A Surprising and Encouraging "Complaint"

When we planned the test teaching of the first module, Truth, earlier this year, we totally assumed that senior Scripture Union staff were far too busy to be personally involved. But we were wrong! They “complained” that they had been overlooked and others were given the opportunity and privilege of teaching the new curriculum. Even the National Director himself, wants to experience teaching a Values Education Class!

So, plans were quickly formulated to address their complaint and prepare them to teach the Truth module this coming term of the school year! Because of their hectic schedules, most plan to teach it for six days in a row (minus weekends of course) right at the beginning of the term rather than once a week for six weeks. Since they already are well known and appreciated by several near-by schools, they don’t foresee hindrances!

Today the Test Teach Orientation for them took place. Our morning began with rousing choruses and worship songs accompanied by three African drums. Dickens, the National Director, set the tone by sharing the huge need for Biblical Values and for the resulting behavioral change we are trusting God to do as students in the classrooms hear God’s Word and choose to follow Him. My slot on the program was a time of prayer two-by-two followed by an overview of the Curriculum. (I sorely missed Ruth who was at home training a new helper and working with our main artist to complete illustrations for the Honesty Module.) Beth shared a moving testimony of how God encouraged her by test teaching the Truth Lessons in a nearby Primary school. She relayed how the students were fascinated by God knowing even the number of hairs on each of our heads, how more than 20 students made professions of faith during the final class, and how both the students and school authorities pled with her to return to teach more Values lessons. Following her testimony, Dennis demonstrated the first lesson, taught them the Truth Song and narrated Jesus’ story of the two builders/foundations in Matthew 7. Sammy then led the group in brainstorming about schools and dates. Finally, Susan talked about teaching materials details. A Senior Staff commended our Orientation with “I have a much clearer picture how this program works”. Praise God for these leaders who are eager to personally test teach the lessons later this month. Needless to say, their enthusiasm is a source of rich encouragement for us!