Victory Series: It’s Time to Share!
God is at work every day, all day in our schools, through the lives of Christian educators. One of the AIMS of Victorious Educator Ministries is to encourage others by sharing how God is working in our schools. Recently, we have been focusing on serving and stewarding the gifts God has given us. When Angela, one of our members, posted a video about her involvement with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization, I wanted to know more! A simple “yes” to an invitation to volunteer one hour a week led to unexpected blessings for her and many others. A domino effect ensued!
It became apparent after speaking with Angela that when we use our gifts to serve others, God supernaturally opens doors, forms relationships, meets needs, and provides opportunities to share the love of Jesus with those around us. What starts as something simple often evolves into a beautifully woven tapestry, illustrating how God blesses both us and those we aim to serve. I found our conversation incredibly encouraging, and I know you will, too!
Jackie: Tell us a little about yourself including your current assignment.
Angela: I am in my 25th year as an educator. I started as a middle school teacher and then gradually moved into leadership. I am currently a School Improvement Specialist for Topeka public schools in Topeka, KS. I have been in this school district for 24 of my 25 years in education.
I have many job responsibilities, but the top two services I provide involve support for building school improvement plans and training and supporting our 30 instructional coaches. I work hard to provide the resources buildings need to be successful. I also love having the opportunity to train and support our instructional coaches who provide job-embedded professional development to staff.
Jackie: That sounds like a big job! How many students are in the Topeka Public Schools?
Angela: We have around 13,000 students. Most readers might also know that Topeka is well-known for the landmark desegregation lawsuit of 1954: Brown vs Board of Education. A lot has happened since then which has opened the door for me to serve on a National Committee that provides technical assistance to those districts who have received grants to continue the work of desegregation. It’s a great honor.
Jackie: Your job sounds super busy. What prompted you to get involved with the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Program?
Angela : After our daughter went to college and we became empty nesters, I began to seek opportunities where I could contribute to our community. At a district meeting, our Assistant Superintendent encouraged us to consider volunteering for the Big Brothers Big Sisters lunch program. Since I had been working with adults for the last twenty years, I felt like this was a good opportunity for me to reconnect with kids. The timing was right, and since my leadership would support me in becoming a “Big”, I decided it was right for me.
Jackie: I’m not familiar with the “lunch program” of Big Brothers and Big Sisters. What does it involve?
Angela: Basically, there are two ways you can serve with this organization. One is community-based where you meet after school hours and attend events and engage in fun activities together within the community. The other is a school-based mentor program. They need volunteers to go to school and eat lunch with an assigned student at least 3 times a month. I have chosen to go every week.
I meet up with my student and we eat lunch together at the school. We have great conversations and then do a fun activity or game. Our time together opens the door to good talks focused on topics such as goal setting, fostering friendships, helping at home, and success at school. The organization provides specific topics each quarter. Since school lunchtime is so short, I also go to lunch recess with him and his classmates, often just watching them play. It is evident that my consistent presence means a lot to him as he is always very excited to see me each week.
Jackie: How long do you stay with a student?
Angela: This is the second school year I have been matched with this particular student. I had one previously as well. Parents sign them up with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and we stay with them as long as they want to stay in the lunch program. I spent last year just getting to know my student and this year I am guiding him a little more. I also had the opportunity to meet his mom when BBBS asked us to be part of a marketing video for them this summer.
Jackie: What has surprised you?
Angela: I’ve been surprised by the domino effect this one hour a week is making. For example, I regularly visit all of our 30 schools. Sometimes I am in four to five schools a day doing learning walks or working with coaches or principals. One day this year I ran into a young girl who I had met last year while having lunch with my little brother – I actually got her involved in the program too. She was so excited to see me. The following week I ran into another girl in another building who had been pretty standoffish the previous year. This time she ran up and gave me a hug. I guess I never realized the impact my consistent presence with my little brother was having on the other kids in his school.
This year I am being more intentional with other kids in the school when I go for my weekly lunch visit. I am beginning to have a fan club in 3rd grade! I don’t know why, but they seem excited to see me and although I am mentoring one student, I am able to be an encouragement for others. It really has had a ripple effect.
