ON YOUR SIDE

This little guy knows that Daddy is on his side!

What could be better than having someone truly know you and the dirt about you and still choose to be for you, on your side? Dave recently got a chance to play that role with one of his students at school.

More and more often, the Alliance Academy International (AAI) is a place of last resort for kids who have struggled at or even been expelled from other schools. Parents see the Christian guiding principles clearly laid out in the AAI curriculum and hope against hope that a spiritually grounded approach will help their children where other schools have not been able to help. This dynamic presents the AAI community with amazing opportunities to be part of positive life transformations, but it also brings the challenge of increasing numbers of behavioral problems.

Dave's heart sank when he saw the blatantly copied homework assignments turned in by J., one of his newer students. All first semester, he had worked to build a relationship with this young man, spending time with him, encouraging him to engage with the Bible and to pursue God. Now he knew the disciplinary role he needed to play might destroy the rapport he had worked so hard to create.

In an evening e-mail exchange, J. admitted to cheating and asked for mercy. The next morning, when J. came to school, he was too ashamed to look Dave in the eye.

"This is about more than cheating, J. This is about you betraying our relationship."

"I know. Are you going to tell the principal? I don't want to get kicked out."

"J., what you did was childish, and part of my job is to teach you to be a man. So, yes, as a man of integrity and honesty, I will be going with you to talk to the principal...  But let me promise you that I will be your number one advocate. I believe that this school is the best place for you and I will do whatever I can to help you stay here. J., this is like us and God. He knows exactly where we've been and what we've done and He's still on our side."

J. teared up, maybe from fear of the principal, but hopefully because his heart was softened by being seen in his sin, and loved just the same. During the resulting in-school suspension, Dave dropped by to bring J. a snack and make sure he knew that he was there for him. As part of J.'s consequences, he will also be meeting with a mentor - Dave - to help him stay on track. Please pray with us that this dear young man encounters God in a powerful way and that he surrenders his heart to the One who loves him best.

MORE RESPONSIBILITY, MORE OPPORTUNITY

Some of the precious young people Dave has the privilege to teach

Dave recently ramped up responsibilities at school, taking on the Bible Department Chair position, as the previous chairperson went on maternity leave and will not be returning next year. Several years teaching experience has given him lots of good ideas about the direction of the department, and he is diving in on creating a more defined curriculum, scope and sequence. There are some significant scheduling issues to address (every student must take - and pass - a Bible course for each semester of attendance in order to graduate) and hiring decisions ahead, so we appreciate your prayers for wisdom for him and the administration as they move forward.

SO GLAD YOU ARE ON OUR SIDE!

We are deeply blessed when we consider the many prayers lifted on behalf of our ministry by friends like you. Thank you so much for being on our side, partnering with us in the ministry of discipling young people in Jesus' name. You are essential partners in what we do!

Gratefully, 

Dave and Beth Saavedra and family