Grace's Testimony  

Name: Grace
From: Taiwan

I used to be very shy and afraid to speak English in class. I remember one day, the teacher yelled at me, “Grace, don’t you have a mouth? Why don’t you speak English in my class?” I was shocked. I felt like I’d been picked on. That night, I cried for hours. I wished for someone who could be with me and comfort me whenever I needed help.

That summer I joined a Studio Classroom study tour to Seattle. Afterwards, I began to attend Studio Classroom’s Bible Study every Wednesday night. I admired all the teachers, particularly Doris Brougham. I felt it must be God’s love that gave them the courage to leave their own country and come to work in Taiwan. If they could devote themselves to English education in Taiwan, as a Taiwanese, I should do the same. At age 20, I determined to become an English teacher. I went to the U.S. to get a master’s degree in TESOL. While I was there, I became a Christian and was baptized.

I have taught English in Taiwan now for five years. I really enjoy teaching my students. But at my school, I must also be in charge of a lot of administrative work. I really hate administrative work! I resent having to do trivial office tasks like making copies, arranging schedules, filling out paperwork, etc. Furthermore, many teachers and staff members dodge their responsibilities, making my job harder. My school also gets many special projects from the government. I’m often the one who does all the work for these projects, but I must then share the recognition with others that didn’t do anything. I began to doubt whether there was really any fairness or justice.

In 2002, I went to see Studio Classroom’s Christmas drama called “You are Special” - a story based on Max Lucado’s book of the same title. The story was about a character called “Maliamick.” People picked on Maliamick. They gave her “black dots” because they didn’t like, or approve of, her. She went to her creator, Eli, for help. He told her that regardless of how the world evaluates you, God cherishes you just as you are. I was really touched by the drama. I realized I shouldn’t care what others think of me. I should look to my creator, God. He is the one I should please.

Through many events that have occurred in the past fi ve years, I have grown professionally and spiritually. God has changed me to become more humble and willing to serve others. I am also learning to be bold, so I can wisely and politely reject the tasks that are beyond my job responsibilities. Saying “no” is not easy, and I am still learning how. Most importantly, I’ve found the One who can be with me all the time – in the good and the challenging times of life. That’s God!