Navigating evangelistic opportunities as a public school teacher can be a tightrope kind of affair. I don’t agree with those who say it can’t be done. Nor do I think one should blatantly proseletyze, especially with young children. But there are ways of planting seeds, without abusing one’s influence.
During the winter holidays, I present all of the holidays: Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Diwali, Chinese New Year, 3 Kings Day, etc. Mentioning one gives me the freedom to mention them Christianity. If my students ask what I celebrate, I am honest with them. Christian kids fairly quickly understand me to be a Christian which encourages them.
Young students often have a way of bringing God into many conversations. While I do not usually join their informal chatter, neither do I ask them to refrain from talking about their beliefs.
But the most important thing I can do as a teacher is to love my students, and keep in contact with them. One of my most favorite classes will graduate this year. I am in touch with a number of them and am praying for ways to share my faith with them, now that they are “of age.”
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
