ENCOURAGING TIMES IN HIGH SCHOOL

For a teacher, there is nothing like affirmation from a student! At times, teaching can be a very lonely job with just me and my teenage students day in and day out. But by God's grace this last month has been a time of tremendous encouragement. Students have come to me on a regular basis, with comments like this: "Mr. Saavedra, I've really enjoyed your classes this year. Which ones should I take next year?" Or "Mr. Dave, can you write me a recommendation for student government? I feel like you're one of the teachers who's gotten to know me this year." Or "Dave, can we get together for lunch to talk about something you said in class?"

The small group I lead on Fridays at lunch has just added another member, now totaling eight. Some of us recently played in a basketball tournament under the name "Combo Mixto" ("Variety Pack"). The title fits our group of two Ecuadorians, a Mexican, a Filipino, a Korean, a Peruvian, and two North Americans. What a picture of the diversity of the church!

Two co-workers recently came to observe my Acts class over several days and they both gave insightful and positive feedback. We all need to be seen and affirmed in our work, don't we? Praise the Lord for his encouragement this last month!

ENCOURAGING TIMES IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

“Mister, it’s right there under the tree!  You just need to open your gift,” said an exasperated second grader. 

I’m getting more chances to flex my creativity as a chapel speaker. After I spoke in the high school chapel, I was invited to present to the 2^nd through 4^th graders. With the theme of “spiritual gifts,” the music teacher had several students lead musical worship with pianos, xylophones, triangles and tambourines - quite the joyful noise! Then I presented a short drama in which I was seated next to three unopened Christmas presents. By the shape of the wrapping paper, the students could clearly see I had a soccer ball, a pair of boots and a Bible under the tree.  Another teacher came into the scene to ask for those three exact items to donate to children in Haiti. After thinking for a while, I insisted I had none of those things.  At this point, all sixty children began to jump up and down trying to get my attention. “You need to open your presents!” This set the stage for a brief discussion on the need for Christians to use their spiritual gifts to love God and their neighbor. I’ve never taught elementary students before, and it was fun and refreshing to see such openness to God’s word.     

May you be encouraged, too, by God’s work in Ecuador!

And thank YOU for encouraging us through partnership in this ministry!

Dave Saavedra