"But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are a kingdom of priests, God’s holy nation, his very own possession. This is so you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people; now you are the people of God. Once you received none of God’s mercy, now you have received his mercy." 1 Peter 2:9-10
Kingdom Class
We have had the amazing opportunity to come together with 12 other countries in Latin America for professional development as International Christian Educators this past week. The conference was put on by ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) and they brought in amazing speakers and college professors to talk with us. This is the first time the conference has come to Colombia. Before, Colombia was thought to be too dangerous and they said they would not bring the conference to our school. Praise God that the work he is doing in this country has allowed us to welcome in our Latin America friends to El Camino. Below is a picture of me and my roommates with some of our new friends who are missionary teachers in Bolivia.
Our conference theme was "Empowered" and we were encouraged to keep striving to be the best teachers we can be because we are making an eternal impact on our students. Our speaker on the last night said why settle for being world class educators when we are called to be "Kingdom Class" educators for our students!! He used Jesus as our example and reminded us that what Jesus calls us to is higher and his plans for his people are greater that we we could ever imagine. He doesn't want us to be great - he wants us to be the perfect representation of himself as his chosen people for his kingdom.
My brain is still processing all that I have learned about being a teacher, how to serve these third culture kids, and the importance of Christian education to positively impact the lives of these young people for Christ. I have so many new ideas, have learned so much, have been challenged, and have met so many wonderful new friends. Stories from other schools (especially one in Suriname) have inspired me and given me renewed hope in what God is doing not only here in Colombia, but all over South America. Please pray for me as I begin to sift through what the Lord wants me to take away from this amazing time of being refreshed and energized to keep serving him through teaching.
Kingdom Class
We have had the amazing opportunity to come together with 12 other countries in Latin America for professional development as International Christian Educators this past week. The conference was put on by ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) and they brought in amazing speakers and college professors to talk with us. This is the first time the conference has come to Colombia. Before, Colombia was thought to be too dangerous and they said they would not bring the conference to our school. Praise God that the work he is doing in this country has allowed us to welcome in our Latin America friends to El Camino. Below is a picture of me and my roommates with some of our new friends who are missionary teachers in Bolivia.
Our conference theme was "Empowered" and we were encouraged to keep striving to be the best teachers we can be because we are making an eternal impact on our students. Our speaker on the last night said why settle for being world class educators when we are called to be "Kingdom Class" educators for our students!! He used Jesus as our example and reminded us that what Jesus calls us to is higher and his plans for his people are greater that we we could ever imagine. He doesn't want us to be great - he wants us to be the perfect representation of himself as his chosen people for his kingdom.
My brain is still processing all that I have learned about being a teacher, how to serve these third culture kids, and the importance of Christian education to positively impact the lives of these young people for Christ. I have so many new ideas, have learned so much, have been challenged, and have met so many wonderful new friends. Stories from other schools (especially one in Suriname) have inspired me and given me renewed hope in what God is doing not only here in Colombia, but all over South America. Please pray for me as I begin to sift through what the Lord wants me to take away from this amazing time of being refreshed and energized to keep serving him through teaching.
Encouragement from Alumni - Nataly Arenas, a 2013 graduate of ECA, came and spoke at the ICEC conference to encourage teachers on their mission and how they are impacting the lives of their students. I want to share part of what Nataly talked about to encourage you and allow you the opportunity to surround a sister in Christ in prayer.
Nataly is in college here in Bogota studying international relations. Her desire is to become a diplomat here in Colombia. Right now, she is getting to know some of her fellow classmates and their views in life. Stories of her being the only one to hold the belief that abortion is wrong or that creation is true over Darwin's theory of evolution - and her ability to defend her beliefs because of strong biblical arguments that she learned from her time at ECA - are the first time her classmates are encountering anyone in this way.
In one of her classes, her fellow Colombians who also want to become diplomats and work for the government openly discussed their desire to launder money as soon as they are able to. Corruption is already on their mind. The faith that Nataly has in Jesus Christ is a light in a dark place right now. I am amazed at how God is using her and am praying that she would be encouraged and to know that she is not alone in fighting against the corruption in this country. She misses ECA a lot and the support she received from this community of believers. Please pray for her and that the Lord would be her strength during this time :-) I am so excited to hear how He will use Nataly so mightily for the advance of His Kingdom!!
Nataly is in college here in Bogota studying international relations. Her desire is to become a diplomat here in Colombia. Right now, she is getting to know some of her fellow classmates and their views in life. Stories of her being the only one to hold the belief that abortion is wrong or that creation is true over Darwin's theory of evolution - and her ability to defend her beliefs because of strong biblical arguments that she learned from her time at ECA - are the first time her classmates are encountering anyone in this way.
In one of her classes, her fellow Colombians who also want to become diplomats and work for the government openly discussed their desire to launder money as soon as they are able to. Corruption is already on their mind. The faith that Nataly has in Jesus Christ is a light in a dark place right now. I am amazed at how God is using her and am praying that she would be encouraged and to know that she is not alone in fighting against the corruption in this country. She misses ECA a lot and the support she received from this community of believers. Please pray for her and that the Lord would be her strength during this time :-) I am so excited to hear how He will use Nataly so mightily for the advance of His Kingdom!!
Thankful Hearts: This past week, elementary celebrated Thanksgiving by looking at how how the Pilgrims and Indians lived, trusted, and served God. Here are a few picture of our celebration :-) We enjoyed eating cornbread, apple crisp, and playing Pilgrim and Indians games!
Prayers and Praises:
Please pray for Nataly - mentioned above - because the Lord has plans to use her to change Colombia!!
For a great end to the first semester. We only have two weeks left and are preparing for our yearly Christmas Program that is coming up this Friday :-)
Processing of the information learned at the ICEC conference this past week. Such great encouragement from the Lord - Please pray that I would apply and use what the Lord has put on my heart :-)
Safe flight home for the holidays - I fly home December 19th and will be around until January 6th. I hope to see you while I am in town visiting and would love to catch up and talk with you. That my time at home would be refreshing and relaxing as I soak up as much time with family and friends as I can.
Un abrazo! (Hugs!)
Carrie
For a great end to the first semester. We only have two weeks left and are preparing for our yearly Christmas Program that is coming up this Friday :-)
Processing of the information learned at the ICEC conference this past week. Such great encouragement from the Lord - Please pray that I would apply and use what the Lord has put on my heart :-)
Safe flight home for the holidays - I fly home December 19th and will be around until January 6th. I hope to see you while I am in town visiting and would love to catch up and talk with you. That my time at home would be refreshing and relaxing as I soak up as much time with family and friends as I can.
Un abrazo! (Hugs!)
Carrie
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