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.
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.
https://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/logo_basic-website-300x94.png00Katelyn Wissingerhttps://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/logo_basic-website-300x94.pngKatelyn Wissinger2026-03-30 12:13:102026-03-30 14:55:28Ladies Trip to Charleston, SC
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.
https://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/un-perfekt-handshake-4040911-1.jpg8171500David Markopouloshttps://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/logo_basic-website-300x94.pngDavid Markopoulos2026-03-27 14:41:372026-03-27 14:42:09Mr. Brent Mitchell: The Result of Trust
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.
https://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sasint-grand-palace-1822487.jpg5781500David Markopouloshttps://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/logo_basic-website-300x94.pngDavid Markopoulos2026-03-27 14:39:532026-03-30 08:40:30Mr. Htoowah Laybeh: The Work in Asia – Growing Through Serving
These posts summarize the forums that our Living Education-Charlotte students attend each week.
Dr. John Cole attends the local Charlotte congregation, and as a licensed Property and Casualty Agent, has accumulated many years of experience in business strategy. In a recent forum message addressed to the students of Living Education-Charlotte, he shared several important tips and lessons for developing a solid business strategy for your own life.
SWOT Analysis
Dr. Cole encouraged the students to utilize the tool of a SWOT analysis when making important career decisions. SWOT stands for: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Making a list of what falls under these categories can help inform those important decisions. Whether you’re applying for a company or planning to be an entrepreneur, as you construct a strategy for your life and career, doing a SWOT analysis is an important tool.
Know What the Company is All About
What if you’re applying for a position at a company? Dr. Cole encouraged the students to research and understand what the company is all about beforehand, and to determine if working for that company would align with your values, as well as your long-term goals and overall business strategy.
This principle also applies to entrepreneurs starting their own business. If you’re going to create a company and market yourself, you should have a clear business plan and solid idea not only of what your company does, but what it’s all about. This will help your company’s success in the long term, as well as how it’s perceived by others.
Reputation
In learning to navigate the world of careers and entrepreneurship, it’s important to keep your reputation in mind. Employers and interviewers check up on applicants to see if they should hire the person. Dr. Cole reminded the students to guard their reputations—when ethical challenges or other situations arise that bring your character into question, you can have a clean conscience and even welcome the scrutiny that proves your character is solid.
Envision Success and Pray for Guidance
Dr. Cole told the students to assess whether they would want to climb the corporate ladders they might come into contact with. Make sure to embody trustworthiness and confidentiality, and to have an employable character. Take the time to envision the success of your business strategy, and put in the hard work to achieve it. And in any undertaking, always involve God in the process. We should always remember to pray for guidance as we pursue any endeavor and develop a strategy for our life.
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.
https://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rawpixel-action-2277292.jpg10241500David Markopouloshttps://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/logo_basic-website-300x94.pngDavid Markopoulos2026-03-19 18:30:002026-03-19 16:29:32Dr. John Cole: Business Strategy
This past Thursday, the Living Education-Charlotte students, along with the McNair and Johnson families, made a trip to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, NC. With the weather getting warmer and hints of spring beginning to appear, this was a welcome opportunity to get outside, spend time together, and enjoy seeing some of God’s creation.
After arriving at the zoo, Mr. McNair tasked our intrepid group of wildlife adventurers with a challenge—throughout the zoo visit, the students would be participating in a scavenger hunt. Divided into teams headed up by our second-year student leaders, each team had to find certain animals or landmarks scattered throughout the zoo and take a group selfie—and for bonus points, they had to find the McNairs too! Splitting up, each group spent time scouting out their targets while also enjoying the exhibits and scenery—and of course, all the animals. To see some of their successful selfies, just scroll below this post!
At noon, the group gathered back together to enjoy a pre-packed sandwich lunch before spending another hour and a half enjoying the rest of the zoo—and before long, it was time to head home. While the fun was over for now, there were plenty of photos and memories to enjoy of another LivingEd-Charlotte outing 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.
https://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_4319-X4.jpg11251500David Markopouloshttps://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/logo_basic-website-300x94.pngDavid Markopoulos2026-03-16 14:13:192026-03-16 14:13:22A Trip to the North Carolina Zoo
This past Tuesday, the Living Education-Charlotte students, accompanied by faculty, the Johnson family, and Mr. Adam West, visited the JAARS facility in Waxhaw, North Carolina. JAARS—which stands for Jungle Aviation And Relay Service—is a Christian organization that facilitates large-scale translation efforts of the Bible into many endangered languages.
