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Editorial: Under the Influence

by Kevin Sims

Under The Influence

GOOD teachers can have a lasting effect on their pupils. I remember a favourite teacher of mine from when I was about eight or nine. Her name was Miss Law – her Christian name was Valerie, but I would never have thought of using it when speaking to her. She had big, wild, curly hair and when – in assembly – we sang a song with the line, ‘If I was a fuzzy-wuzzy bear, I’d thank you Lord for my fuzzy-wuzzy hair,’ every eye would turn to Miss Law and her hair.

It’s not just her hair that I remember Miss Law for. As a teacher she was inspirational. She helped me develop a love for writing, for reading, for nature, for music – things I still feel passionate about today. She encouraged me to be creative, taught me the value of hard work but also had time for a joke and some fun.

She’s not teaching any more but, in me and I’m sure in many other people she taught, her influence lives on.

The Salvation Army’s education work is one of its ‘hidden’ gems. Getting on for half a million pupils are taught in Salvation Army schools and institutions. You can add to that number people who come under the training programmes that form such an important part of many development projects. That’s a whole lot of influence!A quick glimpse through this issue of All the World provides an insight into many such schemes – Lieut-Colonels Dan and Helen Starrett write about the training given to help people raise funds for vital projects, Ruud Tinga’s article on a clinic in Paraguay speaks of raising awareness of domestic violence and family planning. They may not be schooling projects but education forms an integral part.

I read an interview with Michael W. Smith in Catherine, a magazine published by The Salvation Army’s Canada and Bermuda Territory. Here was this highly successful Christian singer and songwriter, a ‘superstar’ whose influence through his music has reached millions of people. Yet, when asked how he wanted to be remembered, he answered, ‘[As] a God-fearing man who loved his wife and kids well.’

I was impressed and quickly got round to thinking how I would like to be remembered. Sure, it would be nice enough to be remembered for being an editor, musician or writer but I think Michael W. Smith’s got his priorities right. My greatest influence should be on the people I know, starting with my family.

After that I’ve just got to hope that – like Miss Law and countless others like her – by being encouraging, thoughtful, fun, honest and, most of all, by being ‘me’ I can help other people be the best they can be.

In a sense, perhaps, we’re all teachers – though I, for one, am happy to admit I’ve still got a lot to learn.

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