The past month has provided many opportunities for cultivating stronger relationships, stronger Spanish, an open door for encouraging others, and gospel-centered conversations with students. It is by no accident and we acknowledge the blessing of having these opportunities opened through our Lord. We appreciate the prayers and ask for even more as we see the Lord working in us and through us. Whether it be through celebrating Audrey's birthday, random hiking trips, National Honor Society community service projects, Carnaval holiday celebrations, late night bonfires, our couples' bible study, soccer games, tennis matches, or the return of the school-wide Team Day competition, we can see the Lord working and opening the doors for increased ministry.
As we reflect on the past month or so we can really see how the Lord has filled our time with so many opportunities to build relationships. It is hard to go in depth and explain fully, but the gist of the matter is centered on being intentional and open to invest in people. At church we have been blessed with several lunch invites which includes not only amazing people, but amazing food as well.
These are also some of the best ways we can practice and grow in our Spanish speaking skills. Audrey continues to help with Sunday school as well and this is another little way in which she can serve and work on her Spanish. Mark has seen an increase in the opportunities to invest in his students outside of school, and not only are these excellent opportunities to improve his Spanish, but even more so to have gospel-centered conversations. Every Friday after school the students play the teachers in soccer and then afterwards either go out to eat or go to someone's house for food and further socializing. A couple times Mark has had some very encouraging gospel-centered opportunities with students to encourage them or challenge them in their faith. Other opportunities have shown up through National Honor Society community service projects, one specifically that centered around a dog shelter.
The school recently finished Spiritual Emphasis Week, and prior to that they celebrated the return of Team Day, which is a school-wide competition between the four team colors that everyone is divided up into. The Lord has really been providing opportunities outside of the classroom to connect with the students, and have intentional conversations.
The Carnaval holiday also gave Mark an opportunity to participate in the traditional celebration of a massive water ballon and foam spray fight with the students. Needless to say Mark and the other two teachers invited became popular targets for the kids. This past week Mark got invited to play tennis as well, and he is starting to connect more and more with his junior boys' discipleship group. Please continue to pray for increased opportunities like these. Not only has there been opportunities with the students, but also with the staff as well. The couples' bible study that we have been hosting every Thursday has been very encouraging. It has led to some great conversations and good Christ-centered community. There have been many opportunities to spend time with fellow teachers and continually invest in the Highlands community. At times it can be exhausting to have something going on almost every day of the week, but we recognize what a blessing this truly is. We are very thankful for the many opportunities the Lord has blessed us with in the past month. Celebrating Audrey's birthday on February 20th was also another blessing to be thankful for. We got to celebrate with many great people and many sweet treats. It is hard sometimes to see the big picture that God has planned for us, but we continue to trust in Him and look for ways to serve Him best in Bolivia.
תגובות