Working together to make a difference

It is a wonderful thing when a community comes together with a singular focus to benefit and bless its families and children. I, along with the churches that participate in release time, are so appreciative for the administration and teachers of our school district (ISD #361). The hard work and effort that they put in every year often goes unnoticed and unappreciated. Their openness and willingness to work with the church community is greatly received and accepted.

I know from the conversations with these other pastors: Pastors Irv Arnquist, Randy and Donna Barstad, Don Clark, Ted Clarke, Ron Hostetler, Steve Kruse, Bev Mayfield, Cory Rintala and Ryan Sarenpa, we all agree with this. Likewise, it is the churches desire to serve and bless our school system. As churches and schools work together we see a great benefit to our community and believe we can make the kind of difference we all long for. In light of many of the recent tragic events that have happened in schools in our country and our own community’s recent news, let us continue with the common goal of the safety and development of our young people to make our community an even better place to live.

I appreciate all the hard work Superintendent Nordy Nelson, Principals Melissa Tate and Tim Everson, Administration, and Teachers have done and are doing. We are so blessed to have you in our community.

Pastor Darren Olson

International Falls, MN

Editor’s note: The following also signed this letter: Pastors Irv Arnquist, Randy and Donna Barstad, Don Clark, Ted Clarke, Ron Hostetter, Steve Kruse, Bev Mayfield, Cory Rintala and Ryan Sarenpa.