Transition

As I have been contemplating this post "fear" has settled in. Not really fear... but awe in what God has in store for me, for Croatia, for Indian Bible Academy. I am not leaving Croatia behind totally, if God wishes for the ministry to continue with our team, He will see that happens. I have other ideas in my mind also, but God has to give is blessing on that.... Pray that God will lead in these areas.

I have posted most of the photos from the trip on Flickr. If you want to look at these that would be great. Enjoy. There is also a video of one of the songs everyone loved to sing.

So right now, I am sitting in another hotel room getting ready for the Summer Seminar for abeka. At Indian Bible Academy this is the curriculum that we use. I have taught using these materials before in another private school, and I used the materials last year at IBA. I hope I will receive some insight into ways to better use the materials in a combined class room. I will be teaching all grades K-7. Not all at once, k-4 in the morning and 4-7 in the afternoon. there are more 4th graders this year than the other grades. So being here will be a blessing.

One of the things the Lord has impressed on my over the last few months is that He wants me to be a disciple maker. Actually, He wants all Christians to be doing this. This command should be well know to followers of Christ!

"Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[b] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”" Matthew 16-20

I do teach, and talk to others about Christ, but I can't say that I have purposely put forth an effort to disciple. I have been reading The Disciple Maker's Handbook, by B. Harrington and J. Patrick. This was suggested by my pastor in pursuit of learning to be a disciple maker and I am almost finished reading it. It is a very good and "quick" read even as I am a slow reader.

Here is the idea that I feel God has impressed on me. I want to teach my students at IBA to be disciples. Many of them may not have given their lives to Christ yet and one of the first things we will talk about is the picture of Christ throughout the whole Bible. Then to lead them in seeing the fruits of the spirit through the lives of people who lived their lives filled with the spirit or examples of those who lived the opposite. Here is an example: Abraham and Sarah can be an example of Faith and an example of impatience. Sarah was impatient about waiting for God's timing and then was jealous when God blessed her handmaid. Yet, when God was faithful and Issac was born Abraham believe God and was willing to sacrifice him, knowing that God would provide and keep His promise.

I also found in the book a poem written by someone who is unknown. I plan to have it posted in my room and have the class read it daily...

"The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are read by more than a few. But the one that is most read and commented on is the gospel according to you. You are writing a gospel, a chapter each day, by the things that you do and the words that you say."

What does the word gospel mean? "The teachings or revelations of Christ", "a thing that is absolutely true", or "a set of principles or beliefs". The Greek word used in the Bible is "euangelion" which literally means Good News. Think about that and the poem above. Many people see you and are reading your good news.... What is your good news? That God is good in the good times and the bad, that you can have joy, peace, love, faithfulness, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, and self-control, no matter the situation. Or that God is only in your life when you need Him, that He is someone you talk to on Sundays and in the bad times. Or maybe you think God is only God on Christmas and Easter. My life and yours speak volumes to those around us, I pray that my life speaks the right message to my students and all those I meet. I pray that I can teach them to live a life that speaks volumes about God to ALL those they meet in their lives. Please pray for me in this endeavor for God to make disciples for Him.

Thanks for reading. God Bless You All!