August 13th, 2024
August is always an exciting time for us as a Christian teacher overseas with GEM. Our schools in Mexico welcome students back after summer vacation, and we get to send off a new group of faithful Christian teachers, most of whom are stepping into their very first opportunity to serve overseas as missionaries.
This school year, we have 4 new missionary teachers who have packed their bags, and in obedience to God, moved abroad. Over the summer they were busy building a ministry support team, training, and saying goodbye to family and friends. Now, they’re in Mexico and preparing to teach their classes. No doubt their heads are spinning as they try to process all the change they’re walking through. They’re a missionary teacher abroad, and I’ve been in their shoes and have a pretty good idea of what they’re thinking.
First, I’m confident they’ll have a quiet moment, where they stare out the window of their classroom, and wonder how they got to that spot…how they ended up becoming an international missionary teacher! Everything in their lives has flipped from familiar to foreign in a matter of weeks. They spent months preparing, but now they’re there, and I think it’s inevitable that each of them will have a moment reflecting upon the crazy journey.
As new teachers in a new school, I’m sure they’re wondering what their students will be like, how they’ll act as a class, and how they’ll relate to them as teachers. I’m sure all teachers think about things like this, but as teachers in a new country and in a new school I know the anticipation and excitement is heightened.
Lastly, I know they’re also all thinking about their calling as missionary teachers and wondering what kind of spiritual impact they will have on their students and school families.
If I was at school with them, this is probably what I’d say to encourage and help them:
Starting a new school year will come with many uncertainties, but never forget that you are here because our God, who is sovereign over all things, wanted you here. He intervened and brought you here. In His wonderful, loving way, He equipped you, gave you the passion for teaching and for ministry, and a love for cultures and people. He opened doors and blessed you as you walked through.
Enjoy your students…each and every one. They will be different from any other students you’ve had. They are special and unique and created by God. He knows them and loves them and has a great plan for their lives. Part of His plan for them is that YOU will be their teacher and will have opportunities every day to love them and share the truth of the gospel with them.
Don’t be too concerned about how impactful you’ll be as a missionary. Just work hard, be humble, obey God and love your students well as you share the gospel with them…and God will take care of the rest.
Please pray for our missionaries and staff serving in classrooms in Mexico, Colombia, and Uganda!
Want to join our team as a Christian teacher overseas? Check out our application!
– Casey Herring, GEM President & GEM Co-Founder
