Learning to teach

Fridays, there is the opportunity to go to the local primary school here and share a devotional with the classes. The pastors here have been going for quite some time to share with the kids about Jesus for about 45 minutes in the morning. Mary and I have joined them and we walk the short distance down the dirt road to the school to teach and talk to the students. The first Friday I was here, I just went along to observe, but this Friday I was able to teach (with the aid of my translator). I was with grades 4, 5, and 6.
Thursday night, as we worked out our stories and activities for the next morning, I was a little nervous about speaking to the class. I was glad that I would be sharing with such a young age group because they are so forgiving, ☺ but I still worry about speaking in front of people in general. My confidence goes out the window. The previous week I had very much enjoyed going along. I sat in and watched the 7th and 8th grades. All the students wanted to touch my hair- they couldn’t believe how long it was- and shake my hand… It was so much fun to be with them! So I really wanted to go at least one more Friday to teach and give it a try.

Friday morning we arrived at the school and split up in to the different class groups. My class gathered into their room and the teacher and students sang a song in Swahili that was used to call the class to order. The classroom had a concrete floor with large craters from years of use and the windows provided the only light. I received such a warm welcome as I came up to tell the story that Jesus tells in Matthew 7: 24-27. Afterwards we sang, “The wise man built his house upon the rock.” We had a lot of fun, and I’m excited to go back.

Here's the whole group after class!

Right after the primary school we went to our group devotions back at the Baby Centre. We’re going through a book about leadership. We talked about Moses and how he was not a good speaker or delegator, but God used him in mighty ways anyways. The Lord knows our weaknesses, but our weaknesses don’t limit Him or what he can use us for- in fact, the things He does through us in spite of our weaknesses are truly a testament to His power.

“Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn to the right of to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9