Making A Difference Through Prayer

Every Monday morning for the last year, Rod, Ben and Mario have met to pray. They are Christian teachers who currently make up part of the 4th- 5th grade teaching team at Avaxat Elementary. They are especially committed because this prayer time has helped them get through unexpected events in their personal lives during the school year. “The Guys” were praying when Ben’s wife went to the hospital with an attack of appendicitis just after delivering their third child. They were also involved in praying specifically for Mario’s Father, who accepted Christ, just before he died. Mario’s mother and brother accepted Christ at the same time as his Father. Through this, Mario got to see a few of his lifelong prayers answered! When I met up with them in May, one of them jokingly admitted that they “almost” look forward to Monday morning prayer times more than Friday afternoons! That’s saying a lot for a teacher.
This group of prayer warriors became known at the school as they invited others to join them. A principal visited one meeting and asked them to pray for the needs of his own children. One parent even requested these teachers to pray with her son and daughter during lunchtime the day they got the news about their grandfather’s passing. It was a great comfort to these students to know that God understood and was caring for them in their time of sadness. God has truly been honoring the efforts of these teachers who are making a difference through prayer.

No Longer Alone

Through feedback from teachers who attend the Daniel Institute weekends, we are discovering that Christian teachers feel alone in much of their work. Christian Educators Association (CEAI) is a professional membership for Christian teachers which offers professional liability insurance, prayer networks, free legal consultation, a magazine and newsletters discussing current events in education, local seminars on legal rights and many internet resources. We want to spread the word that teachers have support for themselves and in reaching their school for Christ.

In November we presented a workshop for my older sister’s Sunday School class which included important information for teachers and parents who have kids in public schools. Since Susan participated in the second Daniel Institute Weekend, she shared with the class how much it had encouraged her. I spoke about the ministry of Released Time Christian Education and how it can help Christian teachers identify other Christians in their school. Forrest Turpen, our Regional Director, discussed opportunities for teachers to talk about Christ using the curriculum and standards set by the State Board of Education.

Some teachers have been intimidated and told that they cannot have a Bible on their desk. Many of them think they are not allowed to pray with another teacher before school or during their lunch hour but that is not true. Students can pray in class during non-instructional time, if they choose. They can read their Bible after finishing their homework. They are free to share their beliefs in assignments, as long as the guidelines of the assignment have been met. These liberties are based on freedom of speech, religious freedom and equal access laws. CEAI staff make themselves available to support teachers. There is such a need Christian teachers in public schools that we must empower as many as we can for the task that God has called them to do.