Ben’s Ford Christian School is well known in the area and has more than 500 students enrolled. The school’s mission statement is as follows: “Ben’s Ford Christian School was established and exists to minister to the whole being of each student, with the aim that each student may come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, as we integrate the truths of the Bible throughout our curriculum and activities, teaching our students spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally, and physically, so that each may attain to his fullest and highest potential, all to the glory of God.”

The picturesque 20-acre campus, located at 59253 Mount Pleasant Road in Bogalusa, is under the capable leadership of administrator and chief financial officer, Sharon McGehee. Donna Blackwell, secondary principal, and Maureen Gaddy, principal of the elementary school, join McGehee in the task of ensuring a safe and nurturing learning environment for each student.

According to McGehee, “God placed a vision in the heart of Pastor Lynn Martin in 1976. The ministry of Ben’s Ford has grown exponentially over the years. What started out primarily as a school to serve the members of the Church now serves students and families from two states. The all-certified staff diligently strives to meet the educational and spiritual needs of over 500 students.

“The school offers a college prep program and so much more. Students interested in football, cheerleading, basketball, baseball, fast-pitch softball, track, or cross-country have a place to grow in knowledge and skill at Ben’s Ford,” McGehee added.

Students and staff have been working hard preparing for the numerous celebrations planned for the Christmas season.

Gaddy said, “The first- through third-graders are excited about the Christmas pageant coming up on Dec. 18 at 6:30. We would like to invite the public to enjoy an evening of entertainment in the school gymnasium.

“The first-grade hand bell choir will be performing for the Rotary Club on the 16th, and the fifth graders sill be singing carols at the nursing homes on the 11th. We encourage our students to give of themselves, not only at Christmastime, but all the year through,” said Gaddy.

Blackwell added, “The Friday before Christmas break our chapel service will be ‘Why Jesus is Special to me.’ One of the wonderful things about Ben’s Ford is the fact that they offer chapel service each week. The students will be in charge of the program, and it should be really interesting to see what they will share.”

Said Blackwell, “At our school we seek to be more than just a private school; we truly want to be a Christian school. It really is in our hearts to honor the Lord.”