Use your god-given Talents and Professional skills to make an impact for the gospel

“Although this year has only been my second year at Faith, it seems like two years has been such a long time already. I remember my first time meeting everyone at staff retreat. I was so shy and nervous to talk to anyone and only knew a few people that were working at Faith. I had just graduated from university and coming to serve at Faith was something that I felt God wanted me to do. I was just so blessed by how friendly everyone was and hearing how much they gave up to come to the Philippines was such a humbling experience and something that inspired me to serve. Serving here has been such a great experience!

I feel so grateful to have had the chance to serve in a school with such great people who I do not just call colleagues, but also dear friends. God has given me the opportunity to teach Pre-K along with Mrs. Tara Santos. She was one of the many people who set our working environment into one that promotes professional development. This was especially apparent this year as I earned my professional license to teach. I do not think I would have managed to teach a class and study for my licensure exam without the help and support of the people I work with in Elementary. They never stopped praying for me, encouraging me, and be there for me when I needed their support. I am blessed to serve alongside people who build up and edify each other.

Next year, one thing that I am looking forward to is not only seeing our kids move on to Kindergarten, but also seeing all the other kids go up a grade! It brings me joy to see how God allows them to grow and bloom each year.

Preschoolers have taught me that you can choose to worry less and enjoy life more. There’s always something to be joyful about! This may be cheesy but their smiles and laughter remind me that when we face problems, worrying won’t solve anything and instead we can depend on and look to God. This year’s group of Pre-Kindergartners will always remind me of that. Sometimes seeing things from their perspective can help you realize and learn a lot. And like what we always say in our class, “when something is challenging, put your faith in God and just keep going!'”

“We moved to the Philippines to begin teaching at Faith and we have been blown away by the Faith community’s hospitality, generosity, and love. God has graciously been allowing us to feel at “home” at Faith as we experience the unity and diversity within the Body of Christ through this amazing group of people. It has been worth following God in faith because we have the privilege of participating in the Great Commission by teaching and building into the children of missionaries. If others feel that the Holy Spirit is prompting them to invest in Faith Academy, they would be able to participate in this beautiful partnership of furthering the gospel in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and beyond.”

Grady teaches Grade 10 Social Studies and Grade 12 Bible. He spent his childhood years in Japan, Philippines, and Canada. Whereas his wife, Brittany, teaches French 1 and Bible 11. Brittany spent her childhood years in Canada.

“In the last ten years, my roles have changed a lot. What I love most about all my roles has been serving the Lord alongside fellow believers who love Him and His people. I’ve had the opportunity to direct choirs and bands with talented students, meet with ministry partners who desire to pray for and financially support the school, and travel around Asia and the USA representing the school.

Through these things I have been blessed to meet many wonderful people. Faith Academy is more than a school or even a ministry; it is a small sample of heaven!”

“It may sound cliche, but my favorite thing about teaching Kindergarten are the students. They make waking up at 3:45 in the morning worth it – or at least 95% of the time. The students are always very excited to learn and hold nothing back. You would not believe some of the things that come out of their mouths. To them the world is a wonderment and every thing is a new amazing experience. I only hope to find such excitement in the little things!”