Julie Williams

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8. How unworthy we are of Christ’s love. As I have been studying the book of Romans with my three Bible study students I am continually reminded of God’s grace in my life. I have not earned or deserved His love and favor. But through the death of Christ I have been given the hope of salvation. We have reached chapter six of Romans, and each of us in the Bible study is being challenged. I am encouraged by the way that Dora, Enrique and Gloria are setting aside time during the week to read the chapter and answer the study guide questions. This past week Gloria was telling me that she read the chapter six times before she started answering the questions. Each time that we meet, I leave encouraged by the questions that they ask and the way that they are digging into the scriptures. The book of Romans is so full of insight, and it has been challenging yet rewarding to study. Please continue to pray for Dora, Enrique and Gloria as they complete their study each week. Pray that their knowledge would not solely be head knowledge but heart knowledge as well- something that they are living out in their daily lives. Please also pray that God would give me an extra measure of wisdom as I myself study this book and prepare for questions that are posed to me each week.

I have settled into my new house. It was a quick move, as I don’t have too many belongings here. I have loved the new location down by the water. The breeze is wonderful. My landlady has been so sweet to me. She brought me over fresh bell pepper and tomatoes yesterday and has offered for me to pick cilantro from her herb garden whenever I wish. She told me that I am young enough to be her granddaughter and that she feels like she should keep on eye on me and take care of me. I have been so blessed, once again, with a great living situation. God continues to remind me that He knows our needs before we even do and that He will not leave our needs unsatisfied.

The past few weeks have been a bit of a challenge for me school wise. I have been disappointed by some of the students’ work, or lack there of.  I can tell them everyday how important it is for them to study and take notes and come to school ready to learn. I can desire with all of my heart for them to do well and succeed not only in school but also in all areas of life. But what I have come to realize is that no matter how much I want this for them, they at some point must come to want this for themselves. This has been hard for me to realize and understand, but God is working in my heart. My desire is to see them take this opportunity that they have been given and make the most of it. Many of my students’ parents are working seven day a week jobs to put them through school. Please pray that God will help me to encourage my students in their studies and that they might gain more of a desire to study and to use the talents God has blessed them with.

One fun thing that I have started up during the past month is running with two of the other female teachers after school. They asked me to help them learn to exercise and get in shape. So each afternoon we head out to the football field and run laps, do lunges and other exercises. The students think it is hilarious and enjoy making fun of us while we run. The two teachers are really enjoying it and it has been funny hearing them come into school each morning complaining about how sore they are. It has been good fellowship time too, outside of the normal school atmosphere.  They are great ladies who really are seeking God!

One week ago I was asked to be a pronouncer in a district spelling bee competition, which took place this past Wednesday. My mom would be the first to tell you that I have never been that talented at pronouncing words. When I was in middle school I was taking 4th grade phonics. I still remember my mom putting a flower cover over my 4th grade phonics book so that I wouldn’t feel bad that I was so behind. And my spelling was never that much better than my phonics. In fact, I was such a bad speller in middle school that I felt it necessary to cheat on a spelling test.  Sadly, it didn’t do me any good as I was caught. (This story has come in very handy to tell my students now- cheating doesn’t get you anywhere!) God does have a sense of humor though, and when I was asked to be a pronouncer at the spelling bee I could only laugh. I was given the list of over 500 words and spent the whole night before with my dictionary pouring over the words, their definitions and pronunciations.  The actual spelling bee went really well, and I was impressed with the ability the students had to spell difficult and uncommon English words when English is not even their first language. It was a fun experience overall and made me laugh of the oddity of me being a pronouncer at a spelling bee. ☺

Please continue to pray that God will give me direction as I look towards where He would desire for me to be next school year. He has presented many different opportunities, and I have been doing lots of praying as to where He would want me. I would covet your prayers in this area as well.

Remember how gracious our Lord and Savior is! He has chosen us, as unworthy sinners, to be His children! What a merciful God we serve. I pray that God will continue to work in you and through you as your offer yourself to Him as a living sacrifice. 

Blessings,

Julie Williams

Julie Williams
Email: JWilliams9586@hotmail.com
Phone: 011-501-605-9936
MTW Personal Webpage: http://www.mtwla.org/people/jwilliams.htm
Address: P.O. Box 232 Corozal Town, Belize Central America