TEACHER SPOTLIGHT
Rachel Damstra’s story at Zeeland Christian school started long before her teaching days began. Having once walked the halls of this school as a student herself, she has first-hand experience of God’s amazing work in this school and community. Growing up, attending ZCS played a significant part in her faith walk and journey to knowing and loving God. Regularly attending church, she made her profession of faith around 14 years old. But it wasn’t until a few years later that she went on a mission trip with a friend that ignited her true passion of faith. Rachel’s love for mission work continued with trips to Romania, Mexico, New Orleans, and more. She developed a deep desire to serve God and others through the dedication of her time and hard work.
One of Rachel’s greatest joys in teaching has been getting to witness the student-led support of one another. Seeing how the kids share, help, and come together never fails to amaze her. Having never thought she would end up teaching, Rachel couldn’t envision herself doing anything else. She may have had to travel across the world for God to show her this, but coming home to Zeeland Christian School made her journey that much more special.
Rachel Damstra
Later, Rachel found herself being called toward social work while attending college in Chicago. Due to a lack of openings in the program, she found herself faced with an opportunity to participate in a mission to South Africa. The trip was with an organization called Youth With a Mission, YWAM. During this six-month life-changing journey, Rachel had a specific event occur that would alter her entire path in life. The song, “Oh How He Loves,” by David Crowder had always been particularly meaningful to Rachel. This song deeply resonates with her, but it was also something she had never shared with anyone. While attending an event, a speaker singled her out of a crowd and felt compelled to play this song. It was evident that God was at work, speaking His truth into her heart. She realized she was on a journey of seeing the magnificent ways that our powerful God works when He shuts doors but opens others. It was during this time that Rachel believed God was leading her heart toward teaching. Upon returning to the United States, Rachel enrolled in the teaching program at Calvin. When the time came to start her career, God opened another door, allowing herself back where her journey began all those years ago, at ZCS. Rachel is now in her 4th year teaching. She taught 4th grade for three years and is currently teaching 3rd grade. Rachel has been married for three years to her husband Ben and has a beautiful one-year-old daughter, Aliyah. Fall 2019 | 7
