Teachers Saving Children® Inc. - National
	Newsletter Volume 12, Number 6 August 2002	Home National Newsletters

Contents

"Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious! Say to God, 'How awesome are your deeds!'"                                                -Psalm 66:1-3a

Our God is an awesome God. As I have reflected over this past year, I could share many testimonies of the ways that Teachers Saving Children^® has seen the awesome power of Almighty God. This month I will share two of those testimonies with you.

First of all, the wisdom of God upon TSC was seen through the process of creating the TSC web site. It took over 2 years to develop the web site, but as I reflect over those 2 years I can see God's hand in the waiting, the developing, and the decision-making process. The Lord provided for us an individual who helped tremendously with web site development information. The Lord also led us to a wonderful company through which we have the server. And He is providing the time needed to keep the web site updated on a bi-monthly basis. Thank you for your patience!

Secondly, the Lord proved His faithfulness through "The Wonder of Life" exhibit that was displayed during the NEA Expo 2002 in Dallas TX. The amount of monies received from September through February specifically designated for this exhibit was beyond expectations. There was enough money in the exhibit account to pay the entire exhibit fee for the space requested at the time the application was processed.

In addition, the Lord provided the funds needed to cover both the miscellaneous fees and the replenishing of items needed for the 300 bags of free educational materials for distribution. He also provided the funds needed to purchase 500 copies of the book Donnie, Lost in the Cornfield by Judy Bruns (See related article).

The Lord continued to provide ministry beyond our imagination and expectations. Our exhibit space was very strategically located. The Lord provided wisdom in how the exhibit should be displayed. Judy Bruns, the author of Donnie, Lost in the Cornfield, was present during the 21/2 days of the exhibit. She signed hundreds of books and ministered to hundreds of individuals through conversation.

This ministry opportunity was so positive that we gave away the 300 bags and the 500 books by mid-afternoon on the second day of the Expo. We still had about 3-4 hours left of the Expo with no prepared materials to distribute.

Receiving an anointing of the Lord's creative wisdom, I remembered that I had brought a few extra materials with me. So we quickly put together approximately 30 additional partially filled bags for distribution. We, the TSC Assistant Executive Director and myself, also made the decision to purchase by faith 25 additional Donnie books that would be signed and mailed free of charge to the first 25 individuals who requested a copy of the book. And those books were requested as during the last two hours of the Expo many individuals brought their friends to our exhibit requesting a copy of the book.

It was absolutely amazing the way the Lord was using TSC during the 21/2 days of "The Wonder of Life" exhibit. Much more could be written about what the Lord did as many individuals spoke at great length with us about the sanctity of life, about teaching abstinence, and other important life issues.

In conclusion, I want to publicly accept the position of Executive Director of TSC Inc - National and its state affiliate, TSC Inc. of Ohio, for another year. I praise God for allowing me to be used through this ministry opportunity to save the lives of preborn children - His creation and masterpiece. It is only through His anointing upon my life that I am able to fulfill all the responsibilities as Executive Director.

I thank both Boards of Trustees for their continued confidence in me to administer and lead this organization. Each Board member as well as myself must find the time to volunteer for the day-to-day functions and all the activities of TSC alongside our normal teaching and personal responsibilities. I appreciate each Board member's support, wisdom, and time as decisions and strategies are made and carried out during the year.

Finally, we all appreciate the participation, suggestions, prayers, and support of each TSC member. Let us not be discouraged for our awesome God is faithful and will fulfill His purpose and plan in His perfect time. Praise His Name!

Being a pro-life teacher in an educational establishment that fails to support the rights of the pre-born can make an individual feel like "the voice of one crying in the wilderness." Over the past 29 years, various groups at the national, state and local levels have been formed for mutual support, advocacy and education. And now we too, America's teachers, have been given a voice thanks to TEACHERS SAVING CHILDREN^®.

Knowing that there are fellow members in classrooms and faculty lounges who share our values about life is encouraging and uplifting, but we need to work to make our numbers grow, to let the members of our profession (the teacher in the classroom next door, the teacher sitting beside us in the faculty cafeteria) know that pro-life teachers are banding together and getting things done. Our presence at the NEA Convention this summer is a good example of this.

And if the colleague down the hall or at the lunch table is not pro-life, talking about TSC can introduce a topic that is often an unspoken one. We now have the opportunity to gently explain our reasons for being a member of such a group. Once the subject has been introduced, the door is then open to follow-up by, for example, sharing an article from a pro-life publication about post abortion syndrome, or how parental rights are by-passed in most states when it comes to abortion for minors. Of course, the same sharing can take place between colleagues who, through conversation, "discover" each other's pro-life beliefs and together they can suggest a school project, such as collecting baby items for a local crisis pregnancy center. Starting with two or three like-minded teachers in a school, it's possible for students and teachers alike to be exposed to the pro-life message. But before there are two or three, there must be at least one. You need to be that one.

As a member of TSC you will find support knowing that you have colleagues in other schools, and in other states who, like yourself, believe that the life of every child, born and pre-born is precious and needs to be protected. Supported by this knowledge, you can invite colleagues in your own school or district to become educators for life-to share the truth of the pro-life message with other teachers and students.

You are not just a "voice in the wilderness"; you are part of an organization dedicated to defending the inalienable right to life proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence. You are a teacher saving children.

In addition, TSC of Michigan is currently seeking nominations for the Teacher of the Year 2002. Candidates must posses the following qualifications: A certified teacher in the State of Michigan, public or non-public schools, pre-school through College level; a role model for the students he/she teaches; and committed to the principle of the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death. Nominations must be submitted in writing no later than August 31, 2002. For more detailed information go directly to the web address of www.teacherssavingchildren.org/michigan/nominate.html.

