1 Corinthians 3:6
God invites us to partake in his work, and one way he blesses us is by showing us some of the growth along the way. You, my ministry partners, truly are such a huge part of the stories I about to share. I could not have made it through this year without your prayers and support. God has been blessing me in these last couple of weeks by revealing to me the growth he is producing in students' lives!
God Speaks
As my small group sat gathered around the bonfire, we licked sticky marshmallows off our fingers, hugged the warm mugs of tea we were holding a little closer, and began to take turns answering Libby's question: "What has God been teaching you over this past year?"
"I'm learning how to balance my life in a way that honors God. I don't think I should always be so stressed out and busy, and I'm learning that sometimes I need to change my priorities in order to live a healthier life and to be able to honor God in all I do."
"I'm learning to trust God. Sometimes I want something to change right away and it doesn't. I'm realizing that I need to trust God's timing in all things."
"I'm learning to be open to what God is calling me too. I used to be very scared and afraid, but I can actually tell that God is changing my heart and making me excited about what he has in store for me."
After the last girl shared, we took time to pray for one another. Our small group is looking forward to what God has in store for their senior year!
God Moves
"Can I give you a hug?" Heather* looked up at me from where she was seated on the floor. "Sure," I said, a little surprised. As she wrapped her arms around me, she sheepishly grinned and almost shouted, "I got a C in history!"
Over the few weeks, we have been spending time together working on history. After creating studying guides together, we worked to prepare her for two tests that needed to be made up in order for her to pass the class. And she did!
God Acts
Tears filled my eyes and threatened to spill down my cheeks as I sat in the overcrowded auditorium watching the seniors walk across the stage. Four names struck chords in my heart as the freshmen from my first year at Black Forest Academy were called forward to now receive their diplomas. Four years of joys, trials, frustrations, and breakthroughs have brought the five of us to this moment. Four years of God's faithfulness have carried us along this road of high school. I have taught all of them in my Resource Algebra class, and I have met each one of them in the Resource room over 500 times. And now it is time to say good-bye... They've made it, and I will have to trust God to carry them along their next road. To Apollos they go and God gives the growth.
God Finishes
Michael's* mom, Linda waved across the crowded gym and caught my attention. The room had been transformed with carpet, tables and chairs to seat 500 people and bright teal and orange balloons and decorations along the walls for the graduation reception. Graduates, their families, teachers and close friends were in attendance. Linda was here to celebrate her daughter's graduation, but I had had Michael for two years in Resource before he graduated in 2016. We stopped and began talking. "I want to tell you something," she smiled. "Your help in resource has really paid off. In Micheal's first English class in university the professor put them in groups to write their first essay. He then told them the group with the best essay would get pizza. Michael wrote the introduction and conclusion for his group. And one of the girls also asked for his help with her body paragraph. And do you know what?" Linda looked at me with a sparkle in her eye. "His group was picked for having the best essay. The teacher made comments about how strong the introduction and conclusion were and that changed Michael's view of what sort of writer he is. He now feels confident about his writing and is doing very well in university. I wanted to share this with you to let you know how much your help in resource has helped him succeed in university. Thank You!"
Please Pray...
For God's work to continue in the lives of these students.
For spiritual growth, emotional growth, and academic growth.
For two new resource teachers who are currently raising support to come this fall.
To be back to 100% financial support by the end of the summer.
For safe travels through this summer.
For quality time with family.
For my sister and her family as they raise support to work at the International Christian School in Prague for two years. My brother-in-law will be the 5th grade teacher.
For great connections with all of you! (Email me to connect)
Make an eternal impact with a monthly pledge or other financial contribution by clicking on this link or entering the web address: give.teachbeyond.org/support/rebecca-swanson/ You can designate giving for Rebecca Swanson or account number 40335.
Go to the Gallery page for more summer pictures!
*Names were changed for confidentiality