Through a collaborative effort of five constituent churches, the students and staff at Grants Pass Seventh-day Adventist School are covered in prayer through prayer partnerships.
On Oct. 7, 2022, each student and teacher received a note telling them who was praying for them. Edward Nelson, Grant's Pass district pastor; Thomas Bentley, Rougue River district pastor; and Kip Bradford, Gateway district pastor, passed out the notes during chapel. Messages filled with heartfelt prayer requests have made their way to many prayer partners. Several prayer partners have also sent cards to children or staff members.
Forty-five prayer partnerships have been formed through this program. The school board has six prayer partners praying over them as well.
Prayer is essential for us to share our thoughts and feelings with God. Prayer partnerships encourage an experience of God’s love and presence. To encourage children to pray is to help foster lifelong relationships with God.
The idea for the prayer partnerships came together because of Heidi Nelson, wife of Edward Nelson. In the months following their move back to Grants Pass, they learned of the school's struggles. Heidi thought that having someone praying for each of the students and staff would be an encouragement. To know that someone is praying makes a difference! She wanted the children of the school to know that not only does someone care for them, but also the Lord is at work. He is at work with them, their families and the school.
In addition to these new prayer partnerships, the school participates in a monthly prayer walk. This is an opportunity to walk the grounds — outdoors or indoors, depending on the weather — and pray for the school’s specific needs.
Pastor Thomas Bentley (left) with students.
Pastor Kip Bradford with students.
Pastor Edward Nelson with students.
