Humble Beginnings, Eternal Ripples

As the extraordinary and the ordinary intertwine in a symphony that God alone orchestrates, we are reminded that life itself is a story—a tapestry woven with threads both brilliant and unassuming. As characters in God’s grand narrative, we not only live within His story but become storytellers and light-bearers ourselves, shaping stories that testify to His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

This divine story began with three simple, radiant words: “Let there be…” Words that split the void with light, kindled life, and brought eternity into motion. With these words, stars blazed, galaxies spun, and the universe—seen fully only by its Creator—took shape. What seemed small to the listener became the infinite, illuminating the vastness with a light that overcomes darkness.

"For who hath despised the day of small things? For they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth."-Zechariah 4:10

God delights in light that begins as a glow. With a few words, He spoke existence into being. With the light of His commandments, He revealed the path of love and liberty. Through one bloodline, He promised salvation. Through 300 faithful men, He vanquished the great Midianite army. A child’s lunch of five loaves and two fish fed thousands, and twelve apostles began the proclamation of His gospel to every nation. He takes what is small—a spark, a whisper, a glimmer—and kindles it into something eternal.

Great writers like Tolkien and Lewis reflect this truth in their own stories. In The Chronicles of Narnia, Lewis showed how four children—mere lusters amidst a vast darkness—brought light to a world under the shadow of an evil sorceress. Tolkien, in The Lord of the Rings, revealed how a fellowship of nine, including humble hobbits, bore the light that would pierce the oppressive darkness of Sauron. Even the smallest light is enough to challenge the greatest shadow, and their tales echo the divine narrative in which the seemingly small alters history forever.

Thirty years ago, yet another small light was kindled in a Pacific Northwest town. A pastor, his wife, and a few friends saw the need for Christian higher education—a story waiting to be written. They had little beyond conviction, boldness, dining tables, and a handful of students. Yet, with this modest flame, they launched New Saint Andrews College (NSA). Without fanfare or resources, they placed a single notice in an August 1994 issue of Credenda Agenda. That flickering light grew into the beginning of something remarkable.

The college’s inception, though humble, was ablaze with ambition. Its founders sought to craft an institution that would shape generations—leaders forged with wisdom, eloquence, and a vision for building Christian cultures. Mindful of the fates of once-great institutions that compromised their mission, NSA resolved to hold fast to the light of its convictions, even when beset by the storms of modern pressures. By God’s sustaining grace, this spark has not only endured but grown stronger, steadfast against the shadows.

This milestone year is a chapter for reflection and renewal. NSA remains committed to letting its light shine—until the knowledge of the glory of God covers the earth as the waters cover the sea. It advances to the cultural forefront, illuminating what is true, beautiful, and good, marching ever onward under the banner of Christ, the King of Light, whose reign knows no end.

The story is far from over. As each of us bears our small light, may we strive to play roles that kindle eternal flames, ensuring our stories echo in the halls of God’s glory forever.

Apply to NSA today here: https://nsa.edu/apply