There are thousands upon thousands of
Christian educators in our public schools who are quietly thinking they are
alone. Many are scared that they will lose their jobs if there is any evidence
of their Christianity while others feel like they are the only ones on their
campus who love the Lord. Because there is so much misinformation about
religion in the public schools, it is often a topic that no one wants to touch
with a ten-foot pole. The reaction is typically, “You can’t talk about that here.” The good news is that we want our
Christian educators to be Jesus
in the public schools. There is no need to fear when you treat people that way
Jesus would. Perhaps the best way to understand the power of walking your walk
at school is to go on a retreat with other teachers. I had the privilege of
bonding with the Hill Country Educators for Christ this weekend at a retreat at
the Haven River Inn in Comfort, Texas.
The
Hill Country Educators for Christ are a dedicated group of teachers who are
reaching educators for Christ: to encourage them to recall and renew their
passion and purpose; to help strengthen and support each other in our mission
as educators. We had a weekend long
spiritual journey into prayer, the Word, creative projects, journaling,
prayerwalking at the river’s edge and yummy food all wrapped in an environment
of beauty and peace. Thank you so much to the planning team and the 19 new
sisters I have who are pumped to go back to school with a renewed sense of
grace.
Being a Christian educator in the private and
public schools Is a high calling. If you are feeling like you are alone at your
school, begin praying for a prayer partner. Consider inviting a few colleagues
to form a prayer group before school starts or after school. This is a legal as
gathering on your own time to plan a baby shower, a gathering for relaxation or
any other opportunity to get together with those who share a common interest. I
encourage you to take the high road and begin the process with the 1:16PM Prayer Movement for this school
year. Learning to pray discreetly, reverently and silently for your school
community is the foundation to growing relationships and the power of grace
over your classroom and school.
Grace and peace to you as we
close out summer vacation 2013 and gear up for the 2013-2014 school year.
Prayerfully dependent,
K
PS. We are asking you to
practice 1:16PM this summer. For the 2013-2014 school year, we are asking every
Christian in the public schools to stop and pray at 1:16PM. Based on Romans 1:16 - For I am not
ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to
everyone who believes; first to the Jew, then to the Gentile, we believe that this movement can be in
every public school in America. The key is reverence and discretion. For more
information, visit www.one16pray.com. Help us spread the
word to your sphere of influence.
Note: To more fully understand the 16-9 Movement, please read the first blog
entry by clicking here.
Christian Educators
Association International is the only professional
association in the United States specifically for Christian educators
in public schools. CEAI protects our members first in prayer,
next with excellent professional liability insurance and other benefits
while helping them live out their high calling as a Christian in the
public school.
