Be an Overcomer

By Dr. Carolyn Burhans

In her song, Overcomer, contemporary Christian vocalist Mandisa sings about the daily press and how things don’t always go the way we plan or desire. She reminds us that regardless of how down we feel or how weary we are, that we are not alone. How timely her words are for educators in the era of COVID-19 where learning curves and workplace stress are at an all time high! During discouraging times we sometimes need to recall biblical examples of people who overcame insurmountable challenges through reliance upon God. Here are a few to tickle your memory: 

• Joseph was left to die in a hole in the desert and later found by people who sold him into slavery; he eventually became the Prime Minister of a region of Egypt.

• Esther and all the Jewish people in King Xerxes’ kingdom almost lost their lives until she bravely orchestrated a plan to save them.

• Job lost everything, yet after an excruciating period, everything was returned to him double-fold.

• Daniel was thrown into a den of lions and walked away unscathed.

• Mary learned as a young teen that she was pregnant while not married, yet was chosen to birth the Savior of the world.

There are more examples of courageous people recorded in the Bible; perhaps you have some favorites that bring you encouragement. Maybe it will be helpful to re-read those stories and draw inspiration from them. The most important thing to remember is that God loves you and will never leave nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Are you not in a good place right now? Feeling overwhelmed? Having trouble finding joy? Hold onto this thought: Trying times come and go and are often followed by blessings. Recall those biblical examples. Don’t let current circumstances define your life. Hang onto God’s promises. Emerge victoriously from the rubble!

The chorus of that Mandisa song really puts things into perspective as she sings about remaining in the fight and relying on God to grip you with grace. You might want to add Overcomer to your playlist or watch the YouTube video or write down the lyrics and tape them to your mirror. Give yourself a daily shot of positivity and before long, the lyrics to that song will resound in your mind and drown out those other distracting thoughts.

Take good care, educator friends; God is using you mightily. Draw your strength, peace and perseverance from Him.

Why Keep Praying When You Don’t See Results

By Robert Morris

Nashville, Tennessee: Published by Thomas Nelson. 2015 Reviewed by Dr. Peromnia Grant

Robert Morris is the founding senior pastor of Gateway Church in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area. Morris appears on a weekly television program The Blessed Life and is the bestselling author of twelve books, including From Dream to Destiny, The Blessed Life, The Power of Words, It is Written and Frequency. He focuses on teaching God’s Word and this is evident in how and what he writes.

In the book, Why Keep Praying, Robert Morris brings compelling biblical teaching on the topic of prayer. He encourages readers to keep praying. Many people give up praying because they don’t see results and feel discouraged or angry that their prayers apparently haven’t been heard. But Robert Morris reveals why it is so important not to stop—to give up. This book provides hope and evidence for readers that God does hear their prayers, cares about them personally, and intervenes in their lives in ways beyond their imaginations.

Morris shares that prayer is an open door into the presence of our God and creator, where we can praise Him for who He is, thank Him for His goodness, confess our sins and find forgiveness, and bring our deepest concerns, our silent fears, and our heartfelt desires to place before Him. Like many of Morris’ books it is an easy read yet extremely powerful. I will never think about prayer the same way. It is a compelling book and has made a profound change in my life. You will not be the same after reading Why Keep Praying When You Don’t See Results.

EXEMPLARY EDUCATION FOR MIGRANTS - Every Success Story Starts with a Dream

By Mamie N. Oatis

Community Grant and Operations Director of Food Brings Hope

About two years ago Jamell Bueno Mejia joined her mother, Anabel Mejia, in the Pierson Family Literacy Program with the dream of improving her English enough to complete her education. She diligently attended this program sponsored by Food Brings Hope (FBH) and Daytona State College (DSC) for three hours every Monday (online), and Tuesday/Thursday (in class). FBH/ DSC provided Internet access and FBH purchased her an IPad. What set Jamell apart from other students in the program was her determination and strong sense of duty and obligation. She quickly moved from Pierson's English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class to the GED/Adult Education Classes. Once confident enough to take the GED test, Jamell passed the first time. Since earning her GED, she has continued to attend Pierson's ESOL classes and plans to enroll in DSC's Dental Assisting Program.

It was in 2015-2016 that FBH began serving over 800 Volusia County School students and was selected to partner with the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation. This allowed FBH, in partnership with DSC, to also offer literacy classes to the migrant community in the Pierson area.

The non-profit FBH was founded in 2007, by Forough Hosseini with the vision that children should be free from hunger. Through the extraordinary support of a generous community, it now touches the lives of over 1600 school-aged children.

Two days a week (Tuesday/Thursday) adults from the surrounding Pierson community and their families gather at the San Jose Mission’s classrooms to participate in this two-generational program that helps migrant parents improve their spoken English plus reading and writing skills. Meanwhile their children receive additional support for their own literacy development in another area of the school. The program’s goal is to ensure that all migrant students reach challenging academic standards, have an opportunity to earn a GED or high school diploma and are prepared for responsible citizenship, further learning, and productive employment.

