My Grandpa Elias Groff passed after living 101 incredible years in service to others. A man of good health and memory for nearly all of his years, I remember him praying daily for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren – each by name. His legacy lives on through many memories and namesakes, including my own daughter Jennifer Elise pictured here with her great-grandfather. “Great is thy faithfulness” was Grandpa’s story despite increasing physical and mental limitations with age.
So it is with EMS! God’s great faithfulness has allowed EMS’s 1917 birth to sprout into faith-based educational programs from Kindergarten through a university and seminary. Godliness, in tandem with many lifelong friendships, business partnerships, and marriages enrich the quality of life for alums and reflect the enduring benefit of EMS. “Great is thy faithfulness” rings true for EMS over the years.
Turning 100 does not secure the future. In fact, organizational age brings added challenges just as biological age does, yet we strive to live well and age gracefully through these challenges. Educational costs outpace inflation due to being a personnel-based industry. Additionally, maintenance and building updates require more operational support with age. Amidst challenges, the EMS community joins hands to provide a permanent home for our elementary program and make tuition affordable for families through generous scholarships. This year, EMS faculty and staff are taking a combined $95,000 reduction in retirement account contributions to help the school reach for a balanced operational budget.
We believe our 100th birthday merits celebration and we trust in God’s faithfulness to see us through for many, many more years, but getting older is not easy. As part of EMS’ community, I ask for your loyalty in helping to continue our mighty work of calling students to faith in Jesus Christ through a robust academic experience. Pray daily for EMS, nudge students our way and consider giving to any of EMS’ needs as part of your year-end giving. Together we can help EMS age well and keep its legacy alive for many generations of great faithfulness to come.
Gratefully,
Paul G. Leaman, Ph.D., Head of School
