Worthwhile

Dear Friends,

I just finished sending out our latest prayer letter where we shared some of our ups and downs over the past couple months. There are always challenges. Discipline problems and tough relationships and financial needs. Seeing students and former students making poor choices and reaping the consequences. Lately though, we have had our share of accidents and deaths. One little boy in our daughter's class is still unable to walk or talk after being hit by a jeep. It's hard.

But there are joys too. We work with children who are at risk as a result of poverty, broken families, and lack of education. We feed them, educate them, and share Christ's love with them. And, for the third year in a row, we (actually my husband and staff but I'm the one who gets to write about it) get to take a group of Grade 8 students on a mission trip to a area where the children are poorer than they are. As part of the interview process, the students are asked to explain their faith. Paul has been clarifying that we cannot get to heaven by good works or going to church or attending a Christian school. Having a Christian family does not necessarily mean that you are a Christian. We each need to believe in Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins. In the past week, three students have decided to put their faith in Jesus. We pray that they will grow and serve Him on the short mission trip and beyond.

A few weeks ago, a friend who we have been praying for for over three years also made a profession of faith. She and her boyfriend, who we have worked with for almost 9 years, were just married. We are thrilled! This is what makes working here worthwhile. Thank you to all of you who pray for us and support us so we can be here. We appreciate you!

Marcie Cooper