Hey everyone! Can you believe 2024 is almost over? When I reflect on this year, I’m filled with so much gratitude for the incredible journey it has been. Teaching at Place of Grace Learning Centre continues to be one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life, and I’m excited to share some highlights with you!

The Year at a Glance

This year has been full of hard work, growth, and incredible breakthroughs. I’ve poured into my 11 amazing students, not only helping them grow academically but also helping them to understand their value as a child of God. I’ve really connected with them a lot this year in a lot of unexpected ways, and I’m so proud of them. Even though I’m their teacher, they’ve been the ones modeling for me their incredible resilience, joy, and determination despite coming from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Highlight 1: All Asia Student Convention

In November, we traveled to the All-Asia Student Convention, where our students competed against 1,660 other students from international schools across Asia. Coming from the slum communities of Bangkok, our kids were up against students from some of the most elite schools. Yet, they proved their strength and talent, winning medals in Bible memory, singing, acting, woodwork, dress-making, science and social studies projects, and athletics!

I was 100% the loudest cheerleader at the convention! (LOL) Cheering for their victories reminded me that no matter where you start in life, God can and will take you places you could never imagine. I’m so excited to see the confidence and skills they’ve gained from this experience, and I know it will stay with them forever.

Highlight 2: Lives Changed

This year, we celebrated some incredible spiritual milestones:

• 4 students were baptized, publicly declaring their faith!
• We welcomed 2 new students into our school family.
• Most excitingly, 4 more students became Christian this year!

Even if you’re not a Christian, I want to invite you to celebrate with us in this. In the weeks and months following these few kids accepting Jesus, I have seen so much joy and hope in these kids. One boy used to tell me every single day that it was a bad day and now he comes to school smiling and laughing. When I ask him how he is he always says “medium!” with a smile. I am so happy to see them all living in abundant joy!

Highlight 3: Unexpected Coach Moments

One of the most surprising (and fun!) parts of this year was becoming an impromptu basketball coach for a group of six boys at school. What started as me subbing in for a missing coach turned into weeks of practice, teamwork, and bonding.

I really enjoyed seeing a different side of these boys – fun-loving and resilient. Each training the 14-year-old team captain helped me understand the intricacies of basketball that he learned from looking up to Steph Curry for years, and me helping the kids with the intricacies of teamwork and perseverance. Seeing them celebrate small victories on and off the court was so much fun, and it gave me a new way to connect with them. In the end, at our tournament, they didn’t win their match, but they put up a good fight and left with big smiles on their faces!

I never would have thought being a basketball coach would be part of my year, but I’m so glad God opened that door for me.

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Highlight 4: Everyday Miracles

Each day has its own troubles, but the impact of showing up each day for the last year and a half is starting to bear fruit. Whether I’m helping a student understand a difficult math problem, figuring out family and friendship challenges, or seeing them grow in their unique gifts, every day holds small victories. I feel so blessed to be a part of using education to change the trajectory of their lives.

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Looking Ahead to 2025

Please join me in prayer for the coming year:

• Energy and wisdom as I continue teaching and ministering to these incredible kids.
• Success in running our English program for new students this summer – it’s my first time leading this.
• Smooth transition as 5 of my students will go up to high school and I will take in 4 new young ones!
• Provision for monthly financial support—I’m praying for 6 more supporters to meet my goal of 10 support team members in 2025.

Your prayers, love, and support make this ministry possible. Thank you for walking alongside me in this journey!

Love,
Brodie 😊

P.S. If you ever want to hear more about my students and their incredible stories just let me know—I’d love to share!