Just as a person's identity is rooted in his family, his birth place, and his early experiences, so is a corporate group identified based on its foundational principles and organizational beginnings. Cumberland Christian Academy was born out of pain and adversity but amidst great faith and hope.
In April of 1989 the Smyrna Baptist Church on Old Concord Road voted to close their Smyrna Christian Academy. With such a vote 223 students enrolled at SCA at the time suddenly lost their school. It was a sad day for those who loved Christian education and the beloved fellowship shared there. Upset, disappointment, and frustrations were the order of the day. Many cried. Yet, out of these sorrows was born the hope and vision for Cumberland which now operates--not in one location but on five church sites. One died but many now live.
When Smyrna Christian Academy was definitely closed as bank foreclosures loomed, parents and teachers of the Parent-Teacher Fellowship began to meet and pray. Their question laid before the Lord was, "what shall we do now?" As each one individually prayed and as the corporate body gathered for prayer, God spoke through His Word. In Revelation 3:7-8 the Lord emphatically states that He opens and closes doors and that "I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it; for thou hast a little strength, and has kept my word, and hast not denied my name."
These words confirmed in the hearts of those who prayed that God was leading them to establish an independent Christian school governed by a school board. Thus, with no books, no desks, and no building Cumberland was born in the hearts of praying people. The vision was revealed and faith filled hope in a mighty God set the wheels turning. By June of 1989 Cumberland had a school board, a Christian attorney, and incorporation papers. By September Cumberland started classes for eighty-one students in leased church space with used equipment and little besides enthusiastic faith and a commitment to Christian excellence. Thus was the planting of the acorns of faith from which mighty oaks can grow. Cumberland was born and has grown rapidly since. God has given us favor in the community for which we rejoice. Now we number over 500 students and faculty of 110. How good God is!
Cumberland's board committed early on to being unashamedly and unapologetically Christian, to being open to all evangelical Christians, and to academic excellence. They also committed to sound Bible based financial practice. Hence, Cumberland has been founded on the rock of God's grace, and as such we pray, stand, and serve. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. We have almost eight years of solid proof in faith filled living.
Now as Cumberland once again stands on the brink of additional growth and expansion we remember our past and trust God for our future. We prayerfully consider our options, seek God's face, and march on. We in faith seek to make room for all true believers who wish to "get into the boat with us."
Little ones may be born in pain but they can grow to bring glory to God. So let is be with Cumberland Christian Academy.