God Took Away the Impossible Burden

God Took Away the Impossible Burden

When Justin Cook volunteered as a Learning Leader with EduDeo Ministries, he expected to help others grow. But the experience shaped him just as deeply. 

Over four transformative days in the Dominican Republic, Justin (Director of Learning at Edvance) and fellow Learning Leader, Kevin Bouwers (Principal at Providence Christian School), joined Dominican Republic educators in exploring Christ-centred school culture. Together, they shared stories, prayed, and reflected on their leadership journeys, all within the framework of EduDeo’s mission: to support transformational education rooted in the Gospel. 

“We laughed, cried, and encouraged one another,” Justin recalled. “God’s presence was felt in real and powerful ways.” 

One standout moment came during an activity where participants mapped their professional journeys on posters. They were asked: What key events led you to your current leadership role in Christian education? As educators shared their stories, connections deepened, and God’s presence in each journey became beautifully evident. 

“It was exciting to see colleagues encouraged by the particular details of each other’s paths,” Justin said. “This was a living example of the ‘intersections’ we talked about—where heaven and earth meet, where God’s story intersects with ours.” 

The concept of “intersections” was a central theme throughout the workshop. Justin explained it as the overlap between God’s space and our space—fully present in Eden, broken at the fall, partially restored through Christ, and ultimately fulfilled at His return. This theological lens helped participants see their work not just as education, but as Kingdom-building. 

One of the most powerful moments came during a morning devotion centered on Ephesians 2:4–10, which speaks of God’s mercy and grace—freely given, not earned. The passage reminded participants that their identity is rooted in being God’s handiwork, not in striving to prove their worth. 

For one teacher, this message struck a deeply personal chord. 

“The burden of being a Christian often feels too heavy,” she shared during the workshop. “I constantly feel like I have to earn God’s love.” 

But through the devotion, and the workshop’s broader theme of “intersections” (where heaven meets earth) she experienced a profound reminder of God’s grace. 

“This helped me feel like God was taking that impossible burden away,” she said. “I felt free.” 

Her words reflected the heart of the workshop: that transformational education begins with inner renewal. When educators are reminded of God’s grace, they are empowered to extend that grace to their students, creating communities of hope and healing.