Young Mother Ministry

Jen, Samah, and I

As our years out here continue on, ministries change as new opportunities present themselves. The first year we were here, the Lord opened my eyes to teaching middle school students. The needs of the Palestinian youth were right in front of me. Marriage was new; getting to know how to be a wife was overwhelming at times, and learning how to live overseas was exciting. Over the next year or so, I was placed to teach high school—a whole different kind of need. This was also the first time I became a mother. God brought me to a new place in life, with new responsibilities and big changes. Now that I have three babies, my time at home has grown increasingly. So, the ministry opportunities became limited. Or so I thought.

Shari and her daughter, Eliana

I soon realized that there were many young mothers, living right beside me, who were staying at home, alone, all day. Mothers who just needed some time with other mothers. New mothers, older mothers. Tired mothers. Lonely mothers. My eyes have been opened to yet another avenue of sharing the Word of the Lord.  These ladies just need a friend. The opportunities are endless. Just opening up my home for lunch, is a simple way for mothers to bring their children, talk with adults, smile, laugh, ask questions, and just relax in the presence of believers—whether they are or not. Community, as a young mother, is essential. I’ve realized this through spending more time with women. Sure, I could stay home with my own kids, do things with my own family, reach out to the youth, but when I spend time with the young mothers, the needs of a people group are divulged.  When I spend time with these mothers, God shows me more of His heart.

Nariman and her family

What an opportunity. What a gift. What a blessing to be used by God in this way.

Jen and her daughter, Lina

A Beautiful Privilege

Seniors at JSB

Hi you guys!

It’s been…a while since I last blogged. Partly because I don’t know anyone who reads the blogs, and partly because we have been very busy. But it’s good to be back and sharing what Christ is doing out here in the school I am working at.

Paul, Ezra, and our new car!

As some of you may know, the school we are connected to is being accredited this year. It is a long and drawn out process of paperwork, policy, and preparation. The purpose of the Accreditation is for the school to critically and methodically look internally at all the “gaps” missing in its education system, fix them, and document EVERYTHING. My job (among many) this year is to direct the accreditation process. I write policies, curriculum, rules, procedures, expectations, and any other information the accreditors need to know. Fortunately, our school needs a lot of work. So this came at an awesome time, and I have been able to see our school grow AMAZINGLY in just a few short months. This year, teachers have done more for the school as a whole than any other year previously. Praise God for giving these teachers and staff an enduring work ethic!

Our little Elena (6 months)

10th Graders

Ezra and Evie (two peas in a pod)

It has also been a challenging couple of months for me because several times I have wanted to quit it all. The work-load just seems too heavy to bear. The job seems endless. The people are annoyed. And my passion—teaching—is being 

put on hold, again. In these times, God is quick to remind me that He doesn’t have to use me for such a time as this. All He needs is a willing heart, and if mine won’t work, someone else’s will. It is a God-given task to do what I do for the school. It’s not something I deserve. It’s something I am privileged to do. Sort of like being a mom. These kids (and this job), are 

given to me temporarily. When it is time to give them back, I want to know that I never allowed the enemy to spit me lies about “how chaotic life is.” What a waste of time. I am put here (as a mom, as a wife, as a sister, as a friend, etc.) for “such a time as this.” God reminds me that in these times, I have to thank Him fervently for the ability to be chosen as His servant in this field, in this country, in this era, in this house. That opportunity can be taken away at any time. So, in the mean time, what am I complaining for? It’s a beautiful privilege. I’ll take that, any day.