SMILES & TRIALS:ACCOMPLISHING GOD’S

WORK

A Special Presentation

For My Friends In The

MNS/MNN LCMS District

Drew D. Gerdes

GOD’S BLESSINGS TO YOU!!!

Conference Time is a time for relaxation, refreshing, and rejuvenation. Happy

Summer!

God created a time to rest and reflect.

God provides opportunities for us to grow. These opportunities lead to expanded

ministry to others!

MONDAY MORNING…

You are here today because…

Why?

PassionWhat is it?

Do you have Passion for Teaching?Children? Families? Ministry?

Think about this! We’ll come back to these questions!

God’s Ways……are always

better than our ways…thankfully!

God uses us for the good of His

kingdom!

Early Childhood?

BEING A TEACHER…

Is not always easy…

Does not pay the best…

Often has little or no recognition…

Takes a toll…

FRAZZLED TEACHER’S WELLNESS PLAN

Some may say it’s chocolate and margaritas…

As Christians, we know it’s following

Jesus!!Set your eyes on

Him!!

BE THE LIGHT!

Every word, action, and thought we have should be a light – a witness – to Jesus and His love!

No matter where we are – we are a Light of Jesus – a light to shine forth brightly!

You may be “the only Jesus” a child ever sees.Today this child will experience what it’s like to know

Jesus!

FOR ALL CHILDREN

No matter what age we work with, no matter how long we are in the building each day, we are there to share.

What do we share?How do we share?

Jesus spent time with others and build relationships.We need to do the same! Be intentional!

Parents need YOU just as much as the kids do!

SMILES & TRIALS…

We all know of those children who push our limits day in and out…and they are never absent!

We all know of those children who have never used a whispering voice – or likely ever well!

We all know of those children who climb the walls…and our legs!

Kids who try our patience every minute of the day !!!

DO YOU KNOW ANY OF THESE KIDS?

WHY DO YOU TEACH?

For the kids!

For Jesus!

Because we want to be disciples and let others know the very same Gospel Message we know!

It’s our duty – our calling – The Great Commission!

PASSION!!!

What is passion?

How do you know if you have passion

for teaching?

Teaching is not easy!

EQUIPPING

In order to teach, one must have the right supplies & equipment.

We have the best equipment – Jesus!

The Holy Spirit equips us to serve Jesus!

We equip children and families on their journey to the Savior! We want everyone to know Jesus!

FAITH

Because we have faith…Because we believe…

The Lord’s Timing…

Planting the seed…

The Holy Spirit has it under control…

But this is not an excuse for us to sit back!

A VERY TRUE STORY

Char Tuescher, Teacher Darold, Student

THE KEY POINT

MINISTRY

Keep the focus on ministry.

It’s not a job…

For the kids…

Do everything for others – do everything for Jesus!

BLESSINGS TO YOU!

You are a disciple of Christ!

There will be troubles and trials…

Keep a smile on your face!!!

Because of what Jesus has already done for us…