I will praise You, O Lord among the peoples.
I will sing to You among the nations
For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens.
And Your truth unto the clouds.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
Let Your glory be above all the earth!   (Psalm 57:9-11)

ANSWER ME THIS!

When I don't seem to care
    What do you do, My daughter?
I keep on trusting for I know Your Word is true.

When all you feel is pain and shame
    Whatever do you do?
I must stand on the Truth and on Jesus? name.

When it seems no one cares and
    You are all alone.
Just stop, listen and wait; know He is there, even when He seems like a stone.

When you feel old and worthless
    And have lost all your youth.
I ask You to come and give me grace, love and Truth.

When you feel others judge you
    And no one knows your heart.
I just wait for His healing touch and choose the very best part.


Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
It will be health to your flesh.
And strength to your bones.  (Proverbs 3:7)

As I was praying for those of you that are part of our family, either through blood or through our like-faith in Christ, I wished that I could give each and every one of you a Christmas gift of great worth.  I considered the gift of words!  I believe that His Word is our most precious gift and it is for free and for us all!  It is our life and we only have to receive it in order to have it!   It is more valuable than gold or silver for it cost Jesus His life.

So, it is with love that I offer you:

A Christmas Prayer
By Jan

Are you anxious with fear in your heart?
Contentment I would give you today.
All He asks is that you follow
And His will you choose to obey.

You can't earn this great gift, beloved.
You just take it from His Hand.
It comes through grace to you now.
Only do as He commands.

Don't look back when you seek His direction.
Don't look to the day before.
For He'll lead and guide each step that you take.
Until he is exalted and time is no more.

His love is like a perpetual fountain.
You don't earn it or work for His grace.
You'll wonder at all you have missed.
When you didn't constantly seek His face.

Today is a new day for you, my friend.
Don't hesitate or hold things back.
Be as a child and expect Him,
To meet every need; He has no lack.

Live in the wonder of His nearness.
Delight yourself in His Word.
It's Christmas every morning.
When you seek Him first and obey what you've heard.

Can you see the invisible, My child?
Only in the Spirit can this be.
Do not lose heart; keep your eyes on your Savior,
Your inward man is renewed and you'll begin to truly see.

Singing "Holy!  Holy  Holy!" with the angels we worship You now.
For as long as we have breath and we can,
We'll tell how the Baby became a man.
Bringing fulfillment to God's perfect plan.

Your light affliction works for eternal glory,
As you look at the things that are not seen.
For you know that the same Spirit that's in Me,
Dwells in you; giving joy and making you clean.
 (2 Corinthians 4:16, 17)

We are back in Colorado and so thankful to our God and to you...we say "THANK YOU!" with all of our hearts. Your kindness in giving is so appreciated! We arrived back in Denver on time after 27 hours of travel from Tbilisi with no problems. We experienced just the slightest turbulence. Our flights went quite smoothly. On the planes and during lay-overs, we enjoyed meeting folks from around the world and watched as God blessed them as we visited. We are very grateful to those of you who were praying for us. We could sense your prayers and God gave us much favor and grace. And on Tuesday, even the medical team at Denver University Hospital in Denver were pleased with the results of my tests. Those of you who travel through many time zones know the exhaustion that can hit a person's body and mind. We are both experiencing it today and we covet your prayers for us that we will adjust quickly.

Because of jet lag the first night back in the States, I was not sleeping, so decided to spend time with our Lord. I have been intrigued by the "secret place" mentioned in Scriptures and often have wondered about it. As I prayed over some passages in the Word such as Psalm 91 and verse 1, I wrote the following words:

A Secret Place

Hidden away from the masses.
Tucked into a cleft in the Rock.
It?s a surreptitious spot few find.
Grace?and secrets there are unlocked.

It is spoken of much by the Master.
This enigma is veiled from view.
Only those who seek will find.
For it is only shown to a few.

This mysterious place is harmonious.
Those who dwell there find it so.
A life filled with heavenly perception.
Hearing only sounds above, not below.

A place where all the clamor,
Of a hostile world fades away.
And the sounds of this secret place.
Give poise to those who will stay.