One of the biggest challenges of providing exemplary educational services to migrants in the Pierson community is gaining their trust— especially now as anti-immigrant rhetoric escalates at the national level. Other challenges abound: competing with the lure of paid work, and language barriers. These difficulties can add up and are reflected in poor academic outcomes for this vulnerable group. However, more than half of the parents enrolled have made great improvements in writing and speaking in the English language along with perfecting their parenting skills. We know that when we empower our students with an exemplary education, it benefits everyone.

The Gift Of Encouragement

By Rev. Linda Pigott

“Therefore, encourage one another and build up each other.” (1Thessalonians 5:11, NRSV)

Nell Cook, my home economics teacher, was probably the most popular classroom teacher in our high school; she was the very soul of creativity and elegance. Anytime the school needed decorations and/or refreshments, the home economics department provided them. She taught all her students how to make centerpieces, set a table, cook for the family, prepare for a wedding, as well as how to tailor a fully lined wool suit; we learned how to balance a budget, dress for success and be good citizens and leaders.

Even though childless herself, she and her husband always went out of their way to be kind and encouraging. They even surprised me by traveling several hours to see me walk across the stage at my college graduation. Mrs. Cook was more than a teacher; she was my mentor and friend from 8th grade on. We shared the same values and often talked about faith as she drove me to one of the many school competitions. When she passed away in her late 80’s about three years ago, her husband gave me her sewing machine and as many of her cookbooks as I could carry. She reached out to a shy awkward young girl and helped me believe in myself. Because of her life changing influence, I was a high school home economics teacher for 15 years. She shared the gift of encouragement with me!

I believe God continually places people in our lives who can help us to grow into the persons He intends us to be. When Moses complained that he was unprepared for the leadership God expected, Aaron and Hur stepped up. Paul and Barnabas encouraged each other, and then Barnabas stood up for John Mark because he believed in his calling! Mary, mother of Jesus, went to her cousin, Elizabeth for guidance and reassurance during an unplanned pregnancy. Other stories in the Bible tell of co-laborers and friends who lifted each other up through struggles of life and leadership.

Today I continue to be grateful for wise friends who have more recently encouraged and counseled me through some difficult times. Even though I am now retired from active professional ministry, I pray that all of us will actively seek opportunities to encourage and pray for others who need to be reminded of God’s faithfulness and boundless love.

LINDA PIGOTT is a former teacher in Volusia County Schools and is now retired as Associate Pastor of Central Baptist Church in Daytona Beach. She and her late husband have two married sons and a grandchild.

Back to School is Not Back to Normal

By Dr. Carolyn Burhans

In Dr. Spencer Johnson’s book, Who Moved My Cheese?, he presented a parable of four mice (Sniff, Scurry, Hem and Haw) whose food source kept being moved inside a maze. As you might conclude by their names, the mice react-ed in different ways to the relocation of the cheese. The conclusion was that change is inevitable and how we ap-proach change determines our fulfill-ment and even our success. Does this sound familiar?

We all know that preparing for the 2020-21 school year has been any-thing but normal. With opinions and emotions en-tangling the myriad decisions that need-ed to be made during a pandemic, it is no wonder that professional training, sound research, and practical application be-came a sidebar to solution finding.

Times such as what we are now experiencing may find us wishing it would all just go away! Or that “they” would stop moving our cheese! The ruminations over how to reopen school took place for months and resulted in no single best way to protect students and school staff from COVID-19 while go-ing about the business of schooling.

So here we are: Journeying through the maze and making decisions on the fly. Students are in front of us, either online or in person. Maybe you are just pushing through day by day (Scurry); perhaps you are holding back waiting to see what happens (Sniff); or you cannot make up your mind about what to do next (Hem and Haw).

Is it possible that you have found a way to navigate this maze of adversity and opportunity? Have you had any “what if” thoughts such as, “What if I embrace this change and see if it leads to something better than what I had before?” Have you set aside the fear of failure and considered what you would do if you weren’t afraid to fail? Have you found peace amid these circumstanc-es by relying on the One who is greater than you?

Finding hope and encouragement during times of change and adjustment is at your fingertips—in your Bible—the one that is either on your bookshelf or your electronic device. In Psalm 91:14-16 the Lord promises to rescue, protect, be present, deliver, and honor those who love Him. The words of Jeremiah 29:11 reveal the Lord’s plan to prosper not harm, give you hope and a future. Paul assures you in Philippians 4:19 that God will meet all your needs. These are but a few of the scriptures where reliance on God brings peace of mind, the knowledge that we have the best advocate in Jesus and the faithfulness of God’s promis-es.Yes, there is a new normal. Adapting to the new normal may not be easy, but remembering God’s promises daily will certainly open our eyes to the possibilities that lie ahead.

