ALON CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Testimonies - Gary & Kim

Part of the vision of Alôn has always been to have a school on the base for the Alôn children as well as children outside of the community. Until July 2005, the Alôn school going children were integrated into local schools and were able to make very positive contributions to these schools. Both Kim and I taught for the past 12 years in various local schools both in Somerset West area and in the Tzaneen area and were always excited by the prospect of starting our own school at Alôn. When it was finally decided early 2005 that it was the correct time to start a school i.e. Blue Mountain College, it required immediate and effective action as a lot had to be organised in a short time.

All the Alôn primary school children were integrated into the new school and two classrooms were established in what is now Danny and Stephanie’s house. Kim and Laura had to take up the challenge of teaching the primary school as the high school was only to start in January 2006. Blue Mountain College was not only to be a combined school but the high school section was to also be a boarding school. What a challenge and yet what a blessing this was to be.

December 2005 was extremely busy with planning, making furniture, building and renovations all to ensure the school was ready for the first boarders to arrive. The school has been a testimony of God’s provision and favour. The beautiful farmhouse at the top of the property was renovated into classrooms that have fantastic views of the Tzaneen Valley. Because many members of Alôn are qualified teachers we were able to start with a credible staff without having to employ any outside teachers. Blue Mountain College has 50 learners, some from as far as Cape Town and has classes from Gr. 1 – 11. The school is fully registered with the Dept. of Education and we can say we are blessed by the Lord and excited for the future of Blue Mountain College.