After a succesion of teachers left the position, I volunteered to teach the 6-12 year old Sunday school class at my church, provided I had assistance. The children were becoming disheartened, and they are at such a pivotal age, I felt like a steady and reliable figure was crucial. I have only been a member at this church for a little less than a year and don't really know the entire congregation as I should. I have been in a Christian slump here lately and was beginning to question whether or not I needed to be teaching any at all. I had contemplated stepping back as primary teacher and just serving as the assistant. The class has been growing in the past few weeks and really needs two adults at a time. I found out tonight that the lady I have been sharing the duties with has left the church, at least for now. I am terrified. I don't know that I have the strength to keep giving to these kids when I feel so drained myself! I won't back out on these kids but I can't do it without support. My husband doesn't even go to church and two of my four step children are in this particular class. I can't let these kids down but I feel a huge sense of responsibility. Please pray that God shows me what I need to do and that I can find the energy and strength to perform this job as it needs to be done. I feel so worn down by life right now. I know that everyone here each has his or her own burdens to bear, many more times heavy than mine in a lot of cases, but I would very much appreciate any support that anyone can offer. I believe with all my heart that God never places us anywhere without also giving us exactly what it is that we need in order to prevail in the situation. God has given me the strength, I just need some help tapping into it. Thanks for listening and may God bless each one of you and grant you the peace you search for. Amen.

You are in my prayers.<P>In HIM,<BR>gentle

you are in my prayers as well . . . i have been there! God is with you . . .<BR>patti

Dear Bridge,<BR>You have gone through so much. Have you gone to the director yet and asked for help? Write a letter and send it home with each kid asking for help. I am praying for you. Ted ><>

Go to your minister and voice your concerns over lack of help, etc. You should not have to deal with this alone. I have been in a similar situation before and it is extremely hard. Having your own kids in there is some incentive.

I think your responses to people here are a great testimony to your faith. You are so uplifting and you seem to be a very empathetic person. I think you have a lot to offer these kids.<BR>The kids want your heart. You can tell them sometimes it's hard for you too. Share how you feel with them and tell them that the Lord made us to live in communities to share support. The Lord Himself is really 3 persons in One God. A deep mystery but one that shows how important community is, even for God. <BR>You can teach them to trust in God and read their Bibles but most of all to find Christian friends to help them day to day. Friends are crucial to keeping the faith. Use your own examples of how you yourself need their support. <BR>You seem to be such a sweet person - I think your sweetness and example makes you an excellent teacher. Maybe God wants to build your self-confidence. I think you can do it and do a great job, and before it is too overwhelming, your minister will find you an assistant (or else summer will come!) Trust. And have FUN with it! <BR>If you need ideas, keep writing - all of our brains can help you. Tell us what you're doing with them now.

Thanks so much to everyone for all your support. I had a momentary panic attack, but everything will be fine. The good Lord would not have put me here unless I could fulfill the requirements. Right now we are working on an Easter play. I got the idea from a lesson I was reading in one of our teacher manuals. I took the idea, added a script, and viola; a short skit that we can perfrom for the church. I am very excited. The kids are not. They will be o.k. though, and so will I. We'll make each other better. I look to the Lord to guide me, and he has never failed me, no matter how many times I have failed him. Praise God! Again, thank you all. May we each be led by the Lord to help each other and by doing so, make our corner of the world a better place. God bless all of you...