Arriving in the morning, the group received an introductory talk by JAARS employees on the history of the organization, its formation and early development, and what they do now. Splitting into two groups, they toured part of the grounds. The facilities house aircraft in hangars, boats, dirt bikes, and other transports used in various regions.
JAARS not only sponsors translation of the Bible into indigenous languages, but also helps train translators and volunteers to learn these languages, as well as providing resources and bringing Bibles to locations around the world. Their efforts to help spread God’s word over the years have resulted in many people around the world being able to read the Bible in their own language. After a pre-packed lunch, the students regrouped and headed back to the office, having learned more not only about local history but also a broader view of what is occurring in the Christian world today.
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.
https://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_7340-X4.jpg15001125David Markopouloshttps://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/logo_basic-website-300x94.pngDavid Markopoulos2026-03-16 14:08:462026-03-16 14:13:30A Visit to JAARS
These posts summarize the forums that our Living Education-Charlotte students attend each week.
Mr. Marc Arseneault is a pastor serving in the Quebec and New Brunswick areas of Canada. Recently, he delivered a forum message addressed to the Living Education-Charlotte students.
The Great Commission
Mr. Arseneault quoted Matthew 28:18, stating: “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
This commission directly applies to our lives today. Mr. Arseneault encouraged the students to remember that we can all have a part in this Work.
Be Witnesses
Jeremiah 1:5 says: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you.” God has a plan for each of our lives, and He expects us to follow Him and to contribute to His Work being done. This includes our commission to be witnesses of God’s way of life and the Gospel message.
To be witnesses of this way of life, we can do many things to be lights and examples to other people. Mr. Arseneault encouraged the
Use This Year to Start a Change
To be witnesses of this way of life, we can do many things to be lights and examples to other people. Mr. Arseneault encouraged the students to bear these important truths in mind and to live accordingly—use this year to make a change. To be of benefit to other people could mean many things—taking of our time to serve them, or even learning another language. Seize the opportunity you have to do the right thing and to be a light and witness of God’s way of life to all nations.
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.
https://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/yuri_b-map-of-the-world-2401458_1280.jpg7671280David Markopouloshttps://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/logo_basic-website-300x94.pngDavid Markopoulos2026-03-13 17:30:002026-03-13 14:52:56Mr. Marc Arseneault: Reaching the Nations
These posts summarize the forums that our Living Education-Charlotte students attend each week.
Mr. Michael Brown is a pastor serving in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Western Ontario, and in a recent forum addressed to the students of the Living Education-Charlotte program, he delivered helpful advice on social interactions and developing confidence.
Commanded to Be Courageous
Joshua 1:9 says: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” God encourages us to be courageous in the face of adversity. Sometimes, those difficulties come in social settings. In Proverbs 29:25, we read: “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.”
We all often face fear of men. We have a natural fear of judgment for the things we say or do. That fear prevents us from being courageous and speaking the truth—we’re worried about what people may say or think.
Mr. Brown reminded the students that it’s important to remain courageous, and offered four keys to overcoming that fear—through the acronym of FEAR.
F — Framing
The first step to overcoming social fear is learning to frame narratives. In conversation, people often frame a narrative. We need to be able to recognize how someone else might be framing their side of the conversation and what they’re trying to say or build up to. It also means being intentional about how we frame what we say so that it is well-received and accurate.
Sometimes people might challenge you or present a logical fallacy that is intended to trick you. In order to avoid affirming a false premise in an argument, be aware of conversational framing and what the person is trying to say. You can politely express your disagreement, ask for permission politely to disagree, and set boundaries for the discussion—when a conversation becomes uncivil, you have made it acceptable to politely exit the interaction because the other person has violated an agreed-upon rule.
E — Emotions
To be strong and of good courage, it’s important to rule over our emotions. Our worst decisions come when we’re feeling extremely emotional. Those different emotions can lead us to making snap decisions that ultimately have adverse consequences.
When interacting with someone, or listening or watching something, remember that what they’re saying may not necessarily be true. Some media are designed to attack your emotions—ask yourself if you should be reacting in this way. Furthermore, always remember to ask God to help you control your emotions.
A — Authority
There is often an authority figure in a social setting—even if the authority figure is not present in the conversation, the dynamic may still affect our interactions. We need to have a humble and accurate view of ourselves and how we may fit into a particular dynamic. How we view ourselves in relation to others, and how much authority we may or may not have to use, affects how we conduct ourselves.
