Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love the pleasure and challenge of trying to select a gift for a family member or friend. I enjoy the beautiful lights and other decorations. It is too easy to get lost in the busyness of the season and to forget the real meaning of Christmas. It is the celebration of Jesus’ birth and the reason why He came to earth as a man to die for the sins of mankind. What a gift!
Several experiences at Newark Christian School (NCS) related to prayer come to mind. One student, Janet*, whom I have known since second grade was sent to the principal’s office for an ongoing problem with completing her homework. She is now in the eighth grade. Janet was upset. Although I was not able to pray with her at that time, I did have an opportunity to the next day. I felt that she was pleased that I wanted to pray for her and that it helped me to build a relationship with her. I had another occasion to pray for her when she was not feeling well.
I was led to pray for the entire middle school at another time. One of the middle school teachers, Mr. Rose, had conducted a lesson after a long walk with the class on the streets of Newark. They talked about the variety of persons and situations they saw. The problems besetting the urban community of Newark, including drug addiction, were discussed.
I asked the middle school teachers if I could take a moment to pray for the students. I was struck by the realization of how difficult it is for these students to cope with the societal problems with which they have to deal each day, particularly in their environment. I asked the Lord to build a protective hedge around these students who deal with many negative situations and influences. Please join me in praying for our students at NCS and their families.
I continue to enjoy working with the students and teachers. Our new teachers in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and middle school were an answer to prayer. Your participation in the ministry through financial support is needed and greatly appreciated. Your prayers are a blessing. May the joy and peace of Jesus be with you and your family this Christmas season and always!
*Name changed for privacy.