Ohio: The 2002-2003 officers for the OH TSC Affiliate State Chapter are as follows: Connie Bancroft, Executive Director; Gary Winney, Assistant Executive Director; Gloria Hoelle, Secretary; David Kaiser, Treasurer. The next OH TSC Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for Friday-Saturday, October 4-5, 2002 in Columbus OH. (TSC Inc. of Ohio, PO Box 125, Damascus OH 44619-0125; tsc-life@juno.com).

Pennsylvania: The 2002-2003 officers for the PA TSC Affiliate State Chapter are as follows: Robin Ross, Executive Director; Jeff Remington, Assistant Executive Director; Michael Grella, Secretary; Linda Burroughs, Treasurer. The next PA TSC Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for Saturday, September 14, 2002 in State College PA. (TSC of PA Inc., PO Box 214, Pen Argyl PA 18072; tscofpa@usa.net).

Other State Affiliates: Although the time for formal application may not occur until later, there is definite potential for an affiliate state chapter within other states. This summer would be an excellent time to contact individuals to help build that membership base within your state. As we continue to work with state leadership, we ask for your prayers and your patience. If you are interested in getting a TSC Affiliate State Chapter started in your state, please contact TSC for further information. As TSC continues to work with state leadership, we ask for your prayers and your patience.

Meet Donnie, a little boy born mentally handicapped, who wanders out of the yard, heading for the cornfield on the edge of town. Feel the anxiety of family and friends as they seek his safe return.

Bruns writes children's prose with melodic poetic flair. While the setting of Donnie, Lost in the Cornfield occurs in Midwest, rural America, she tenderly communicates "loving and accepting children with mental disabilities, where they're at" to young readers everywhere.

Copies of Donnie, Lost in the Cornfield may be ordered through Amicus Vitae Press (PO Box 15, Coldwater OH 45828). Cost per book is $10.50 (includes sales tax, shipping, and handling). Questions may be directed to Judy Bruns at amicusvitae@adelphia.net.

This past June 29 through July 5 I traveled to Dallas, Texas as a first time delegate for the National Education Association's Representative Assembly. This assembly, which meets annually, is said to be the largest democratic assembly in the world. Here decisions are made that will affect the future of public education through the beliefs of fellow NEA members for years to come. With over 9,000 public educators and staff it certainly is that. As a Christian I went cautiously with a fear of also being in one of the most liberal organizations that supported causes I did not believe in.

Let me tell you a little of how and why I found myself in this position. I am going on my fourth year as a music teacher in Kansas. I have been in NEA since I was in college. When I joined I had no idea what all NEA stood for, but I joined because it was highly recommended by my professors that I join my professional organizations. As a music major I was also in band and all NEA meetings were during that class. As a result, when I started teaching I joined NEA again rather ignorantly. This past year I read a report called "Grading the NEA" written by Focus on the Family. This report outlines some key issues NEA stands for which Christians should know about. I was appalled at some of the things I read. I decided it was time to pull my membership from this organization.

The following day at school, before I had acted on this, I received a phone call from one of our association officers asking if I would be a delegate to the State and National RA (Representative Assembly) this year. I realized then that perhaps God wanted me to go and be a voice for change in the NEA. Finally I did what I should have done years before when I joined. I got all the information I could on NEA and read like crazy. I also found this organization, Teachers Saving Children^®, and started to look for others that might believe as I did. I prayed and I asked others to pray for me and for the other NEA members who would be there. Before I knew it, June 29 came and I was in Dallas.

The first few days were pretty easy. My state had orientation during which they explained to first time delegates how to register, what a caucus was, and how debate would work on the floor when all of the states met together. We had time to go through the exhibits where I got tons of great information, donated blood, joined the pro-life caucus, and met other Christians. Our first state caucus was spent discussing ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act - No Child Left Behind). I began to think things like "this isn't so bad, there are a lot of good people here, I can work with them to make some good changes."

Then we started to get into the thick of things. We started discussing things like whether or not the words "under God" belonged in the pledge, whether we should provide help for people who don't want to be homosexual, and whether schools should have filtering devises on their computers to keep out pornography. I was surprised to find out I disagreed with most of the people in my state on these issues.

I went to our first pro-life caucus where I was nominated to make a motion calling for the removal of the words "including the right to reproductive freedom" from Resolution I-12 (NEA's support of abortion). Suddenly I was very overwhelmed. My state was taking stands I didn't agree with, I was sitting with people who didn't agree with me, and I was being asked to speak to over 9,000 people who would probably not even consider what I was going to say. Once again I thought, I don't belong here, I can't make a difference, I need to go home and withdraw my membership anyway.

With a lot of prayer and with a peace only God can give I finally had my chance to speak on the last day of the convention, Friday afternoon at about 1:00 PM. I had two minutes to speak and then there was a vote on whether to consider this issue or not. By a slim margin the vote was not to consider the issue.

While this may seem like a defeat it was actually a ray of hope and one of the most encouraging events to me of the convention. You see, afterwards both my state President and Vice-President came up to me and told me I did an excellent job speaking and represented Kansas well (this was something totally unexpected by me). I had tons of people come up to me, thanking me for speaking and saying they agreed with me. I had more come up to me and say they were having problems getting members because of this very issue. I had others write me notes and letters of support and bring them to me at my chair.

The motion failed this time but that is not a permanent failure. I urge you, if you are a NEA member, do all you can to come to this convention next year. We need your vote! Changes can be made but not from the sidelines. NEA has gotten to the place it is now because too many have stood silent for too long. I hope to see you there next year in New Orleans.

Remember
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
                                                -Philippians 4:13

Home National Newsletters