I don't have anything against private Christian Schools. I think they are great and can serve a vital role in a church's vision and purpose. However, the vision and game plan of CSF has always been to impact our community through serving and volunteering in the public and private schools that do not have a Christian heritage or protocol.
Our schools are a huge mission field with thousands of kids who are in need of Jesus Christ. Our kids and teenagers face more difficult times than ever before when it comes to morality and doing the right thing. (When I say difficult...I am not talking about having to walk to school in the snow, not having computers, cell phones, etc.)
A recent study had this to say about our schools:
"Teenagers say drug problems at school are getting worse, and parents express doubts about ever making such schools drug free, a new study says.
The percentage of teens who say they attend high schools with drug problems has increased from 44 percent to 61 percent since 2002, and the percentage in middle schools has increased from 19 percent to 31 percent, according to the survey to be released Thursday by Columbia University’s National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse.
Four in five teens in high school told researchers they have witnessed the use, sale or possession of illegal drugs on high school grounds, or seen someone who was drunk or high on campus."
This is no time to run from the problem. We must attack it head on! You should know that our new Student Pastor has a vision and game plan to help impact our local schools. He has been on the Porter Ridge campus all summer getting to know coaches and students. Again, this year, we will be hosting the PR varsity football team at CSF for pre-game meals and devotions. He is also making plans to be able to get a positive influence at other schools.At our Vision Night 2007 I will reveal a new ministry plan that will give every person at CSF a time and opportunity to get involved in our schools.....we must do this! We must become a positive impact at the schools and serve the teachers and administration in helpful and creative ways. Of course, we will do this in ways that do not violate any rules.
We cannot afford to pull out all Christian leadership and influence and retreat to our own safe groups. We cannot just expect that unchurched kids are going to show up at our local churches for "youth group" or kid's ministry. We will need to make a impact where they are....the local schools.
Today, I have been invited to speak to a group of high school teachers. I was asked to come and hopefully encourage them to be more than just givers of knowledge but to be adults who help change a student's life forever. I love teachers and coaches....they don't get paid much but their impact on lives is greater than most professions. CSF has always been a supporter of local school teachers and coaches! At Vision Night 2007 you will hear how we are going to ramp that up to new and unheard of heights!
Last thing....today marks 30 years since Elvis died! I was only six years old but I still remember my mom crying on that day. I am not much into music...But I do think Elvis was one of the best ever!