This requires a healthy balance. If we have a measure of influence or authority, we should use it positively and not at the expense of other people. Conversely, while we should remain humble and teachable when we are not given as much authority as someone else, we should also not be dejected—our interactions and social confidence benefit from maintaining confidence and assertiveness. We have the ability and the room to assert ourselves, even if we’re uncomfortable with it, and as we do this, it will become easier.
R — Righteousness
Proverbs 28:1 says: “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.” Everyone wants to be bold and confident—no one wants to be insecure. Mr. Brown reminded the students that in order to not be insecure, you have to live righteously.
In your interactions, if your intentions are honorable, pure, and righteous, it dispels that fear of judgment from our minds. We should pray to God to help us develop pure motives and to help us be a light to others. This changes the entire reason we assert ourselves or even interact at all—if it’s done out of a sense of wanting to preserve the relationship with the other person’s best interest at heart, it removes that insecurity from our hearts. If our motives are based in righteousness, we don’t truly have anything to be insecure about—we can hold our heads high and have confidence.
Do the Hard Thing
Mr. Brown encouraged the students to do the hard thing. Applying these principles can cause some discomfort in social interactions—but the important thing to remember is that as you practice them more frequently, they will become habits that come far more naturally. Keep practicing, keep trying, keep doing.
When our motives are rooted in an outgoing, selfless sense of righteousness, we are naturally eliminating any room to be insecure. Keeping this in mind helps us qualify our relationships and interactions in a godly context, and gives us the confidence needed to keep practicing and improving in social settings.
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.
https://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sasint-achieve-1822503_1920.jpg12481920David Markopouloshttps://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/logo_basic-website-300x94.pngDavid Markopoulos2026-03-09 17:04:552026-03-09 17:04:58Mr. Michael Brown: Four Steps to Social Courage
These posts summarize the forums that our Living Education-Charlotte students attend each week.
Mr. Phil Sena is an area pastor serving in the Ohio region, and in a recent forum message to the Living Education-Charlotte students, he offered important lessons from the example of Biblical characters on how to show willingness to God’s will.
An Attitude of Willingness
The Bible gives us many examples of those who showed willingness and served God. Willingness is characterized by accepting God’s will and being willing to follow His direction no matter what. This trait is expressed in the phrase: “here I am.” Spoken by many biblical figures at key points, this phrase should be our go-to response when God gets our attention.
A Personal Relationship
One way we can cultivate a willingness to say “here I am” is by developing a strong personal relationship with God. Mr. Sena gave the example of Abraham in the book of Genesis. Genesis 22:1-2 is the account of God asking Abraham to sacrifice Isaac—a very difficult test that Abraham did not want to do. But this verse shows Abraham’s response to God was purely humble and faithful, and God revealed that it was a test later on by allowing Isaac to live. Interestingly, Abraham even said “here I am” before he had even heard God’s request. Hebrews 11:17 says that Abraham offered up Isaac “by faith”—he trusted that God would work it out. Abraham was able to say “here I am” because he already had a strong personal relationship with Him, and knew that He would honor His promises.
Personal Hardship
Another way we learn to say “here I am” might be by learning lessons through personal hardship. One example of this is the story of Jacob. Jacob was a highly confident individual who tricked his father and brother. But he had been humbled after being tricked by his father-in-law, Laban. God then humbled Jacob further by taking him out of where he had been living, and back to the land of Canaan. There, he experienced the heartache of losing his son, Joseph, who he thought was dead.
In Genesis 46:2, God appeared to Jacob and told him not to fear—he would meet Joseph in Egypt, and would eventually bring them back to the land of Israel. Interestingly, Jacob’s response was identical to Abraham’s: before he had even heard God’s statement, he said “here I am.”
In his youth, Jacob had been a confident, smooth-talking individual. But a life of hardship and humbling from God had helped him get to a place where he could finally say “here I am.” This might be familiar to us sometimes—it’s easy to get satisfied or even overconfident with our ability to figure things out for ourselves. But just like Jacob, we can’t figure everything out ourselves. Sometimes God allows us to be humbled before He makes His will known—after He knows we’re reading to show willingness.
Unexpected Ways
Mr. Sena also reminded the students that God can make His will known in unexpected ways. How will we respond in those situations?
