Teaching That Counts

There is an opportunity through church for me to take a mission trip to South Africa in January. This is something I would LOVE to do, but the amount of money I would need to raise is a little daunting. The trip would consist of doing a VBS camp for the kids there. I think this is just the right kind of trip for me! My teaching experience could blend beautifully with the mission that is trying to be accomplished. That has ALWAYS been my biggest desire -to be able to teach with the intent of having a spiritual impact. Most of my life teaching in the public school system has given me the chance to(aside from earn a living) try to impress morality, values, good choices, and character on my students. These are good things, but in and of themselves, are worthless because they are taught in a context without The Cornerstone. Day in and day out my students would hear me speak of the importance of forgiveness, selflessness, servitude, respect...but without being able to talk about the one piece of the puzzle that would answer all of their questions about why. I could often see the unspoken question, "Why" or sometimes even the audible protest to such disciplines. I would be reduced to giving explanations like, "because it is the right thing to do, or because you would want someone to do that for you, or you reap what you sew." Even though those statements are true, they certainly aren't convincing enough to change someone's behavior. We know that has to happen from the inside out, and NOT the outside in! It has always frustrated me. People often think that when you are a public school teacher you are making such a huge impact. Yes, we make an impact, but it is strictly an earthly one destroyed by moths, rust, and the simple passing of time. I'm ready to make an impact that will last for eternity. I guess the main reason I feel this way is because I feel that God is the one who has gifted me with teaching. I need to be using this gift for the furtherance of his kingdom!! So, whether or not I am able to go to South Africa on this trip, I am going to be looking for ways to use my teaching for spiritual purposes. I have thought about teaching in a Christian school, homeschooling my own children, going on these short term mission trips, or tutoring a child afterschool. I am prayerfully considering what to do. With all of that being said, I think it bears saying that I don't neccessarily mean that I won't ever return to a public school classroom; it is the best way for me to financially contribute to our household and make children's lives better while they are here on this earth. But, it is not a way in which I feel I am making an impact for the kingdom.

Any fellow teachers have thoughts or similar struggles?? I'd especially love to hear if you think you ARE making a spiritual impact with your students while in a public school position!