For Faith Baptist Bible College student teacher Heather Eby, the classroom has stretched far beyond what she ever expected—reaching all the way to Lima.
Pursuing a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Biblical Counseling, Heather has spent her student teaching experience both in Des Moines and internationally in Peru.
After graduation, she plans to get married in June and move back to the Des Moines area to begin teaching this fall. But her time overseas has already left a lasting impact on how she views education—and ministry.
Heather credits her preparation at Faith as foundational to everything she’s experienced in the classroom. “Faith takes you step by step,” she explains, “from being a nervous beginner all the way to licensure.”
More than just teaching strategies, she says the program helped shape how she thinks about education itself—how to view students, the role of parents, and how Scripture should influence every part of the classroom.
Those foundations became especially important during her time in Peru, where teaching came with unexpected challenges.
“The hardest part was the language barrier,” Heather shares. Building relationships didn’t come as easily when many of her students struggled to speak English. At first, that disconnect felt discouraging—but it also became an opportunity to grow in a new way.
“God showed me there are so many ways to show His love without words,” she says. Through her actions, tone, consistency, and care, she found ways to communicate what mattered most—even when conversation was limited.
One moment, in particular, stood out.
While teaching a Bible lesson about the fall of man and the importance of obedience to God’s Word, Heather had been praying that her students would not only understand the lesson, but truly desire to know more about God.
That day, something changed.
“Their attention was completely focused,” she recalls. “And they started asking really thoughtful questions.” What followed was an unexpected opportunity—Heather was able to share the gospel clearly with her students and they spent time discussing it, with full knowledge that many of them have not trusted Christ as their Savior.
“It was exciting to know that even as I leave, God will continue working that truth into their hearts,” she says.
Outside the classroom, some of the most meaningful connections happened in simple moments—like playing tag at recess, or “chipata,” as her students called it. “They love when teachers play with them,” she says. “It’s one way I could show them I cared.”
Through every challenge, Heather saw God’s faithfulness. “Even when it was discouraging, He gave joy and purpose,” she reflects. “He’s been answering my prayers and the prayers of those supporting me back home. I praise the Lord for His sustaining joy, strength, and love.”
For students considering education, especially internationally, Heather offers a perspective shaped by her experience: education is more than a career. It’s a tool.
“Whether in a classroom, at home, or in ministry, it’s something God can use wherever He takes you,” she says. With a global demand for teachers—especially English educators—she encourages students to view the degree not just as a job path, but as an opportunity to serve.
“It will always have purpose and potential when entrusted to the Lord’s will,” shares Heather.
From Iowa to Peru and back again, Heather’s journey is a picture of what it looks like to take what you’ve been given and use it wherever God leads.
One classroom, one relationship, and one faithful step at a time.
