Towards the end of last year, I began teaching Sunday school. At least, we call it Sunday school, even though I teach it Tuesday afternoons. “Sunday school” is the class of younger children. The children who live here at Stephanos are divided into 2 groups. The older children’s group is called “choir” or “Catechism” class, while the younger children are the “Sunday school” class. The children in the Sunday school class range from ages +/- 4 – 12. As you can imagine this a big range.
This was a steep learning curve for me that included some blood, sweat and tears (not literally). Children were used to me playing with them, now I had to be their teacher. I had to tell a story, in a relatable fashion, in a language not my own. I had to figure out class dynamics, deal with the challenges of rambunctious boys just out of school. I had to make a story simple enough for 4-5 year olds, yet also somehow relating to those who are 10-12. I had to teach Chichewa songs… Now that it is July and the children are about to close their school year, we have had our last Sunday school class. I think I’ve learned more than I taught.
Sometimes I wonder if that isn’t God’s purpose (or part of it) when placing someone in such a role. We are to teach, but in teaching sometimes I think we learn more than we teach. I have learned that pride is often in the way. Pride in wanting a perfect class. Pride in comparing the way I tell a story to the way another native speaker tells a story. Instead, pride needs to be crucified. I was asking for advice from someone here, and was reminded that we are dependent creatures.
Pray before preparing. Pray before teaching. Pray again after teaching. This role you have is a privilege. If everything went well, I’d just pat myself on the back saying “Wow, good job today Leanna.” But this is pride. Having an attitude of thankfulness and dependence is giving up expecting results from your own efforts. It means doing what you can with what you have been given and leaving the rest of it in God’s hands. Is there anything more humbling?
If I remember correctly, after receiving encouragement and advice, I had to teach the lesson of Jacob wrestling with God. God touched Jacob’s thigh to take his strength and replace it with His own. Jacob lived with a daily reminder in his limp that his dependence should be on God. Is there anything more humbling?
I was reminded that it is my responsibility to be faithful with the days and opportunities that I have. When I have the opportunity to teach, I must be thankful for that opportunity and leave the rest in the hands of God. It is my job to teach, it is the work of the Spirit to bring fruit. Will you pray for this with me?
As a way of closing Sunday school for the year, I took the class to climb Chilangoma mountain. It is a small hill right outside of the compound which is not difficult to climb. Once we reached the top and had a small break, we had our last class right there. I told a story, we prayed, we sang songs and we had some snacks. The kids were thrilled and it was a very nice way to close the year before they go on summer holiday.
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