A Visit from Nick and Celebrating Writing

Hope and Service: Nick Vijicic came and visited ECA a few weeks ago.  Born with no arms and legs (except for a tiny, two-toed foot), God has taken this man's life and given Nick such a powerful testimony of life and hope in Jesus Christ.

My students were so moved by his testimony of being bullied and being afraid to try things just because he had no arms and legs.  His ability to joke about his difficult circumstances is a gift from God.   His message spoke to my students about focusing on their ABILITIES and not what they can't do.

With the grace of God, Nick has learned to do so many things like swimming, sky-diving, typing on a computer.  Last year, Nick got married and now has a son.  His life has been redeemed and given a new purpose with Jesus.

Nick told a powerful story about when he spoke at a school.  Never before had Nick met someone else without limbs.  At this school, a family had brought their young son who was just like Nick and they were invited on stage.  Nick's life was such an encouragement to this family and he told the parents that if their child was ever bullied at school that Nick would come and speak.  Well, a few years later Nick got a call from this family and they asked for help.  Nick traveled to this young boy's school and spoke.  From this moment on, the young boy was the most popular kid at school who learned that they way you made by Christ is always "cool".

"Since his first speaking engagement at age 19, Nick has traveled around the world, sharing his story

with millions, sometimes in stadiums filled to capacity, speaking to a range of diverse groups such as students, teachers, young people, business professionals and church congregations of all sizes."

Nick says, “If God can use a man without arms and legs to be His hands and feet, then He will certainly use any willing heart!” Nick’s latest foray into radio will expand his platform for inviting men and women all around the world to embrace the liberating hope and message of Jesus Christ.

Here is more of his personal testimony - http://www.attitudeisaltitude.com/about-nick-his-story
Here is his website if you want to know more - http://www.nickvujicic.com/ 
VIDEO of Nick - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWnt9OVUEL4


Celebrate Writing!
In 3rd Grade, we have been working on narrative stories.  Taking small moments with important people or places and creating an exciting story to tell others is what great authors do.  Each and every 3rd Grader has been working hard at finding the heart of their story, adding in details, showing their reader what happened (and not just telling them), and rehearsing their stories with a partner to try and make their eyes go wide and their mouths drop with excitement.

To end our 1st Quarter, we had a celebration of our writing.  God always amazes me at how well these English Language Learners embrace another language and can learn to write so well.  Praise God for these bilingual leaders who can go and make a difference in the world for Jesus.  I was so impressed at the wonderful stories that my students wrote and we invited in other classes and teachers to share in our writing growth.  Here are some pictures from our Writing Celebration.

For the sake of the gospel,
Love,
Carrie