Giving the example of Moses, Mr. Sena pointed out that God did not appear to have had contact with Moses during the 40 years he lived in Midian. Moses had left his life behind and was living as a shepherd—and he may have thought that’s all there was to it. But, seemingly out of the blue, we find in Exodus 3:1-4 that something happened that would change Moses’ life once again. Happening upon the burning bush, Moses heard God’s voice call his name. Moses’ response was the same as his ancestors—before he even knew what God wanted, he responded with “here I am.” This unusual setting for God to communicate His will didn’t stop Moses from presenting a willing heart, and we shouldn’t be surprised when God shows up in unexpected ways in our lives either.
Anyone Can Be Willing
Another important point to consider is that anyone can show willingness—we shouldn’t wait around for the right time. Like the examples of Abraham, Jacob, and Moses, we should be ready to faithfully follow God even if we don’t know what He’ll require of us. God can call anyone He chooses, including young people or those without offices. Mr. Sena pointed out the example of young Samuel—before he was ever a prophet, God spoke to him in the night in 1 Samuel 3:1-14. Samuel, unsure of what he was hearing, still listened for God’s voice, telling Him: “Your servant hears.” God often calls and uses young people and children.
And in the New Testament, a miraculous healing was performed by a Christian disciple who never appeared to have ever held an office. Acts 9:3-17 tells of the story of Saul’s—later Paul—conversion. Stricken blind, God used Ananias—a humble Christian in Damascus—to heal and baptize Saul. Paul would become one of the most prolific and charismatic apostles who spread the Gospel across the known world, contributing greatly to our modern biblical canon. Ananias was never ordained and not much is known about him as a person, yet God used him in a small but important part of Paul’s story. While God made a unique exception in this case to fulfill duties reserved for the ministry, Ananias was willing to overcome his fear of Saul and to serve him by presenting himself before God as a humble servant.
How Can I Know God’s Will?
These examples and the lessons we can learn from them give us a template for how to respond when God makes His will known to us. But you may be thinking: I am just as willing and want to do the right thing, but I don’t know what God’s will is.
Sometimes, God doesn’t always make His will immediately clear—it can be difficult to tell what He’d like for us to do. And sometimes, we face choices between two things that are not inherently bad at all—both choices could be good, and the decision falls to us to make.
In general, we do know God’s will. We know He wants us to obey His word, follow the Ten Commandments, and stay focused on the Kingdom. There are fundamental things that we can know for sure, but the hang-up is often on specific things. What, you might ask, is God’s will for me?
Look For the Open Doors
Mr. Sena advised the students to look for the open doors. What doors and opportunities are open, or opening? If there is a smooth and consistent path forward that doesn’t require us to force our own will, we can be confident that God is blessing it. Sometimes we shut those doors or try to force our own way, but the results will not turn out well. But if we aren’t hitting hard spots, we can show willingness to follow God by walking through the doors He’s opening.
Seek Wise Counsel
It’s important to seek wisdom and counsel from those around us. Sometimes a choice isn’t necessarily between something good and something wrong—God might let us make a decision for ourselves. In those cases, it can be helpful to assess our priorities and seek advice from those who know us well. Proverbs 1:5 tells us: “A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.”
Fleece Test
In Judges 6:36-40, Gideon was trying to understand God’s will. He laid down a fleece of wool on the ground, and asked for God’s will to be made apparent in two steps—if it was God’s will for him to lead the Israelites, in the morning there would be dew on the fleece only and not on the ground; the next day, there would be dew on the ground but not on the fleece. God followed these steps to make it very clear to Gideon what he should do. While we don’t want to tempt or goad God, it seems that God didn’t mind being tested in this way. And after this step, Gideon did obey—if we ask for a sign and are given confirmation, will we show willingness by acting on that confirmation?
Getting on Track
We might also find ourselves on the other side. Maybe we’re facing a difficult question and we may not want to follow where God is leading us, let alone are we sure of what He’s doing. In that case, we can do two things to help us get back on track:
Ask God For Willingness
Pray to God to ask Him for a willing and humble heart to follow His will no matter what.
Fasting
Fasting will help us draw closer to God and develop humility.
Say “Here I Am!”
Throughout our lives, we will all face situations where God tests us, calls us to follow Him, or faces us with a decision. Our attitude should be one of humility and willingness to serve and follow Him, even if we don’t yet know what He might require of us. And while it might take time, we should continually cultivate a strong personal relationship with God and be receptive to His direction, as well as His correction. When God begins moving in our lives, our response should be a wholehearted and earnest “here I am!”
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.
https://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/himsan-prayer-2544994_1920.jpg12851920David Markopouloshttps://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/logo_basic-website-300x94.pngDavid Markopoulos2026-03-06 15:37:522026-03-06 15:38:59Mr. Phil Sena: Here I Am
