Stories

When Anika Gerig launched a Global Awareness unit in her 5th-grade classroom, she had a clear
goal: to help her students grow in empathy, cultural understanding, and faith-filled action. What
followed was a powerful example of how students can make a meaningful difference for children
across the world.

Throughout the month of November, Ms. Gerig invited her Ada Christian School students to
participate in immersive learning experiences designed to help them understand global challenges
like hunger, clean water access, and spiritual needs. Through engaging activities, her Michigan
students were encouraged not only to learn—but to respond.

As part of this journey, the class partnered with Mission India, studying how Children’s Bible
Clubs introduce children in India to the hope of the Gospel.

For Ms. Gerig, the partnership was deeply personal. She said, “My grandpa has supported Mission
India for many years, and he has shared this passion with our family.” Global Awareness week was
a chance to pass on the legacy her grandfather passed down to her.

But that wasn’t the only reason she chose Mission India. Ms. Gerig loved teaching her students
about a “sustainable approach to mission work—empowering and equipping those who know the
people of India best.”

Soon, Ms. Gerig’s students turned their learning into faith-filled action. They raised funds that will
help children across India hear Bible stories, experience Christian community, and grow in faith—
all because of the missions-focused heart of their teacher and the legacy of her grandfather.

“I love that students can see how many people have been baptized from the Bible Clubs we’ve
sponsored, as well as how many prayer groups and churches have been started. This … allows us
to see the small impact we can make in our global community.”

– Ms. Anika Gerig