December 2023
THE PUZZLE IS COMPLETE!
We are so grateful to everyone who did what they could to finish the puzzle, get the match, and secure the land for Doulos!
This will make a lasting difference in the future of God’s work here at Doulos. Thank you!
Laying God’s Foundation
(3 Minute Read)
Our biggest ambition as a school is for God to use Doulos to help our students reach their full potential in Christ. We’ve engaged with hundreds and hundreds of students over the past 20 years. During this time, we’ve learned that in order for our students to reach up to take hold of that potential, they need to be standing on a solid foundation.
This foundation is made up of three critical components:
Secure, healthy relationships (God, family, friends, community)
Knowing how to express/navigate emotions (joy, anger, disappointment)
Healthy nutrition and stimulation for the brain and the body (crawling, exploring, having a healthy diet, being read to, solving interesting problems)
Here is an interesting question for you...
When a kid has all three of these components in place, what are some words that would most likely describe them? What are they like? From our experience, we’d say they can be curious, kind, generous, helpful, hard-working, academically on track, and happy.
On the other hand, what words would most likely describe a young person or teen who (to no fault of their own) has a foundation that is broken, underdeveloped, or incomplete? From our experience, we’d say they can be disruptive, angry, academically behind, mean and selfish.
One of the most beautiful and revolutionary parts of Doulos is this...
Unlike many private Christian schools, we believe God wants us to raise up leaders from ALL backgrounds. On the surface this might sound really inspiring– even noble– but this means that we need a model that can work with a wide variety of students. We need a model that helps them create strong foundations (secure relationships, healthy emotions, and a nourished mind and body) so they can reach their full potential in Christ.
Our Intervention Team is doing some incredible work in this area, and we are excited to share more with you over the next year. From social/emotional growth groups, adaptive seating and individual care plans, to neurodevelopment through movement and cognitive therapies, God is creating and restoring the strong foundation in our students. The results are literally heavenly.
Students who HATED school are becoming leaders in their classes. Parents at their wits end are seeing that there is GREAT hope and excitement for their child's future. Students multiple years behind in reading or math are not just getting on track, but they are starting to LOVE to learn.
It all starts with redeeming and restoring God’s foundation in every student. From there, we can only imagine the heights our students will reach for the glory of God.
December Highlights
Expedition Nights
It’s always inspiring to see ALL the important work our students engage with during the semester.
Christmas Concert
It was more than just a cute night; it was a beautiful celebration of God’s love and Christ’s light.
Staff Christmas Gift!
Each year the Doulos Administration generously provides a gift for each of our staff members. This year it was a waterproof backpack for around town and out on river adventures.
Christmas Break
It was nice to have a couple of weeks to rest and recharge before this next semester.
Please join us in praying for...
Safe Travels: Christmas break is a great time for local and North American staff to travel to visit family, friends, and supporters.
Strong Start: Staff are back January 9th, and students return on the 10th! The first days set the tone for the semester, so please be praying for a strong start with super-naturally open hearts.
Recruitment: We are back in recruitment season. God knows exactly how he’s going to meet the staffing needs for His work next year. Please keep the process covered in prayer. Click here to see specific open positions and pray over each one.
Project Planning: Now that we have the match we just need to confirm the title for the land is 100% ready, then we will purchase it! As that is happening, we will be working on planning out the next phases. Please be praying for the Lord to continue to guide the process.