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Paradigm

par·a·digm [par-uh-dahym] noun A framework containing the basic assumptions, ways of thinking, and methodology that are commonly accepted by members of a community.

Or you might say it means “That’s the way we’ve always done it.” 

The problem is, or course, is that sometimes paradigms shift – even when we don’t want them to.  And that’s where Operation Classroom finds itself today.  Like it or not, we’re in the midst of a paradigm shift, and the way we’ve always done it doesn’t work anymore. 

Take our SHIPPING program, for instance.  For a generation, we had the funding to ship just about anything that someone would send to the warehouse.  That funding as all gone away, and we’re now in a position where, unless shipping costs are covered, the things that people want to ship, we aren’t able to ship them (click on “shipping” above and scroll down to shipping costs” to see the “new paradigm” – actually, this isn’t new – we’re just in the place that we have to adhere to it.) 

The same is true of WORK/STUDY GRANTS.  In the past, we’ve been able to cover program costs, both here and in West Africa, out of other income streams.  Those income sources are no longer available to us – so we now to cover those costs from the sponsors themselves.  We don’t have the details worked out yet – we still have to work on this with our partners in West Africa – but rest assured it’s going to get more costly to support a student in West Africa (although still a LOT less than through some other Child Sponsorship programs.)  If you want to take advantage of the current $100.00 rate – do it NOW.  The cost is soon going to go up. 

Even the way we coordinate WORKTEAMS  is having to change. 
We can’t say that all if this is positive – but it’s reality.  And when reality changes (which it sometimes does) we either adapt to that new reality or we cease to exist.  We hope you’ll be patient with us as we adapt to the new reality.  Because it’s whole new paradigm. 

An Amazing Night of Memories

Joe and Carolyn Wagner, Bishops Yambasu, Innis and Coyner. Now THAT'S a load!!!

April 28th - proclaimed by Governor Pence as Operation Classroom Celebration Day across all of Indiana, saw an enormous amount of history packed into the Great Hall of St. Luke's UMC. Joe and Carolyn were recognized by the Governor as "Distinguished Hoosiers", and Indiana State Senator Pat Miller presented a Senate Resolution recognizing the profound impact that Operation Classroom has had on a generation of people - both in West Africa, and here in Indiana.

The Old, the New, and the Powers That Be
The Bishops with OCI Founders Bob Bowman and John Shettle, with new OCI Board Chair Mark Eutsler

Bob Bowman and John Shettle, the founders of Operation Classroom (along with Bishop Leroy Hodapp and Assistant to the Bishop Mark Blaising), gather to encourage Mark Eutsler, the new Chairman of the Board of OCI.


From the past to the present -
and Forward to the Future
The Bishops and Joe and Carolyn Wagner,
with new OCI Directors Bob and Sandy Coolman.

Where do we go from here? While April 28th was a night for remembering, it was also a time to take stock of where we are, and begin the process of moving into the future. The needs are just as great - but the circumstances have changed. Working with the United Methodist Conferences of Liberia and Sierra Leone, Operation Classroom Inc. here in Indiana takes on the challenge of moving into that future. It won't be easy - but:

Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.
Hebrews 12:1-2

 


New Overview of Operation Classroom

New Introductions to OC

Check out our new Slideshare introductions to Operation Classroom. Pass these links out to other people.

The Schools and Operation Classroom
View more presentations from Joseph Wagner

 

What is Operation Classroom
View more presentations from Joseph Wagner

Make a Difference with Student Work/Study Grants

Work/study grants for students are a critical need in all the Operation Classroom schools.

  • Many parents do not have the funds to send their children to school.
  • Some students are self-supporting and do not have the funds to pay the tuition. In some schools, as high as 80% of the youth are self-supporting.
  • The local annual conference does not have funds to provide scholarships.
  • In most schools Operation Classroom is the only source of outside assistance.

The grant is a partnership between you and the student. The student will work 3 hours per month at the school to maintain his/her work-study grant.

If you sponsor a youth, you will receive a picture and a bio of the student.

You can make your payment

1. by sending a check to the OC office
2. by sending a check through your church as an advance speical: 12922y
3. by using your credit card (click the Donate button to the right).

You may provide a grant in one payment, 2 payments or 3 payments.

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