Today, I met a Christian. His name is Kevin.
Kevin is a principal at an inner-city High School in Oakland, CA. His school facility can accommodate about 1,000 people but only 200 students attend because most of them have opted to transfer out of the district. Last week seven people were shot just outside the campus. One of those victims is a one-year old baby who was shot in the head but survived after being put on life support. Within this environment, Kevin and his teaching staff is attempting to have a positive impact on the kids and community. Let that sink in for a moment.
I asked Kevin if he had any experience working with Teach for America, a two-year program that allows people from any profession to teach and impact local schools. He shared this story:
A few years ago I had four Teach for America teachers on staff. I thought it would be a good idea to take them on a walk around the neighborhood to understand the community better. While we were out, we witnessed a murder. Right there in front of us. That’s the sort of neighborhood we live and work in! They certainly got a first-hand view of the neighborhood! They were traumatized. Three of the four teachers stayed on to complete the year and one went home.
After hearing this story and after recovering from what I had just heard, I asked Kevin the question you’re wondering right now, “How do you do this job every day?!” His response was quick and clear, “I have faith in God. There’s no way I could do it any other way.” Actually, it was Kevin’s first year as a principal (now 6 years ago) that led him to be baptized and put his faith in Jesus. He said his faith is more about necessity than personal reward. Without it he could not do what he does. It’s the very same thing I’ve heard from friends serving the refugees in Burma. Faith in God is a necessity for life, itself, when it’s the only thing that gets you through the day.
As I drove back to the airport tonight, the radio in my rental car caught my attention. The newscast gave an update about a shooting that occurred in Oakland last week. The parents of a one-year old baby who had sustained head injuries decided to take the child off life support this afternoon. I thought about Kevin and his community, the school and what these parents must be going through. So devastating and senseless. But this is not rare in Oakland, CA.
Kevin, if you read this post, I want you to know “You are the light of the world.” “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness will NOT overcome it.” Thanks for shining your light this afternoon, Kevin. Blessings to you as you shine in Oakland and inspire others, like me, to do the same.
-Russ
