My Favorite High School Teacher

My favorite teacher and mentor, Mr. Dave Cook, is leaving the school that I graduated from and the church which I work. Heritage Christian School is a ministry of Cleveland Baptist Church. I graduated from Heritage in 1985 and have been working at the church for the past five years. Mr. Cook and his wife have been teaching at Heritage for 28 years and attending the church for as long. He taught Bible, History, Government, Civics; he coached and served as vice-principal. Mrs. Cook was the Home Economics and Home Management teacher. Both were involved in many ministries of Cleveland Baptist including choir and discipleship.

Besides being a teacher, Mr. Cook helped counsel me through problems. There were many times he took the time to pray and read Scripture and give me advice to help me along life's way. He always had time to listen. Many times I was broken and crying because of family problems. He was compassionate and kind. I have come to trust and rely on his advice. He is a godly man and loves the Lord.

The reason they are leaving is because he has accepted the position of principal at one of our rival schools in Mansfield, Ohio. It is such a shock. Mr. and Mrs. Cook have always been here faithfully serving the Lord. I know them and know that they have prayed diligently about this and truly feel that it is God's will for their lives. As much as I want them to stay, I have to hold on to the fact that they are doing God's will. I would never want them to stay and be out of God's plan for them. So I will just have to pray for them, pray for the school, and lean on the Lord for comfort when I miss them.

God bless you Mr. and Mrs. Cook. I will be praying for you as you begin this new adventure.