Crossword Puzzle 04/24/26
Credit for answers and questions: Colleen Frank
Note: Some questions have hints to help you solve them. To view the hint, click on the blue box at the end of the question.
Archive for year: 2026
Mr. Michael DeSimone: Las Tres Claves Para Conseguir Trabajo en la Empresa Que Deseas
Author: David Markopoulos | Living Education
Estas publicaciones resumen los foros a los que nuestros estudiantes de Living Education-Charlotte asisten cada semana.
El señor Michael DeSimone, gerente de medios digitales y radiodifusión de la Iglesia
impartió un mensaje para los estudiantes de Living Education-Charlotte sobre cómo
conseguir trabajo, compartiendo tres estrategias clave para obtener el trabajo que deseas. Las
estrategias que compartió pueden ser de gran ayuda para conseguir el empleo que buscas.
Cómo conseguir una entrevista
El señor DeSimone comenzó este foro explicando cómo obtener una entrevista de trabajo.
La mayoría de las personas simplemente envían solicitudes masivas a las ofertas que ven;
esta es una manera ineficaz de asegurar una entrevista, y aún menos para conseguir el
empleo. El señor DeSimone incentiva a los estudiantes a orar e investigar las compañías en
las que ellos estén interesados en laborar en lugar de limitarse a consultar las ofertas.
Además, no deben esperar a que se desocupe una vacante en la compañía: ¡El cielo es el
límite!
Michael DeSimone dio instrucciones específicas para que tu currículum destaque entre los
demás y no sea descartado. Debes enviar una carta de introducción a la empresa mencionando tu nombre al menos 3
veces para que te reconozcan. Como seguimiento, también debes enviar tu carta de
presentación y tu currículum. Asegúrate de enviarlos a alguien que pueda tomar decisiones de
contratación o a alguien que pueda remitirlos a la persona adecuada.
Finalmente, haz un seguimiento con una llamada telefónica. Sé persistente y no te conformes
con dejar un mensaje de voz. En su lugar, haz todo lo posible para hacer el seguimiento
directamente por llamada.
¡Domina la entrevista!
Una vez que tengas la entrevista, el Sr. DeSimone aconsejó a los estudiantes a no improvisar.
Preséntese de 5 a 10 minutos más temprano, bien arreglados y vestidos apropiadamente para
la ocasión. La recomendación es vestir un poco más formal de lo que corresponde a las expectativas del
trabajo y su empleador, uno o dos niveles más alto de lo esperado.
Asimismo, invitó a los estudiantes a estar preparados para cualquier pregunta y practicar con
entrevistas de simulación previamente. Es importante conocerse a uno mismo, entender sus
fortalezas y debilidades. Prepárese para responder preguntas acerca de usted mismo y sea
honesto con el entrevistador.
Negociación de la remuneración
Si el entrevistador reconoce que puedes proveer valor a la empresa y está decidido a
contratarte, es importante moderar tu entusiasmo antes de negociar el salario. No hables de
dinero demasiado temprano o demasiado tarde en este juego. Si tu entrevistador está decidido
a contratarte, querrá mantener la posibilidad de hacerlo. Esto significa que existe una menor
probabilidad de rebajar un salario que, en teoría, es conveniente para ambas partes. No hables
del sueldo hasta que sepas que ya tienes el trabajo en la bolsa, y que ambos lo desean así.
Estos principios importantes son herramientas muy útiles para conseguir una entrevista,
superarla con éxito y comprender los detalles de la remuneración. El Sr. Michael DeSimone
animó a los estudiantes antes de buscar empleo a ser persistentes y proactivos.
David Markopoulos is a Living Education alumnus from the 2023-2025 school years. Originally hailing from Chicago, he currently works for the Living Education program.
Crossword Puzzle 04/16/26
Credit for answers and questions: Colleen Frank
Note: Some questions have hints to help you solve them. To view the hint, click on the blue box at the end of the question.
