|
 My name is Nehemiah Beckstrand. I’m in 8th grade here at Hope Academy. Right now, my best subjects at school are math, science, and history. In four years, my goal is to graduate from Hope Academy with highest honors. After high school, I plan to go to college and study pre-med. I’m also considering enlisting in the military. But no matter what I do, I want to do it all for the glory of God.
In the book of James, we are told to be "quick to listen, slow to speak...and slow to become angry..." The way to deal with anger, according to James, is to accept the word of God with humility.
Anger has always been my biggest struggle in my life. I have always been a good student academically, but I have had a short fuse. God is teaching me to be “slow to anger”.
In fact, this week I had yet another shortcoming. However, unlike previous times, I’m seeing what I’m doing wrong, and am learning to surrender my life to God and own up to my sin.
Some of the men you just saw in the video, have been very influential in my life: Mr. Ziegler, Mr. Gillespie, and Mr. Cammack.
First, Mr. Ziegler is our Upper School principal. Mr. Ziegler, would you stand up? Mr. Ziegler has been the one I talk to when I’m in trouble, and he helps me see how God’s word can help with my problems. Last Thursday, Mr. Ziegler invited me over to his house to talk about dealing with my anger.
Second, Mr. Gillespie is a counselor and Bible teacher at Hope. Mr. Gillespie, would you stand up. I’ve known him for three years. He’s a godly example to me, and encourages me in my walk with Christ. Recently, he invited me to join his weekly leadership class—he’s teaching me a lot about how to be a Godly leader.
Third, Mr. Rich Cammack is the bald white guy you saw in the video. Mr. Cammack, can you stand up? Here at Hope we have mentor groups, and Mr. Cammack has been my mentor group leader for two years. We see each other each week, and sometimes meet outside of school too. Just on Monday we had breakfast. He’s more than just a mentor to me, he is a dear friend, and also a father figure. Thank you, Mr. Cammack.
I also want to ask my mom, Holly Beckstrand, to stand up. I have a great relationship with my mom. Some days are kind of off, but we always get through it. She’s more than just my mom, she’s one of my best friends.
In addition to my mom, God is using these men at Hope to train me up to follow him. In Psalm 68 it says that our God is “a father to the fatherless” who “sets the lonely in families.” Every day, God is helping me realize how true this is in my life.
God has given me Godly role models and a family of friends here at Hope Academy. Whatever plans God has for my future, I know he wants me to grow in humility and obedience to him.
I can’t imagine a better place for me to grow than here at Hope Academy.
| 
