I Prayed have prayed
Father in heaven, we pray that the discovery and use of the release time law will spread across the nation and result in a great revival among public school students.
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Analysis. A quiet revival is happening in some parts of our nation’s public school system through a law passed in 1952 informally called “released time.” The idea goes as far back as 1905, when educators at a conference in New York City discussed the closing of elementary schools for one day per week so that students could receive religious education off campus. The idea caught on, and by 1947 participation had reached 2 million students across 46 states. Twelve states adopted education laws in favor of such released time religious education. After several legal challenges, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld its constitutionality, and released time has been legal ever since.

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Since 1990, a multidenominational organization called School Ministries, Inc., has been assisting local communities in establishing Christian education programs through released time. The organization is active in 12 states, and through its efforts, five of those have adopted legislation permitting students to receive academic credit for attending released time programs.

In 2019, a ministry called LifeWise Academy was launched. According to an article by CBN, LifeWise founder Joel Penton says the failure thus far to utilize this little-known released time law could lead to the greatest missed opportunity of the American Church to reach the next generation.

I believe Penton is right for a couple of reasons. First, school administrators are desperate for help from the community to address the mounting social and behavioral issues they face. I had the privilege of establishing a mental wellness task force in several suburbs north of Atlanta as a collaborative effort between school districts, city governments, and mental-health services providers. School principals would frequently lament that parenting was increasingly left to the schools and that dealing with dysfunction was getting in the way of education. Teachers are educators, not parents, those educators asserted, so they cannot be expected to “parent” nearly 30 kids in a classroom. When asked what would help most, they replied that volunteers from the churches who could come and sit with the kids during break times or in the hallways to listen to them and exert a positive influence would go a long way. The public schools are desperate for help; they know it, and they want it. Thus, there is greater openness now to a Christian presence, even on campus, than ever before.

The second reason is that released time is not limited to Christian education. The Mormons make use of it too. In the western U.S. especially, it is not uncommon to find a religious education center called “seminary” right next to a public school so that Latter-day Saints children, and any others they might bring along, can attend classes.

And recently, a more troubling group announced that it will use released time laws to launch a program. The Satanic Temple is introducing its own initiative, called HAIL (Hellion Academy of Independent Learning). The group’s press release calls it “a program for students that allows them to learn about values such as empathy, compassion, and justice in a fun environment without religious pressure or coercion.” The satanists rail against Christian groups like LifeWise as allegedly being pushy, coercive, and exclusivist. One location where this program is being launched is at an elementary school in Knoxville, Tennessee. Though the current locations are few and far between, the group is openly targeting public schools to wage war on the minds of children as young as elementary-school age.

The third reason is that the Bible itself is under attack in public schools. Some parents have begun complaining about Bible content, complaints that have received publicity and gotten a receptive ear from some school boards. For instance, the Davis School District, north of Salt Lake City, has banned the Bible from elementary and middle school libraries “due to vulgarity and violence” inappropriate for younger school children.

And we haven’t even talked about the drag queen story hours and other LGBTQ initiatives that are being pushed.

The minds of school-age children are impressionable, and Satan knows it. Yet, at the same time, there is ever-greater openness to Christian education and its values and message. According to actor-turned-evangelist Kirk Cameron, millions of Americans are done with “wokeness.” The madness of overt support of all manner of perversion and lawlessness, especially that which targets children, is causing growing backlash and a hunger for healthy family and societal values. This openness provides a unique opportunity for the Church to step in and provide the guidance, instruction, and wisdom that comes from following Jesus Christ.

LifeWise, for instance, has seen explosive growth. Starting with just two schools in 2019, the organization is now approved for a presence in over 260 schools across 10 states. And according to this article in IFA’s Informer, Texas lawmakers have passed Senate Bill 763, which allows religious chaplains to work in pubic schools in a counseling role. According to Dr. Ed Stetzer of The Wheaton College Billy Graham Center, this legislation is needed because emerging generations are under unprecedented stress from the political and societal division and instability in our nation; COVID; and questions about where all of this is headed. I would add to all this the ever-increasing fatal school shootings. What is an elementary school child to think when active-shooter drills are now part of everyday campus life?

So, we must pray for released time Christian programs to proliferate and increase in participation. They are voluntary, and parental consent is needed, which gives us some direction in our prayers.

