I found Dr. Harris’ viewpoint in the May 20th issue of the The Christian Index refreshing because I do agree with his position and have said this myself several times. I believe the public schools are a huge mission field that 95% of the community funnels through and it is in our backyard!

Recently I began to work outside the home, with the stipulation of being off one day each week to volunteer in the schools, alternating between the two. Volunteering in the schools keeps me informed about situations and allows me to pray for them. My husband is a youth minister and he also leads the First Priority club at the middle school.

God has blessed us with many wonderful Christian teachers who are grateful for the prayer support. My kids have had the opportunity to minister to other students and to teachers. Yes, they are young but none of us suddenly reach this magic age of maturity where we are ready to take on missions. Missions is something God commands us all to do and we need to begin practicing at an early age to the degree that we can.

All of my children led a student to the Lord one day and prayed with him after class. I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many other parents that I would not have met otherwise and invite them all to church as well.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 is so often used to support home schooling. I am not opposed to home schooling in the least and if God calls me to do that, I pray I’ll be obedient. However, that verse is not referring to math, science, English, or even reading. It strictly refers to teaching our children about God in all situations.

As hard as it is for us to face this truth, the cause of Christ must come even before our children. Our hearts must be burdened for the public schools, and not filled with disdain for them. A verse that always hits home to me is 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land.”

What that verse says to me is that the finger should be pointing at us Christians who are not humbling ourselves and praying and seeking God’s face and that is why our world and our land and our public schools are not healed.

Thank you for your article Dr. Harris. It’s good to know we’re not alone in this mission.