The JOY(s) of my life

One of the classes I teach. Currently teaching twelve different St. Paul High School classes 3rd/5th/7th/9th Standards (Gospel, English, Math)

It has been a while since I updated so please do forgive me for keeping all of you out of the loop. It was not because I was extremely busy, but I guess rather a mix of laziness and work. Anyway, here I am updating, so you cannot give me crap. HAH! suckers. 

I have been teaching morning scripture (gospel studies - God/creation/man/fall/sin/Jesus/atonement/justification/sanctification/etc) to the 7th and 9th standard kids. They are precious to me, although I absolutely love my 3rd & 5th standard english and math students too. Oh, and I made that collage of the individual classes because I am trying to learn their names. 240 names.. now I know how difficult it is to be a teacher. HAH! They have to memorize names in addition to teacher/parent conferences, planning the curriculum, etc.. MAD RESPECT FOR ALL YOU TEACHERS! I have veered off my intent for this post hahah. 


In the beginning I had a very difficult time because I could not see the fruit of my labor. Are these kids even understanding what I'm teaching? Are they even writing down notes?! How come no one is answering my questions? It was a little difficult for me to fully enjoy teaching knowing that what I have prepared and spent hours/days/weeks/months planning was quite possibly going in one ear and out the other. Knowing that "ONLY God can save; ONLY God will save," I still wanted to see tangible results. Maybe not some kid falling on his knees in the middle of my lessons submitting his life to Christ or denouncing his Hindu/Muslim background to give full obedience to Christ, but com'on, is it too much to ask for a little confirmation that all this is working? - that was my thought for a short while. 


Then I was humbled. While talking to close brothers online, talking and sharing about my experience in India so far, I ended up casually typing something that really drove it home - a sentence that I have always known and even taught others. "Although I may never see the fruit of my labor, what I am doing now is precisely this: planting a seed in the students' hearts, watering the seed which was previously planted by some other faithful worker, or preparing the soil in which a subsequent worker will plant a seed." I paused for a while and I admit that I cried. Yes, men cry too in the presence of God (acceptable! crying after "A walk to remember" unacceptable) hahah. But yes, the best type of ownage is the one from God because you know it is perfect, good, and produces growth.. plus you cannot justify your position. hahah COMPLETE ownage!


It has been such a blessing to teach these students because sure, they may still not all be responding, nor do I know if they are being saved, BUT that is not my responsibility. God has asked me to teach, be faithful and present the gospel! You might never see your fruit, but I am doing great and mighty things through you, so obey and teach. Man, there is no greater feeling in this world than to obey God, to be a part of His excellent, majestic, infinitely good, perfect will. So, I take the redeeming message of Christ with full obedience in faith that God is doing something amazing even if my sight is limited.


These children have become the most precious part of my life. I would die joyfully teaching the gospel message to them.


-edward