Apples Don’t Fall Far from the Tree

by Dr. Joan Singley Schrysen

Living Waters received a generous, anonymous gift in memory of Ginger Aspy, one of our original Board members. We wanted our readers to know about this remarkable teacher. 

It was always early when Ginger Aspy, a fourth grade teacher, started for school. Closing the car windows, she sang praise songs aloud to her Savior. She hurried to arrive extra early so her students from deprived homes could clean up before the others arrived and thus avoid ridicule. Ginger considered teaching a privilege. She had a rule that her classroom would be a safe place for all students: NO unkind words! Thus, learning flourished. She read to her students daily. and taught them delightful songs. Her presence was full of joy. Creativity permeated Ginger’s classes. Her students were pen pals with the keeper of the Statue of Liberty. They made Native American headdresses, constructed totem poles, and crafted drums out of oatmeal containers. Field trips included the NASA space center and Chinese restaurants where students ate with chopsticks. They attended the symphony and watched stage plays. Ginger was a committed Christian and faithful prayer warrior. She prayed not only for her students but also for their families and for the larger educational community – her colleagues, principals, and all those who influenced students’ lives. She taught adult Sunday School and even developed a curriculum for fifth graders to teach them the fundamentals of the Christian faith. With such commitment and creativity, it is not much wonder that Ginger’s classes are remembered to this day, although she retired in the early 90’s and passed away in 2000. One daughter, still living in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where Ginger and her husband Bill raised four daughters, reports people remembering fondly their time in Ginger’s classes. “Then I get to hear how she invested in them, encouraged them, loved them, and taught them.” After Bill’s sudden death in 1978 Ginger returned to Daytona and taught at South Daytona Elementary for many years. Her greatest legacy as a teacher is the example she set for her own children. Her four daughters, her sons-inlaw, and her grandchildren all know Jesus Christ as their Savior. Truly the apples have not fallen far from the tree.

My sincere thanks to Lissa Cone, Virginia Aspy Melvin, Angie Guess, and Ruth Aspy, Ginger’s daughters, for their help with this article.

How Long Do Prayers Live?

by Fr. Rick Burhans

You can pretty much tell who has a great imagination by observing them as children hard at play. Those with a great imagination predictably will have created makebelieve worlds with all sorts of activities going on. Fast forward to adulthood and they are the ones who have the ability to live life in both the real and the abstract realms. Many Christian “imaginers” have dynamic faith and prayer lives that are both meaningful and vibrant. A creative imagination helps them to believe in God and to talk with Him. Jesus said to Thomas in the upper room, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” (John 20:29) Even though we probably won’t see Jesus physically while we are alive, we can know and experience God intimately through our prayers. The way Jesus modeled and recommended for us to communicate with God is through prayer. If you are an imaginer, I suspect you have wondered just what happens when you pray. How are prayers heard and answered? Are they answered in the order they are received? Do they have a life expectancy? Like treasured love letters, does God store them in His heart?

Father Edward Hayes proposed: “Think of our prayers as if they were mail. Our daily mail contains form letters, advertisements and personal correspondence. I sort through my mail and usually read my personal mail first, sometimes saving a special letter until last to enjoy it like a dessert. As for the junk mail, most of it goes directly to the circular file. I wonder if God sorts through prayers in a similar way?” Let’s use our imaginations to look at this more closely. A prayer offered insincerely, using only our lips and not our hearts, would feel a lot like a form letter to God. Others might be petitions requesting something of God for self or another. Yet others might resemble thank you notes or love letters. Father Hayes said, “If we want our prayers to be the ones God safely stores away, we need to be more attentive and wholehearted when we pray.” Remember that we are praying in the name of Jesus, God’s eternal Son. That being true, shouldn’t our prayers be eternal as well? If we want God to treasure them as dear keepsakes, shouldn’t we pay the utmost attention to assuring they are the best love letters He ever receives? Let’s pray from the heart, expressing our devotion to a loving God.

Father Rick Burhans is the Rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Port Orange, Florida where he has served the past 12 years. He is married to Carolyn Burhans, the Living Waters’ President.

