(Parts 1 & 2 stories: I was teaching in a Christian high school in N’Djamena, the capitol of Chad, when civil war erupted. The teachers and students all had to flee the city. I had a traumatic time getting my younger sister and two brothers out of the city, along with my aunt, cousins, older sister, and my sister’s seven children. We fled 350 miles south to my parents in my hometown.)
When we finally reached Moundou, people were fighting there, too. Everything was shut down throughout the country. Soldiers were shooting civilians, raping the women, extorting food and money, and plundering the goods and property of fleeing refugees.
Losing the school
We completely lost the school term from February to November, but we thought it was important for the students to get their education even with war going on. We believed education would be the solution to end the war in Chad. If people are educated, we thought, then they can learn to sit down and talk about what is good for the country instead of just killing each other.
Re-opening the school
Because of the fighting still going on in N’Djamena, we transferred the school to a village down south. Then we had to call all our students back to open the school. We made announcements over the radio to try to contact them. They didn’t all come back because of the whole dangerous situation. It was hard for parents to let their kids go away. But some came back, and we started the school.
The teachers’ financial sacrifices
All the teachers made sacrifices to keep the school going. The financial situation was hard. What little money we could collect every month, we divided among us. Each received the same amount. It was not that great, but we shared and made sacrifices to make it possible for the school to continue.
The teachers’ personal sacrifices
Many of the students had no one to take care of them and no money to pay for housing or food. So each of the teachers took care of two or three students. They lived with us, and we met their expenses. I had three kids with me. It was important for me to help those kids keep going in their education. I knew that without support, they would have to drop out.
I’m happy I did that for those kids. Today one of them is a high school teacher. Another one is married with children, and a third one is working as a telecommunications technician.
Restoring the school
The school is still in operation today back in N’Djamena. All their buildings survived, although they were damaged – all the roofs were gone, and so were all the doors, windows and equipment. The church rebuilt everything.
The ancient example
“All the believers were of one heart and mind, and they felt that what they owned was not their own; they shared everything they had” (Acts 4:32 NLT).
Today’s prayer
Dear God, thank you for sending a spirit of love and cooperation to this group of teachers and students so that they were able to work in harmony. Please work in the hearts of the Chadian people so that they will be willing to cooperate with each other to maintain order, freedom of speech and freedom of religious belief in their country. Amen.
Resource: BBC’s timeline for Chad 1946 to 2017, with pictures: https://grondamorin.com/2017/04/30/bbcs-timeline-for-chad-africa-from-1946-2017/
Reflections for Parents in April, Week Two: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
4/12/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Helping Kids with Math: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
4/5/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Reflections for Parents in April, Week One: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
4/1/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Trouble -- the doorway to God's Kingdom: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/25/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Honey Tree: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/23/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Watching for the Positives: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
3/21/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Give Your Children Sticky Minds: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
3/15/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
The Law of Kindness: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/12/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Laura Jane Cerling
Eyes in the Lookout: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/10/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Glen A Hinshaw
Focusing on the good stuff: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/5/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Joe Herman
The Grumble Family: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/3/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Anonymous
Being a Better Parent...One Week at a Time...in March
2/28/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Henry O. Flipper: a black history month story from the Story Powerline
2/24/2021 3:33:00 PM by: Randy Limbird
Preparing to Raise Teens: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
2/18/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Neighbor Love: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/17/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
No Matter What, I Love You Every Day: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/14/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers and Robert G Cerling
Mental Maps: a faith based story on love from the Story Powerline
2/10/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Putting Myself in the Love Chapter: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/8/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Erik Powers
Reading to Babies: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
2/5/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Being a Better Parent....One Week at a Time...in February 2021
2/1/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Resolving the Past: a faith-based story from the Story Powerline
1/22/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Sharon Withers as told to Becky Cerling Powers
God Sets the Lonely in Families: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
1/21/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Sharon Withers as told to Becky Cerling Powers
Keep Trying: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
1/13/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Laura Jane Cerling
Hooray for Mother Goose! Parenting Insights from the Parent Powerline
1/5/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Being a Better Parent....One Week at a Time...in January 2021
1/2/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Working With -- Not Against -- Life Seasons: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
12/28/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Why Play With the Kids? parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
12/21/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Breaking Barriers with Kindness: a faith based Christmas story from the Story Powerline
12/10/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Laura Jane Cerling
Shoe Shine Boy: a faith based Christmas story from the Story Powerline
12/4/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Ruben Fierro as told to Maria Luisa Navarro
Slow Down for Christmas: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
12/1/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Ruth & Boaz, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
11/12/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Maria Luisa Navarro
Ruth & Boaz, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
11/9/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Maria Luisa Navarro
Enemies No More, Part 2: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
10/30/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Enemies No More, Part 1: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
10/28/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Double Minded Doggie: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
10/22/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
The Father's Blessing: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
10/13/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Dad's Green Packard: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
10/10/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
Hill of Woman's Fidelity: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
10/1/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
In Praise of Naps: tips from the Parent Powerline
9/28/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Music Enriches the Family: tips from the Parent Powerline
9/10/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Pre-School at Home During Covid-19: tips from the Parent Powerline
8/21/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Parenting in the Mess: Tips from the Parent Powerline
8/16/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
The Way We Homeschooled, Part 1 Balance: from the Parent Powerline
