New Candidate Training

Last week I had the privilege of attending a week of TeachBeyond training for new candidates.  It was such a rich time of fellowship and learning, and it gave me an opportunity to ask all the questions that I have had swimming in my head for so long!  It is hard to choose what to share since there is so much on my heart, but since I know you don’t have to time (or motivation) to read pages and pages of thoughts, I will include the highlights of this time.

When I first found out about TeachBeyond, I was drawn by the name, since it combined my two main passions:  teaching and ministering overseas.  It was after I had already joined this organization that I truly realize how closely the mission and vision of TeachBeyond aligns with my own heart’s desires.  The meaning behind the name “TeachBeyond” does refer to teaching overseas, but this is only part of their vision. They also desire to offer a richer and more “full” education than secular school systems.  These nonreligious systems may provide excellent academics and enrichment programs, with opportunities to develop various skills and character traits.  However, they can only bring about change in a society to a certain extent.  They do not address the problems of the heart; hence, no lasting change can occur within the people that make up a society.  One of the most encouraging things about this week of training was hearing from the leaders of TeachBeyond.  They shared their vision for using education around the world as a tool for lasting, transformational change.  Individuals are impacted for the kingdom in each of their partner schools, and whole families are shown the truth through relationships with Christian teachers, students, and families.  My heart was exploding with excitement as I listened to George Durance, the president of TeachBeyond, speak of our immense responsibility to take advantage of the powerful tool God has given to us.  Families all around the world want quality, English-based education for their children, and they may put their kids in a Christian school, though they would never set foot in a church.  What an honor to be a part of such a work!  It is so humbling to think He has called us to join Him.

Another encouraging aspect of this week was meeting all the other 2012 candidates.  Although there were 87 of us, I felt such a sense of community and like-mindedness among them.  It is so wonderful to know that I am not doing this work alone. I am part of something so much bigger than my own dream of teaching overseas.  I spent the week with people who are going to schools in Hungary, Germany, Bolivia, Spain, the Philippines, East Asia, Ethiopia, and Tanzania, but we all had the same purpose:  to make God’s name great among all the nations.  It was exciting to hear their testimonies and how God had called them to go overseas, and it deepened my faith in a God who accomplishes mighty things through ordinary people.

You are a part of this grand work too!  God has called us all to make disciples wherever we are and to live for His glory.  He has given us an incredible opportunity through education to further His kingdom, and I encourage those who have not invested in this tool of influence to do so!  God is at work in the world, and He is using schools to accomplish great things.  Ask the Lord to show you where you can be involved through prayer, giving time or sharing resources.  I have never been so convinced of a worthier cause.  Praise the Lord for using us to make His glory known!