Grace International School has always been blessed with staff who serve with us for a season of their life. For some it’s for a year and for some it can be for ten. There is someone who has been here since GIS first opened its doors in 1999 and is retiring this coming June 2022—GIS School Director, Ajarn Jintana. With a hardworking spirit and humble attitude, she has been serving in leadership roles for over twenty years with steadfast dedication. In this month’s newsletter, she reflects on her years at GIS
Ajarn Jintana started working at Grace in 1999 as the School Manager and Principal before officially becoming the School Director two years later. From dealing with legal documents to meeting with local Thai authorities and high ranked officials, Ajarn Jintana makes sure that the school is able to build good connections and reputation—important factors in Thai society. However, Ajarn Jintana says that it hasn’t always been easy tackling the duties that come with the role. “Being the School Director comes with many challenges and there are times when I could have done better. However, I am thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow as a leader. I thank God for such an accepting and loving environment. Not just for staff, but also for students like my son. I am so glad that he was able to grow both academically and spiritually at GIS and now works here to give back to the school.”
Looking back at the school that she has dedicated her life to, Ajarn Jintana says, “Over the past 22 years, I have seen God move in amazing ways through GIS. Our students have reached out to the local community by teaching English at Thai schools, sweeping the streets, and doing activities with refugees at the border. We’ve given out first aid bags to struggling families and shared the Gospel to local Thais through community events and summer camps. Time and time again I’ve seen our diverse school come together despite our cultural differences to impact others.”
Ajarn Jintana has truly been with GIS since the very start, seeing all of its ups and downs. She concludes with, “Throughout the years, I have learned this: that God always has a good plan for His children. We just need to have faith and perseverance. The GIS community is a perfect example of this. By the grace of God, we have persevered in overcoming many obstacles in our path to be here at this beautiful campus.”
It is because of leaders such as Ajarn Jintana that Grace International School is able to serve international Christian workers for over two decades. We sincerely thank her for her dedication and service to the GIS community.
