Prayer Diary

‘Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message…’ (Colossians 4: 2,3)

Developing Schools Work - 04/01/2009

Young people are probably closer to the good news about Jesus Christ when they’re at school than at any other time in life. Scripture Union shares a vision and offers support so that the gospel will be heard and seen in the lives of Christian pupils, school staff, parents, governors, schools workers and other school visitors – a true partnership.

SchoolsLive success SchoolsLive success

Sunday 4: Focus for today and throughout the week

A major part of Scripture Union’s schools ministry is carried out by volunteer workers, which is just as well because in England and Wales there are more than 27,000 schools. Their work is complemented by SU’s staff and Associate workers.

Monday 5

SchoolsLive, Scripture Union’s interactive website for leaders of Christian groups in schools, went live in September. It integrates with the SUPA Clubs and re:source websites, and enables school groups to organise and tailor sessions to suit any group, including those with little or no church background. School Christian groups are often key places of contact for such children and young people.

Tuesday 6

Teachers and other staff in schools carry great responsibility, and they deserve every support. Scripture Union works with organisations like the Stapleford Centre, the Association of Christian Teachers (ACT), and The Independent Schools Christian Alliance (TISCA) to provide support, but many Christians are not aware of what is available.

Wednesday 7

GIVE THANKS for the churches who work with the schools in their community: their partnership is welcomed. The week-in-week-out support their important ministry provides is valued by Christian staff and pupils. Education Sunday on February 8 is a good opportunity to highlight their work and offer prayer support.

Thursday 8

Encouraging students to run Christian groups helps them live their faith with courage and boldness. Young people can appreciate that following Jesus is not just a Sunday thing. Groups are great places of discipleship, allowing others to engage with the Bible. We’d love Christians in schools to catch a vision for running a group.

Friday 9

Scripture Union schools workers count it a privilege to work with children, but they have to be prepared for the unexpected, as Margaret Lilley discovered. After leading an assembly, one small boy wanted to talk about how his parents had broken up, and a girl told Margaret how her grandmother had died on the first day of her school year and ‘how it still hurts but it’s getting better’.

Saturday 10: International focus

Americas region: Regional work is coordinated by Paul Owen from Argentina. In his tireless travels Paul works with national staff and volunteers to grow existing movements in north and south America, and to foster new work in countries where Scripture Union doesn’t yet exist.