“You [Americans] believe in God, but we [Africans] depend on God.” This is one of the quotes that has stuck with me since my friend Jordan shared it with me because it’s so true. I, an American, do believe in God and that God is by my side; however, my lifestyle back in the states didn’t give me a reason to depend on God. I wasn’t the wealthiest person in the states, but I definitely wasn’t living paycheck to paycheck. My health was and still is in tact, and I didn’t have any prolonged circumstances which had me desperately depend on God - even while going through my darkest moments.
This last Friday, I had an opportunity to go to a secundaria (equivalent to a middle school) in a neighboring state. Riley, another missionary (pictured here in the middle), and I got connected with Paty (pictured here on the right). Honestly, while messaging Paty, I thought she was a veteran teacher in her forties. When I got there, to my surprise, she was a professionally dressed, two days shy of 21 years old.
Paty had contacted the Avance mission team because she needed native English speakers to help out with her English class. The students had questions prepared in English for us. They asked questions like, “What is your favorite color?”, “Do you like Mexico?”, and “Do you listen to music?”. Riley and I answered their questions with enthusiasm. I don’t think they were prepared for me to ask them questions! When I have the class roster in hand, I enjoy picking on random students! You didn’t need to know Spanish or English to feel the tension in the room! The students definitely were sitting straight in their seats, hoping that I wouldn’t call their name.
Meeting Paty allowed me to reminisce about my time as a student teacher. Like Paty, I have always thought of my classroom and school as my mission ground, but I didn’t really depend on God. I believed that God was using me, but I mostly depended on those opportunities and my wallet to bless those students with a hug, an ear to listen, or a meal. The school where Paty works is a public school; therefore, she’s not allowed to openly evangelize to these students. However, I wish you could’ve heard the passion and dependence on God in her voice. She truly believed that she needed to depend on God to reach these students. Some of these students live in poverty. You can’t really differentiate by the clothes that these students wear because they need to wear uniforms. However, Paty shared with us that you could differentiate the students who have wealth and those who do not by their facial expressions. I can’t imagine what these students and families go through. You could definitely see the lack of wealth in this community.
Paty truly was a breath of fresh air. Honestly, some of the academics that I learned in school; I have long forgotten. I don’t believe my SOLE purpose as a teacher in a classroom is to teach the students well. Yes, grades ARE important. Trust me, living in a Korean household, I KNOW the importance of grades. However, at the end of the day, their grades aren’t going to give them salvation. The science lesson that they learned isn’t going to give them redemption. The math lesson isn’t going to give them the understanding of God’s unconditional love. In Paty’s words, “[We] may be the only bible that they will ever read.”
So, reflecting on your own life or walk with God, are you believing or depending on God?
Please let a sister know that you’ve been here by commenting below (Including you Mike - From GoCorps)!
Un abrazo y besos! 3
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Paty is still in school, and she is studying to become an English teacher! She will be graduating this July, and she will need to pass two exams. Her test results depend on which school she will placed as a teacher. Please pray for Paty as she continues be a light to these students in the darkness. Pray that God will open doors and provide opportunities for her to share the good news. Pray that she may continue to depend on God.