Ephesians 6:19-20
Yesterday, at the end of the school day, my student asked, "How do you know if you are saved?" Somehow she had landed on this question in the middle of studying for a Biology test. We stopped the studying and began discussing the gospel and the gift of grace that God gives to us. I do not know that I was able to answer all of her question of doubt in that moment, but I am praying that God is working in her to draw her closer to himself.
There is a future opportunity which may come for me to share the gospel is with another students. She and I have been able to have some good discussions on topics that arise from her World Views or Bible courses. The Bible class is beginning to read the book "How to Stay Christian in College." She commented to me that the first questions would be, "Are you a christian going into college?" This student expressed that she is open to discussing this. I am hoping and praying that I will be given a opportunity to clearly present the gospel to her.
I also have the ongoing opportunity to share about Christ and his work in my life with my freshmen small group. We spent the beginning of the year sharing our testimonies with each other and next week I will be sharing with them on a topic of their choosing: relationships. I want to share honestly with them from my own experiences and glorify God by sharing what I have learned about his goodness through these experiences.
Since opportunities like these do not always come in great number, I want to be prepared and be sure not to waste any of them. I pray that 1 Peter 3:15 may be true in my life and work here at BFA, "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Missionary Focus...
James Ziersch is Australien and serves at BFA as the middle school resource room teacher. His wife Lydia is German and they met while both serving the Lord in Africa. Lydia serves as the housing coordinator for BFA. They are both passionate about serving Christ and proclaiming his gospel to those around them. They regularlly meet with others to pray for the wider Kandern community and that BFA would be a light in this town. Lydia has also started mentoring me this year. I have the pleasure of eating lunch with her every Thursday and the pleasure of receiving encouragement and prayer from her.
Barb Ryan is serving at BFA this year by proving reading and writing support, primarily at the middle school. She has served at BFA in the past for various lengths of time and has a background as a reading specialist and college professor.
Elsie McKenny joined BFA after serving with her husband, Dave, for a number of years as missionaries in the Ukraine. She is serving as one of the high school resource teachers while her husband works in the IT department. Elsie has a passion to teach her students academic skills to build their independence in the classroom accompanied by a heart to help each of them grow closer to Christ.
Please Pray...
For those imediately effected by the Paris attacks. They hit close to home for some of our students. Thankfully all of our families in that area are safe. However, there are students here who have friends of friends who were either killed or injured.
For strength and health for staff and students.
While I do not have the retired math teacher helping me anymore, the algebra class has been going quite well overall this quarter. Please continue to pray that I would have wisdom in designing lessons, especially as the concepts more and more challenging.