Our school theme this year is “Live the Story, Tell the Story” based on 1 Peter 3:15, which says “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” We have had a few different opportunities to Tell the Story this year while we Live the Story.
High School Retreat
At Faith Academy’s high school retreat at the beginning of the school year, Grady was asked to speak at one of the sessions. He shared his story and how it is a part of The Story, God’s Story. He shared the the Gospel with the students, and many students, both students who have a relationship with Jesus, and those who don’t, approached him after and shared that they resonated with his story. Please pray that God will continue to touch their hearts and reveal the Gospel to them in meaningful ways. Please also pray that each student at our school will grow closer to Jesus this year.
Teaching
Britt enjoys being back in the classroom and is teaching French 1 and 2. Her classes are small, which she has found to be conducive to a great language learning environment, and for building relationships with her students. She is trying to connect with them by asking them about the languages they already speak, and how those languages and cultural norms compare and contrast to the French language and cultures. She is also having more conversations about how languages are gifts from God, and how we can use them for His glory. They have talked about how languages can be used to share the gospel, show love and hospitality to others, and how different cultures reflect God differently.
Coaching
Coaching is always a highlight of our year, and this year has been no different. This year, Grady’s volleyball team has focused particularly on how they can be shrewd like snakes and peaceful like doves, both on and off the volleyball court (Matthew 10:16). The team has learned valuable lessons this year and was able to win their local tournament, the Dan Landry Tournament for the second year in a row.
Britt has enjoyed talking to her team about how Jesus is the “Lion and the Lamb” and how we can reflect Christ by being both lion-like and lamb-like in our approach to sport (Revelation 5:5-6). Faith Academy was able to host a local swim meet this year. Here’s a video that our Media and Communications team was able to make, with appearances from Britt and Mia Joy. Gos has put on our hearts to maximize opportunities to share that we can glorify God in all aspects of our lives, and sport is one venue where we can worship the Lord.
Coach Britt and Assistant Coach, Mia Joy!
Coach Grady talking to his athletes during a time-out.
Personal Update The rhythms that we have incorporated are working well! We feel like there is a great balance in our lives right now. Mia seems to be thriving too! She is very loved by our community. Praise God for how He has led and guided us, and given us wisdom on how to structure our days and weeks.
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for ACSC, our end-of-season sports tournaments, coming up in the next few week. Grady will be travelling with the volleyball team to Indonesia for volleyball from Oct 15-20, and Britt (and Mia) will be travelling with the swim team to Hong Kong from Oct 23-27. We are thankful for these opportunities and we pray that God would be glorified on these trips as we wrap up our seasons.
- Pray for discipleship opportunities with our students. Pray that God will continue to lead us in conversations with students and athletes. Pray that our students and athletes who love Jesus would see their lives as acts of worship to God, and pray that our students who are skeptical would feel comfortable to ask questions and voice their doubts. Pray that they would see Jesus through us and others in our community and that they would want to give their lives to Him.
- Pray for unity and protection in our marriage, and that God would give us wisdom as we parent Mia Joy. Pray that she would come to know and love Jesus.
Thank you so much for your prayer and support. We are grateful for each and every single one of you!
Much love,
Britt and Grady
