Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ~ Philippians 4:6-8
As I write this letter, I understand more than ever before the tendency to be anxious in our circumstances. Though we have not left Illinois, we have already started to serve at Asuncion Christian Academy. Classes started the week of July 6th.
Less than a month prior, I found out that the start date had been moved up from July 28th. At that point I lost all hope of actually being in Paraguay to start the academic year. In a moment I was flooded with fear and doubts like never before. I thought I was prepared to be a first time teacher to middle school students, halfway across the world, who have English as their 2nd or 3rd language. However, I knew that I was not prepared to do that remotely. Where teachers and students had developed a groove over the past few months, I had not. Where teachers had access to paper materials (which I prefer), I did not. Where students were eager to continue their remote learning, I was not.
And then came prayer and thanksgiving – Lord, help me to see Your abilities in me, instead of my limitations. Help me to see how much you love us through all of this. Thank You God for the health and safety of my family, as well as my ACA family. Thank You God that I get to meet the need for a middle school teacher. Thank You God for the provision of online materials.
I have heard it said that anxiety goes down as thanksgiving goes up. This is definitely true in my life. Here I am with a few weeks of school under my belt. No, it hasn’t been perfect, and it hasn’t been easy. But, I am so thankful for God to continue to use me as I remain willing.
Are you feeling anxious? Give prayer and thanksgiving a try!
I know that many of you are facing the start of the school year and the uncertainty that it brings. Please know that we are praying for you.
Please pray for our students at ACA. One area of deficit that has come out of remote learning is in spoken English language. Though our students continue to read and write in English, the verbal aspect is lost in the home.
Also, please continue to lift my family and I in prayer. Grace and Emma are doing well with ACA classes online. They continue to amaze me with their commitment and flexibility. Don has been our biggest cheerleader and supports us in so many ways.
Please send us your prayer requests. We want to pray for your specific needs.
