We serve the God of endurance and encouragement! I just finished reading Romans in my personal devotions, and this verse jumped off the page. I don’t usually think of these characteristics when I think of God, but I feel that this would be a great verse for me this year. God has more endurance than I ever can have, and can give me the strength I need when it is time to endure. He is also my encouragement and blesses me in ways that I may not be expecting. I am excited to see him work this year, even though I struggle at times with fears from feeling overwhelmed.
God started this school year off with the encouragement that I received over the summer. He brought about a relationship with a new supporting church: Welcome Westside Church of Redding! He also brought in new supporters and new support through continuing supporters. Through all of this I reached my minimum monthly financial goal, which relives some stress and allows me to better focus on the ministry here at the school. Thank you to all of you who are a part of giving and praying and allowing me to serve here at Black Forest Academy!
Welcome to New BFA Staff
Black Forest Academy welcomed 21 new staff members serving in the elementary, middle, high schools and residence programs. Over the past two weeks, the staff have been back at school learning about our mission, vision, new school information system, and our roles in our specific departments. This has been interspersed with times of corporate worship, new staff testimonies about how they came to serve at BFA, and fun icebreakers. While we are stretched a little thinner this year than in years past, this is the group of people God has called and equipped for the year ahead, and we are trusting him in his daily provisions for the school.
Welcome to New ASD Staff
This year the Academic Support Department has two ELL Teachers, one Discovery Therapist, and four Resource Teachers plus one more on the way. My Resource team includes Lynn (front left), Bridget (wearing red, she joined us for orientation before returning home to continue raising support), Julie (striped shirt), me, and Michelle (flowered shirt front right).
We kicked off the year with an ASD barbecue as a time to get to know each other better. During the two weeks of orientation, I lead our team in six training sessions covering topics such as students with disabilities, writing goals, progress monitoring, and handling emotions.
Please Pray…
For the staff at BFA to be encouraged and have endurance in Christ for the year ahead
For new staff as they learn their roles in a new school and new culture
For new and returning students as many of them say good-bye to their parents this weekend
For my local church, which is hosting an outreach for German families with children with disabilities
For Bridget as she raises her support
For my sister, Lorelei, and brother-in-law as they finish raising support for Prague (they are at about 80%)
For friends and supporters in Redding who are rebuilding after the Carr fire
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.
Blessings,
Becky Swanson