Victory Series: It’s Time to Share!
One of the aims of Victorious Educator Ministries is to encourage others by sharing how God is working in our schools. As we all know, it takes a village these days to serve the many needs of our changing population of students. It is exciting to know God has placed social workers in many schools today to be His hands and feet. Let me introduce you to Rhonda Cole. Rhonda is a bold Victorious Educator who believes in lifestyle evangelism. She wants others to see Jesus through her as she lives out Galatians 2:20. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
When talking with Rhonda, I was encouraged by her passion. Her job isn’t easy. She spends most of her days dealing with difficult issues. Instead of being discouraged, she seizes opportunities to reflect Christ and share the reason for her hope. This hope is what propels her to keep going, especially on the really tough days. I was so encouraged by her, and I know you will be, too!
Jackie: Tell us a little about yourself including your current assignment.
Rhonda: I was raised by missionary parents who served overseas. As a result, my heart has always been drawn to serving. I began my career in education by teaching in a church school. I also participated in community missions work until taking a part-time ESL teacher position. I was raising my children at the time and needed more time with them. Eventually, I moved to full time and transitioned into social work. Next year I will begin my 20th year! Since my husband is in ministry, we have moved several times. I have worked in four states and six different districts. I currently work in a suburb of Dallas, Texas, with high school students.
Jackie: You mentioned you are a social worker. Can you describe for us what your job entails?
Rhonda: Basically, I work with children and families during their lowest times. They are often in crisis and have great needs, yet many are reluctant to ask for help. They are afraid of being judged. I first spend a lot of time building relationships and breaking down barriers. Through this process I can identify barriers that are preventing the students from completing their education. I then work to remove those barriers by providing food, clothing, and/or hygiene items. I also do the legwork to connect them to resources. This could include medical or mental health services. Whatever they need, we try to provide. Our goal is to keep these students in school.
Jackie: Given your close connection to families and students, I would imagine there are many opportunities to mention your faith; however, I know you must be careful to stay within legal parameters. How do you navigate this?
Rhonda: I take the lead of the parent or student. If they make a reference to faith or spirituality, I see that as my entry point. I usually follow with asking questions. For example, I had a young lady come into my room frustrated with her friends. When I asked why she was so upset, she proceeded to tell me that her friends didn’t believe God still did miracles but she did! This opened the door for me to ask her about her faith and lead her in taking steps to be a good witness to her friends.
When it comes to parents, if they don’t reference faith, I often offer to pray for them. Many express their burdens to me, so it only seems natural to pray. Some let me pray immediately, and some ask me to pray later. Bottom line, my offer lets them know I care and am willing to support them.
Another way I deal with this issue is to connect them with resources that are faith-based. For instance, if they are in need of food, and a church has a food pantry, I will send them there knowing they will hear the Gospel.
Jackie: This is all so exciting. What have been some of the victories you have experienced?
Rhonda: One that first comes to mind has to do with one of my colleagues. When we first started working together four years ago, she was very quiet about her faith when working with students and families. She would share that she had navigated difficult times in her past but never made mention of how. I, on the other hand, would share how prayer or God’s provision was my source of strength. After one particular meeting she said, “ I have never referred to my faith at work because I didn’t think we could. It made me uncomfortable, but you make it sound so natural.” I explained I couldn’t separate my faith from my work. Being a Christian is who I am as a person. My love for Jesus is my why. It has been four years now, and she has become very outspoken and verbal about her faith (within guidelines). It has been so awesome to witness this transformation.
Another victory for me has to do with the moms I work with. They know I am a Christian and often ask questions as if craving to have a spiritual conversation. This gives me the opportunity to pray and encourage them. I also invite them to church!
Jackie: What has surprised you the most in your current role?
Rhonda: The administrators in my current district are very verbal about their faith. This affirms me and helps me continue to be vocal myself. I realize I live in the Bible Belt, and it might be more challenging in other places. However, I have also discovered most people are not offended when talking about faith. They want to be accepted and valued for their own beliefs, so they value authenticity. I really want them to know that all Christians are not judgmental. I try and meet them where they are.
Jackie: What words of wisdom do you have for this group?
Rhonda: First, stay connected to your small group and local church. Be active in ministry. As Christian educators, we need to make sure we are spiritually fed. We need to be part of a community. It makes us stronger. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
Second, being a Christian is lifestyle evangelism. We aren’t different people at work than we are at church. There is no separation. Jesus is in our hearts wherever we go. Yes, there may be challenges and criticism, but that is okay. I am accountable to God, not men. (Galatians 1:10)
Finally, we can’t look at our students through “Christian” glasses and expect them to behave as if they are believers. Most are lost and under the power of the enemy. Instead of being frustrated by them, we need to let this truth break our hearts. May we see them and love them as Jesus does. (1 John 4:11)
This reminds me of a special conversation I had with one of my students. She said, “Mrs. Cole, you love everyone, don’t you?” I responded, “Well, yes, I do.” She then said, “I feel sorry for you.” When I asked why, she said, “Because you love people who don’t love you.” I told her to not feel sorry for me. I was blessed. I am called to love because Jesus loved me. It is a conversation I will never forget.
Final Thoughts
Isn’t it exciting how God is working in our schools through Christian educators? Rhonda’s phrase “lifestyle evangelism” struck a chord with me. We share Jesus when we live out our faith in public, which includes school and our workplaces. During our conversation, I discerned Rhonda is always on the lookout for openings to share about her faith. She does so not in a pushy way but in a natural way. It is an overflow from her heart.
This is why it is so vital for us as Christian educators to continue to grow in our personal walk with Christ. As we do, the Bible says we are transformed (2 Corinthians 3:18). As a result, what happens on the inside shows up on the outside.
Rhonda’s story is unique. So is yours. Each of us is equipped with different gifts, circumstances, and passions. God doesn’t need us, but the Bible says we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). The Bible also says each of us has been given gifts to serve others through His power, not our own (1 Peter 4:10-11). God provides all we need to live lives of faith in the workplace. Take time this summer to consider what this might look like for you. Pray and prepare your heart for next year!
Do you have victories to share? We want to hear from you. Let’s encourage each other in this journey of serving as educators. Reach out to us at info@victoriouseducator.com. Be a part of our Victory Series. It’s time to share!
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