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.
Posts
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.
Crossword Puzzle 03/20/26
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.
Theme: Passover
Created using PuzzleMe’s crossword puzzle creator
Dr. John Cole: Business Strategy
Author: David Markopoulos | Living Education
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.
A Trip to the North Carolina Zoo
Author: David Markopoulos | Living Education
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.
A Visit to JAARS
Author: David Markopoulos | Living Education
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.
Mr. Marc Arseneault: Reaching the Nations
Author: David Markopoulos | Living Education
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.
Crossword Puzzle 03/13/26
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.
Mr. Michael Brown: Four Steps to Social Courage
Author: David Markopoulos | Living Education
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.