Needed: Champions for the Next Generation

We were meant to live in community.  From the very beginning, it was God’s design for man to live with others: “then the Lord God said, it is not good for the man to be alone.  I will make a helper who is just right for him.” (Genesis 2:18).  These last few months of social distancing have certainly made us appreciate God’s design for community.  We miss our extended families, our friends, and our community.  Waving to one another from a distance just doesn’t seem to be enough.  We want connection, and we need connection.  So how can we stay connected as a church family during this extended season of separation?  I think I have an idea!We are coming up on what is normally one of my favorite times of year—the start of a new school year!  My teacher heart gets excited and energized by the idea of a new beginning.  But this year, the start of the school year looks vastly different.  Instead of excitement and joy, there is uncertainty and fear.  Decisions need to be made, yet none of them seem to be right.  We are looking to each other for answers, yet no one seems to have them.  But one thing I am confident we have is God.  He is with us as we navigate these decisions during a season of unknown.  He sees our worries and fears—no matter how big, small, seen, or unseen they are.  When we talk to God, He hears us.  And He not only hears us, but He will provide us with wisdom, comfort, and peace as we move through this time.  That is the power of prayer, and that leads me to my idea…For the last year, as our backpack blessing has grown, I’ve been praying about ways that we can expand upon the blessings we extend to our children as they head back to school.  I wanted the prayers to continue beyond just one Sunday—our children and families need prayer every day.  And surely I’m not the first person to think of this—and I was right!  Someone had the same idea years ago.  The Pray For Me Campaign is a way that we can build connection among the generations in our church community, even while social distancing.  Here is how it works:*One to three adult believers become Prayer Champions and commit to a year of prayer for one student or family.  The student or family also prays for their prayer champions.Simple!  Prayer is something we can do anytime, anywhere.  It can be done while maintaining social distance.  Though simple in plan, our prayers can have tremendous impact on the next generation.  It is an opportunity for us to come together before the Lord—even when we cannot come together on Sunday mornings.If you are interested in participating in this project, as a Prayer Champion or as a family wanting a team of Prayer Champions, look for information in the coming weeks on how you can get involved.  “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6