Open Door
On Thursday Feb 16 Pastor Seeva and I met with the Vice Principal and four others at the School of Industries here in Newcastle. This is a State operated school that educates high school age students with serious behavioral issues and those who have committed serious crimes but are not old enough for the adult prison system.There are a total of 25 students. I presented our vision with the soccer ministry at the forefront. However, as we started talking it became obvious there are other opportunities for ministry. We were told that most of the learners there had never really had any education and very few of them could read and write English. Both Pastor Seeva and essentially at that pint volunteered Deena since that was her area of expertise. Also when I explained to them I had a background in career counseling they indicated that was also a great need. As I began to present I was mindful that this was a state school so even though I told them we were missionaries and we would be sharing the hope of Christ with students, I was trying to convey this with utmost diplomacy. Towards the end of the presentation one of the counselors that was present said you speak of sharing Jesus but would you also be willing to pray with the learners because that is something they need desperately. That gave us a wide open door and needless to say we walked right through. The (Hindu) Vice Principal then indicated to us that he wanted us to share the Bible with the students and asked if there was a way we could provide "nice" Bibles for them that they could study. He also said he believed that these kids needed God and that was their only hope if they were to become good citizens on the outside. It was just an incredible meeting, we are so excited what God is doing and humbled that He has chose us for this opportunity. Deena and I are going to the site on Monday the 20th to meet and spend time with the students to begin the process of getting to know them and assess needs. I made sure I reminded all present that we were leaving on March 10 and probably would not be able to make it back for a few months. The Vice Principal said that was fine but he wanted us to meet with the learners to start the process so we could hit the ground running when we came back. He also basically told us we full access to the students and the school would print any materials we needed such as devotionals, reading lessons, counseling guides, etc. Please pray for these kids and the Holy Spirit's guidance as we seek clarity and vision for this important ministry.