Providing an Opportunity

PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY

Adjacent to the Tropic of Cancer (comparable to mid-Mexico), Silver Oak School is located at the northern end of Durtlang village (of several thousand people) in the picturesque Mizo Hills of NE India. From the northern extremity of Aizawl, the capital of the state of Mizoram, your taxi takes a steep climb up to an elevation of some 3,500 feet before utilizing an impressive pass to the eastern slope of the mountain range. Monsoon rains are often heavy from mid-April to mid-October. Temperatures range from 10 to 30^o C.

Silver Oak is a private, Christian, English medium, co-ed boarding school with a current enrollment of 90 students studying in classes (grades) 1 -10. The school session follows the calendar year. The campus consists of 10 acres of sloping, quiet, scenic landscape. Facilities include a three-storey main building, a two-storey dormitory, and a three-storey teachersÂ’ quarters, as well as several outlying dwellings.

This delightful setting is providing us with an opportunity to provide opportunitiesÂ…

·        For students, ages 5 to 15, to expand their limited English as well as encounter the One who expands life itself for all those who come to know Him. There are regular Bible classes plus devotions four times a week.

·        For introducing teachers to some basic essentials for fostering creative learning experiences for the students. Of the 13 teachers and wardens, none has had any formal teacher training. Most have college degrees. A couple even have graduate degrees. Beyond academic improvements, there is a vacuum of spirituality which is looking for fulfillment.

·        For ministering to parents. Most homes are inviting—begging—us to enter!

·        For Autumn and Andrew to learn languages, cultures, and create fascinating—hopefully, long-term—friendships. A common sight is to see either of them between friends—strolling arm-in-arm!

·        For our long-time and new-found friends to reconnect and be renewed. Many of our former acquaintances have been affected by a theological narrowism which openly portrays our valued friends--such as Anderson, Fudge, Lucado, Shelly—as “imposters and false teachers”. Silver Oak is providing us with an opportunity to present a more grace-oriented perspective. January 9-12, a retreat-reunion, “Onward and Upward”, is planned here for many from all over the NE. Bob Parker and team from Saskatoon plan to be with us for that event.

·        For you to partner with us in making a difference.

1. Coming. We pan to return to Canada for the months of June – August, 2005. Our home, on the third floor of the teachers’ quarters—150+ steps up from the main building—will be available for some(s) to come and teach Bible and English for 2 or 3 months.
2. Sending. We are in the process of establishing a library for students and friends. At present, there is not even one shelf of books for reading. A room is being designated for this purpose. Story books. General knowledge books. Max Lucado books. Bible studies. I know that postage is expensive—but you might consider collecting and forwarding some books for our library. You just might make a real difference for a young (or old) person!

 

Ray & Ellen McMillan and Autumn & Andrew

Silver Oak School, Durtlang Veng Thar, Aizawl, Mizoram 796 012, India

011-91-389-236-2093, http://heartwarmers.blogspot.com, www.heartwarmers.ca