Freedom Writers

I'm sure everyone has heard of the Freedom Writers. Aaron was picked for the state of NY to be a part of the Freedom Writer's Teacher's group about two summers ago. It was pretty much last minute and they flew him to CA where he did workshops, met Erin Gruell, whom the movie is after, who worked hands on with them throughout there stay in CA. It is amazing what this teacher did for these students and how she affected there lives, but sad to think she did it all and lost her marriage over it.
Aaron enjoyed his time in CA and being able to meet other fellow teachers from different states and learning how to implement some things in his classroom. There was more to it though than he expected and issues that he just couldn't be a part of as a Christian. Through a long process of trying to be persuaded to stay in it and going again this summer he finally was able to make it through the proper channels and bow out of it. He took time away from us to be a part of it, and put a lot of work into several presentations after he came back. I began to think what in the world did we get in to this for. After being out of it for some time now, Aaron has been able through e-mail to witness to two teachers he met in CA. They found out he didn't want to be a part of it, asked questions and Aaron was able to explain what we stood for from a Christian perspective and present the gospel. Praise the Lord for the situations he puts us in to be used of Him.

We also this weekend had a former student of Aaron's come to visit us at the house with his girlfriend. He is saved and has turned the corner a 100%. Many of Aaron's students are on drugs and come from broken homes. It was no different with this young man. He's tried many types of drugs and Aaron said had a trashy mouth. He's clean now, in church, stands for what he believes in with his friends, and said not one cuss word when he was over for several hours. Aaron said he has changed so much. We both love working with young people and have a special place in our heart to see them come to know Christ and grow as a Christian. It was such a blessing to see this young man changed. Of course, I was pumped with pride hearing him tell how thankful he was for Aaron and how he truly cared for him and how Aaron's testimony meant a lot to him.