When I think of teachers partnering with Christ, a picture comes to my mind. She was the first in my large family to attend and complete college. She was the first of our family to leave the shelter of our small farm in southwestern Ohio, and head off to a far territory. I think my dad cried more than my mom as he bid farewell to his oldest daughter.

In my Daddy's mind there would never be a man good enough to marry his daughter, and then it happened. No, she wasn't whisked away by some gallant young man. She was not even betrothed to any eager suitor. What really happened was she accepted the call of the Man, Jesus. It was the call my parents had sacrificed to prepare her for. It was the call from a Man which none in my family could question. She was leaving home to become a teacher in a Seventh-day Adventist church school in the far-away state of New Jersey.

Was she ready to partner with Jesus Christ? I must say so. I remember her in our family worship circles as Daddy led out. I recall her service in our church when she became a teenager and leader of other young people. I remember the picture of her standing on the steps of our local church school with the other students enrolled.

I will never forget the day she boarded the train for Huntsville, Alabama, to attend Oakwood College. My dad had instructions for her about what to do when she reached Cincinnati and would then have to travel the rest of the way in a racially segregated train. This would mark the first time any of us had ventured into the southern United States.

I also am vividly reminded of Daddy driving Momma, my other sister and me to Huntsville years later to witness my big sister's graduation. Oh, it was such a proud day for all of us! The prayers of thanksgiving ascended to God from each. Her three older brothers were particularly proud of her for achieving what none of them had even attempted.

And so, when she entered her classroom to begin a career as a Christian teacher, there was no other partner except Jesus. Her students received the benefit of her spiritual upbringing, her tender and compassionate care for their needs, the strength and power from her strong connection to her Partner, and even the joy of her melodious singing voice.

I honor my beloved sister, Eileen Wright Lester, and all the many dedicated teachers in our school system around the world. Some of them shaped my life as they have also influenced others for the Kingdom of Heaven. How do they accomplish such an awesome task? It's because they walk with Jesus. God bless them every one.