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Living Word Academy
Jesus
Christ at Work
in the Next Generation
Purpose and Goals
God's Word declares in Proverbs 29:18 that, "Where
there is no vision, the people perish..."
Over two decades ago, in the early 1970's, God gave
Pastor Robert J. Mazur a vision that besides establishing
a Church, God would also establish a Christian school.
The leadership of Living Word Church and the Academy
staff are very thankful that the Lord has provided a
Christian academy for our children. The Academy conducts
classes covering pre-school and grades K-12. At Living
Word Academy (LWA), Christian education serves a dual
purpose. Internally, the school's ministry is vital
to the Church. Our young people are the Church of today
and tomorrow. As such, they are the torch-carriers of
the Christian faith. Christian character is molded and
shaped by the teachers called to service "...For the
perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry,
for the edifying of the body of Christ..." (Ephesians
4:12) Externally, the Academy stands as a witness for
the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, a beacon to the
community of how young people brought up in Him mature
to be assets to their families, the Church and to their
community.
Teaching Godly ways is an often-repeated Bible principle.
Deuteronomy 11:18-21 says: "Therefore shall ye
lay up these My words in your heart and in your soul...And
ye shall teach them your children...That your days may
be multiplied, and the days of your children..."
Also, Proverbs 22:6 says: "Train up a child in
the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not
depart from it."
The Academy provides formal academic instruction, which
in our contemporary culture cannot be totally or adequately
provided by parents alone, but which supports and complements
their efforts, in a totally Christian setting and from
a Spirit-filled Christian perspective.
The goal is to prepare the younger generation so they
will be obedient to the Lord when they become the Church
leaders of tomorrow. Some churches have failed in the
past due to the lack of effort and understanding given
to this important area.
With this in mind, Scriptures are applied every day
of the school year, both at chapel and in classes, as
constant reminders of Christian Truth. Many Academy
graduates have testified about how valuable the education
they received at LWA has been in their lives. As they've
gone on to higher education, or entered the work force,
they have seen how important it is to be prepared not
only academically, but spiritually as well.
God Supplies All Our Needs
Many graduates also come back to the Academy to volunteer
their time in teaching, coaching, music, drama and other
areas. These second-generation members are contributing
to the growth and edification of the Church. Many third
and even some fourth-generation children are enrolled
as students. Founded in the fall of 1979, the Academy
started with five paid teachers and many full-time and
part-time volunteers. Classes were scattered throughout
the Church building. Physical education classes were
held outside in the parking lot and around the outskirts
of the building. Three or four classes were held in
the assembly hall. Others were held in the nursery area.
The school library was in the front part of the building,
where the Living Word Store is now located.
Few people in the Church realized that there were
some very suitable school buildings right down the street.
What's more, their occupant's lease expired in June,
1979. The East Syracuse-Minoa school district was willing
to sell the property, which consisted of a main school
building and an annex. Only one-and-a-half months after
the school began, the Church suddenly had an agreement
to purchase the school property and both the buildings!
At that time, about 65 students moved to the former
Courtview Elementary School. As a result of the Lord's
provision, the Church and Academy gained adequate educational
facilities, which included a gymnasium and spacious
playgrounds for physical education purposes. After only
two more years of existence, LWA received its educational
accreditation from the State of New York, a most noteworthy
achievement for a private independent Christian school.
The Lord Jesus Christ has provided for LWA in areas
such as spiritual growth, saved and Spirit-filled teachers,
materials and funding needed to maintain proper academic
operation.
Since its beginnings, the Academy's enrollment has
experienced steady growth. In September, 1995, the enrollment
figure was approximately 230 students K-12, plus pre-schoolers.
Academy pupils make up a diversified student body.
They hail from 16 different school districts, located
from Mexico to Canastota. However, numbers are not the
most vital factor. Christian spiritual growth, obedience
to the Lord, and quality academic instruction are the
key objectives of Christian education at the Academy.
The Lord is also bringing growth in areas such as special
education, vocational training, and science.
Dedicated and Called Staff
Over the years, the Academy has grown and prospered
through the Lord God Almighty. He has called many saved,
Holy Spirit-filled, diligent and knowledgeable people
to teach and volunteer skills, time and effort to His
service. The school is operated by ten to 12 paid teachers
assisted by more than 100 volunteers.
Volunteers have always been a vital part of the school.
Without them, it could not function. Volunteers are
active as: teachers and teaching assistants; office
workers; nursery overseers; extra-curricular group leaders;
cleaning and maintenance helpers; and a dedicated kitchen
crew. The latter prepare delicious hot lunches daily
throughout the entire school year. All serve a function
to which the Lord has called them, and they feel their
duties are not just jobs, but opportunities for divine
service.
LWA instructional staff members not only are professional
educators, but Christians who share a Godly love and
concern for the children. Being spiritually involved
with the students places a great responsibility on all
the teachers, since they, like all believers, are accountable
to God for their efforts.
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