OACS News Service

Wallaceburg Christian School commits to week of prayer
School community joins together to offer thanks, put forward requests
Friday January 29, 2010 -- Michelle Strutzenberger
Wallaceburg Christian School dedicated Jan. 25-29 to pray as a school community.

Board member Dale Maris says the idea for the week of prayer was generated several months ago when the school faced a dire financial situation, as well as other challenges.

“The idea was put forward to redouble our efforts in prayer and then to come together collectively for a week of prayer,” says Maris.

Since that time of crisis, the school’s financial situation has greatly improved, prompting a shift in the focus of the week to giving thanks.

“That time when we get together will be a time of giving thanks to God,” says Maris, speaking to OACS News prior to the event. “Rather than asking Him for the showers of blessing, we’ll be giving thanks for the showers that have come.

“First and foremost, it’s a recognition that God is sovereign,” he adds, speaking to the purpose of the week.

“God has had His hand on this school in years past and will continue to do so, and so we’re coming together collectively to sacrifice just a bit of our time . . . and say thank you.”

As with any school community, Wallaceburg Christian School has various concerns, which were to be presented in prayer as well.

In addition, the school was to pray for the broader community, including other schools in the area.

Board members were encouraged to spend part of at least one of the days of the week praying at Wallaceburg Christian School.

Other members of the school community were also welcomed to come to the school and join in the prayer efforts, which they could do in any of several ways, from praying at the back of classrooms while classes were in session to walking the school grounds in prayer.

Families were also to receive calendars identifying prayer items for each day of the week so that those who couldn’t join in at the school could at least participate from home.

“The important thing is that the prayer happens, whether it’s collectively or individually, whether it’s here or in home,” says Maris.

Speaking to the value of committing to prayer as a community, as opposed to simply tackling an action plan, Maris says it can be a powerful tool for building the school community.

It is also the way to demonstrate a recognition of the school community’s dependence on God, thereby strengthening the relationship they have with Him, says Maris.

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