Men’s Hiking Trip: Linville Gorge, NC
Author: David Markopoulos | Living Education
This past weekend, the male students of Living Education-Charlotte, joined by Mr. Jonathan McNair, set out on an exciting adventure in the mountains of North Carolina. The picturesque views of Linville Gorge set a beautiful background for our annual men’s backpacking trip. The purpose of these trips is to help our male students draw closer together as men, spend time in the great outdoors, and learn essential survival skills.
Setting out from the dorms, the intrepid crew of adventurers ascended a steep uphill trail, took a pre-packed lunch overlooking the scenic views of the gorge near the top of the ridge, and ultimately descended toward a clearing where we camped for the night. After an eight-mile day, we were glad for an early dinner and the chance to enjoy the evening before heading to bed. The next day, despite blustery winds, the sun came out, setting a warm tone for the day as we retraced our steps and ultimately made our way back to the cars—and civilization! This year’s trip helped our male students build basic camping skills, gave them the chance to grow closer together as brothers, and provided lasting, enjoyable memories in the great outdoors.
David Markopoulos is a Living Education alumnus from the 2023-2025 school years. Originally hailing from Chicago, he currently works for the Living Education program.
Ladies Trip to Charleston, SC
Author: Katelyn Wissinger| Student, Living Education – Charlotte, 2025-26
Where & What: A Student’s Perspective
From March 20 to March 23, the ladies of Living Education went on a trip to Charleston, SC, to reflect on what they learned this year, build stronger bonds with each other, and learn about the history and culture of a new place. Mrs. Weston and Mrs. McNair came on the trip, which provided a wonderful opportunity for us to build friendships with women of varying ages.
From March 20 to March 23, the ladies of Living Education went on a trip to Charleston, SC, to reflect on what they learned this year, build stronger bonds with each other, and learn about the history and culture of a new place. Mrs. Weston and Mrs. McNair came on the trip, which provided a wonderful opportunity for us to build friendships with women of varying ages.
Our trip included traveling to a range of different places and exploring the Charleston, SC area. On the Sabbath, we joined the Walterboro, SC, congregation for services, fellowship, and a scrumptious potluck meal afterwards. That evening back at our rental house, we engaged in a team-building activity, assembling three different themed charcuterie boards. With our creative hats on, each team carefully built the boards; it was hard not to eat half the ingredients while we made them!
On Sunday, all of us got dropped off at the bottom of the city of Charleston for an exciting scavenger hunt. The students were divided into two teams and had an hour to try to find as many things on a list that included major tourist attractions and historical sites around the city.
Finally, on Monday, as we returned to Charlotte, we stopped at an old plantation, Middleton Place, to wander through the beautiful gardens, with bush after bush of blooming azaleas.
We all enjoyed spending more time getting to know each other and developing lasting memories on this year’s ladies’ trip to Charleston, SC.
The Purpose of Ladies Trips
Author: Sabrielle McNair| Living Education Program Assistant
Why Bother?
The question is begged, “Why a ladies’ trip?” Most activities at Living Education throughout the year involve our male and female students together. However, God created men and women differently. What women are called to do within the church body differs from what men are called to do. Biblically, women build up their homes with tireless hands, Proverbs 14:1, “The wise woman builds her house,” (NKJV). She would dedicate herself to the family with all her thoughts, time, and actions. So, with the acknowledgement that men and women are different, the question is, “What key element is critical in the support for women today?”
In a word, connection. What can help prepare and support women’s roles in the church is connection. Female friendships and deep bonding are a rare commodity. In a barrage of media and online “connections,” the loneliness epidemic is rampant. And with isolation growing daily, how much more precious are those connections in our lives? The probability is that there are ladies in our church today, struggling to build connections of true meaning and support. So what can we do?
It may seem excessive, but how about a ladies’ trip or get-together? A group of women sets aside time to focus on one another and grow in understanding. If it’s a three-day weekend? Great! An evening after church? Perfect! Whatever time there is to be given to one another, the benefits are endless.
