We Push on Toward the Goal

 

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9 These days, it's easy to find ourselves discouraged. With all that's going on in the world right now, hopelessness can start to settle in. We currently find ourselves, here at Freedom, with a school, but no children. Classrooms sit empty, lunch tables aren't being used, hallways are silent and buses sit unused. The government has made the announcement that there will be no in-person classes this year. Everything will be virtual and classes will start November 2nd. If you are at all familiar with our students and their living conditions, you know that this will be nearly impossible for them. We've submitted several proposals with the idea of bringing our kids in and splitting all classes in half to reduce class sizes to 15. Please pray for us as we await the decision, and pray that we find peace no matter what they decide. We are heartbroken over this, and honestly if feels like a blow to the gut. I mean, this is what we are here for right?! We have a school, we are a school! Our president Jason Hilgeman said something the other day that brought this all back in to perspective. Freedom is not a school! We have a school, and it is a tool we use. But it's not what we are. We are disciple-makers! We exist to make disciples! And while the school has been our main method of discipling in the past, the Lord has provided us with other unique opportunities this year!

We always say that "The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher" (Luke 6:40). So during this time, we are focusing on our teachers. Three days a week, teachers are getting 4 hours of Bible and 3 hours of educational training. We are also taking the opportunity to be more involved in the community. On Tuesdays and Fridays, we head out to the villages and help out with community projects, share short Bible lessons, offer prayer and fellowship! So while this year may not look like what we planned, we don't lose hope! We press on toward the goal (Philippians 3:14), fixing our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2)! This did year did not catch God by surprise. God gives and takes away, He is the owner. We are just called to steward well what he has given us!

Augst '20 in Photos

Where has this year gone?! Although it's been a crazy one, it's gone by fast, and it's hard to believe we are already half way through September! I'm so far behind on our monthly photo albums. I'm finally getting August posted, and I completely missed July! Hopefully I'll get that up someday soon! But for now....here's a small window into what our August looked like!