Andrew Martin and his family are very happy in Quesnel.
Originally from South Africa, Martin has worked in the field of education for 20 years. In 2010 he left his position in an international school in the middle east to come to Canada.
Finding a job was his first priority and he found one, managing an apartment building in Whalley in Surrey.
“With God’s help that formerly run down building became one of the most successful in the area, with longterm tenants,” he said.
“But with God’s guidance I realized it was time for me to move on.”
The North Cariboo Christian School was looking for someone to fill in for their current principal who was on maternity leave – Martin applied.
“We’ve been all over the world since 2000 but of all the places we’ve been I’ve never experienced such friendliness as in Quesnel,” he said with a smile.
“People wave and greet you.”
Although Martin has been a Christian for a long time, he’s never had the privilege of teaching at a Christian school.
“Teaching is what I’m meant to do and it’s so refreshing to teach in this environment,” he said.
“We integrate a Godly view into our teaching and we see such a difference in students and families. I’ve heard so many heartwarming stories. I’ve seen challenging students flourish, teachers have the privilege of one-on-one with special needs students.”
For Martin, he says its so much more than just teaching, it’s God’s work.
“It’s not a job, it’s a calling for the staff. They believe in their hearts they’re doing God’s work.”
He added in all his previous teaching jobs, he’s never seen God at work, especially with regards to the prayer work.
“I’m so glad I’m in a country and community to see God’s face and talk openly and teach these values,” he said.
Even though Martin is just filling in for the principal, he’s excited to see where God will lead him next.
“We’ll see if we can stay or move on. We love the Cariboo; we love the community, the students, teachers – the school is like a family.”
For Martin, he admits he’s had other well-paid jobs and a lifestyle to match, but he’s never been happier.
“It’s the real world.”
North Cariboo Christian School is celebrating its 20th anniversary of operation. The school is accepting applications for all grades, kindergarten to Grade 9, for the 2014-2015 school year and welcome all interested families to come in for a tour of the facilities and learn about the accredited interdenominational Christian, Ministry of Education-approved curriculum. Contact 250-747-4417.