Cross over the Hill to new learning

By Rosanne Bowman

VAN WERT — Jill Putman, president of the executive committee of the ministry Cross Over the Hill, got the idea while looking out her back window. Putman's property had been under consideration for a driveway to the local school. That plan ended up not being used, but on that morning in 2009, Putman was thinking it all over.

“After it all, that calmed down,” she said. “I was looking out my window and pondering why there was all this controversy. Then the idea for Cross Over the Hill came to me, and I know it had to be from God.”

The idea was to start a Bible education program for Van Wert elementary children. The state of Ohio allows elementary students to leave during school hours for one hour of Bible education per week as long as the site is a completely separate entity and off site from the school.

“Crestview and Convoy have had these schools for 75 years or more. Lincolnview is doing this too, so I wanted to know why we couldn't do this in Van Wert,” said Putman.

Putman ran into some obstacles, though, because the various elementary buildings were scattered throughout the community, making transportation an issue. When plans to open a new elementary school housing first through fifth graders in the fall of 2012 were announced, Putman decided to start looking in that area. When a house that would work for the program — within walking distance of the school — came up for sale, Putman called her son, an attorney, and her daughter, a school nurse, to seriously discuss the idea.

“Our core family really started the ministry,” she said. “Now we have a steering committee with about 15 members who are very passionate about this.”

One of those members is the Rev. Keith Stoller, pastor of Ross Church of the Brethren in Monticello. He is the chairman of the spiritual/curriculum committee and sits on the finance committee.

“The benefits of this are incredible,” he said. “Moral, Biblical education establishes a foundation for character, integrity and respect for others.”

The Cross Over the Hill name came about because the students will have to, literally, cross over a hill to get to the Bible classes.

“There is a hill that separates the residential area from the school,” Putman said. “Also, the students can see a cross as they come over the hill, so the name has multiple meanings.”

The program will have two teachers and two aides with two classes running simultaneously through school hours every day of the week to allow each of about 800 children one hour of instruction per week.

Volunteer escorts will walk the children from the elementary school to the Bible classes.

“The kids will not be missing anything at school,” Putman was quick to point out. “This is an additional course, and the teachers will work around it so nobody misses anything.”

The non-denominational classes will be basic Bible lessons. The curriculum, “Building On a Firm Foundation,” is put out by New Tribe Mission, a company in Florida, and includes 50 lessons. Participation is completely voluntary and requires a parent's signature on a permission slip that will be sent home.

“The curriculum is such that it teaches basic Bible truths that most any denomination would teach. At graduation, each child will receive a Bible of their choice,” Putman said.

The group kicked off its fundraising campaign at a committee meeting Thursday. They hope to raise $250,000 by Feb. 13, when renovations on the house are scheduled to start.

“We have done some presentations at various churches, and some of them have taken us on as a mission project,” Putman said. “We will start going to area businesses and start putting up billboards, and we are hoping for some air time at local radio and television stations as well.”

The $250,000 will cover the cost of the house and its renovations, plus the start-up costs of curriculum, supplies and insurance.

“Our steering committee basically signed for the loan,” she said. “We are stepping out in faith that the community will support us and keep this going.”

Once the initial costs are paid for, Putman said she expects maintenance of the program to cost about $150 to $200 per child. That price covers insurance, teachers' salaries, curriculum, basic supplies and upkeep of the house.

Cross Over the Hill received its non-profit status in December, so all donations are now tax exempt. The group hopes to have the house ready to go by the time the new elementary school opens in the fall.

“It's been a huge project, but so worth it,” Putman said. “If we want high morals, leadership, respect for adults and those characteristics we value, we have to teach the basics of the Bible. The administration of the Van Wert schools is very supportive, and we believe we have the community's support in this.”

If you have a story idea or an item you feel the community would like to know about for the Religion section, please contact Rosanne Bowman at bbowman3@woh.rr.com or 419-516-6149.