From Pastor Bill

All of us know many public school teachers, we have them in our churches, and some of us are even married to one. But I don’t think I have ever known a time in the history of our country when our public school teachers have been more discouraged and demoralized than right now.

Let me share just one testimony along this line. After being interviewed by the school’s administration, one young, prospective teacher said: “Let me see if I understand this properly. You want me to go into a room full of kids, correct their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse, monitor their dress habits, censor their T-shirt messages, and instill in them a love for learning.”

“You want me to check their backpacks for weapons, wage war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, and raise their sense of self-esteem and personal pride. You want me to teach them patriotism and good citizenship, sportsmanship and fair play, and how to register to vote, balance a check book, and apply for a job.”

“You want me to check their heads for lice, recognize signs of anti-social behavior, and make sure that they pass all of their final exams. You also want me to provide them with an equal education regardless of their handicaps, plus communicate regularly with their parents in English, Spanish, or any other language, by letter, email, phone, newsletter, and report card.”

“You want me to do all of this with a felt pen and a marker board, a few books, a big smile, and a starting salary that almost qualifies for food stamps. You want me to do all of this, and then you tell me that I CAN’T PRAY?!”

Yes, the challenges facing teachers in our public school systems today are daunting. As the Lord brings to your mind and heart the names of some of these dedicated teachers whom you know, would you please pray for them individually and specifically by name?

Devotedly your pastor,

Bill Blanchard