Teaching can transform the lives of millions of children around the globe and help to raise up the next generation of disciples.
In Biblical times, where the importance of children was often dismissed, Jesus’ countercultural command to ‘let the little children come to me’ (Matthew 19:14) surprised the disciples – and those around them.
The children of today are the voices of tomorrow and as SIM workers live and work to fulfill the vision that no one should live and die without hearing the gospel, raising up the next generation is a vital part of this.
In classrooms across the world where God is largely banished, Christ-like living can be difficult for teachers, but SIM’s Transformational Teaching programme helps them to teach in line with their core identity as Christians.
SIM’s Ministry Point Person for Transformational Teaching, Megan Patterson, who’s supported by Livingston Free Church, Scotland, frequently makes trips to train teachers around the world.
At a workshop in Benin, primary teacher Marie shared the importance of showing kindness to the troubled child, instead of only focusing on those excelling.
“That’s perhaps possible for you … with no more than 40 children in your class. If you have a big class like most of us, you can’t pay attention to individuals,” replied another teacher.
Marie’s colleague, André, rose to share his story. One boy was causing trouble in his class of 138 children. “I decided that every day I would speak to him for one minute on his own. I asked him about his breakfast, siblings, anything. As the year progressed, he settled and worked and is ready to go up to the next class when school reopens.”
At the end of the workshop, many asked for prayer that they would show God’s love to each of the learners in their care as if the learner were Jesus himself.
When Claire Robinson, who’s sent by Glenabbey Church, Northern Ireland, was headteacher at Mukinge Hill Academy, a primary school in north-western Zambia, she saw many children’s lives changed by the power of the gospel – like Hope’s.
As the second term at the academy began, Hope’s chair in the Grade II classroom remained empty. Her father had died suddenly a few weeks before and her mother, unable to pay the academy’s fee, registered her at the village school. Struggling to find her place in a large class, Hope often stayed home.
Her father’s colleague paid for Hope to return to Mukinge Hill Academy, but things didn’t go back to how they were. Other children wouldn’t sit or eat with her, taunting her that her nails were dirty from digging the soil on her father’s grave. But day by day, their teacher prayed for the children and taught them about Jesus’ love for them, including Hope.
The initial help for Hope, by God’s grace, grew into a scholarship programme to help vulnerable children in the community access quality Christian education. Hope completed her schooling at the academy and is not only thriving academically at secondary school, but continues to grow and depend on God.
For Lisa Wallis, her ministry goes beyond the classroom. Working in a deprived community in Jos, Nigeria, with people crammed into side streets and alleys, not every child can afford to attend school. Parents go out to earn very little money, leaving their children to bring each other up.
At a young age, they’re surrounded by negative influences including drugs and prostitution.
As part of the City Ministries team, Lisa works with these vulnerable children to help break this cycle and show them the love Jesus offers. They provide the community with an after-school club where they teach them Bible stories and play games.
“We want to create a safe space for these children to share their struggles, to laugh and experience God’s love in a practical way,” shares Lisa.
In the community, the team now runs a discipleship class for local teenagers, giving them an opportunity to deepen and grow in their faith. Some are increasingly involved in activities for younger children, such as holiday clubs and reading classes.
“We hope to build on this gradually and offer training to help the teenagers reach their own community,” says Lisa, who’s supported by Avenue Community Church, Leicester. The community outreach team also includes Third Culture Kids, which is beneficial both ways.
“Not only are they a great help, but they’re growing in faith, sharpening their gifts and learning about the culture,” says Lisa.
Please pray
- For classrooms to be transformational as the Holy Spirit enables teaching and learning;
- that Christian teachers will honour Jesus in their classrooms, even when they’re not allowed to mention his name;
- for more teachers to serve in areas with a desperate need for new workers, particularly in mission schools.