The start of a new school year ...2012!

On your mark . . . get set . . . go! The 2012 school year for South Simbu Christian Academy is off to successful start. Twenty‐five students and five teachers are com‐peting in this long‐distance race. The course appears chal‐lenging, and the finish line seems distant, but we have set our pace to “run with patience the race that is set before us."

Since Matt and Rebekah Crain will be on furlough throughout this year, some of the other mission‐aries have stepped in to help with the school. Mike and Janice Berbin and Belinda Richter are teaching our three junior high stu‐dents. They are adding this ministry to their already full loads and will need God’s strength during this busy year. Grace, a national lady that has been working at the school for ten years now, will be teaching our K‐4 students. This will be her first year teaching in English, and although she is capable of the work, the job does seem a bit daunting for her. She would appreciate your prayers.

This year I am teaching second and sixth grades as well as doing much of the administrative work for the school. I have taught in a multi‐grade classroom in the past, but the span between second and sixth grades will make it a bit more challenging. I’m realizing that this task will call for additional creativity, orga‐nization, and stamina. The Lord used Corrie ten Boom’s words to be an encouragement to me today. “Trying to do the Lord’s work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.” Please pray that will be true for my life.

The longer I am in PNG, the more I am convinced of the need for this Christian school. The literacy rate in this province of PNG is below 30%. Be‐lievers have limited access to the Word of God, but most are unable to read with ease and comprehen‐sion. South Simbu Christian Academy was established as a ministry of the local church with one of the goals being to equip students to be pastors and church leaders who will strengthen and serve the believers of Papua s New Guinea.

As I teach my students, I am excited to see all of the potential they have for service to the Lord. Pray that students (and teachers) will not lose sight of the finish line this year but will “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14).

In Christ,

Tara Liston