My grandmother taught me so many lessons in my life, but one in particular has stayed with me and proven true over and over again. She always told me, “Never stop learning. The day you stop learning is the day you stop growing.” This principle was demonstrated recently by the adult students of the Charis Bible College Practical Government class when they attended a two-day Patriot Academy Simulation in Colorado Springs.
Patriot Academy is generally attended by students ages 16-25, however the attendees at the 2-day simulation were all over the age of 25, adults with careers and families who took time out of their busy schedules to learn. Over the 2-day Patriot Academy simulation, these students were immersed in an atmosphere of learning. They learned the legislative process by taking part in a mock-legislative session and committee meetings, they learned about the founding principles of freedom that have made America successful, and they learned communication strategies and techniques to assist them in getting their message across.
It was truly inspiring to see the desire of the adult students of Charis to become equipped and trained. These are adults who understand the need for principled leadership in every aspect of society. These are adults who are committed to fulfilling the calling God has placed on their lives no matter what. These are adults who realize that no positive change is ever going to take place in America unless we take action. Action however, cannot be taken until training is received.
And that was why these adults took the time to continue their education through Patriot Academy. Patriot Academy takes place every summer in 5 different state capitols around the country. Students ages 16-25 get a taste of what it means to be a legislator while learning the timeless founding principles that made America a success. However, Patriot Academy did not want those individuals over the age of 25 to feel left out. Hence, the 2-day Patriot Academy simulation where adult students could learn the same lessons and get the same training to equip them to be leaders.
America needs leaders. But not just any leaders. America needs leaders who have a Biblical worldview, a solid grounding in the timeless principles of freedom, a fervent dedication to the truth, and the skills and training necessary to communicate their message with integrity and persuasiveness. The Charis Bible College students who attended the Patriot Academy Simulation are the kind of leaders America needs. And thanks to Patriot Academy and Charis Bible College, and their dedication to never stop learning, they are receiving the training they need to make an impact on this country.