This glorious spot is a riddle.
If you want to know more you must search.
Can be found in lonely places
Sometimes even at church.

A path, a journey with purpose,
A life not stagnant or still.
Always going forward with courage.
Are those who are fed at this well.

Folks flounder and grow anxious,
When lives could be filled with such peace?
For choosing to live in the secret place.
Brings great joy and sweet release.

The secret place is for all who will come.
For communion is there with the Three.
An exquisite light guides the pilgrim.
From this sacred site one can see.

This is not just a place, but a Way.
A higher way than one easily found.
Abiding in the Secret Place
Brings hope for love and grace there abound.

Singing a new song of praise to our God,
Loving Him more every day.
Nothing can destroy the faith that we have
In our Master and King as we humbly obey.

You, only You, are worthy of praise -
You created all things.
We join with all nature and the angels in heaven
Singing, "Holy is the Lamb who was slain!"

You spoke those words not long ago:
"The Master hath need of thee."
Again we went forth to follow Your call
Helping others to hear and to see.

The darkness flees when the Light comes in
As we all continue to sing.
The delight of those who receive your touch
Keeps us coming and loving as new hope we bring.

This "song of praise" is our testimony of our Lord's faithfulness to us. Once again, we have seen Him go before us over and over; doing miracles that no one could deny. "There's within my heart a melody..."

Praises:

* Thanking God for our time with teachers during the training which was two days before start of school.

* We were illustrating "GO with... Focus, Unity, Wisdom, Order, and Love" as in a race. It was such fun to have a teacher from the Georgian part of the SOT and one from the English side run together in a three-legged race against a team consisting of a gal from the administration and one from the extra-curricular part of our school who is the PE teacher.  It was very effective and everyone greatly enjoyed it!

* The road going down to our school became nearly impassable, especially after rain or snow. The winter months were wet here in Georgia and some of our parents' cars were damaged from the rough surface. The destruction of our road was caused by the city's large vehicles that were used in building the new four-lane highway that has been built here. (President Saakashvili is very proud of this 2-mile strip of highway built just above our school. It has brought some relief to the crowded streets of Tbilisi.)

We lost a number of our students because of the condition of our road. Earl and other administrators of the School of Tomorrow had many meetings with city officials throughout the summer.  Always, they were told that it was the city's responsibility; promising to rebuild the road. We were told that it would be finished by the time school started. Last week, we were told that all the heavy equipment had been taken to other cities. Our road might be re-built by the first of the year.

It was at this point we realized the city did not plan to fulfill their word so we began to look for ways to build the road ourselves.  We had a planned meeting with one Construction Company.  Mysteriously, another company came to this meeting and offered to build the road cheaper than the first company. This company did not have official documents. The result was that both companies worked together for the cheaper price and with papers and they built it in 4 days. It was finished for the first day of school which was Wednesday, the 15th.

* Each day, new students enroll in our school. Although we are not without problems, especially discipline issues, the new school year has begun with great excitement. Presently, we have 280 students enrolled with more coming. Each student is special and has a vast potential for greatness. Truly they are the hope for tomorrow. It is a huge privilege and responsibility to provide the best education possible for each one. Without your prayers and support it would not be possible to have this opportunity to actually change the future of a nation. We are deeply grateful to God and to the many that help us in this mission.

* Sometimes I take Charlie, my puppet, to visit classes. I took him to visit a First Grade Math class on the first day of school, after the teacher asked me to come. The next day one of her students said to her after recess, "I saw Charlie's mother, but she didn't have Charlie." Our students are such a delight!

* Each day we meet former students who tell us of how the School of Tomorrow made a difference in their lives. A few days ago, we met with a lovely young lady who is now a government official.  She was in our first class of 1992. Her own words say it best. Maia Sidamonidze - Chairman of the Department of Tourism and Resorts of Georgia - writes about The School of Tomorrow:

"I have discovered that despite war in the country we were given a very positive atmosphere by the school. The SOT played a major role in developing my independent personality and my organizational and decision making skills. The SOT provided me with a high level of education and at the same time a positive and warm environment which will stay in my memory forever. I would strongly recommend the School of Tomorrow to others who would like to have the best start in their professional life and to become successful."

