Use your god-given Talents and Professional skills to 去产生影响 为着福音的缘故

“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.

“I love being able to help people physically and spiritually. Here at Faith Academy, I have my dream job: being able to do what I love and use my skills in a Christian environment with High Schoolers. I desire to portray to the students that whatever we do we can use our skills, talents, and gifts for Christ.

Because of the nature of what I do, working with the students when they are injured and in pain, I am able to form relationships with them by encouraging them when they really need it. This helps to form trust with the students, allowing a deeper relationship develop. We go from fun conversations filled with jokes, to conversations about relationships with the Lord. My goal is to be a Christ-like influence for the students here at Faith Academy.

During an overseas soccer tournament a few years ago, one of our players fractured both bones in his ankle. He flew back from Thailand to the Philippines and then flew home to Korea. His injuries required surgery and he needed to stay in Korea for a few weeks before returning to school. We ended up spending a lot of time together that semester, as he needed physical therapy with me four days a week. It was a very challenging time for him, both physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

I remember that he thought his injury would mean an inability to play soccer his senior year or in later in university. He learned a lot about working hard, trusting God, and what really matters in life. In the end, he was able to play his senior year and he currently plays at Cornerstone University in the USA. The most rewarding moment was during the last game of his senior year. After scoring the first goal of the game he sprinted to me on the sideline, jumped in my arms and gave me a huge hug, saying, ‘that was for you Mr. Keating’. That was a moment that makes all of the hard work with it – I will never forget it.”

“My full name is Hasinirina Boulter, but most of you know me as Coach Hasina. I serve in the Aquatic Department and this school year, I have begun teaching Elementary PE. It is with joy that I serve our Lord and you here!

I was born in Madagascar, where I lived until I was 19 years old. Most people only know Madagascar from the movie! While we do have cool wildlife – the only natural habitat of lemurs, the world’s smallest chameleon, and the baobob tree – it’s also the fourth largest island in the world – a very dry island in the Indian Ocean settled by Malay and African people – which is why I am frequently mistaken for a Filipina! Then I moved to Johannesburg, South Africa, and so many new things. A new language, a new climate (deserts, wetlands, grasslands, bush, subtropical forests, mountains and escarpments!), food, and friends!

By simple definition, I don’t fit into the ‘Third Culture Kid’ category. But have you considered the actual definition of a TCK? This is what I found: ‘A TCK is an individual who has spent a significant portion of his/her formative years in a culture that is different from their parents. Someone who builds relationships to all cultures, while not having full ownership in any. Although elements from each culture are assimilated into the TCK’s life experience, the sense of belonging is in relationship to others of similar background.’

I can relate to the information above, and that helps me relate to students and adults here! Juggling the number of cultures that I have been privileged to experience can be challenging at times, however it enriches my life. I am glad and honored to be part of Faith Academy family and community as we experience and find joy in these different cultures together.”

“I (Rose) first came to Faith Academy in November 2005, working as operator of the Copier Machine, contracted with another company until 2012, but was not yet a Faith employee. I became an official office assistant in 2012 by God’s grace. Working at Faith Academy is really a blessing and is also an answered prayer for me. I prayed to God that hopefully he would bless me with a job that is just near home so I would be able to stay near family. I cherish all the moments of sitting down to eat dinner with my mother and siblings, and just being able to spend time with them after arriving home from work.Through this, I have seen God’s goodness, and I am so grateful for Him placing me here at this school.

One of the things I enjoy about my job is interacting and being around and able to learn from the Faith students. When I first started working here, assisting the students was a huge learning experience because they were asking me questions that I didn’t even know all the answers to! But, I am grateful to have Ate Mars here by my side always there to help. Faith students are so gifted with the talents they show through theatre, art, sports, and academics. I find it all admirable and they never cease to amaze me. I’m really blessed and thankful to be part of FA community.”

“I (Mars) joined Faith Academy in 2004 as the Assistant High School Secretary, and then moved up my current position. Aside my work here at Faith Academy I am also very much involved in my church as a deacon’s wife, Sunday School Head and teacher and also member in our church worship team ministry.

Now, what is my favorite Faith Academy story from the past 13 years? I can’t think of just one, but I think being able to meet with different people from different countries from all around the world is one of my favorite things. I am able to get a taste of all the countries I have never been to because of the different nationalities I get to encounter here at Faith. The ability to face, converse, assist, etc. to different kind of nationalities, for me, is such a privilege.

Something I love about this school and the students is the uniqueness it holds. I get to have my fun moments with them – especially when they try to converse in Tagalog! I enjoy all the little things, like giving their locker combinations, especially during appreciation days, which is a day when you get to appreciate your friends by placing a little treat in their locker for them. With all honesty, for thirteen years in the high school office, I have cherished every moment of helping and assisting our students in my own little ways and Lord willing will continue ’till my retirement day. Wait, I also think that high school students are smart and very talented!”