Mrs. Lisa Ihnen
God’s Word states, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God,” (Rom. 3:23). I was very young when I heard this message and acknowledged that I was indeed a sinner, and as such, I deserved punishment, (Rom. 6:23) “For the wages of sin is death.” My parents were faithful to instruct us children and to train us in the ways of the Lord. The second part of that verse states, “but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.” They made sure I understood that I could have forgiveness of sins and enjoy eternal life with God if I trust in Christ as my savior. I trusted in God’s great love and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross when I was four years old. (Rom. 5:8) “but God commended his love toward us in that , while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” From that young age, I had a desire to serve God with my life.
God lead me to attend Faith Baptist Bible College after high school. I studied to become a teacher and received my Bachelor of Science in Christian School Education in 1988. During my college years, I was married to Allen, whom I had met at college. We soon had two children, Nathan (’89) and Meghan (’92). I stayed at home when the children were younger and took care of my family.
When the children were nearing school age, God lead me to teach at Ankeny Christian Academy. I taught for ten years at this school. It was a time full of blessings. The Lord moved us along when the children were in high school and I began a job at Van Meter Community Schools. I taught there for six years. During that time I finished up my Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Dordt College. I also complete a reading endorsement from Upper Iowa.
While I enjoyed teaching at VM, my heart has always been in Christian education and I began the process of searching out a teaching position in the area Christian Schools. I am delighted that God has led me back to this school that is so dear to me. I look forward to serving God, parents and students in the following years here at Ankeny Christian Academy.