Written by Mr. G on May 22 2012.
Bible
Bible is a core class for MAK students in all grades, Kindergarten through 9th. In Secondary Bible class, students engage in a challenging study of the Bible and practice spiritual discernment by applying biblical principles to their own lives. Students also tackle many unique projects that stimulate questions, encourage critical thinking, and help to create a biblical framework for viewing the world. Bible is a challenging course that integrates components of history, language arts, and ethics to develop students into Christ-centered citizens. One unique facet of MAK's Bible program is the opportunity to reach out beyond our campus through Christian Service Learning (CSL) as we seek to reflect the life and teachings of Jesus in our school, in our community, in our country, and around the world.
What is CSL?
MAK’s Christian Service Learning (CSL) is part of the Bible curriculum, but more importantly, it is an opportunity for students to be agents of change. We learn in school how God loves us and how we should in turn love our neighbor, but we can sometimes get too busy to intentionally focus on this mission, practically and actively. MAK divides into two groups: the first group consists of 6th and 7th graders who act as observers that explore a variety of experiences. They learn to come alongside effective missionaries and caregivers and begin to take a more active and helpful role. The second group consists of 8th and 9th graders who take more ownership and leadership in this ministry through autonomous decision-making and planning. Throughout the year, we participate in a number of service projects in a variety of locations in our community. Below is a list of the areas on which we focus to reach out to our neighbors.
Kaohsiung City Renwu Special Education School (高雄市立仁武特殊教育學校)
Our 8th and 9th grade students take trips to this school during the year. Returning multiple times to this school allows us to build relationships with the students and staff characterized by trust and honest communication. Our students plan and perform skits, lead music and dance sessions, tell stories, give wheelchair rides, lead sports clinics, and help our host students with art projects. Though our students are initially unfamiliar with special education and handicapped students, they show enthusiasm, courage and compassion in investing their time and energy in this effort as the year progresses.
Clean Up the Neighborhood
Our students hit the streets around our school wearing gloves and carrying trash bags to clean up the neighborhood. We also spend time on our beautiful campus learning about the plants and trees of Taiwan and planting our own seedlings in order to keep our environment thriving. During this CSL, we learn that stewardship of the earth is a part of Christian service.
Church Clean-up
Our students serve "behind the scenes" by cleaning up local church buildings. The students enjoy getting into the action by washing toys in the nursery, cleaning screens from doors, mopping floors, washing counters, and cleaning just about anything they can get their hands on. Through service with buckets and mops, the students see that as they serve the churches, the churches can better serve their communities.
Jia-Cheng (嘉誠國小) Elementary School
We enjoy visiting our neighboring Taiwanese school for one of our CSL days. During our visit, we lead activities such as singing, making crafts, reading, and playing games for the school's 1st-4th graders. Our students do an exceptional job of leading the various activities, interacting with the other students, and serving the local community.
Retirement Home 
We go to a local retirement home, and our students share a lovely performance with the elderly residents. The performance includes skits, singing, instrumental music, poetry recitation, and more. The students also reach outside of their comfort zones in order to mingle and talk with the residents. Our hope is to share the love of Jesus by giving a little attention and loving care to the men and women in the retirement home.
World Vision
As a school, we sponsor 20 children through World Vision. We already give these children a lot through our financial support, but we know we can do more. During CSL, we spend our time writing letters and drawing artwork to send to our sponsor kids who live in 12 different countries around the world. We are excited to make a connection with these kids and to make a difference beyond our immediate community.
"It is a great experience to be able to help others throughout the whole year through 30 Hour Famine and CSL. It is a wonderful thing to know that we help so many others." ~ 8th Grade Student
"My biggest challenge from CSL this year was stepping out of my comfort zone and showing grace!" ~9th Grade Student
"My best memory is cleaning trash in villages and cleaning churches for the environment. It is important to give service to others to show them God's love." ~ 6th Grade Student
