Hi ACC Teachers and Leaders,

I was praying for you this week and wanted to send an email to encourage you.

Ephesians 4:11-16 (ESV)

11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Schools and colleges teach students to learn about particular subjects and skills. If the teacher is so inclined, he/she might even coach the students up about life and how to be a grown-up.

We as teachers in ACC get the unique opportunity to teach God’s Word and shepherd the children in our flock. Our time with them is a huge investment that impacts them and how they shepherd others for multiple generations. In some cases, we are planting seeds. In other cases, we are watering a growing and healthy plant to see it through to the next phase in life. We cannot assume that the kids have Christian parents or that they have a parent who is involved in their lives. You may be the one, or the first, shining example of love, faith, commitment, and service to the Lord.

But what we do is not just building up the next generation. According to Ephesians 4:11-16, we are building up our future coworkers who will serve alongside with us in building God’s Kingdom. We are ONE BODY in Christ. What a huge blessing!!

“This kid I’m teaching will be my co-worker some day!” 

What a humbling thought. You get to mold your future co-workers. I always found it difficult to work with people I didn’t like in my old company. If the ACC kids of today become our spiritual co-workers of tomorrow, then we must make our time with the kids count each week.

So, my prayers for you this week is that God would ease your burdens, remove major stresses, and give you peace beyond measure so that you can give your best to the kids on Friday nights and Sunday mornings. I know it’s not easy, but you have been gifted with a teaching and ministering heart. God loves teachers.

Blessings upon you as you teach them to obey all that God has commanded you.

Have a great rest of your week!

Teacher Francisco