Receive That Blessing!

by Dr. Carolyn Burhans

Here is a trio of familiar verses: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26 NIV). This blessing was given by the Lord to Moses with the instruction to inform Aaron and His sons to say these words over the Israelites. They are the desire of God’s heart for His people. Many of us hear these verses or a similar blessing as the benediction at the end of a church service, which is why they are so familiar. At the conclusion of a worship service, we leave a place of sanctuary and return to the world as we know it in our everyday lives. How long do the words, bless you, keep you, shine on you, and give you peace remain in our minds? My guess is they have become so familiar to us that we hastily move on to the next thing without contemplating their meaning. There always seems to be a text or email message that needs an immediate response as we exit the church doors. Maybe we are thinking about what we want for lunch, where we are going and with whom. What about that golf tournament, football game or other sporting event that is calling us to a comfy chair in front of a big screen TV? While the mind wandered on to other things, some pleasurable and some bearing responsibility, what happened to that blessing? The Lord longs for our acceptance of His love and mercy; His forgiveness and grace. Does simply hearing words of blessing cause them to be present in our hearts and heads for more than a fleeting moment? Unlikely. So what can we do to retain such generosity that has no strings attached? Try acknowledgement. Whenever a blessing is prayed over us, let’s take a breath, think about the meaning of the words, and then say (silently), “Lord, I receive your blessing.” Now it’s in your heart and in your head. Now you have acknowledged to the Lord that you have accepted your place in His family and have availed yourself of abundant love, mercy, forgiveness and grace. Perhaps you will remember your blessing, especially in those moments when it is needed the most. 

“The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be upon you and remain with you forever. Amen.”* Receive it!  - The Book of Common Prayer; 1986; p.339

The Simple Life: Devotional Thoughts from the Amish Country

Barbour Publishing, 2014, 208 pages by Wanda Brunstetter Reviewed by Sue Fitton

Some devotional books are for use daily, some come quarterly, and some are topical. Such is the devotional, The Simple Life: Devotional Thoughts from the Amish Country. Wanda Brunstetter has also authored several Amish fiction books, capturing the simplicity of their culture and the spirit of God’s Word in the issues of their daily lives. I am somewhat familiar with the Amish lifestyle. Each daily devotion focuses on faith, family and friends, rather than the stuff of our modern society; days filled with busyness and numerous distractions and possessions. Most of us think of downsizing or minimalizing, to rid ourselves of clutter, while the daily life of the Amish is a true example of a simple life a life without many of the modern conveniences we take for granted. For a few minutes each morning, it is refreshing to escape into the Amish world and enter the realm of simplicity through the author’s devotions. Each one has made me smile, reflect and given me occasion to take a deep breath and rejoice in God’s goodness, God’’s peace. In addition to the typical scripture and story shared, there is a thought for the day, and yes, even a recipe, only adding to the delight of Brunstetter’s unique book. Many of the recipes are a reminder of growing up in Ohio and the Amish my family knew, thus there is also a bit of reminiscing. In her Introduction, the author states, ìIt is my hope that each reading will give you an intriguing glimpse into the Amish culture but more importantly, help you discover a sense of peace and joy and a desire to live life a little more simply and a little closer to God. I believe she succeeds in doing just that. The Simple Life is a great read and blessing

Cada Alma Importa! Every Soul Matters!

by Janice Mills Thomas

The highlight of my last four summers has been my trip to Guatemala City with middle school and high school students associated with BigLife at First Baptist, Daytona. Each year we work with an organization called Clubhouse Guatemala. God is using Clubhouse to have a positive spiritual impact on children and their families and to assist with basic physical needs in some of the toughest parts of the city. These are beautiful people with beautiful hearts who need the hope only found in Jesus. Days are long and emotion-filled. Students prepare and lead Vacation Bible School for the week which includes teaching, dancing, crafting, and recreational games. Our Daytona church family supplied over 400 pairs of shoes for our trip enabling 99% of the children in the school to receive a new pair of shoes. Our students wash feet and share the gospel. During the week over 50 Guatemalans prayed to receive Christ. We made daily home visits where we would pray for the families, share the gospel, and deliver much needed food bags, water filters and Spanish Bibles. In addition, we painted, prepped the floor, completed the electrical wiring, and contributed a new stove and refrigerator to an in-progress kitchen project. This year we added a women’s Bible Study. I was asked to lead the Bible Study because of my association with First Daytona’s prison ministry. This turned out to be a wonderful opportunity to share God’s Word with women in need. Each day, everyone returned and brought several new women with them. They are so hungry for the gospel, I think I could have talked forever and they would have stayed. We also provided Spanish Bibles to the ladies that needed them. What a blessing and privilege it was to be part of this new Bible Study. Our team reconnected with old friends, and made new ones. We experienced extreme poverty, we cried, we laughed, and at the very center of all of this was our God. He encouraged us, He gave us hope through His Word, He helped us remember why we were on the mission field, and when we were exhaust-ed, He gave us strength to finish our days. Our hearts were broken over and over again, helping us grow in Him. We were our best selves, as only we can be, when God is working through us. Each time I leave, a piece of my heart stays behind, but I know that God is using me in the way He intends, so I will go as long as He calls. Cada Al-

JANICE THOMAS is the Controller for Southern Stone Communications. She spent most of her life in the Carolinas before moving to Florida in 2014. She has 3 adult daughters and 4 grandchildren.