A Legacy of Christian Education

I grew up in a family in which my dad was the sole breadwinner while my mom was dedicated to taking care of the family. My dad worked as a medical technologist and microbiologist at the Subic naval dispensary in Subic Bay, Zambales, Philippines.

Both my parents were advocates of Christian education, so my siblings and I went to church school in our hometown until fourth grade. Later, we attended boarding school at Philippine Union College (PUC), now known as Adventist University of the Philippines. After I graduated from high school at PUC, I enrolled at the Manila Central University, College of Optometry. My mother was disappointed with my decision to study at a university that did not share our beliefs, but I assured her that I would not do anything that conflicted with the biblical teachings we had grown up with. For the duration of my collegiate experience, I never had to attend a class, a board certification lecture, or a licensure examination on a Saturday.

I praise God for allowing me to share His love and my faith with others as I pursued my endeavor to become a board-certified and licensed optometrist in the Philippines. I am grateful for God-fearing parents who instilled in my siblings and me a love for God and His Word. We were taught early in life that we serve a God who loves us so much that He gave His only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross, ensuring our salvation from sin.

We grew up in a home where real joy was evident.

We were taught to put Jesus first, others next, and ourselves last. We routinely had morning and evening family worship and were actively involved in church activities, which enriched our spiritual growth. Our parents frequently told us that we may not be rich in material things in this life, but Christian education is the legacy they can give us to prepare us for God’s heavenly kingdom. I am very grateful to my parents for the legacy of a Christian education, which we have passed on to our own children. We thank God for enabling us to send our children to Christian schools so that they can become God-fearing, loving, and responsible adults for this world and the world to come.

Rhona Grace Magpayo