Teaching is an art

Ever thought you'll be teaching...in China? Singing songs, playing games, teaching Bible stories....it's all part of teaching that will change lives.

God abundantly blessed the orange team with the opportunity to teach the Chinese kids English. What a great way to be able to talk to the kids and share more than just English words and pronunciation. We taught kids from the age of three up to about eighteen.

It all happened so unexpectedly and caught me by surprise. We met an English teacher on the street and she mentioned that it would be great for the kids to be able to speak English to a foreigner. We were excited about the opportunity, but didn’t expect a visit from the headmaster on a Saturday morning at our hotel. We immediately started to teach…yes, on a Saturday morning. I remember the first thought that went through my mind as I walked to my first class. God, help. I don’t know anything about teaching…let alone kids that can’t even understand every word I say. What am I suppose to do with them? What am I suppose to say?

Luckily, we serve an almighty God. He just took over and soon it seemed as if I was sitting at one of the desks among the kids, also listening to the foreign English teacher.

It was amazing! It reminded me of Matthew 10:19-20:

“…don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking – it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

He knew exactly what He wanted me to say to the kids. At the start of each new class, Matthew 10:19-20 was my comfort, for I knew that God is faithful and won’t disappointment me. My prayer for each class was that God will give me the right words and all the wisdom that I need for that class.

“…If you need wisdom, ask our generous God. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.” James 1:5-6

Not only did God give me the right words and wisdom, but He also prepared the hearts of the students. I was met and welcomed with so much enthusiasm, openness and most important, teachable spirits. They were so eager to learn and that made it so much easier to teach. They hung on every word, believed everything you taught them without a trace of doubt. They didn’t judge, they just received with open hearts and thankfulness. That’s exactly how God wants us to be – have teachable spirits. Believe every word He says without doubt. Just to receive it all with open hearts and gratitude.

I had so much fun with the kids. God proved again to be a fun-loving and adventurous God. We played games, talked about China and South Africa, made jokes, sang songs...and I still can’t believe that I sang songs like Old McDonald had a farm and our national anthem solo in front of the class! I even got the opportunity to give the kids English names. Bible names are now featuring in China…my favourite is Mary and Joseph! The teachings were great. They just loved Noah and the Ark! The next time they see a rainbow they’ll remember Noah and all the animals in the Ark. I also taught the kids some gumboot dances and my last class learned Amazing Grace and My God Is So Big.

These kids are so desperate for foreign company that they will do anything to have you come into their class. They grabbed me and begged me to go in. We never even realize the difference that teachers or just your smile, your time and your company can make in a kid’s life.

I remember a time when I said that never in my life will I become a teacher. I learned three lessons about being a teacher. The first one is that if God calls you to a certain place, you have to go. You have to obey. The second is the impact and influence that a teacher can have on the students. We experienced a little of the impact that we had through the students’ excitement every time they see you. The third is that every Christian is a teacher. Maybe not a teacher standing in the front of a class, but a teacher of God’s word to people all over the world.

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and theSon and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciplesto obey all the commands I have given you.And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to theend of the age.” Matthew 28: 19-20

I just want to thank all the teachers all over the world for their hard work, enthusiasm and patience. I pray that God will be more present in your teachings, for open hearts and teachable spirits. May you be blessed abundantly by our Heavenly Father.

Love,

Elzet