With more than half of the global population under 30 and a *worldwide shortage of teachers, Serving In Mission is dedicated to equipping and resourcing teachers to use their gifts in education to transform the lives of young people, their families, and their least-reached communities.
Having previously lived in a Muslim area of Leicester to gain experience in cross-cultural ministry, Ally and Simon Harrison moved to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia in 2022, where nearly half of the population is children.
Since joining Bingham Academy, which serves children of missionary families and expats, as well as Ethiopian children, Ally’s enjoyed many opportunities to share the gospel and disciple her young students as she teaches music.
We recently spoke to Ally about the joys and challenges of teaching at an international Christian school serving a vibrant multicultural community and how she sees her ministry as an opportunity to shape young lives and help them flourish as children of God.
What would you say is the purpose of education?
“The purpose of education is to prepare young people in every way — academically, emotionally, socially, physically, and spiritually — for a life lived to the glory of God.
“At Bingham, we seek, with God’s help, to teach and equip every child and young adult to find their vocation, to love God and neighbour, to develop compassion and integrity, and to develop a sense of purpose and mission in God’s world.
“This is what helps us as teachers to get up in the morning, to love students who are difficult to love, to endure through challenging seasons, and just to ‘keep on keeping on’.”
What’s it like teaching in a Christian school?
“I love teaching in a Christian school, working alongside others who share a common vision for our students — that they’d grow in their academics, but even more importantly, grow in their Christian faith and character, becoming ‘students of integrity who can change the world for God’s glory.’
“It’s wonderful to serve alongside fellow Christian brothers and sisters, motivated by this same passion and desire for the young people we’re teaching, and I love to see how music can be a platform for sharing the gospel, both in and out of the classroom.”
Who are your pupils?
Bingham Academy is an international Christian school, with children from around 30 different nationalities. I teach children from Reception age up through Year 9 and my students come from Ethiopia, England, Tanzania, Korea, and Finland, just to name a few countries!
How does your personality, experience and faith influence the way you teach?
“We all bring our personalities, our passions, and our life experiences into the classroom. I love music, I love working with children, and I love the joy and excitement that can come through learning!
“I’ve seen that when I teach with energy and enthusiasm, that enthusiasm and joy can spread throughout the classroom! And then if I can link that joy of learning together with the idea of music being a gift from God — that we give back to Him in worship — something beautiful happens.
“Children begin to see their musical abilities, whether singing or instrumental, as worship to their heavenly Father and that they’re using their gifts to bring glory to God.
How do you apply God’s Word to your ministry?
“We’re commanded in the Bible to tell the next generation about the ‘glorious deeds of the Lord’ (Psalm 78:4) and because God’s commanded this, He’ll also give us what we need to accomplish this. This is good news for a teacher!
“I’m so grateful for God’s Word, which is a ‘lamp for my feet and a light on my path’, and that also tells us to ‘Sing to him a new song; play skilfully and shout for joy’ (Psalm 33:3).
“In my role as a music teacher, I have the privilege and joy of teaching music to young people, so that they can then play (or sing!) skilfully, as they worship God through music.”
Are pupils encouraged to put what they learn into practice?
“Music is a very practical subject, so my students are constantly putting into practice what they’re learning, and are encouraged to sing in choir, play in one of our school bands, and even volunteer for solo or small ensemble parts.
“We put on two concerts a year at Bingham, and it’s wonderful to see my students grow in their musicianship and their confidence through our concert preparations — and these are wonderful opportunities for character growth as well.
“Once a year, our Elementary classes each learn two Bible verse songs, which they prepare for a special elementary chapel. Learning these songs together in the classroom presents many opportunities for gospel conversations, and as the children memorise the verses, we pray that seeds will be planted in their hearts, which will bear fruit in their lives.
“For our Christmas concert each year, we share the Christmas story through songs and Scripture and also incorporate an evangelistic talk — all of which we pray would speak truth and light to our young people and families who attend.
“I’ve also been able to begin two Middle School worship teams, training students on the guitar, piano, and singing. This is a wonderful opportunity to help these young people grow in service, leadership, and in how they can use their musical gifts to worship God and lead others in worship of God.”
What are the joys of your role?
“I have many! I love to see the ‘lightbulbs’ coming on in students when they finally understand a challenging concept or master a particular skill.
“When our band finishes a song, all hitting that final note together and then there’s that golden moment of silence — that’s a moment to celebrate!
“I love the buzz and excitement in the classroom when everyone’s engaged and is truly enjoying music together. Beyond this, I love to see how music can be a platform for sharing the gospel, both in and out of the classroom.”
What’s your greatest need as a Christian teacher?
“There are many challenges in serving at an international Christian school. Many international Christian schools, including ours, are having an increasingly difficult time recruiting mission staff. This means that we’re all stretched to our maximum capacity.
“Resources aren’t available like they would be in a more developed country, so we have to be creative and make do! Families come and go, so after just three-and-a-half years on the field, we’ve already had to say goodbye to far more good friends than we’d have ever imagined.
“Being a music teacher who teaches 10 different year groups, I have a lot of children to build relationships with and to learn how best to teach. My first year here, I remember making about 225 name tags in the first couple weeks, so I could learn all my students’ names! (Now, it’s a privilege to continue to teach and mentor students that I’ve known now for several years.)
“It can be difficult to be so far away from family and dear friends, and a life that was so familiar and ‘home’ for many years. And yet, despite all the challenges, my husband and I trust that God has called our family here, and He continues to be our strength in weakness, and our help in times of trouble.
“It’s truly a joy and privilege to live and serve here in Ethiopia.”
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Matthew 19:14
*UNESCO Global Report on Teachers
Teaching ministries
Are you ready to have an eternal impact among young people in places with deep needs and where you can use your teaching skills for God’s glory?
Please go to sim.co.uk/serve or email [email protected] to start a conversation with one of our Mission Journey Coordinators.
Please pray
- that God would provide opportunities for Ally to share the gospel and disciple her young students as she serves at Bingham Academy;
- for strength and endurance for the coming year of teaching;
- for Christian teachers, staff and governors, and for the Holy Spirit to open the hearts and minds of the children and their families to Jesus Christ.