Pick me. Choose me. Give me candy.

During English class at Teen Challenge this past Saturday, I took some time to review the basics since we were gone a few weeks to attend our son's graduation and visit family. After reciting the alphabet as a class, I asked for volunteers to recite individually. About half the class took me up on my challenge, but quite a few of my students are new and didn't want to try. 

Until I rewarded the students who made an effort. 

The moment I took out my little bag of candy, hands started flying in the air! Most of the rest of the students at least tried, although they had previously only attended one class. 

Note to self: buy more candy.

While I worked with some students who are a little further along, the new students played Bingo to learn their numbers.

Yesterday at Teen Challenge, Director Gamaliel preached on Boundaries. Quite often, Teen Challenge Directors, Gamaliel and Alejandra, and their staff preach through a series which is also taped during the service. Their teaching is then broadcast on a local cable channel.

Feel free to visit our official missionary profile to view prayer requests, access newsletters, and conveniently give online. Thanks!

Spring has sprung, the grass has ris';

I wonder where the graduate is?

Well, we found him in Springfield, MO after a flight from Mexico City and a drive from Dallas.

Our stay in Springfield began with a parent's brunch and then a Baccalaureate service where Wesley and other honor students were recognized for outstanding achievement in their degree fields. Stuart and I are very proud of Wesley who graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Music Industry. 

As many of you know, Wesley is on to Spain this summer as a MAPS volunteer to intern with International Media Ministries. He's already bought the plane tickets, people! But he still needs some funding. If you would like to invest in Wesley's internship, he has a gofundme account that is quick and easy to use. If you'd prefer to mail an offering you can send it to:

Wesley M Brown
3320 South Meadowlark Ave
Springfield, MO 65807

Either way, all funds go directly to Wesley and his internship with IMM and you will receive a receipt.

Thanks everyone for your generosity and encouragement toward Wesley. We really appreciate it.

Directing traffic like a boss

Today, I'm directing traffic to our missionary profile on the official AG Missionary Directory.

Near the top of the page you will easily find links to our blog, Facebook group, Instagram account and more. Scroll down a bit and let us know you're praying for us and any current posted requests at the click of a button. Just beneath that is the infamous Give Now button (why don't you give it a click to make sure it's still working). Finally, scooch on over just a tad to sign up for our newsletter or access previous newsletters in the archive.

How's everything looking? Did you have fun :)

A little sweetness in the classroom

For ESL classes, holidays create the perfect opportunity to introduce students to new vocabulary and surprise them with some traditional treats. This week, therefore, my class prep included mixing dough and kneading bread as well as creating flash cards.

Fresh out of the oven, all my Italian Easter bread needs is confectioners sugar icing and colored sprinkles.

My students enjoyed the bread and the accompanying English vocabulary because there's nothing like food to encourage student participation :)

I also introduced them to ham pie (also known as pizza rustica) made with ricotta, provolone, and mozzarella cheeses as well as ham and pepperoni. They thought it was muy rico. 

Then, before we reviewed the ABC's and 123's, Stuart and I shared how to properly greet one another on Easter Sunday: Christ is risen. He is risen indeed!

Our Easter morning greeted us with clear blue skies and a warm sunny day. After church, we enjoyed lunch with a friend and the "Easter bunny" even left me with a sweet surprise.

We hope you enjoyed a blessed Easter Sunday with friends, family, and a few surprises, too.

Our new and improved AGWM missionary profile includes links to our newsletters, Facebook group, and much more. Be sure to check it out.

I love to teach

Wherever I have lived in this world, I have capitalized on opportunities to teach. I've taught amazing students in Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Mexico at Bible colleges, high schools, and seminaries. I've traveled with my students through the ancient world of the Pentateuch and through the exciting world of the Book of Acts to discover God's redemptive story. With other students, I've tackled the intricacies of the English language to navigate the best ways to interpret and craft stories. Now I have the exciting opportunity to teach at a wholly different venue in Mexico City at Reto a la Juventud (Teen Challenge Mexico).

Teen Challenge (Mexico City, Mexico)

On a recent Saturday, Stuart and I trekked over to Reto and greeted nine eager Teen Challenge residents. I spent the next two hours introducing and practicing English grammar, useful phrases, and pronunciation. In the process, we also got to know each other a little better and we look forward to spending more Saturdays together.

I love to teach. (Did I mention that already?) I love it because teaching incorporates two of my passions – strengthening minds and building community. Effective teaching not only includes lecturing and listening, effective teaching inspires thought and conversation. Furthermore, I love to teach because I am fully committed to empowering my students to find their God-given voice, to thoughtfully craft it, and then confidently use it for the glory of God. 

Anna Sanders Seminary (Mexico City, Mexico)

Instituto Metropolitano Estrella (Mexico City, Mexico)

Sojourn Academy (San Jose, Costa Rica)

 Assemblies of God Bible College (Cristiana, Jamaica)

As you can see, Stuart and I have discipled some of the finest students in the world, who in turn have traveled the world and discipled others. Your continued prayers and financial support empower that process (and us!). Thank you.

Printable PDF (Spring Newsletter 2016)

Email version 

Subscribe to our newsletter.