Let me encourage you with another personal experience. One in a string of “tentmaking jobs” I’ve held was that of a school crossing guard for one year. I was responsible to guide students walking across a busy highway leading to an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school — all situated next to each other. On one of my first days, I asked the Lord why the only job that had opened up for me was that of a crossing guard. He spoke to me clearly: “You are here not only as a crossing guard, but also as a school guard to pray over these three schools.” So, every day I would pray a blessing over the children and their parents as they crossed the highway, and as I waited for the next group to arrive, I would stand and pray Holy Spirit–directed prayers over the three schools. Eventually, doors of opportunity opened for nearby churches to come on campus as mentors, and I was invited to speak before a Fellowship of Christian Athletes group. I asked moms to come pray with me during the afternoon. Heaven only knows the full impact of one year’s worth of daily prayer over three public schools.

I am certain that God cares deeply about our children and that He is angered over the Enemy’s attempts to capture their minds. And I believe that a revival has quietly begun through released time programs, and that we must pray for the advance of that revival, lest the Church miss this unique opportunity to tip the scales in the battle for our children’s minds.

Almighty Father, we unite in prayer for the growth of released time programs in every state. Raise up churches and ministries that will rise to the occasion, and use this law to bring Christian education to public schools. Ignite desire in the hearts of parents and children to sign up and to embrace the Gospel, recapturing their true identity in Christ and Your design for life and love. Bring to naught every attempt by the Enemy to use this law to lead our nation’s children down a path to hell. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Find out more at ReleasedTime.org.

How are you praying for children across America? Share this article and encourage others to pray.

Remco Brommet is a pastor, spiritual-growth teacher, and prayer leader with over 40 years of experience in Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the U.S. He was born and raised in the Netherlands and pastored his first church in Amsterdam. He moved to the U.S. in 1986. He and his wife, Jennifer, live north of Atlanta. When not writing books, he blogs at www.deeperlifeblog.com and assists his wife as a content developer and prayer coordinator for True Identity Ministries. Jennifer and Remco are passionate about bringing people into a deeper relationship with Christ. Photo Credit: Ben White on Unsplash.

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Patty Miller
July 8, 2023

TY for this information, I’ve been prayer daily and attending school board meetings for 2 years now,this info is an answer to a specific prayer I’ve been praying. The schools are trying to fix a spiritual issue in the communities that is burdensome on tax payers by hiring more in ungodly counseling. I’ve prayed for a divine open door for the Lord to bring in spiritual counselors for the mental health,bullying and many other problems that can only be fixed with God. Lord I pray for open doors for your spirit to be a counsel for our children in our public schools and start the process now in Jesus mighty name,amen.

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Merrie
July 2, 2023

Also, Child Evangelism Fellowship does Good News Club once a week after school for K- 6 graders with parent’s permission.

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Jean Knight
June 11, 2023

Thank you very much for sharing this valuable article; our children are precious gifts to us from God, and should be taught from the Scriptures; and I will continue to pray for this great need, as well as for volunteers to participate in Released Time around the nation in our schools.

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Marianne Armistead
June 11, 2023

Where there is life, there is Hope! The gates of hell will not prevail against us!!

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Donald nWoolery
June 10, 2023

A comment about crossing guards:
I grew up in San Diego where the police dept. , as in a few other cities, ran (and still runs) a crossing guard corps manned by 4th, 5th and 6th graders. I was in that corps, so you can guess the total astonishment I had when I arrived in other cities to see ADULTS manning the crosswalks. How silly!! We kids did just fine and are still doing fine according to SDPD. (See their website.) It was a great lesson in how to become responsible!
Again, I say how silly it is to not let kids have the opportunity of protecting fellow students going to and from their school! It was such a rich, character building experience!

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Annette
June 8, 2023

Thank you for your position to share

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Alma
June 8, 2023

I joined a Child Evangelism Fellowship chapter in San Diego, Ca. CEF sponsors Good News Clubs in public schools. We need teachers. Please consider volunteering. Ongoing training and support is offered.
Go to this link and find a chapter in your city.
https://www.cefonline.com/contact/

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Jane Hansen
June 7, 2023

I would love to see public school adopt ‘release time’ for the purpose of seeking God for His presence in thir lives. As a substitute teacher in the school settings, I see that thirst in student’s eyes even though it is not taught. We want God back in our schools. Amen and amen!

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Jan
June 7, 2023

I would like to correct a statement made by the author of this article.

“The second reason is that released time is not limited to Christian education. The Mormons make use of it too. “

The correct name of the church whose nickname you are using, is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The style guide from the official website: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/style-guide, asks media to use the full name of the church at the first reference to it in any article. This style guide also explains the preferred shortened references and why the nickname “ Mormons” is discouraged.

