On One Middle School Campus in One Little Town

We are so used to hearing disturbing stories coming from our campuses.  Let me share with you one that is absolutely bringing joy to my heart, TODAY.

Last year as a seventh grader, my son Brooks read an article in Ignite Your Faith Magazine (put out by Christianity Today/Campus Life) about kids starting Christian groups on their campuses.  He came to me and said, "Dad, I think I want to do this."  (Brooks had no idea that twenty years ago I worked for Youth for Christ running and starting Campus Life clubs on high school campuses.)  It was totally him responding to the nudge of the Spirit. 

He went to school and found out that in this day and age that even starting a student-run club is harder than it looks.  He talked to a teacher who said she would support him, but ultimately the district policies blocked the way.

But he didn't let it go.  He just kept praying about it.  For a year now, frankly.

Over time, more and more folks heard about Brooks' idea.  He let some of his friends from another local church in on the idea and they kept praying about it.  Some local members of the Moms-in-Touch group told Brooks they were praying for him. And Brooks thought it was time to try again.

So, Brooks made an appointment to go to the principal (by himself, mind you) and ask for permission.  I asked several people to quietly pray for this meeting.  Pastors in my covenant group, my Session at church, team members who went with Brooks and me to Malawi last year, a missionary from Africa, even a Vice-President at World Vision.  And they prayed. 

But the principal reiterated the policies.  No student run clubs unless they are directly affiliated with the school.  We were disappointed.  But we kept praying. Beth and I met the principal at "Back to School Night" and thanked her for meeting with Brooks. She was gracious and very complimentary of our son.  And we kept praying.

The next week, the principal wrote me back to tell me that when she went over the policies again, she found out that while the kids couldn't use a classroom, they could use the library.  And she suggested that they use a section of the library that is often NOT used during lunch--the research area.

Brooks wrote her on email and secured permission. He started a weblog to tell other kids about it.

So today, at lunch, The Lighthouse will have their first meeting.  A bunch of middle school kids all meeting for the purpose of learning about Jesus, "the light of the world" (John 8:12) and how they, as followers of Jesus can  "let their good deeds shine out for all to see" (Matthew 6:16) and make their school a better place.

Give praise to the God who answers our prayers and ask him to bless these young leaders as they seek to live out their faith for him. 

Update after school on Friday:  I met my beaming son after school. 15 kids showed up, the librarian had even reserved the tables for them (thank you to whomever got that to happen), he shared a scripture, they talked about the group and he led them in prayer to close.  It was a good day.  We celebrated with some frozen yogurt and he's already making plans to have a leaders meeting at our house. If you want the "teen version" of this report, you can find it at Brooks' blog.

(I'll return to my current "Green God" posts next time.  This news was too good not to share.)

Comments

[Derek Simmons]

Tod:
"...We were disappointed. But we kept praying...." Powerful.

Praise God for Brooks and his friends--and for his Mom and Dad; and for a Faith that keeps His Own praying through disappointment.
Your Brother in Christ,
Derek

[Nanci Messner]

How Wonderful! It gives me faith that God can and does exist on our campus. With all the talk of removing God from places where he is need the most this is a blessing to our little town. Thank you Brooks for your thoughtness,faith, and perseverance and I will pray your group grows to many! God Bless, Nanci

[Jody]

This is so encouraging! We ran into the same problem when of this kids in the youth group wanted to start a club at his junior high. He came against obstacles, and then they told him he couldn't have "guest speakers" join, such as a youth pastor, and so he decided to hold Bible studies during breaks and at lunch. A lot of kids came to his Bible studies, but he moved on to high school before he could get an official club started. He's still doing great, and sharing his faith daily!

[imonk]

Tod,

I've written a lot defending Christians in public schools. This is the kind of post I wish I could read over and over again. God bless your son. I am featuring this at my podcast and will be writing about it at Internet Monk. Go Brooks!

[muzjik]

If your son runs into problems in the future, contact Alliance Defense Fund at telladf.org. They've already taken similiar cases to court and would draft a letter to your son's principal in a heartbeat...and more if necessary.