Letter 40 – Teaching the student’s wives

Teaching the student’s wives

Dear A,

Perry had been talking to me about teaching the student’s wives earlier this year. I finally agreed though fearful and trembling at the thought. He has a lot of confidence in me. I said I had never done anything like that and he responded saying he had never run a Bible school before. How could I argue with that?

It was a new concept for this school. He had heard that there were classes for the wives at the other school, but this would be different. When the women arrived, we found just how different. There were five students’ wives. Although two had some previous schooling, three of them had never attended any type of school. Only one could read English fairly well, but none of them spoke English. Also, Krio was not their first language, and some of them struggled with it, like I did.

It was a challenge to find a way to teach them, aside from the lecture method. After a few sessions, I found a way that worked well for us. We used the large children’s Bible (picture version) and I assigned each woman a section to learn. They would take the book home, their husbands would read them the story, and the women would memorize the basic thoughts of the story. Then, next class session, they would each take their turn telling the story.

I was pleased with the enthusiasm the ladies showed in learning. They were excited that even though they couldn’t read, they could actively participate in the class.

I also organized some sessions through the dispensary to help them have some basic health knowledge. They enjoyed that as well.

I really enjoyed teaching and interacting with the students’ wives. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long. The board decided to close the school early so Perry could focus on preparations for re-opening the school next year. That left me feeling a little lost and wondering what my role in ministry is. I have lots to do between taking care of the boys and watching over the dispensary (but that will end soon since the nurse will be returning). I also deal with running the house and meeting all the people who come by each day. I know we are supposed to be here, but I wish I could be more involved in ministry.

I think Perry senses that and he has been encouraging me to think about developing a more extensive program for the women. He actually set aside time so we can brainstorm. It scares me to think of being responsible for teaching them when I have so little knowledge of their culture and their life.

After our first brainstorming session, I began to relax. Perry is not expecting me to teach every class, but to help organize the program, to discover what they need to learn, and then find people to help. I am already seeing a couple of possibilities: the Bible class, a class on health that the nurse can help me with, and a literacy class. We have a person here in town who has been trained in literacy and has access to materials. I know the ladies would love to be able to read. They all know how to speak some Krio so that is probably what we will work on. And we can let those who know how to read tutor those who don’t.

Will you listen to me? God is already answering my prayer about my role and having a ministry with the students. Now I am looking forward to next year and the chance to teach again.

Nancy

Many times, the role of one spouse is well defined and the role of the other may be unclear. While it is clear that they are to care for their families, there is no clear idea of what their ministry may be. They may have a ministry to other mothers and their children but long for more. How will you and your spouse handle defining the role and ministry of that person? Is this important?