I can understand that some might not think “Mormons” are Christians, but members of the Church of Jesus Christ can not be called anything else.

I would also like to correct another error in this section of the article.

“In the western United States especially, it is not uncommon to find a religious education center called “seminary” right next to a public school so that Latter-Day Saints children and any others they might bring along, can attend classes. “

First of all thank you for using a preferred and accurate pronoun in this sentence of the article. However, though technically humans are “children” until they are 18-21 (depending on the majority laws of the state in which they reside), seminary buildings and the classes held there are focused on those from 14-18 years of age. The use of the word “children” implies that these classes are available to elementary and JR high age children which they are not.

Thank you for an informative article. Please be more accurate in the future.

Evelyn
June 7, 2023

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Darlene Estlow
June 7, 2023

Father, thank you for LifeWise. May it have expontial growth as schools decide it would be a good thing! And may the Satanists lose their bid to teach our children. May parents be wise and work to get LifeWise into their schools. We praise your name for what you are doing in this godless day! May righteousness cover our nation.

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Kimberly
June 7, 2023

I pray that there will be an end to transgender identities and there will be a full knowledge of the Bible in schools both private and public. I believe that there is a moral fight that needs to be fought and Christians need to come together and stand up for those morals because our children need to be taught what is right and just. I believe that God is in control of the outcome and I believe that He has already won the victory over sin and division, especially in our lives and in our country. We only have to TRUST in His loving care and working of the Holy Spirit to do the will of God at all times and in all ways.

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    Alma
    June 8, 2023

    I joined a Child Evangelism Fellowship chapter in San Diego, Ca. CEF sponsors Good News Clubs in public schools. We need teachers. Please consider volunteering. Ongoing training and support is offered.
    Go to this link and find a chapter in your city.
    https://www.cefonline.com/contact/

    LifeWise Academy
    June 23, 2023

    Thank you for your prayer Kimberly – To learn more about bringing bible education to public school students during school hours, visit our website at https://lifewise.org or contact us at [email protected].

David Scott
June 7, 2023

The mention of satanists taking advantage of this reminded me of something God did with me at my church around 1983. Someone submitted a prayer request for missing children during a church service that year. During prayer, the Holy Spirit told me to prophecy that most of the missing children had been kidnapped by satanists to be used as human sacrifices. The pastor rebuked me for saying that because he didn’t believe satanism was such a problem at that time. A woman, who respected both me & the pastor asked the Lord if there was anything she could do to prove if I was right or wrong. The Holy Spirit told her to look at the FBI files on missing children at their Camden, NJ office. She noticed that over 50% of the files were marked, “SRA.” She asked a secretary what SRA meant. She was told that SRA was an acronym for Satanic Ritual Abuse. This problem is much worse today. They should never be allowed near our children in our schools.

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Brian Lynch
June 7, 2023

Praise God! He ALWAYS makes a way where there seems to be no way! By Your Holy Spirit, Father God, please, make a way for true and genuine revival to spread in our American public schools. Right now , in the name of Jesus, we bind the attempts of the enemy to interfere in this spirit of revival in America-. We loose a spirit of joy and hopefulness in place of satan’s feeble efforts. God is in control!

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aeg
June 7, 2023

Father, cause your word to go forth with POWER in our schools. Bring revival/awakening to my school. In Jesus’ name, Amen

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Ken Budz
June 7, 2023

Lord please help students, teachers, parents and others do what is best to help children learn. Father God please frustrate evil plans from negative people. May Your plans for people go forward Lord. May wisdom, guidance, courage, strength and whatever is needed be released by You God; and may people give You praise, honor and glory for Your obvious blessings Lord. Amen.

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Maria Fillyaw
June 7, 2023

Dear jesus, may we take every opportunity that you give us to reach the Lost and to guide our youth and children to know Jesus Christ our only hope Lord and savior. We pray you will confused and squash the plans of the enemy against our children, in Jesus name . We love you God thank you for this law that allows us to be able to spread the gospel in Jesus name

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Paula
June 6, 2023

Appreciate all you are doing! God bless

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JoAnne
June 6, 2023

Why would you have a problem with this program? It is purely voluntary and parental permission is required. I pray for God to soften your heart and that you will accept Jesus Christ as your Savior

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Kathy Emahiser
June 6, 2023

Father, thank you for opening the doors for your presence to be brought back into the schools. We bind all the efforts of the enemy to try to stop this from happening. In Jesus name, Amen.

