¡Kuira!

I hope this newsletter finds you well! It is hard to believe we are one month into the school year. This past month flew by as we were settling in, getting used to our new students. Last year we had 16 students in our one room school building… and we felt it was too loud! Who knew we could fit 30 students into there and somehow still be able to teach three separate classes? Now we know…. It works! I have really enjoyed getting to know my new students. I have 11 students from grades 6-8. They are definitely a fun bunch, and having 4 boys in class brings a whole new kind of energy to the classroom environment… it’s been many, many years since I saw kids rip the wings off of flies so they could watch them struggle. Probably since my Jr. High days. I really do enjoy watching all my students learning new concepts, building relationships, and having a lot of fun. This year, we also have a student in our school with special needs. It is definitely a challenge trying to figure out how to work with him, yet a huge blessing to have him part of our school. I thank God for each student He has brought to Oaks of Righteousness this year, as well as all our staff! We are so blessed to have Nathan and Rose Friesen from Canada here this school year. I am learning so much as they direct our school and train us as teachers. I am also so thankful as they have taken over the financial/ administrative side of the ministry.

Another reason why this past month has flown by is that a young, teenage girl came to live with me. Her mother is not able to care for her and give her the guidance she needs during this crucial point in her life. She recently found out she is expecting a baby. It has definitely been a challenge for her to study, deal with a lot of emotional baggage and follow through with daily responsibilities. Yet I see her growing as she feels God’s love poured into her from the people around her. I am very blessed to have her in my home. Please pray for her, that she would come to understand her worth in Jesus Christ and that she would give her heart to the Lord.

This past month I also joined a psychology class online at the Local Christian University. I am thoroughly enjoying the class and learning so much! I praise God for the opportunities he gives me to learn and continue to be educated in working with the Tarahumara people.

This past week Carolina, our gr. 4-5 teacher’s cousin passed away in a car accident. This has definitely been a rough week for her and her family. I am reminded of how short our life here on earth is. This young man reached 17 years before his time was up. In the past, he was very open to the gospel, even at one point dreaming of becoming a pastor. As time passed, with no godly influences to guide him during his high school years, he slowly drifted away and found himself searching for his identity in what the world offers. When I would see him, my heart would break for him, but I did not know how to reach out to him. I share this as an encouragement to keep our eyes open for the hurting people around us. We can be so focused on our ‘goals’ and routines that we forget to look around to see who could use a helping hand or a word of encouragement. Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven.”

Praise and Prayer

Praise God for a good first month of school.

Praise God for the way He has provided for the ministry in the past month! We have been truly blessed!

Praise God for opening up a larger building for us to move into end of November.

Praise God for each student and staff God has brought to the ministry.

Pray for Carolina’s family as they mourn the loss of their loved one.

Pray for God’s continued provision in the support of our Tarahumara teachers, as they are not yet fully supported.

Pray for wisdom and direction, to serve God wholeheartedly.

Pray for the school.

Thank you so much for all your prayers and support! God bless! Amanda.