At the end of last month, Melissa traveled with Brennan’s 8th grade class on a two day snorkeling trip to the North Coast. At Doulos, each grade has different topics of study each semester known as “Expeditions.” The current 8th grade expedition topic is Diversity. In all 8th grade core classes, students take a look at God’s design of diversity and the many ways that it is shown in the world. Student work varies in each class based on the content area, giving students a broad look at the topic. Specifically, in science class, students studied life in the coral reefs in conjunction to their lessons on the diversity of ecosystems.
For many of the students, it was their first time seeing the vast variety of life in the ocean by snorkeling, even though they live less than 70 miles away. Most students had a terrific time, even though there were plenty of rolling swells causing rolling stomachs.
This was an amazing learning experience for all of the students, but it also provided us with a further “dive” into building deep relationships with this particular group of students from Doulos. God has specifically put these kids on our hearts and has provided ample opportunities throughout the year to foster meaningful relationships with many of them, both in and outside of Doulos. During this trip, Melissa and Brennan were able to have lots of laughs, quality conversations, and many memorable moments. This continuous relationship building allows for trust and openness which leads to solid heart conversations about God, life and their current struggles.
Recently, we experienced some of the fruits of this relationship building. Following snorkeling was Doulos’ Spiritual Emphasis Week. (Each day we strive to preach the gospel at Doulos, but this particular week shines an ever brighter spotlight on Christ.) That Monday, we had a local speaker come and preach, providing a conduit for kids to talk through what was on their hearts in their journey to finding Christ. One of the precious eight graders whom we’ve developed a close relationship with gave her heart to Jesus and immediately sought me out to ask, “I just accepted Jesus in my heart, but what happens now?” Following this talk, another student who is also near and dear to us, brought up some faith questions she has in her heart and the doubt she is still facing. The bonding that took place throughout the year with both Melissa and I, allowed me to be in a place relationally with these students that they would seek me out and trust me with their questions about surrendering to and living for Jesus Christ.
Brennan has also used this relational building to speak life into his friend group. Some of his classmates have difficult home issues and the trust he has built with these classmates has led these students to pour out to him. Through these tough times, he has been responding by loving and supporting them as Christ would.
The depth and variance of relationships that the Lord has allowed us to be part of has been one of the most beautiful things about serving here in the D.R. It is a kind of richness we could have never imagined! (For example: Melissa and Ava were at a birthday party for a Doulos student until 10:30 on a school night the same time I was writing this blog.) To us, all of this shows how perfect and intentional God’s work is in terms of using His people to demonstrate His love, spread His Word and call people of all nations into His kingdom.