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Teachers Saving Children® Inc. - National | |
Newsletter
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"But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied."
As I was reflecting on some recent conversations and possible strategies to bring light to the darkness of the NEA RA, I was reminded of David, the shepherd boy, who eventually became the King of Israel and was known as a "man after God's own heart". I began to study the passages of Scripture in I Samuel and noted that David found favor in God's eyes and was anointed the King of Israel by Samuel the prophet many years before he actually become the recognized King. But even more enlightening: it was shortly after he had been anointed that he faced Goliath. David had spent much time in the presence of the Lord and was prepared to face the giant that was before the Israeli army. He was not afraid to go forth and face the enemy because he had been anointed and went in the name of the Lord and knew he did not undertake this challenge in his own strength.
The NEA is a huge giant that has become our Goliath - massive not only in numbers and monies available, but also in their agenda. Is it possible to make an impact on this giant that is before us?
With God nothing is impossible. David needed only one of the five smooth stones he had chosen from the brook. He used a sling as a weapon - something he was very familiar with as he watched his father's sheep. And he depended upon God's strength.
Following David's example, we must first of all spend time in prayer and the Word, keeping our relationship clear before the Lord and preparing our hearts for the battle that He sets before us. Secondly, it is very important to know the enemy and the rules of engagement. We need to research and understand the parliamentary procedures and standing rules of the Representative Assembly as we present any amendments or New Business Items. Finally and most importantly, we must depend upon the Lord's strength - for "...greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." (I John 4:4 KJV)
The Lord has opened the door for Teachers Saving Children® to have an exhibit at the NEA Expo 2003. This exhibit is one way to present the truth about the sanctity of life to thousands of educators and guests to the NEA RA.
In addition, there are many delegates with strong conservative convictions that are uniting together for the purpose of taking a strong stand on several issues that are of concern to the average educator. They are calling their battle "Operation Goliath". Through modern day technology, some of these delegates have already made contact with one another. One of their goals is to reach out and draw together conservative delegates from around the country. It is vital that conservative delegates unite not only for moral support, but for the cause of Christ.
It is very important if you are a delegate to the NEA that you contact Teachers Saving Children® (330-537-2546) or Conservative Educator's Caucus (412-262-4454) so that those connections can be made. Secondly, if you are not a delegate but if you know conservative delegates who will be attending the NEA RA in New Orleans please pass this information along. We cannot stress enough the importance that those connections be made.
Just a note - representatives of Teachers Saving Children® attend the NEA RA through the TSC exhibit. These representatives may or may not be serving as delegates to the NEA RA itself. Conservative Educator's Caucus is a caucus made up of delegates to the NEA RA. Although both entities have the same goal - to establish a respect for all human life from conception to natural death, these two entities have different functions during the year and at the Representative Assembly.
So as David faced Goliath and was victorious; so too we can face the Goliath of the NEA and make an impact on the lives of thousands of educators. As we are faithful and obedient to what the Lord has called us to do, He will be faithful in changing the hearts and lives of those who hear the message of LIFE. Yes, Faith is the Victory! May we have the faith and trust in our God for the victory as we face the Goliath of the NEA.
It is vital that you contact your delegates to the NEA Representative Assembly, letting them know your philosophy on various issues. If you have a delegate(s) from your local attending the NEA convention, contact should be easy. However, many locals do not or cannot send delegates to the NEA RA. Therefore, state at-large delegates or cluster delegates need to be contacted. If you need the names and addresses of your delegate(s), please contact your local president or your NEA State Affiliate office.
Get involved by contacting your NEA delegates! Remind them to vote according to the wishes of the membership they represent! And then hold them accountable by requesting a written report upon their return! Remember: They are your representatives!
A special thank you to each person who has given $5, $10, or more to this special ministry opportunity. The Lord has graciously provided through you the funds needed for the exhibit space rental fee, monies to cover the miscellaneous fees, and the materials to distribute free to educators who visit our exhibit. Enough monies have been received to purchase 150 hardbound copies of the book Before You Were Born by Jennifer Davis. This book is our special distribution feature at the exhibit this year.
Thank you for your continued prayers as we prepare the display and order any additional materials needed for the exhibit. Please pray that the Lord will provide everything needed for the trip to and from New Orleans as well as our time ministering to individuals during the exhibit hours.
Reminder: Those individuals still desiring to support this exhibit financially should make their checks payable to "TSC Inc. - National". Please carefully note how the amount given is to be designated ("NEA Exhibit") so that the contribution will be appropriately allocated.
We are currently accepting new memberships for the 2003-2004 membership year. Any new memberships received after June 1st are good until August 31, 2004. Renewal membership information will be sent to all current members in early July.
Please help the TSC office keep accurate records by verifying all membership information. Please make sure your membership forms are accurate, complete, signed, and dated. Thank you.
A special thanks to those individuals who have distributed brochures and have encouraged teachers and other concerned citizens to join. Thanks for your support as we work together in educating our colleagues and friends about the sanctity and of life.
Source: Ohio Right to Life March/April 2003 LIFEtimes. They received the information through www.prolifeinfo.org.
TSC of Michigan is currently seeking nominations for the Teacher of the Year 2003. 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, 2003. For more detailed information go directly to the web address of www.teacherssavingchildren.org/michigan/nominate.html.
TSC Inc. of MI, 4789 Section Road, Ottawa Lake MI 49267. MI2002TSC@aol.com.
Ohio: The Ohio Affiliate State Chapter had 132 members for the 2002-2003 membership year. The 2003-2004 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 Saturday, October 11, 2003 in western Ohio.
TSC Inc. of Ohio, PO Box 125, Damascus OH 44619-0125; tsc-life@juno.com.
Pennsylvania: The Pennsylvania Affiliate State Chapter had 49 members for the 2002-2003 membership year. The 2003-2004 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, October 4, 2003 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.
The PAEMST is the nation's highest teaching honor for elementary and secondary school math and science teachers. The awards recognize teachers who have demonstrated outstanding mathematics or science instruction. The National Science Foundation administers for the White House the awards program, which began in 1983. The awards also raise public awareness of the importance of math and science education in our nation.
Note: Jeff is currently serving as the Assistant Executive Director for the PA Affiliate State Chapter Board of Trustees.
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