8/4/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Grandpa Thure Cerling, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
8/4/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Grandpa Thure Cerling, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
8/4/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Temptation: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
7/23/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Glen A. Hinshaw
TALK: A Simple Way to Help Kids with School: tips from the Parent Powerline
7/21/2020 9:00:00 PM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Honest Abe Lincoln: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
7/14/2020 11:00:00 PM by: Randy Limbird
The Most Conscientious Hunter I Ever Met: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
6/24/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Glen A. Hinshaw
Washing Feet: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
6/17/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers and Lee Merrill Byrd
No Parking: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
6/10/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Ruby Bridges, part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
6/3/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Ruby Bridges, part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
6/2/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Raising Fluent Readers: tips from the Parent Powerline
5/29/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Unwanted Baby: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
5/26/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Eileen as told to Becky Cerling Powers
Family Funnies: Tips from the Parent Powerline
5/22/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Joey's Letters: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
5/21/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Lee Merrill Byrd
Alzheimer Valley: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
5/13/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
New Bride Confusion: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
5/12/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Amaris Luz, Light from Darkness: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
4/28/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Lee Merrill Byrd
Losing Poetry: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
4/22/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Let Kids Cure Their Own Boredom: Tips from the Parent Powerline
4/15/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Naaman, Rich in Money and Presumption: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
4/14/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs and Becky Cerling Powers
David, Bathsheba & Psalm 51: a faith based story story from the Story Powerline
4/9/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
The Hundred Chart: math lesson tips from the Parent Powerline
4/8/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
The Beer Would Call Me: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
4/7/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Beatriz Balcort as told to Becky Cerling Powers
Turned Around: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
4/2/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Brian Bolton with Becky Cerling Powers
Toddlers Helping During COVID-19 and Beyond: tips from the Parent Powerline
4/1/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Elijah & the Captain of 50 Men: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/31/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
Fear in Residence: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/24/2020 10:00:00 PM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
Household Management During COVID-19 Time: tips from the Parent Powerline
3/23/2020 10:00:00 PM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Dreaming of Anita Jo: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/12/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
No Complaint Dinners: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/10/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Laura Jane Cerling
DIY Plumbing: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/5/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Jennifer Cummings
A Brother's Love: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/3/2020 7:00:00 AM by: Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
My Two Dads, part three: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/27/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
My Two Dads, part two: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/26/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
My Two Dads, part one: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/25/2020 7:00:00 AM by: Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
Grandma's Apron: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/20/2020 12:45:00 PM by: Jennifer Cummings
Colors of the Beetle: a retold faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/13/2020 12:00:00 PM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Cantaloupe Crop Disaster: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/5/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Glen Hinshaw
Afraid to Sleep at Night (Psalm 91): a faith based story from the Story Powerline
1/22/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
How the Camel Got His Hump: a retold faith based story
1/13/2020 10:00:00 PM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Growing Up With Polio: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
1/9/2020 10:01:00 PM by: Laura Jane Cerling
All Things Bright and Beautiful: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
1/7/2020 6:20:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers, poem by Cecil Frances Alexander
One Dollar for a Donut: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
1/1/2020 6:00:00 PM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Star of Wonder
12/26/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
The Shepherds
12/24/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
Mary and the Angel
12/18/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
Zechariah
12/17/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
Christmas Cookies: a a faith based story from the Story Powerline
12/10/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Laura Jane Cerling
First Thanksgiving, Part 2: Beginning in Weakness (a faith based story)
11/28/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Rami Scully
First Thanksgiving, Part 3: Gifts & Gratitude (a faith based story from the Story Powerline)
11/28/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Rami Scully
First Thanksgiving, Part 1: Enduring the Sea Voyage (a faith based story)
11/27/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Rami Scully
Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 3: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
11/22/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Néaouguen Nodjimbadem as told to Becky Cerling Powers
Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
11/19/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Néaouguen Nodjimbadem
Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
11/12/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Nodji (Néaouguen Nodjimbadem) as told to Becky Cerling Powers
Preventing Parent Burnout: from the Parent Powerline
11/4/2019 5:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Grandma Time: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
11/1/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Jennifer Cummings
Safe Amid Snakes and Semi-Trucks: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
10/30/2019 3:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
The Love & Diaper (Nappy) Connection
10/25/2019 6:30:00 PM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Avon Perfume Surprise: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
10/22/2019 7:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Saving Butterscotch: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
10/16/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Karen M. Pickett Ward
The Patient in Room 116: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
10/8/2019 9:10:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
Belshazzar: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
10/2/2019 6:45:00 AM by: Retold by Paula Kortkamp Combs
My Mysterious Relative & the Missing Paycheck: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
9/26/2019 3:17:00 PM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Keeping in Touch with Cousins: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
9/24/2019 3:20:00 PM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
How the Ostrich Got His Long Neck: a faith based retold story from the Story Powerline
9/9/2019 3:49:00 PM by: Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
When Life Goes Up in Smoke: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
8/20/2019 3:28:00 PM by: Glen A. Hinshaw
