But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you,
for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
I finished my first year of teaching! In many aspects it was a challenging year with so much to learn. Many times I have asked God why he has called me to teach. Little by little he has taught me that it really isn't about me but all about Him. God has in a new way opened my eyes to how he has always chosen to use ordinary people. David was only a shepherd boy but God chose him to be King. Mary was just a young, ordinary girl whom God chose to be the mother of Jesus. Joseph was a slave but God used him to save many lives from famine. Moses didn't think he was qualified to lead the Israelites out of Egypt but when he obeyed, God was able to do mighty things. Just like Moses I need to choose to obey.
"I have to keep taking my eyes off my limitations and remember He is not limited. I have to remember that He has always delighted to use, not strong people, but empty people through which His strength can be demonstrated."
--Kelly Crawford
Praise the Lord for helping my students and I "overcome" this year. I am thankful that I love what I'm doing and am so thankful for each one of my 6th graders! We have some fun 6th grade traditions at Alliance for the end of the year. The 6th grade play is one of those. This year we presented the musical “Spend a While on the Nile”, covering the stories of Moses and Joseph. Another tradition is 6th grade graduation. It was a fun celebration sending them on to middle school.
David
We loved having David visit us along with 8 of his friends from Wheaton. It was quite a house full, but it was fun to get to know a few of his friends. He started a job in civil engineering when he returned to Chicago the end of June. He's been living with Scott's sister the past month. He and a friend will be moving in to a new apartment at the beginning of August. Praise God for helping him overcome the challenges of beginning a career!
Theological Education
Scott will be teaching next week in Riobamba. A few years ago, Alberto Copa founded Seminario Teológico Peniel, and his first class of 6 is receiving their diplomas. They are planning a week of celebration with different workshops and speakers. Scott will be teaching a class on Biblical Themes That Point to Christ. Our Savior is the one who truly makes us overcomers!
Scott met with Alberto to talk last week and catch up with him. He was here in Quito to get a visa for the US. He is planning on visiting New York and various Quichua churches that have started there. He wants to be able to encourage these churches and help them maintain Biblical doctrine. This is news of huge importance and we are praising the Lord for granting him the favor needed to receive a visa! You can read more about the Quichuas in New York by following this link. Pray that God will help them overcome the challenges to faithfully following him.
Alberto also shared with Scott how his seminary has grown. He is getting ready to open the 5th site this fall and has asked Scott to help with the teaching there since it is only about an hour from Quito. The Babahoyo seminary has also asked him to teach another section of Greek. Pray for wisdom for Scott to overcome the ever-present limitations of time!
Anniversary
We celebrated our 25th anniversary in July. It's hard to believe we have been married for that long. We were able to get away for a night. After a busy and long school year, it was nice to be able to spend some time together. We praise the Lord for keeping our marriage strong to overcome all the challenges of life!
Translation
Luke and Joel had the opportunity of translating for a short term mission team from Texas. The team spent the afternoons teaching a group of kids how to play flag football.
Luke is also in the middle of translating for two more mission teams who are here with Compassion International. These two groups are in Quito working at a church. They've been doing vacation Bible school as well as various construction projects. Last week the team was from Florida and this week they are from Alabama.
You can help us fulfill our ministry by making an online donation to Avant Ministries here, or by printing this donation form for mailing in with a check.
Mandisa
The same Man, the Great I Am
The one who overcame death
Is living inside of you
So just hold tight, fix your eyes
On the one who holds your life
There's nothing He can't do
He's telling you
You're an Overcomer
Click here to watch a musical presentation by Quichuas in New York City.
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