How would you answer that question? Maybe it’s easier if the question were rephrased. What is Christian education worth to you? What would you give up to ensure your children a Christ-centered education? Your golf league? Meals out? Christmas presents? Your car?

Across the District, parents sacrifice every day to provide Christian education for their children. One mother, whose children attend St. Paul Lutheran School in Omaha, answered the question by simply explaining she would rather have her children attend St. Paul Lutheran School than own a car, because she is unable to do both. Instead, she walks them to school each day.

What makes this story even more amazing is to whom she was speaking. Mr. John Walton, Director of Wal-Mart stores and son of founder Sam Walton, was in Omaha visiting with students and parents in early October. It was to him that she gave her witness of sacrifice and love.

Mr. Walton has answered this question for himself by launching the national Children’s Scholarship Fund and, along with his co-founder, pledging $100 million of his own money to the cause of Christian education. This fund supplements family tuition payments for children of low-income families choosing to attend a private or parochial school. Since 1998, this fund has provided partial tuition assistance to nearly 34,000 children, some of them in the Nebraska District.

Mrs. Linda Tripp, Principal of St. Paul, said, “The Children’s Scholarship Fund is indeed a partner with St. Paul. One-third of our students receive tuition assistance from CSF. Mr. Walton was provided a brick in the courtyard commemorating the part CSF plays in educational choice and opportunity in North Omaha.”

What a blessing that there are so many who offer sacrifices to provide Christian education. Praise God for the teachers, parents, and students making sacrifices for Christ-centered education in the Nebraska District. Contact your church or the District Office to locate the Lutheran school nearest to you.