September 2017

HINDUISM FACTS
Hinduism is the world's
third largest
religion with over 900
million followers.
In the United States,
there are over one
million Hindus.
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The pastor spoke with the family and the Hindu neighbors respectfully to assure
them that the unborn child would not become a demon. He also shared the gospel
of Christ's resurrection and the comfort we have in the death of a loved one. He
explained, "She is in heaven. She will not become a demon." Finally, the family and
the neighbors came to an agreement.
I, along with the men studying at the national seminary, were praying for the national
pastor throughout this ordeal. I witnessed great concern on the faces of all
the men. Local pastors have two issues to handle when a member dies, grief and
loss along with the challenge of burying the deceased.
While a complicated burial ritual in the earthly sense, God’s message is simple and
His word was used to preach the saving gospel message to many who remain in
darkness.
BEGIN THE YEAR WITH PATIENCE AND GRACE
By Rachel Blum
As an early elementary school teacher, I was both nervous and eager to begin each school year. Every new school year held
so much promise. Yet beginning something new took such patience and hard work.
I always knew that by mid-October all of the hard work would start paying off as individual students became a classroom
community, learning was evident throughout the day, and teachers and families were settled into their new routines and
relationships. However, the first weeks can be tough, and how we all handle them sets the tone for the rest of the year.
Parents, teachers, and students are very tired at the beginning of the school year. Be patient! It is exhausting to
implement and learn new routines, recognize new faces, and memorize new names while also focusing on academic
learning and homework. Give each other time to get everything running smoothly, and try not to make quick judgments
based on information gathered in the first couple weeks of the school year.
Choose a Bible verse, like Colossians 3:12, on which to focus as you interact with your children, other families, teachers,
and administrators: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion,
kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Stressful times can give our sinful natures a foothold, but focusing on God’s
Word supports us as we build and grow relationships at the beginning of the school year. Posting an encouraging verse in
your car, on the fridge, or on your mirror can be a gentle
reminder throughout the day of how you would like to
treat others in this time of change.
Just when it seems like things are going smoothly and
it’s going to be a good year, a couple things often seem
to set off a normally patient, kind, and gentle parent—
homework and “mean” kids.
Homework: Often schools have homework
philosophies, and teachers need to follow what is
required of them. Teachers work hard to give homework
that is not too hard, not too easy, beneficial for every
student, and that fits every family situation, but . . . this
is tremendously hard to accomplish. The only way for a
teacher to know if the homework is or is not working for
your family is if you discuss it with him or her. If the amount, type, or content of homework is not working for your
child or family, please ask to speak to the teacher privately and then share how homework is going.
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