The School of Tomorrow - We are not just a school, but a family.

We are getting ready for a reunion with my (Jan's) first class of the spring of '92. These 37 students are now 26 or 27 yrs. of age and in many places of influence not only in Georgia but in the world. Maia can not attend, but must be in Japan at the time of the "supra".  We are expecting around 20 of my students, along with spouses, at this dinner on Saturday evening (09/25). We plan to re-dedicate the school to God and rejoice together in His goodness.

Prayer Requests:

* Walking by faith and not by sight. Please pray for strength and health as we attempt to use every moment left in the time we have before our departure on the 4th of October.

* For the right person to help fill-in-the-gap when we leave. A young American lady is teaching some Conversational English classes now, but cannot continue after a few weeks. Our lovely Director Nino will carry teaching these classes when we leave. She is highly capable, but of course has many other responsibilities to fulfill.

* Pray our wonderful staff will continue to require order in our halls from the students.

* A young man (a student in my first class and  Nino's son) is setting up a sports program for our student body. Please pray with us for the success of this effort as it is very exciting for the children, as well as the staff.

* For safe travel home.

May you, the reader be blessed abundantly now and always - Jan

Recently, I wrote a letter of gratitude to our wonderful friends that support us in our ministry here in Georgia. In that letter I wrote how our teacher training sessions this fall are on the topic "GO!"  Go with focus, unity, wisdom, order, and love as we teachers enter into the race to have a more excellent school for the children of Georgia this coming school year. I believe with all my heart that every teacher and every student in The School of Tomorrow are chosen by God to be a part of the SOT family. The fall semester will begin September 13th. We are introducing some new exciting programs that I am confident will generate excitement among staff and students alike.

Yet, if I am totally honest, I must admit to having some fear concerning my health. Will there be the strength needed for each day? I am convinced that I must not waver but I should determine to "go forth with courage."  There are so many times in the Word where we are told to "not be afraid," or "fear not". I am reminded of David's words from Psalm 109, "Help me, O Lord my God! Oh, save me according to Your mercy that they may know that this is Your hand, that You Lord have done it."  I believe He says to us today as He did to Caleb and Joshua, "Be strong and of good courage."

I think about the video on YouTube that tells the story of an unlikely friendship between an elephant and a dog. At one point in the video, it shows the elephant raising her huge foot and gently rubbing the injured dog's tummy. What remarkable trust this little dog portrays toward her enormous friend. Why? I think it is because she has spent so much time with her friend and found her completely reliable and trustworthy. So should it be for us as God's children whom He called "His friends". The better we know our Lord, the more time we spend in His presence, the more courage we will "go with". Fear will not hinder us as "we run with endurance the race that is set before us," always with a deep desire to please the Father.

I wrote the following to introduce our teacher training to our staff this fall:

...We are not just a school, but a family!

"READY!  SET!  GO!"
There is a call that's very clear.
You'll not hear it with your natural ear.
But in your heart you'll hear and know.
That we all must listen and then... "GO!"
Are we ready?  Are we set?
The prize before us we shall get.
If we keep our focus and run with grace,
We will surely win this race.
Trying to win alone is too tough.
Without His love, it will never be enough.
We must stay united and help one another,
Always remembering that we are sisters and brothers.

We 'GO' with joy each day that we teach.
And the students are glad if their goals they can reach.
The seeds that we plant in each student will grow.
Wisdom and truth are some of the seeds that we sow.
We 'GO' with order in our classrooms and halls,
Always thinking of others while peace and calm falls.
Our goal is to have a supportive, respectful environment.
To have a great school this must be a requirement.
Our students are different for they know how to live.
For joy and love shine out of their lives as they give.
Gaining confidence daily to all it would seem,
That the leaders of tomorrow follow hard after their dreams.
Together, we run with a desire to win,
Building character in our young women and men.
Helping develop life-learners who are wise and secure,
Our aim for their best will always endure.

JT, August 2010

And David said to his son, Solomon, "Be strong and of good courage, and do it, do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God - my God - will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord."  (I Chronicles 28:20)

Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.   (Psalm 27:14)