How is this different from fellowship at church? In many aspects, it isn’t. There is talking and perhaps food, the same as at church services. The differences are in the intentionality and focus. When women, just women, come together, there is a different atmosphere than when it’s a mixed group. Topics can be more personal and women-specific challenges that cannot typically be discussed at church, purely for propriety’s sake, can be examined and considered. There’s no hedging about what it is you’re going through. And another woman may be able to relate to your struggle. Still, that kind of trust takes time to develop. And with effort put in outside of church fellowship, that trust is more likely to develop.
What about the age difference? Isn’t it normal to have friends mostly your age? Friendships have come in all shapes, sizes, and ages through history. In your local congregation, there may only be one or two other individuals, even roughly close to your age. But plenty of women, older or younger than you, can serve by developing a friendship. We’re taught to develop these cross-generational relationships in the Bible (Titus 2:3-5, NKJV). Do we take that admonition seriously, and do our actions and time spent reflect that mindset?
How To?
What elements could specifically help facilitate female connection in your area? Consider a Ladies’ Trip. Maybe you’re already doing one—fantastic! Or perhaps you have tried organizing something for your area, only to find you lack the people interested or the time to do it. What factors can be considered when planning a ladies’ trip in your area?
First, the people. What is the demographic in your area? Younger ladies, older women, busy moms? Figure out who you are serving first and foremost. What can they do and afford, and how can you plan for the highest possible participation?
Second, the activity. For some areas, an active ladies’ weekend of touring a city may be the way to go. For others, an evening of getting together and developing a new skill, such as crafts or cooking, might work better. Whatever you plan, work to serve and include as many as you can, and change it up from time to time. There’s more than one way to make it happen.
Lastly, the focus. Let people know why you want them to come. Be open and honest, saying that it’s not about the thing you’re doing; it never is. Yes, it may be fun to see new places, eat good food, and perhaps crafting is your personal favorite. However, the primary goal of a women-only event like this is to develop connections. Letting people know you value the opportunity to grow in your relationship with them can show outgoing concern.
Why Ladies’ Trips? Because we need it. Women are different than men; the kind of emotional support required is different because it builds community within our church in ways no other activity can. And because connection, deep, meaningful, loyal, honest, connection is a precious commodity. It’s just one more way to promote it and strengthen the bonds of the God-given family of the church.
Crossword Puzzle 03/27/26
Credit for answers and questions: Colleen Frank
Note: For this week’s game, the hints for the questions can be viewed by clicking on the ‘Assist’ tab at the top of the puzzle.
Mr. Brent Mitchell: The Result of Trust
Author: David Markopoulos | Living Education
These posts summarize the forums that our Living Education-Charlotte students attend each week.
Mr. Brent Mitchell is an area pastor serving in the New York and New Jersey congregations. In a recent forum addressed to the students of Living Education-Charlotte, he delivered sound wisdom on how to build trust.
Trust in Teams
Trust in an essential ingredient in teams—however, the absence of this important trait can lead to poor outcomes and ineffective communication. Mr. Mitchell heavily emphasized the importance of trust and trustworthiness as not only being important virtues to embody, but also the fact that trust is an outcome—it is the product of action and effort.
Foundation of Trust
It’s important to understand trust as an outcome—this dimension changes it from a static trait into an active result. It should also prompt us to ask: who do we trust? And who trusts us? How effectively do we embody trustworthiness? As Mr. Mitchell explained, we learn to do so by developing in character and competence.
Building Trust
Mr. Mitchell described seven key character traits that help us exhibit trustworthiness toward others.
- Honesty – Being able to honestly express our feelings and opinions based on what you know. Honesty is a critical aspect of being truly trustworthy. Proverbs 12:17 states: “He who speaks truth declares righteousness, but a false witness, deceit.” If we want to be truly trustworthy, we should be completely free from deceit.
