ONE-fourth, two-fifths… What do fractions have to do with Jesus?
In mathematics or algebra, a fraction is a broken part of an integer. The dictionary says it is the act of breaking, or the state of being broken. Each aspect of math is a tool that describes God’s creation. His love and fractions are no exception.
Light of the World Christian Academy of Makati (CAM) mathematics teacher Oliver Jimenez said that this didn’t have to do with just numbers, or plain-old arithmetic at all. This lesson leads us to the Bible verse of 1 Corinthians 11:24, which says: “and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’”
“That Jesus’ body was broken for our sins… That He suffered greatly for us in such a violent manner… Isn’t it amazing to find out how fractions go back to Jesus?” asked Jimenez. “Every number can be expressed as fractions, and you can only make sense with them if they have a common denominator. We only become complete like an integer if we have Jesus. Apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5b), and He gives us life to the full (John 10:10). And just like how numerical fractions can be added, multiplied and divided, God wants to use us to add disciples, multiply their joys, and divide their sorrows.”
Christian learning in CAM
CAM Principal Hiyasmin Nadal shared that “as Christian educators, we teach our children from a Biblical worldview. Every subject, including math, should point students to Jesus, to God. A math curriculum with a Biblical worldview uses biblical principles to lay a solid [numerical] foundation.”
Nadal continued: “Imagine how much more we can learn about Jesus and God’s character by using such an approach as this. Through this, you can learn that there is a bigger purpose behind math than just numbers.”
She explained that since all of math is a way of recording and expressing the laws and relationships God created, it will teach students to properly apply elementary math skills such as addition and subtraction to their lives, so they can use what they know to serve others, and to build their nation.
CAM promotes a Christian education for nation-building with its three pillars of learning: Christ-centered vision and mission, growth mindset, and innovation.
The school believes each child is a gift from God: endowed with potentials to be harnessed and maximized, so they can live as godly leaders and impact their generation for Jesus. God’s Word is integrated in all subjects and personal coaching and nurturing is intentional.
Since 2014 CAM has been deliberate in its creation of a growth mindset culture: the belief that intelligence is not fixed, and can be developed through learning effort and creativity. Thus, CAM teachers, students and parents embrace challenges, learn together from criticisms, and persist in the midst of setbacks.
The learning institution envisions to be a leading 21st-Century school in a new normal, as it chooses the most engaging instructional design and learning-management platform enabling optimum learning experience. Teachers and parents collaborate to forge a strong partnership for the best interest of the children.
During the pandemic, CAM was one of the first to adopt online learning in August 2020. With Globe Telecom’s Brightspace Learning Management System, CAM provides safe, secure online and onsite classes for kinder and primary-school pupils.
Christian education advocate
THROUGH CAM’s three pillars of learning, children will have a headstart with a strong character-building and academic foundation.
President and Founder Vinson B. Pineda, MD, FAAD, who is a staunch advocate of Christian education, believes that “success is only 15 percent knowledge, and 85 percent character.”
As such, Pineda explained that the next generation must be taught, trained, and mentored to maximize their God-given potentials and become active citizens in building a great nation.
In 2004 Pineda’s passion to include a Christian school as a special ministry came to fruition with the founding of CAM, which is recognized by the Department of Education and known for its progressive approach to modern learning.
Dr. Pineda is known as the “father of Philippine dermatology.” While he first made a name in medicine, he started passionately imparting the love for life-long learning after finishing his Master’s and doctorate degrees in divinity at the Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries in 1998. That was a turning point that solidified his vision to touch the next generation through a dynamic and relevant approach to Christian education.
Today he enjoys seeing the fruit of his labor, and guides his successor, Dr. Angela Pineda. While the former has passed the baton to his daughter, his mission of promoting Christian learning in nation-building is stronger than ever, especially in the new normal where students need to have faith in God and strong Christian values to overcome socioemotional and mental health problems and issues. Indeed, Dr. Pineda’s legacy to nation-building is his unceasing contribution in “declaring God’s power to the next generation. (Psalm 71:8).”
(CAM is now open for enrolment from pre-Kinder to Grade 12. For inquiries, call 0917-590-6745, or e-mail cam.lightoftheworld@gmail.com.)