Meet Joshua Wareham

Serving the Lord in Nigeria

Birthday:

January 4

Knowing what to do with my life has always been a hard thing for me know. I’ve always gone back and forth in my mind wondering, “Is this what Christ wants me to do?” My first big decision was when I was working at Waffle House saving money for college. I was offered the position to be a manager when I graduated. Even though this was a great opportunity, I learned that being a manager in the food industry was not for me. I was studying at Valparaiso University my first two years in college, and I was really struggling with learning a foreign language for my major in communications. I barely passed my German I class and needed to pass German II if I was going to graduate with a degree in communications. I did not know what to do. I called my dad asking for advice on what I should do. He told me I should be a teacher. I changed my major to elementary education and did not have to pass a foreign language course. That was such a relief. I eventually transferred to Concordia University Chicago because I heard they had a fantastic education program, and they did. I learned so much there. When I did transfer, I wanted to graduate as soon as possible and go teach in a public school. I thought I would be able to transfer my credits and graduate in four years. Well, this did not happen. The classes that I needed did not fit into that schedule. No matter what I did, I would have to stay in college for five years. I was upset at first, but I decided to take theology classes to get a minor in theology while I was studying to be a teacher. When I graduated, I took my first call as a middle school English teacher at Faith Lutheran School Eustis.

It’s amazing how Christ worked through these events in my life to form me into a teacher in the Lutheran school system. I look back at how Christ has guided me to where I am now. He knows me better than I know me. He created a hunger in me, teaching others about Christ and His promises. He blessed me with many skills and talents that He has used to share His love with others. He has used me for His purposes and is now calling me to go to Jos, Nigeria to teach English Language Arts to middle schoolers and use me as His tool for His purposes there.

Prayer requests:

• For guidance and wisdom as Christ leads us.
• For patience and discernment when decisions come.
• For peace and protection to those sharing Christ’s love and promises.