Victory Series: It’s Time to Share!
God is at work every day, all day, in our schools through the lives of Christian educators. It’s time we share with each other what is happening. It shouldn’t be kept a secret! One of the aims of Victorious Educator Ministries is to encourage others by sharing how God is working in our schools. When Nicole mentioned her Good News Club in our Facebook group, I knew we had another victory to share!
After talking with Nicole, one thing that was affirmed for me is that when we earnestly seek God to use us, He never fails to provide the opportunity. We just have to take the next step of faith. Nicole certainly did! I was so encouraged by our conversation, and I know you will be, too!
Jackie: Tell us a little about yourself including your current assignment.
Nicole: I just finished my 22nd year of teaching. I have some experience at the secondary level, but the majority of my teaching career has been in elementary. I have been at my current school, Twain Elementary, for thirteen years. I currently teach 4th grade. My school district (Springfield) is the largest in Missouri.
Jackie: What prompted you to start a Good News Club at your school?
Nicole: I heard a story online about a gentleman who did a prayer walk around his school. He prayed fervently and saw a massive work of God as a result. I found this so encouraging and decided I would do the same thing every day over the summer of 2022. I asked God to move and use me to serve the students in my school. That fall I was listening to an online summit and heard about the Good News Club established by Child Evangelism Fellowship. I immediately knew this was God’s answer to my prayer.
Jackie: It’s so exciting to know that when we earnestly pray, God opens doors we didn’t even know were possible! How did you proceed?
Nicole: I first talked to my principal. While I knew we could legally establish the club, I knew his support was important. Next, I went to the Child Evangelism website and found a local chapter. I called, and they told me all of the steps I needed to take to move forward. They served as a liaison between me and the district, helping me complete the paperwork for the establishment of the club. (https://www.cefonline.com/ministries/goodnewsclub/)
Jackie: What did they require of you? Was there a cost?
Nicole: I had to give a statement of faith, pass a background check, and attend training in order to teach their curriculum. They did all of this free of charge! We did have to buy the curriculum. This was funded by the school’s partnership with a local church. I might mention we chose to use the digital curriculum which is less expensive.
Jackie: It sounds like this program is fairly structured. What kind of flexibility did you have?
Nicole: We have a great deal of flexibility. The curriculum is basically designed for church volunteers. As educators, we often use the main Bible lesson and then adjust the game and/or craft activity. Our teacher training was a great asset to supplement the curriculum. It was good not to have to start from scratch. Also, the after-school sessions are set up for one-and-a-half hours, which we didn’t have, so we had to adjust. I do have to mention we had snacks – good ones! That always helps!
Jackie: How often do you meet?
Nicole: Weekly – 12 times a semester. We just finished our third semester.
Jackie: How did you go about recruiting others to help you?
Nicole: I called one of my Christian friends from school and asked if she wanted to help me start the club. She said, “Absolutely! I didn’t realize we could do that! Otherwise, I would have started one a long time ago! “ We recruited two additional educators and went to training together provided by the Childhood Evangelism organization. We now have 6-7 of us, which really helps! It is such an advantage having teachers run this club because we are way more visible in the school. Kids know us and are often asking questions which opens the door for us to share.
Jackie: This makes me think of another question. How do you walk the fine line between the separation of church and state?
Nicole: I’ve learned through this process that we can respond to student inquiries. When a student asks me what the club is about or if they can practice their Bible verse with me, I can respond freely. Per district policy, we can’t hand out fliers or go into classrooms and recruit students for the club. At first, I was discouraged by this, but it really hasn’t been an issue. We put up fliers in the hallways, and we are also allowed to have tables set up at open house or event nights. To be honest, word of mouth from our students has worked best!
Jackie: What have been some victories you have experienced?
Nicole: One of the biggest victories has been student salvations! Every lesson provides an opportunity for children to accept Christ. We tell the students if they have questions or need prayer, we will meet them at the back table. They ask all kinds of questions, which is good. One girl came and said, “I want a friendship with God like you talked about!” I was able to lead her to Christ.
Another big win has to do with one of the girls I teach. I call her my child evangelist! She loves to invite others and share about our club. I read a book entitled “This Seat’s Saved” by Heather Holleman. I was so touched by the message and knew it would be perfect to read with her. Written from the perspective of a frightened and ostracized seventh grader, this book teaches what it means to be seated with Christ. After getting permission from her parents, the two of us read through the book during one-to-one reading time. As her teenage years approach, I feel confident this book will continue to help her find her identity in Christ.
Jackie: What has surprised you?
Nicole: Needless to say, the salvations! I have also been surprised by the receptivity of the students. There are a couple of negative things that have surprised me, too. Apparently, a couple of teachers did not think our club should be allowed. They didn’t speak to me directly, but I heard it from others. Also, I was surprised that some students who came last year chose not to return. I’m learning to accept not all will be supportive, and that’s okay. I’m just going to plant the seed and let God water it.
Jackie: What are your hopes for the future?
Nicole: We are excited about what God is doing and look forward to watching our numbers grow. We know next year we are going to need more space! We are also looking to acquire Adventure Bibles which are a little more kid-friendly. God has provided a way for us to purchase the curriculum, t-shirts, and snacks, so we have no doubt He will provide the Bibles, too!
Jackie: What words of wisdom do you have for our group?
Nicole: God has placed each one of us right where we are. The school is our mission field. We don’t have to feel constrained. There are legal ways to represent Christ and minister to our students.
Final Thoughts
As I reflected on my conversation with Nicole, a few key thoughts emerged I feel are worth sharing. First, this all started with prayer. I have learned from personal experience when we earnestly seek God to use us, He will! When the phone rings with a request, an idea emerges from our quiet time, or the stars simply align, we don’t have to wonder what God wants us to do. We know! Tony Evans says, “Tenacious prayer is a lifestyle that produces results!” Are you sensing God leading you to take another step of faith in your workplace? PRAY! (Psalm 32:8)
Second, it took courage for Nicole to approach her administrator in the beginning. She wasn’t sure of the outcome, but she did it anyway. As a result, she was able to proceed with the club. More importantly, however, she bore witness to her faith in Christ. Had she not been obedient to the calling on her life, some children would not know Jesus today. (Joshua 1:9)
Finally, she invited others to join her. Nicole opened the door for other believers in her workplace to use their gifts in Kingdom work. She understood the value of community. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
Each of us is unique and equipped with different gifts, circumstances, and passions. God doesn’t need us, but the Bible says we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). The Bible also says each of us has been given gifts to serve others through His power, not our own (1 Peter 4:10-11). God provides all we need to live lives of faith in the workplace. Take time this summer to consider what this might look like for you. Pray and watch God open doors you didn’t even know existed!
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