1 Peter 3:15
"Why should you attend a local church if you go to a Christian college that has chapel services several times a week?" Libby and I asked this question to our small group a few weeks ago. We spend the evening discussing the value of attending a local church even if you go to a Christian college. The girls had some excellent answers, and the discussion was filled with shared ideas and the acknowledgment of differences in option. They were all in agreement that you should attend church in college, but their options varied as to which aspects of a church service were more important. Libby and I hope to help these girls strengthen their faith and understanding of biblical truth before heading off to college next year.
"Why are you a Christian?" I asked.
"Because I believe in God," my student answered.
"Well, then what makes you different from a Muslim? They also believe in God." I challenged back.
"Ummm... I'm not sure how to answer that. I've never been asked this before.
This exchange happened with one of my Resource students when she asked me to review her application essay for a Spring Break Service Project. Her friends had told her the part about her faith was too vague. After some more questioning, she came to the answer of belief in Christ and his death on the cross. We then worked together to edit her essay. Finally, I let her know that I would ask her this question in the future, and also if she could explain what the gospel is. I told her my hope is that she can clearly answer these things to anyone who asks her for a reason for her hope.
What about you? Do you know a Christian teenager or someone new in their faith that needs to be asked either of these questions? I would love to know how the conversation goes and pray for you and them.
English 10
This year I am hanging out in English 10. (OK, I'm actually in-class support in one period.) In this section, there are 2 students with learning disabilities, 1 student on the autism spectrum, 2 students with ADHD, 5 students whose first languages are other than English, and 3 with general academic challenges. I'm having a blast! I get to interact with all of the students in the class. While they may notice that I am with the student with autism a little more than others, they all seem to accept that I am there to help the whole class. It has been great listening to the students' discussions over topics like the archetype of a traditional hero, the role of fate in stories, what are climax and denouement. So far, it has been a fun challenge finding ways to support the teacher and scaffold lessons for some of the students.
Neuenburg International Church Retreat
Do you know how to die well? John Geiger traveled around Europe this past month with his son to share this message with many people in several countries, on what he calls his "Final Tour." John was diagnosed with ALS 1.5 years ago. He was the speaker at my church retreat and shared what he is learning as he dies. "Only two things matter in life," John told us, "People and God's Truth!" John was a mentor to our pastor, Stephen, during Stephen's internship at a church in Alabama. John spoke to us with an amazing sense of God's calling on his life and a great sense of humor. He encouraged and challenged our church as we spent the weekend together. John is an example of someone who knows the reason for the hope that is in him!
Please Pray...
For the continued spiritual growth of my small group girls and students
For John Geiger and his family as he struggles with the continuing deterioration of his physical body
For favor with the German government as BFA navigates some new visa and wage law issues
Praise God, I have started meeting with a mentor, who is a great encouragement and spiritual blessing
(She is the wife of the C&MA Regional Director)
For my parents as they are planning to move to AZ at the beginning of 2019
Praise God, I will be going "home" for Christmas and will see them and my sister, Mikaela, and her family
(I saw God's hand of provision in the amazing plane ticket price!)
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