Caroline teaches at a christian university, in a predominantly muslim country in south Asia. Among other responsibilities, she lectures on biblical studies and biblical foundations for education, and trains other teachers. ‘It’s basically the best job in the world!’ she says.
WEC: How did you end up where you are, doing what you’re doing?
Caroline: I grew up as a missionary kid and was open to God calling me into mission work myself. I became a maths teacher in a secondary school and discovered that I loved teaching and loved Muslims, so I investigated different opportunities - went on short-term trips and talked with my church. Piece by piece, God showed me my gifts and passions, and I really sensed His call to work full-time in cross-cultural ministry. I heard about the opportunities in christian education in the country where I grew up, and sensed that this was a perfect fit for me.
WEC: What’s the best thing about your role?
Caroline: As part of my role, I teach in the education department at a christian university. It’s basically the best job in the world! I have the privilege of investing in future teachers and seeing them grow in skills, confidence and love for God. I would love to see their lives transformed in a way that touches the lives of their own students, and that ultimately many will come to know Jesus through them.
WEC: What’s the biggest cultural difference between home and where you’re based now?
Caroline: The educational system is very different here, focusing on rote learning rather than creativity or critical thinking. Students are often very quiet and shy. I find it exciting when a student says they don't understand, because it means that they feel comfortable enough to be honest in my class!
‘My desire is that christian schools play a part in raising up young people who are passionate about loving God and loving others, and that, through this generation, many Muslims will know the hope found in Jesus.’
WEC: How would you say academic study ties in with more overt outreach work?
Caroline: This country gives freedom to proclaim the good news in christian schools, but regular evangelism can be more difficult. I am excited about this open door to share about Jesus with students from nominal christian backgrounds and also from other faiths. My desire is that christian schools play a part raising up young people who are passionate about loving God and loving others, and that, through this generation, many Muslims will know the hope found in Jesus.
WEC: How are your students responding to your input?
Caroline: A couple of my students told me that when they began the course, they were just looking for an easy university course with a scholarship. So they got a bit of a shock when they joined an education department which had such high expectations of them and challenged them teach with passion for God and for their students. They have grown so much and it's exciting to see how they now desire to be teachers who God will use to proclaim and demonstrate the gospel.
Photo of Caroline: posed by model (Shutterstock)
