FROM SURVIVING TO THRIVING PART 2
CHALLENGES AND CELEBRATIONS
After the traumatic landing in the fall of 2020, the family gradually moved into calmer waters with more space and sanity for everyone. Though they couldn’t afford a 4-bedroom place, they were able to fix up a part of the living room for one of the boys who didn’t get his own room. They also carved out a corner for gym equipment and set up a kitchen where Flora could cook efficiently. In the second semester, Flora enjoyed a lighter teaching load while their youngest son got his first “A” in the new math after intensive tutoring over the new year holidays. Al even found time to work on his dissertation.
But the new year also brought new challenges. Many expat teachers left due to the country’s Covid restrictions. Others were unable to return from abroad. Likewise, the international church lost pastors and volunteers. There was no youth program, making it even harder for the kids to have friends.
Long workdays continued. The government’s zero-Covid policy added to the overall stress. Al lost a godly brother and mentor when the chancellor repatriated. Working with the local head principal and tight-fisted financial officer unfamiliar with the international school culture was a challenge. Building a strong team of qualified and like-minded teachers and staff was Al’s vision. However, the pandemic limited his hiring choices. But in answer to prayer, God brought two strong believers to his administrative team. Praying together and supported by intercessors back home, Al could feel the spiritual climate of the school slowly shifting.
Over the months, seemingly insurmountable walls began to crumble. Several of Al’s graduating seniors got into top universities in the US and the UK, a big boost to the morale and reputation of the school. As a result, Al got funding for his extracurricular programs and added good hires to his team. The pastor of the international church also returned. The youth group restarted on a small scale. And Al made progress in thesis writing.
During that second year of teaching, all five members of their household managed to get through the daily Covid testing, constantly changing regulations, and confusing back-and-forth of online and in-person schooling. They were grateful to have stayed healthy, avoiding the notorious quarantine center.
Meanwhile, Al dedicated the whole summer to his doctoral thesis. Would he make the deadline? The pressures he bore were compounded by the school’s accreditation challenges. But PTL, enrollment doubled that year. Against all odds, Al’s initial charge to improve the high school program, achieve accreditation, and secure offers from top universities for their graduates had all been met.
As their three-year contract was coming to an end, Al and Flora must decide what to do next. While they remained committed to Christian education on the mission field, they saw the impact of three pandemic years on their children’s development. Seeking the Lord, they felt a nudge that landed them in a different city. Al is now a college counselor at a Christian international school and Flora is teaching 7th-grade pre-algebra. The two younger sons are enjoying school, replete with weekly chapel and youth fellowships, service excursions, sports, and music performances while their older brother begins college in the US.
To top it off, the family celebrated Al’s receiving his doctorate in educational leadership. The victory is the Lord’s and prayer has sustained them all the way. Al and Flora recognize more than ever the importance of prayer and having a solid prayer team.
Reflection Questions:
· Al and Flora needed help from God throughout their three years. Sometimes they prayed for wisdom. Often, they asked for the stamina to just keep going. Theirs was a humble, steadfast walk with God. How is your walk with God? The missionary’s daily walk and prayer life are key to sustainability and fruitfulness on the field.
· Would you be willing to pray for missionaries like Al and Flora weekly or monthly through subscribing to our prayer emails? Please contact info@goliveserve.org.