Wednesday, January 20th

Have to do a little braggin' on Grace... Back in September Christian students and teachers around the country gathered around their schools' flagpoles for the annual "See You at the Pole" prayer initiative.
The response was so positive on her public school campus that Grace asked the kids if they wouldn't like to make it a weekly event... here's this morning's turn-out, and an article published in the local paper... Good work on a tough mission field, Grace!

Hats Off…

…to Grace Baxley, teacher at James Weldon Johnson Middle School, who facilitates student-led devotions every week “at the pole,” or in her classroom when weather is unpredictable.
It all began with See You at the Pole, a student-led, student-initiated movement of prayer that revolves around students praying together on the fourth Wednesday of September, usually before school and usually at the school’s flagpole. It involves students in elementary schools, middle/junior high schools, high schools, and colleges/ universities all over the world. Adults often pray in support of the students on campus by gathering nearby, at their places of work or worship, or at city halls.
When organizers in Texas in 1990 first challenged young people to meet on a common day to launch their school year in prayer, one of the concerns was how to help those who wanted to pray together find each other. It was noted that virtually every school has a flagpole, and it provided an easy-to-identify place to gather.
Baxley says at the beginning of the current school year about 45 students and eight staff members met at the school flagpole. Since there was such a good turnout, she suggested they meet every week, so they did. About 12 students meet regularly (as well as some teachers who have time), have a short devotional, then form a circle and join hands to pray. The meeting is student-led and voluntary; anyone can come and observe or participate.
The maturity and leadership provided by these 12- to 14-year-olds is amazing to Baxley. “They share concerns and support each other, talk about how to be a positive influence on those around them and encourage each other if they are having a rough day. They talk about showing understanding toward each other and their teachers and showing appreciation for the leadership of the school. I believe, while intangible, this all has a positive effect, and it does enrich the atmosphere of the school when students see teachers participate, and for teachers to see the kids involved.”
So our hats are off to this teacher, her peers, her students – and to the school administration – for a positive example in the community.