Wednesday, Sept. 17

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Student-initiated prayer
draws crowds
    
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[SEPT. 17, 2003]  Twenty-four students, nine parents and one teacher gathered around the flagpole at the Mount Pulaski Grade School this morning for what they called a “time of prayer and thanksgiving.”

Brent Grisham, a teacher at MPGS, said, “It seems like, more and more, the whole idea of prayer and religion is being thrown away by our society. This gathering is a testament to the kids in this community. It is important that they are willing to stand strong for their beliefs.”

As the students filed into the schoolyard, there was a sense of respect and significance for what this day means to them. Brandon Bailey, a fifth-grader at MPGS, said that students come for SYATP “because we all love Jesus.”

Seth Deibert, age 14, said, “It's easier being a teen Christian when you and your friends stand up together. We are making a statement.”

When asked how her non-Christian friends responded to this gathering, Rachel Robertson, age 14, stated, “They don't know about it.”

Parents at this gathering encouraged students to reach out to their peers. The group prayed corporately and individually for our nation, the school, teachers and student body.

One parent prayed thanks for “being able to worship God anytime and anywhere.”

Following the prayer gathering, students from the grade school as well as from the MP high school gathered at the First Christian Church for doughnuts and discussion. A total of 39 students participated in SYATP in Mount Pulaski.

 

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According to a WCIC report, Zion Lutheran Grade School in Lincoln had 50 students and 10 adults meet at the pole.

Gloria Morrow, secretary at Zion Lutheran Grade School in Mount Pulaski, said, “We don't need to set aside a special time to pray, because students pray in school here every day.”

Other local schools that had student-led prayer groups included the Hartsburg-Emden school district, students at Chester-East Lincoln, Lincoln Junior High and Lincoln Community High School. When contacted, no other Logan County schools acknowledged that there were any student-led prayer gatherings at flagpoles this morning.

Because of separation of church and state, many students and parents may not know that they have rights and freedoms to meet in prayer, even on the school grounds.

According to the SYATP website, there is no requirement to ask the administration or school board's permission to meet; however, it is wise and courteous to inform the administration about SYATP.

[Patricia Rankin]

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