The Other Side of Teaching

On Wednesday I gave a brief glimpse of a minority of students that I have to deal with, men and women who are not sure why they are in Bible college and after a few days of classes are trying to figure out how to get by with the easiest courses. They check with their colleagues who advise them which professors to avoid. Some of the professors they need to avoid are also teaching the core courses, so eventually they will have to take their classes. 

But today I received a postcard from a former student that was one of the finest young men I ever met. 

Shawn Inchaustegui and his brother Anthony were born and raised in Mexico. Their father, Pecos, married their mother who hails from Wichita, Kansas. Pecos attended and graduated from MCC many years ago as a fellow student along with Dr. Rick Wright. Pecos is a big guy, jovial, and full of the love of the Lord for his people in Mexico. His wit and sense of humor and love for people he passed on to his boys. They were both special while they attended MCC. 

Both boys married MCC girls and now have families of their own. Both are involved in ministry. 

In class I often reminded the boys they needed to take their skills, their mastery of Spanish, and their knowledge of Mexican culture back to Mexico and evangelize there. So today I received this card from Shawn. He and his family have joined with New Mission Systems International, a premier organization in doing missionary work. That in itself is exciting. I am acquainted with some of the great leaders this organization has and they are among the best. So the training Shawn will receive will be the best. 

The card brought tears to my eyes. I had to say, "Thanks, Lord. It is worth it all." 

Shawn wrote: 

We pray that this card finds you both in wonderful shaped and delighting in our Papa's goodness. You always have been such a blessing in your belief and encouragement of God's call for my life. Dr. Paddock's ringing words: "Go back to your own people." The dream is coming true and we are getting close to our return to Mexico to being our work  as we live for God reaching out to the youth of Mexico.

Those are the words that stir the heart of a teacher and missionary. If I were to claim no other victory for 14 years at MCC, this one would be worth it all.