In the past two days, at this family education conference for global servants, I have met so many people doing such amazing things around the world. My mind is blown. I am inspired and humbled. Finding the words to describe this experience will take thought and effort. I know I will fail at sharing with you the depth, but alas I will do my best.
Building relationships with people has had to begin with vulnerability and asking open-ended questions. My most successful approach has been, “Tell me where you are serving?” Then I follow up with, “Tell me more about that.” Then I just open my heart and ears to hear whatever they are willing to share.
After leading two of my presentations on mathematics yesterday, more and more opportunities to talk with and learn from the attendees have been presented. Helping navigate the world of math has become my “in.”
There is a couple who is currently serving in (country can’t be named), working on church planting. There were tears and struggles shared regarding their children’s education. I learned that in some countries it is illegal to homeschool. Even for Americans living there. Friends of theirs faced prison time for attempting to homeschool their children. Their child is likely struggling with an undiagnosed learning disability (which they hope to get diagnosed while here at the conference). School is taught in the local language , and from what they’ve shared the school is a very “traditional” instructional approach. They were hoping that my workshop would give them tools to help her. The school is essentially kicking her out. They told the couple they have to take her out, but yet the parents can’t homeschool. They are stuck and are currently having to make some hard decisions.
Another family who came to my math workshop is serving in Egypt. They’ve been there for over a decade, building relationships and bringing the gospel to people. This woman taught me that in order to church plant, you have to have a cover story. This was challenging in Egypt. It started with photography (over a decade ago) but they learned that Egyptian women cannot be photographed for fear of murder (for dishonoring their family), so they had to switch gears. After trying a few ideas, God put the answer in their path. The women they were meeting were sharing that they were struggling financially and needed help to find a way to bring in money. Weaving is a large part of the past culture that has been lost over time. The American Global Workers used YouTube tutorials to learn how to do Egyptian weaving, then created a group, taught them to weave, and set them up a digital marketplace to sell their handmade craft. Through this work, there were lots of hours sitting together and weaving. This was the open door to teach the Gospel. This families’ children have spent their entire childhood in Egypt. They are adjusted and happy but receiving an Egyptian education. They rely on family education conferences to ensure that their children will be ready for an American University when they graduate.
I had brought American snacks to share during my workshops, which fostered many conversations about food they miss. A woman shared with me a story of how they have pulled in people from their field through inviting people to their homes for meals. One time she was making BLT sandwiches with some very coveted bacon that she had. Bacon and pork products are not available to purchase in a lot of middle east countries. This woman she’d been ministering arrived, invited herself in and proceeded to eat her very special bacon treat sandwich. She was so sad because her chance to get bacon again would be a long time away. For those of us who love bacon, we can understand this pain!
These are just a few examples of the many stories I have heard.
I have had many people come to me and express gratitude for sharing my knowledge with them and asking more questions. I have been asked by the conference to prepare a fourth workshop session and will be up late tonight putting that together.
Although my knowledge and presentation skills are providing something important for these families and they are so grateful, I feel so honored to be in their presence. The Lord is doing such remarkable work through them, and the sacrifices they have made to follow his call are beyond what we can imagine. It’s a serious BACON Sacrifice!
