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 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” -Gal.6:9Does this even apply to teachers in April? 😉  “How many kids do you have?” “Thirty-five.” (pause) “Umm…no… I mean you personally.” “Oh. Two.” Those of you who are teachers probably totally understand this recent exchange I had with an acquaintance. I often say “my kids” and have to clarify to people whether I am talking about Ty and Wyck or my students. These thirty-five kids are constantly on my mind. How can I help them? Why are they struggling with this or that concept? What are we going to do next week? So, now, as we approach the end of the school year, I want to finish well. I want to teach them well, love them well, and show them Jesus well. Please pray for me to finish well, even as it is really easy for the kids (and me!) to get a little tired at this point in the school year. For various reasons, it has been my most difficult year of teaching, and I just really want to love these kids well as we finish out the year. Speaking of finishing out the school year, Matt just has a few weeks of the current class that he is taking in his counseling course, and then he will have a break for the summer. Pray for him for balance and endurance as he finishes up. Finally, please pray for my actual kids 🙂 Ty and Wyck as they finish up the school year, and say goodbye to many friends, some who are leaving for the summer, and some for longer. Looking forward to this summer feels a little strange. Summer is always a quieter time on campus, as many people leave for the summer months. This summer will be different for us because Matt will start doing his personnel director role full time, so that will be demanding in a different way. Please pray for him in this role, for wisdom and grace. Please pray for me to know how God wants me to spend my time, and also that I will not feel lonely as I see others heading back to their home countries to see their families. We are so thankful for you. Keep persevering in doing good. Till all know, Matt, Karissa, Ty, and Wyck |
 Matt preached at our church service on campus, and shared about how Jesus was abandoned by God on the cross so that we will never be.  Ty working on finishing well with his homework. Schrödinger helped :). |
| Praise God: – Wyck is progressing well with his speech therapy – We have been able to help some folks debrief their terms – Matt’s shadowing of the personnel director role has gone well – We have been able to help some people process some conflict Please Pray: – for balance and endurance for Matt in his schooling – for wisdom and grace for Matt in his director role – for us to have joy and purpose as we serve this summer – that Karissa can finish off the school year well  What are we supporting? This month’s tribal focus: Pray for new believers in Wantakia. The Wantakian church was born just a couple of years ago, and on Easter they baptized 20 new believers! Pray for the baby church as they grow and learn what it means to be followers of Jesus. |
“Can you imagine life without these trials and difficulties? Would it still be worth living?
Probably not. You see, if life is easy, we wouldn’t be able to know God. We won’t be able to appreciate His blessings nor marvel in His grace. We won’t have something to fight for or happy days to look forward to. In short, life would be empty and meaningless.
So if you’re having a hard time right now, consider it an opportunity to know God better. Because His is the only love that’s steadfast and never changing. He is our safe place. The whole world may hate us but He would never desert us. When we’re weary and exhausted, in Him we will find refuge.”
I read this and thought of you and your family. Bless you for your faithfulness in serving God in so many ways. Cling to Him.
This is the first verse I learned as a new Christian and it’s still a favorite. Many a time it has carried me through difficulties and discouragements. May it bless you as you press in.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. – Matthew 11:28-30
Praying for all of you with love in Christ our Lord, Carla Gilbert