A Tale of Two Mountains

By Mr Callow (Principal)

We have all seen the photos - the haunted eyes of malnourished children with the overlaying blaring message that it is up to us to change the situation.  It sparks a sense of guilt within, a feeling that we aren’t doing enough.  We might respond and give of what we have, but it never truly squashes that overwhelming feeling of helplessness.

It has been demonstrated in market research that the use of guilt as a motivator can actually be counterproductive - leading instead to feelings of anger and defensiveness - weakening intentions to help, the so called “compassion fatigue”.

Asking or demanding for others to fulfill needs is one way to see those needs met, but there is another far more effective and inspiring approach.

I have a great friend Geoff Bentley who served for many years as the CEO of the Australian Christian Channel (ACCTV).  The “Channel” began in relatively humble circumstances but with big dreams.  Geoff was faced with the dilemma of how to move forward.  In the face of huge competition and comments from major players in the industry in the vein of ‘just don’t embarrass us’, Geoff presented a compelling vision.  What if we built a television station that built up families?  Imagine if we could provide stories of hope to inspire people?  The response from the hard-nosed executives was unexpectedly positive, and they eventually bought into the vision and provided strategic support.

Today, in a world where Free-To-Air TV is in rapid decline and only a few channels are holding on, it is a testament to the positive vision of Geoff Bentley that ACCTV is now one of the most successful stations in the country, with outstanding customer loyalty.

We have our own story that parallels this remarkable outcome.

In the early years of Belgrave Heights Christian School (BHCS) there was incredible need.  School founders such as Isabel Bell and the Rev Warwick Davidson had a choice between focusing on the desperate reality or casting a vision.  They (and the other faithful people who laid the foundations) chose to paint a picture of a school in the Dandenongs where the gospel would be key, where students’ needs would be met and they would flourish in health and wholeness.  It is a testament to their faith and hope that we celebrate our thriving community today.

Need demands a sacrifice from others for you.  Vision is a gift to those around you.

Within the school now there are so many stories of life and growth emerging.  From the inspiring efforts of so many of our teachers in running workshops for other Christian Schools Association (CSA) schools at Monday’s State Conference to the Mission trips that both students and staff have been committed too (Fiji, Sumatra and Cambodia).  Those involved have embraced a vision for the way things could be, and have shared freely with others.

We celebrate the connections that we are building with other Christian schools through our Partnership Project.  Recently this has included running Robotics workshops in smaller schools; providing administrative resources for many regional schools; invitations for our staff members to lead professional development in Metropolitan schools; practical support to enable a Tasmanian Christian School team to attend the State conference, and hosting the whole staff team from Mildura Christian College at BHCS.

This is the BHCS way - we aim to lead with vision, encouraging others to follow the sparks that ignite them and open up the pathway to exciting new potentials.  The Kingdom is birthed in fresh and invigorating ways as we work together towards great things.

Let’s picture two mountains.

One is rough and treacherous - a rocky climb where we lunge each step of the way with our own strength.  We plead for our need and get just enough to make the next step.  We climb the corporate ladder with every ounce of our being only to realise that it was leaning against the wrong wall / mountain.

Then there is the alternative - we open our eyes to see the imagination of God working in each relationship and moment around us.  We open our hearts to hope and see how the world could be.  We hold our our hands to help each other and be generous with our resources.  Before long, we emerge - smiling - at the peak of something far bigger than we could have ever dreamed.

It isn’t always easy, and often there are significant trials as we progress, but that moment - of stepping out onto the mountain top and surveying the beauty of the road travelled, marvelling at the relationships forged with all who came along - makes every part of the journey worthwhile.

This piece is derived from a talk given by Mr Callow to all staff on July, 17 2018.

Original artwork created in real time as an accompaniment for the presentation by Tim Burke.