My name is Jeff Dolan. This is my 7th year serving at MLHS. My wife Andrea and our 4 kids love being part of the Manitowoc community and the Lancer family.
Friday, September 17th marks the anniversary of what is widely considered the bloodiest day in American history. On that day in 1862, Union troops led by General George McClellan clashed with Confederate troops under the command of General Robert E. Lee at a place known as Antietam Creek. The day resulted in close to 4,000 dead and around 23,000 total casualties. The cost of that day was tremendous, paid with the blood of those who fought.
With such unbelievable cost of life, you would think there would be some immediate evidence of a victor. However, the battle resulted in very little direct change for either side. The real effect of the battle would come in the days after, when President Lincoln seized on the battle to issue his Emancipation Proclamation. This was an important first step in ending slavery in the United States.
There was another battle that was fought, this one over 2000 years ago. The blood shed in this battle was far greater and far costlier than Antietam, or any other earthly battle for that matter. It was the battle fought for your soul and for mine. The blood shed on this battlefield was the blood of the innocent Son of God. This blood was the greatest sacrifice that could ever be given, but it was the only cost enough to pay that great price for victory.
As Jesus was removed from the cross and laid in the tomb, there was little evidence of a great victory that was won. However, just days later that victory was clear as our Savior rose victorious! The result of this battle for our souls is freedom from the bondage of sin and death once and for all. We are now assured that heaven is ours! And this is a victory that will last forever! Ephesians 1:7-8 tells us that “In him (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding.” What great cost, but what a great victory!
This is an amazing truth that we all cling to in our lives. Yet, in our world today, we still must fight our own daily battles with the devil, the world, and our sinful natures. God has not left us alone in these battles. He has equipped us to fight that battle each day through his Word. While these battles may take their toll on us, we know the outcome is certain because of the blood of Christ.
Part of our mission here at MLHS is to train our students with the tools necessary to fight that battle, and to daily share the assurance of what has been won for them through the blood of Jesus. We thank God for your partnership in equipping Christians for their lives on this earth and to prepare them for their eternal home in heaven!