FOCUS

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

— Philippians 4:6-7

PLEASE PRAY

• Pray for Oakdale principal Ashanti Bryant and kindergarten teacher Mrs. Padding as they both mourn the loss of dear loved ones.
• Pray for the GRCSA Board of Trustees members and GRCSA administration. Ask God to give them a spirit of courage and hope as they seek to form a vision for the future of Christian education in Grand Rapids.
• Pray that our greater school community may glorify God in the way we face these challenges. Please ask God to bless us in our efforts to make Christian education a vital and exciting part of our community. Pray that the Lord would give us innovative ideas and strategies to reinvent ourselves as an organization
• Pray for Oakdale parents involved in this process via task forces, the board, FOCUS, etc.
• Pray for our teachers and all of our kids as they finish an exciting, busy year
• Be the mouths, feet, and hands against stereotypes, prejudice, stigma, and racism that exist in pockets throughout Grand Rapids and that feed the hurt, the issues, and the spiritual climate of our city and our neighborhood.
• Pray for the Christian Reformed Churches and their commitments to Christian education. Pray that this passion be rebirthed in the hearts of all Christians as one of best ways to raise Christian leaders in God's world.
• Pray for families that are quietly facing the toughest of economic times and who want Christian education but just CANNOT afford it for their whole family anymore.

Unless the Lord builds the house,

Its builders labor in vain.

Unless the Lord watches over the city,

The watchmen stand guard in vain.

In vain you rise up early

And stay up late,

Toiling for food to eat –

For while they sleep he provides for those he loves.

— Psalm 127: 1-2

Read about other ways you can Take Action.