MULTIPLICATION March 2016

Our family on campus has multiplied from 3 to 9 this year with the addition of TWO families volunteering and 2 teachers who have moved to the property to be closer to work (and avoid the infamous scenic but bumpy daily bus ride).  We’re feeling blessed beyond all that we could ask or imagine.  As we study together, we were recently considering Philip whose calling started out as a deacon serving tables, changed to “home” missionary evangelist to Samaria, called next as “foreign” missionary to an Ethiopian…in the middle of nowhere, and then came to a point where he was transported by God Himself (no dusty bumpy bus rides for this guy!) to Azotus, where he had a decision to make regarding which direction to pursue next–back to first ministry, back to Samaria, or back to hometown.  As with Philip, sometimes our specific calling may change; we constantly discover here how all that we did before in the states prepared us for what we’re doing here, though we had no idea at the time, which reminds us that all that we’re doing now is preparing us for God’s future plans for us.  This highlights the necessity of living in the moment, both being and doing all that God has called us to with all of our hearts, souls, and minds “all for the glory of God”.
  We’re thoroughly enjoying 2016 with our students, teachers, and volunteers.  The new 7th graders are tiny, adorable, very affectionate, and very dedicated this year.  We’re amazed at how much the students grow and change from one year to the next, especially evident when we took the sponsor photos last week and compared them to last year’s photos.  But even more we love seeing the spiritual and academic growth .  The teachers are doing well, employing great strategies, adding engaging activities, and students are very actively involved!  It’s great to see such interest, enthusiasm, and productivity!  We thank you for your role in this success–both financially and prayerfully.  Know that we pray for you and thank God for you. May crooked ways be made straight, rough ways smooth, mountains & hills be made low, and valleys rise up to meet you.

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