For most of us, we have fond memories of at least one teacher from our school days. This teacher stands out from all the other teachers we had. Perhaps they sparked your interest in history. Or maybe they guided you to an aha moment with math. Or maybe they simply saw you when you felt unseen. Or maybe they affirmed your abilities when you doubted yourself.
Clearly, God uses educators to make a difference in our lives. In my case, God blessed me with multiple teachers who made an impact on my heart and mind. I am especially thankful for several Christian teachers who impacted my public school education. George and Shirley Toadvine (real names) were two of the best.
Before I sat in Mr. and Mrs. Toadvine's high school classrooms, they were already accomplished educators, and they had served as missionaries in South America in midlife. After a few years on the mission field, a health issue forced them to move back to the United States. They returned to their hometown, and they resumed teaching in my local high school. Their joy was contagious!
Before moving to South America, Mr. Toadvine had been the principal at my high school. After they returned from the field, he taught upper level Spanish. He was an amazing, engaging, humble teacher; and he made me want to speak Spanish. Mrs. Toadvine masterfully taught Pre Calculus, and she inspired me to excel. Both of them shared their Christian faith and affirmed mine.
God has blessed our church with multiple educators. We have retired public school teachers and administrators, and we have several active public school teachers. We also have a few Christian school teachers, and we have more than one homeschool family. In all of these contexts, God is using our members to make a difference educating children and supporting parents.
This Sunday, after the sermon and before the benediction, we will recognize our local schools and our educators. We support the work our church members are doing in their schools and with their students. God continues to use Christian educators to make a difference in the hearts and minds of their students, and we can bless our educators with our prayers and appreciation.
In Christ,
Pastor Nathan