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May 14-20, 2023
Dr. "Joey" Alan Le
Icebreakers: 1) When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grow up? 2) What do you love learning?
Everyday Missions 5 Education - 20230514.pdfIntroduction
Introduction
Education may be the single most influential factor contributing to the success of our future. Statistics show that education is a foundational stepping stone to helping people progress out of poverty.[1] How has education helped you, or how has the lack of education hindered you?
As Sanford Cloud, Jr. puts it:
Education is the cornerstone to the success of each individual in our society. From the time a child is born, the education process begins in our homes. This is formalized through schooling and the results are quantified through grades, test scores, and eventually a job or career. Eventually, the degree to which one performs in school often sets one's life path: where one lives, works, plays, and raises one's own children. Having access to quality education should therefore be a fundamental right for all residents of this country.[2] Reflecting on your educational experience, can you discern those major crossroads that led you to your life today?
From FCC’s Everyday Education perspective, all students are created in the image of God with gifts and abilities to use for His glory. Regardless of their family's bank account or zip code, all students should have access to the kinds of educational resources and opportunities that allow them to realize their full God-given potential. Currently, only 31% of economically disadvantaged students are reading at grade level.
Everyday Education seeks to come alongside vulnerable students in our community who are most impacted by poverty, violence, and educational inequity. We aim to equip and empower students through tutoring, mentoring, encouragement and prayer.
Jeremiah 29:7
Jeremiah 29:7
Children Rising was founded by Randy Roth in 2000, who was the senior pastor of First Covenant Church in Oakland. His vision was based on the following verse:
JER 29:7 BUT SEEK THE WELFARE [SHALOM] OF THE CITY WHERE I HAVE SENT YOU INTO EXILE, AND PRAY TO THE LORD ON ITS BEHALF, FOR IN ITS WELFARE [SHALOM] YOU WILL FIND YOUR WELFARE [SHALOM].
How do you interpret God’s instruction in this verse? What does the Hebrew “shalom” mean? How is the city’s welfare related one’s own welfare?
Shalom is comprehensive peace. “More than the absence of conflict and death,” says Clifford Green, “this rich term fills out the word community by embracing well-being, contentment, wholeness, health, prosperity, safety, and rest.” Shalom means order, harmony, and happiness. It means that all is right with the city.[3] In what ways does addressing education help make the city all right?
God hereby commands Christians to do anything and everything to further the public good. Seeking the peace of the city means being a good neighbor. It means shoveling the sidewalk. It means cleaning the street. It means planting a tree. It means feeding the poor. It means volunteering at the local school. It means greeting people at the store. It means driving safely and helping people with car trouble. It means shutting down immoral businesses. It means embracing people from every ethnic background with the love of Christ.[4] What are some ways that you’re willing to be a good neighbor in the near future?
Pray
Pray
For administrators, teachers, and paraprofessionals working with students everyday; for strength, patience, and stamina.
For an abundance of volunteer tutors and mentors to fill needs at Children Rising, Harbor House, and all of our local schools.
For meaningful, Spirit-filled connections among youth and their mentors.
For students with special needs and the staff who support them.
Act
Act
Tutor a child in reading or math with Children Rising.
Tutor or teach an enrichment class at Harbor House.
Clean & organize classrooms with Project Peace.
Go on a short-term mission trip to Little Flock, India.
Support higher education for Alaska Natives at Alaska Christian College.
[1] Cannon, Mae Elise. Social Justice Handbook: Small Steps to a Better World. (Downers Grove: IVP Books, 2009), 148-149.
[2] Sanford Cloud Jr., "Achievement Gap," The National Conference for Community and Justice www.kccjky.org/summaries /full_achieve.html
[3] Ryken, Philip Graham. Jeremiah and Lamentations: From Sorrow to Hope. (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2001), 414.
[4] Ibid.
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