Trust in God’s Promises
Success in anything, and indeed everything, depends upon God doing what He says He will do, and the human agent claiming His promises and clinging to them. Eastward is a faith experience that inspires you to take risks for God – after all He risked all for you in His Plan of Salvation.
Eastward‘s confidence and expectation is entirely built on His instruction and His promises. Note the following promises.
Human expectations may fail, but there is no failure in the promises of God. E.G. White Sermons &Talks V2 p.150
To everyone engaged in this work Christ says, I am at your right hand to help you. As the will of man co-operates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command may be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings. Christ’s Object Lessons p.333
We are to establish schools away from the cities, where the youth can learn to cultivate the soil, and thus help to make themselves and the school self-supporting… All the different lines of work that the situation of the place will warrant are to be brought in. Carpentering, blacksmithing, agriculture, the best way to make the most of what the earth produces – all these things are part of the education to be given to the youth. Letter 25 1902 p.8-9
Many schools, large and small, are to be established in country places… Letter 243, 1903
We believe Eastward will succeed because:
- God has ordained its existence
- God’s promises are sure. We trust in God’s promises
- Eastward follows God’s educational blueprint
- Each aspect of the program is God ordained
- Together we have a spirit of willingness to do what it takes to make this project a success
- We know God will inspire others to use their expertise and means to strengthen this project
The Educational Blueprint
The founders of Eastward were inspired by God’s call to Seventh-day Adventists to “educate, educate, educate.”
Heaven’s educational principles and methods are outlined in the Holy Scriptures, where they can be traced through the education of Adam, Abraham, Moses, the Children of Israel, the prophets, John the Baptist, Jesus, Paul’s teaching ministry, etc. These principles help every individual to maximise their happiness and fulfilment in this life, and prepare them for the life to come.
These principles and methods were expanded and explained in a dynamic way in the educational counsel given through Ellen G. White, and applied in her involvement with early Adventist education. We believe this counsel is timeless, and we strive to make every aspect of Eastward’s program meet God’s standard – educational best practice. Students educated according to this blueprint receive an experience ordained by God.
Supporting Ministry
Eastward is the first Australian self-supporting college to be an endorsed Supporting Ministry of the SDA Church. Our approach is unique in Australia, and gives us opportunities to supply educational programs to individuals and to churches in a totally complementary manner. We seek to emulate Madison College and other institutions that have had a positive impact on SDA mission by working closely with local Conferences and churches to provide training and outreach opportunities.
Environment
Eastward is located in a rural setting provide exactly the environment God designed for the learning mind. Away from all distractions, focus can be on preparing for our lifework. And the active involvement in the agriculture program provides a practical grounding that can profoundly influence our future usefulness in every field.
Self-funding Focus
Paul’s tent making ministry leads us to inspire the development of skills and expertise needed to support ministry. As an institution we must lead them by example. While we appreciate gifts and donations towards our program, we are vitally interested in the training in useful labour and work together to provide vital cash flow for the ongoing development of the community.