Derek

Sunday School went great yesterday. The children even had answers about last weeks story and we could tell that some had thought about the story during the week, which is very encouraging. Derek helped me greatly, again! At the beginning of the week I give him a copy of the story we will be telling on Sunday and it is evident that he studies it. I tell the story with him interpreting but he also knows how to talk to the kids in a way they understand, and has a gift for asking the right questions. I was amazed at the participation of the children this week. I told Derek I had prayed for an interpreter to help me and God answered that prayer with so much more. Derek and another lady are going to a five-day teaching conference for Sunday School teachers and children’s ministry workers. I pray in the future, they will be able to tell the stories and lead Sunday School.

I am asking for help, for any donations to help Derek finish high school. Because of his grades and high exam scores, the school has offered him a scholarship of sorts, his tuition will all be paid for the final two years, but he needs help with books, uniforms and rent for this year. He has missed about a month of school this term because of lack of money. He previously has had to work on holiday and after school to pay for his education but has had trouble finding work lately. He has come over everyday and volunteered to paint and never asked for anything in return. It was just in conversation yesterday that he told me he has been praying for God to show him what to do about school, or to help him get a job to pay for it. His counselor told him if he can get the money he could still start this term. He needs $20 for two uniforms, $30 for books and approximately $10/month for rent for ten months. He is paying rent to stay off campus 1) it is a lot cheaper to not board but he is now staying with his brother 30 minutes away 2) he can leave on the weekends and come to service on Sunday. That is only around $150/year for this boy to finish school. He is smart and very polite and loves Jesus very much. Also, he wants to take a computer science class and it would be helpful if he had a laptop. I am looking into that but I think it will be close to $300 to get him one. If there is anyone out there that would like to contribute to Derek’s education let me know and I will give you the info on where to send it. I promise 100% will go to him and I know that it will be well worth investing into this boy’s life. I am giving him enough to get back in to school since he has helped me so much this week. (He has made the smallest mess while painting AND he cleans it up!) I believe in him and that he will take this opportunity and use it to better himself and to help others. If you can’t contribute, please pray for Derek. I know God has great plans for him.

Smokey enjoyed the story – he patiently waited for snack time!

She is the nursery care worker!