Weekly Update - February 8, 2010
Well, it is 9:15 on a Monday night, and I am just now starting the Monday memo. This might give you some indication as to the busyness of the last week. I know that every week I say how busy we have been… Please don’t misunderstand me… Busy means that we have been doing all kinds of exciting and fun things! This is, most definitely, not a complaint!
Since the hour is getting late, I will keep this week’s email brief.
1) The Counseling Summit was a success! I have heard several good reports from staff and students alike. One of our teachers led a seminar on Dating, talking about the Biblical guidelines of purity and respect. His final conclusion was that students should not be dating (unless they are at a place in their lives where they are preparing for marriage…). I was surprised at how many students were able to see his point of view. Two students (both girls) have begun a Bible Study with this teacher before school starts weekly. How awesome that they are seeking out God’s will for their lives and relationships!
2) The parenting seminar on Saturday (KidUnique with Dan Webster) was amazing! We had about 35 people (mostly parents, with a few chaplains and staff) attended. We hope to bring the same presenter back in the future to lead a seminar for the teachers.
3) Rick had a Guy’s Night at our place this last Friday. Nine high school boys were here (plus Rick and our friend, Luke Owsley). They watched movies, ate pizza, and did all the crazy things that large groups of boys do. (I made myself scarce, hanging out in the bedroom watching movies and playing on the computer.) Rick’s ministry to the high school boys is really growing in leaps and bounds. He really has a gift for connecting, guiding, and encouraging them in life skills, as well as in their spiritual walks.
4) This week at Alliance Academy is Spiritual Emphasis Week. This means that all of the middle schoolers and high schoolers will have chapel daily this week. Please pray that the ministry team is able to connect with the students and that God’s Truth will be understood at a heart level. We have so many students who come from unchurched homes, who are just now beginning to hear about the Lord.
5) We have half a day of school this Friday, and then we have Monday and Tuesday off for Carnaval. As some of you may know, Carnaval is celebrated for 4-7 days, right before the beginning of Lent. Traditionally, this is when you emptied the pantries of all of the rich food and drinks that you would not consume during Lent. What this eventually translated into was great feasts and drunken parties right before beginning Lent. Here what it translates into (not sure why) is days filled with water balloon throwing and silly string shooting. :) Many of our Christian Service Outreach groups (students with a focus on ministering to the community) use this time to go on short-term missions trips into the jungle or the coast. Please pray for their safety, and that they will not be tempted to ‘celebrate’ the holiday in ways that are unpleasing to God.
6) Since last week’s update, we had a meeting with the director regarding our proposal as to what our continued service at Alliance would look like. The meeting was really almost a “best-case” scenario. Not only has the administration accepted our counter-proposal to pay for the required continued education for Rick ourselves (thus allowing him to pursue the field of his choice and keeping us from more debt), but the director indicated that the school might be considering a policy change that would make it much more feasible for faculty to pursue advanced degrees with the school’s financial help.  Thanks much for your prayers in that regard. It appears they’re being answered.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support!
Rachel Sams