Jackie: Why do you think kids are so impacted by your presence?
Angela: Kids are hungry for consistent adult role models who are interested in them. It’s not about academics but about them as people – who they are and what they like. It’s as if they just want to be individually seen and valued.
Jackie: We have been focusing a lot lately on using our gifts and talents. How do you see this as stewarding your gifts?
Angela: I consider myself a servant leader. This volunteer work has let others in the district see a different side of me. I really do want to use my gifts to sacrificially love and serve others.
This has become more of a priority for me because of the losses we have experienced in my family these past few years. Saying goodbye to both of my parents has been very difficult. Through it all I have come to understand and embrace God’s sacrificial love for me and the benefits when we extend that same type of love to others.
When God asks me to serve sacrificially, my heart is calmer, and I continue to be amazed at the domino effect. Giving up a little personal time is worth it when I walk into a building and am welcomed with smiles from students, staff, and secretaries. The new connections I am making are very special.
Jackie: We often see volunteering as something we are doing for others (which it is) but it sounds like you have also benefited. What have been some of the “wins” or victories you have experienced?
Angela: My little brother’s mom has said he always seems to be happier on “Angela” day. It is so encouraging to hear that I may be having a positive impact on his desire to be at school. Although topics like goal setting are big thinking for a third grader, we see that they influence his mindset and willingness to work hard.
It has also been such a “win” to expand my connections to other students as well as the adults in the school. Earlier this year, a teacher caught me in the hallway and asked me to come to her classroom to help support her in an area of instruction. That was very rewarding.
I mentioned my little brother’s mom earlier. It was special when I met her because I found out I used to work with one of her family members. We made a great connection and she has been so sweet to send me cards and even flowers during a recent loss in my family. These have all been unexpected benefits!
Jackie: Some educators reading this may say they are already over-extended and they simply don’t have the time to volunteer any additional time. I’m sure you felt the same way. What would you say to them?
Angela: I used to feel the same way but now I’m thinking beyond the issue of time and more about the potential impact I can have. I have found that when I make the most of opportunities God has given me, He always seems to create a domino effect and I end up benefiting just as much as those I am serving. And when it comes to time, God always provides it. I don’t know how, but He does.
Jackie: I had never heard of the lunch program of Big Brothers Big Sisters. How might some of our readers find out about this if they are interested in getting this started in their school or district?
Angela: You can go to this website (https://www.bbbs.org/) or do a Google search for Big Brothers Big Sisters in your local community. I think there are organizations everywhere. There is probably contact information on the website if you are interested in getting it started in your community or schools.
Jackie: What words of wisdom do you have for our group?
Angela: Sometimes we may not really know what our gifts are. Years ago, someone saw leadership potential in me that I did not see myself. This little nugget changed the trajectory of my career. My encouragement is two-fold. First, if you don’t know what your gifts are or how you can serve, follow your passion and ask God to open the door to opportunities to serve Him. Second, if you see a talent in someone else, especially those with whom you work, tell them! You never know what the domino effect will be! God most likely has placed you in this person’s life for a reason and your encouragement could help them along on their spiritual journey.
Final Thoughts
As I reflected on my conversation with Angela, a few key thoughts emerged I feel are worth sharing. First, it didn’t take much to not only make an impact but be blessed in the process! Angela committed to one hour a week. God took that one hour and created a domino effect of impact AND blessing!
Second, Angela was consistent. I heard that over and over in our conversation. She continued to show up and her presence communicated “I care.” Children today experience so much inconsistency in their lives. Having a reliable adult in their lives could set something supernatural into motion. I truly believe this!
Finally, Angela has such a humble heart. Her desire to give back came from a place of seeking and an honest desire to bless others. As a result, God opened doors for her and the domino effect began.
Each of us is uniquely equipped with different talents, 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. As we approach a new year, consider what this might look like for you. Pray and watch God open doors you didn’t even know existed and be prepared for the dominoes to fall!
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