challenges for substitute teachers

Not Forgotten

Substitute teachers can face many challenges. Sometimes they can be taken
advantage of or be the recipients of some student pranks. Some substitute
teachers, however, are deeply respected and make a profound and lasting
influence on the lives of their students. Jose Villaruel, affectionately
known as "Mr. V" by his students, was one of those beloved substitute
teachers in the Fontana (CA) Unified School District.

One of Mr. V's former students, Steven Nava, recently re-connected with his
former teacher. Nava has many good things to say about Villaruel. He said
Villaruel always acted like a "family figure" to his students.
"[Villarruel] was just someone that kind of wanted you to stay on and guide
you on that right path." Nava added: "Mr. V has influenced [me] . to be a
better person. He's taught me to have that drive and that 'never give up'
attitude whenever facing a struggle in my life and that's what's helped me
be the person I am now."

Those powerful lessons from his teacher were re-emphasized when Nava was
recently reunited with him in Fontana. Nava saw Villaruel rummaging in his
car, recognized him, and stopped to ask how he was doing. Mr. V, now
77-years-old, opened up to his former student about his struggles. He had
been living in his car for the past eight years trying to make ends meet.
The pandemic had made his situation worse because he had not had
opportunities to work as a substitute teacher to supplement his Social
Security income. He had been sending most of his money to help care for his
sick wife who was living in Mexico.

Nava, 21-years-old, was heartbroken to see his beloved teacher going through
such a difficult time and vowed to help. Nava created a GoFundMe account
and asked his followers on social media to help Mr. V. In just a few days,
thanks to the generosity of people throughout the world, Nava was able to
raise $27,000 for Villaruel. He presented a check for that amount to Mr. V
on his 77th birthday. With the money, Villaruel was able to pay off some
debts and prepare to return to his family in Mexico.

When we were destitute and alone due to our sins, Someone came to our
rescue. That Someone was Jesus, the Son of God. He paid our sin debt by
dying on the cross for our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21). He invites us into
His family in which we can be under the watchful care of the Father and
enjoy fellowship with other members of God's family, the church. When our
situation is bleak and hopeless due to our sin, Jesus offers grace and life,
eternal life.

God will save, add to His family, and give eternal life to those who place
their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in
repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and
are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).
He will continue to cleanse from sin and prepare for a heavenly home those
who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7-9).

Alone and struggling because of sin, we have not been forgotten. God loves
us and desires to save us. And He will, if we will only submit our lives to
Him in trusting obedience.

-- David A. Sargent

* Information gleaned from "California substitute teacher living in car gets
surprise $27,000 check on 77th birthday from former student" by Daniella
Genovese, www.foxnews.com.