- Courage – Being honest and trustworthy takes courage, especially when we face external pressure.
- A Pattern of Good Works – Having integrity and a reputation of being upstanding and moral goes a long way. We should be striving not only to build good, godly habits, but to do good to others.
- Dependability – Other people may rely on us, and we should strive to be dependable for those who need our help. Dependability drives trust.
- Transparency – Sometimes it’s important to share our cards with others and to be transparent about our side. This is an important factor in exhibiting trust.
- Kindness – Kindness is deeply important for building trust. Helping people know that they are cared for and looking out for their best interests is deeply critical to facilitating trust in teams and interpersonal relationships.
- Authenticity – Having a clear conscience helps us have a positive alignment of our actions and beliefs. This means being genuine—not pretending to be someone you’re not.
Embody Trustworthiness
Mr. Mitchell encouraged the students to give people time and work at exhibiting trustworthiness. He also referenced the Parable of the Talents—with the tools and opportunities God gives us to build relationships and work in teams, especially in the Church, we should take full advantage and work hard to be trustworthy. If we want others to trust us, be trustworthy.
David Markopoulos is a Living Education alumnus from the 2023-2025 school years. Originally hailing from Chicago, he currently works for the Living Education program.
Mr. Htoowah Laybeh: The Work in Asia – Growing Through Serving
Author: David Markopoulos | Living Education
These posts summarize the forums that our Living Education-Charlotte students attend each week.
Mr Htoowah Laybeh is an Area Pastor serving in Myanmar and Thailand, overseeing a large area of congregations. In a recent forum message addressed to the Living Education-Charlotte student body, Mr. Laybeh presented some important questions and exciting facts about the Work being done in Southeast Asia.
Why Are You Here?
Mr. Laybeh prompted the students to answer this question for themselves. Why are any of us here—not only at Living Education, but in the Church? With the work that we support, what is the benefit? What’s in it for us as we follow Christ?
Mr. Laybeh shared a quote from Mahatma Gandhi: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” This lesson should prompt us to base our success on service to others, not at the expense of others. The Work being done in this region of the world is directly impacted by the support and effort of many people, including members far away. The brethren’s needs are met through the hard work and dedication of people who have a heart to serve.
The Work in Thailand
The Church’s efforts in Thailand go back to the days of the Worldwide Church of God. Today, the Church operates as the Foundation in order to maintain operations in the country. Work began in order to register in Thailand back in 2016. In 2018, we officially registered as a legal entity, enabling us to operate legally within the country. Today, the Church, through the Foundation, is able to serve its members through this vehicle. The Church’s office in Mae Sot works on processing mail, hosting services and Bible studies, fulfilling literature requests, and more in order to serve the brethren throughout the country.
Thailand has a population of over 67–71 million, with only around 30 individuals currently in the Church, indicating there is still an opportunity to do the Work within the country. He also shared valuable life lessons, noting that amid the intense challenges and trials faced by many of our Chin brethren in northern Myanmar, it is important to keep praying for them and never take things for granted.
Education
Another aspect of the work in Thailand is the involvement of Living Education. Each year for the past 3 years, Living Education has sponsored volunteers—alumni of the Living Education-Charlotte program—to assist schoolteachers in teaching English to students. With the help and efforts of these students, the Church’s positive impact on the community at large helps foster a stronger relationship with officials in Thailand.
Serve Others – Growing through Serving
Mr. Laybeh reminded the students that we’re here for a purpose. We are here to learn, grow, and, especially for our Living Education-Charlotte students, to go back and serve. The brethren in Thailand benefit a great deal from the efforts and service of volunteers working hard to meet their needs—this important lesson should be an example for all of us within the Body of Christ as we learn to lose ourselves in the service of others.
David Markopoulos is a Living Education alumnus from the 2023-2025 school years. Originally hailing from Chicago, he currently works for the Living Education program.