and Dan at the Study Center 50th Anniversary Celebration in October

Here I raise my Ebenezer; hither by thy help I’m come.

And I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.

A century before Charles Dickens created his miserly (but teachable) Scrooge, the name Ebenezer was etched into Christian worship by Robert Robinson – author of one of my favorite hymns, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” Meaning stone of help, it’s a biblical reference to when God defeated Israel’s enemies and Samuel set up a stone of remembrance and “named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”¹ 

In my own Christian journey, I can point to many Ebenezers, marking specific times and places where God’s faithfulness was on full display. Among them was my wedding day, four decades ago, officiated by my dear friend and FOCUS Founder, Peter Moore. Looking back, as Leslea and I celebrate our 40th anniversary, I’m convinced that neither of us truly knew what lay ahead. What we did know is God’s promise that  “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”² This has been our life verse and has helped us through the highs and lows, the joys and sorrows of our marriage. 

Of course, FOCUS has countless Ebenezers of its own! In addition to our Study Center 50th Anniversary Celebration last October, four of our Area Ministries are celebrating milestone anniversaries this school year:

San Francisco – 10 years of ministry

Greater Washington Area – 30 years

Fairfield/Westchester (CT) – 35 years

New York City – 45 years

As you enjoy this issue of inFOCUS, please join us in remembering God’s provision throughout more than six decades – giving thanks for how He continues to use FOCUS to draw independent school students to Himself.

Dan Walker                                                                                       Executive Director

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 ¹ 1 Samuel 7:12                                                                                    ² James 1:17                                                           

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