private schools Christian preschool

    Ankeny Christian Academy    
                    But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
                            They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,
                                they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

 

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Mrs. Jane McWilliams

E-mail: development AT ankenychristianacademy.com

I went back to work as a Computer Programmer Analyst at Polk County Information Systems after our son was born in 1983.  I was born and raised a Catholic so I had a fear of God but I didn't know anything about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  I had many questions about God and how to get to heaven and a part-time pastor who was also my boss kept answering me by pointing me to the scriptures.  I began reading the Bible and I realized I needed a Savior to forgive my sins and to receive eternal life.  I accepted the Lord in 1984. 

Since making Jesus the Lord of my life, He has kept me very busy with several ministries.  In 1990 He laid it on my heart to start a branch of the help ministry, Jesus' Right Hand in Ames.  After being director for 3 years He then gave me a burden for my children and their education.  In 1992  I was blessed to be one of the founders of Ankeny Christian Academy.  We didn't know anything about Christian education so we prayed.  We were just a handful of Christian parents that were concerned about our children's education.  We started in the fall of 1993 with 2 full time teachers, 1 part-time teacher, myself as the volunteer secretary, and 27 students in K through 6^th grades.  We prayed in the experts we needed and that spring we hired an experienced administrator.  Since then the school has been in 2 churches, in front of a warehouse, and after 9 years God blessed ACA with our own building and a Preschool through 12th grade program.   The Ankeny Christian Academy ministry was started with donations totaling $500.00 and a handful of people doing a lot of praying!  It has been a miracle school since the beginning and we thank God for all His grace and blessings! 

I have been a member of Concerned Women for American (CWA) since 1990 and I served a 4-year term as CWA State Director of Iowa.  I continue to serve on the CWA of Iowa Steering Committee.  It has been a great opportunity for me to meet many of our State legislators.   CWA's main goal is prayer and then action.  It has been a privilege for me to be able to serve with other Godly women who want to help shape public policy.  CWA's goal is to help Godly people get elected to public office and to pray for those who are currently serving as legislators. 

My husband Jack and I have been married over 25 years.  We have 2 children.  Jesse and Janel have both graduated from Ankeny Christian Academy.  Jack served on the ACA board of education for 11 years. 

My favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:8.   Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.