I know you will be blessed by this issue of Teachers of Vision focused on purpose. In many ways, purpose unites and defines us. As educators, we intentionally pursue growth in our students. This is certainly a divine purpose, and I know it pleases the heart of God to see His precious ones “grow in wisdom and stature” (Luke 2:52, NIV). Thank you for taking this high calling seriously and doing it with excellence—we at CEAI are proud to support you. 

However, when you arrive at school, step out of your car (or get off your bike as I often used to do), and walk to your classroom, are there any other purposes that drive you?

I sometimes come across discouraged educators in a place where their only answer to that question is to put food on the table and pay the mortgage. While these necessities are important, we all know there is more. My heart breaks for those who are stuck here.

On the other hand, when educators come to understand that their primary purpose is to represent Christ to a school full of children and adults who desperately need Him, I am filled with joy! Paul says of us that “we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us” (2 Cor. 5:20, ESV). 

I’m sure we’ve all had days when we feel, I’m staying in this job for the health insurance. How many years until retirement? But I also desperately hope that we’ve all had moments when we experience, Wow! Jesus just used me to change a life! Of course, we may hang out temporarily in either one of these places, but where do we live? 

At CEAI, we are working to raise up educators who increasingly live each day as ambassadors for Christ filled with the Holy Spirit. Toward this end, we are transitioning our Daniel Project to a one-day transformational experience called AWAKE: Ambassadors Working as Kingdom Educators. AWAKE opens our eyes to see how God is already using us, helps us navigate the legal issues, and then frees us to work more powerfully with Jesus to impact our schools. God willing, look for opportunities to join us for AWAKE in the fall...in person!