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Linda Johnson
June 6, 2023

America was founded on principles that no other Nation(up to that time) had achieved with an amazing US Constitution and Declaration of Independence. We were/are guaranteed these rights because they are inalienable and come from a much higher source than a governmental body. We were founded on very Godly oversight and as in our pledge of allegiance ONE NATION, UNDER GOD . Are we a perfect people? No, alas we are not but we are a Free people and knowing God and believing His word gives freedom like nothing else can…

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Linda Johnson
June 6, 2023

As a child in 1940’s and some of the 50’s, Ivwas released to attend Catechism classes. We went, because that’s what the release was for and I enjoyed it. We were largely either Jewish, Catholic or agnostic in my Bronx neighborhood and it was a good good thing – we had a soul within us that needed attending to also. We loved saluting our flag and pride in our school, respect for our elders. I miss that today in our nation.

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Carolyn W Billington
June 6, 2023

wonderful article and prayer points. We all can follow ths example as we do pass any school and see what part we can have n bringing the gospel.
A mom and I would go monthly to pray as the high school board met. A few years later a Young Life was started in that school.

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Shari Wilkerson
June 6, 2023

I grew up in the 50’s and we had Religious Training Day in grade school – in California!!

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Geraldine M Winfrey
June 6, 2023

Thank you so much for sharing this information. I had no idea. We pray that churches will take advantage of this opportunity to share the gospel message with our children.

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Wilma Lyons
June 6, 2023

I ask the Lord and Savior to open the hearts of our school children, in those schools that are already using the release time law, to tell our children about the love of God. What a difference the Lord will make in their lives and in our homes and communities. Thank you Lord for all you will do through your efforts.

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Vena R. Jackson
June 6, 2023

The Power of Prayer is Amazing as is the Power of God’s Word! I am so blessed to have twin sons and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren and I want them to hear about Jesus at home and in the public schools. Jesus is Lord of all and we have freedom of choice which includes our children hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is our right!!!!! I pray that the Lord opens many hearts to make the right choice to follow Jesus by Love! John 3:16

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Sharon D. Giles
June 6, 2023

Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the life. I pray you will find Jesus, and accept Him as your Savior.

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Martha
June 6, 2023

Father, give us people who are able and willing to infiltrate our school system and have a Godly influence upon our children. Loving them and showing them the real attributes of a Godly student! Respect, love, listening, understanding and care for each other! In Jesus’ Name! Amen!

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Maria Cohee
June 6, 2023

So thankful to receive this message of hope! I pray I will have a heart to hear just what my call of involvement may be. I formerly worked within various school cafeteria’s for over a given of schools. I’m well acquainted with the injustices of public educational programs and policies.
It was often disheartening to observe from a limited sideline just how strategically the enemy was gaining ground. I definitely found myself praying for students and staff, uttering in my heart the taking down of strongholds and the breaking of generational curses!
Engaging with students in a positive light and loving on them gor the brief moments of them coming through the lunch line were amazingly rewarding! The kids are hungry gor love, kindness acceptance and a nurturing adult to speak well to and of them! They were almost always receptive and grateful for the effort! I loved that part of it!
I’d be more than anxious and willing to participate in the opportunity to pray for, engage with, love on and develop Christ centered relationships with kids of any age!
Utterly and Sincerely
Maria

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    Alma
    June 8, 2023

    I joined a Child Evangelism Fellowship chapter in San Diego, Ca. CEF sponsors Good News Clubs in public schools after school. We need teachers. Ongoing training and support is offered. Please consider volunteering.
    Go to this link and find a chapter in your city.
    https://www.cefonline.com/contact/

    LifeWise Academy
    June 23, 2023

    Thank you for your comments Maria! To learn more about bringing bible education to public school students during school hours to your community, visit our website at https://lifewise.org or contact us at [email protected].

Julie Sims
June 6, 2023

Greenville SC has a program called Christian Release time that is held in middle schools after school and has a high school Bible class credit that is held off campus as well but counts as a high school credit. It’s an amazing program and it is growing!

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Maria l Cruz
June 6, 2023

I have been telling our fellowship and , rather; Asking why was that allowed? Because, YES , at our school we were marched over to the Catholic school on
Wednesday for religious instruction.
The majority were Catholic..
So we were taken to the Local Catholic school. But now I am Non denominational And we have been interceding and Asking Our LORD to move. On behalf of the children,
And our Youth. HE IS MOVING .
YOU CANNOT COVER THE SUN
SHINE BY HIDING it with ONE THUMB.

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Linda
June 6, 2023

Heavenly Father, we ask for your protection of all children. Satan is walking about like a roaring lion to devour them with the evil that he is throwing at them from every direction. Father, wrap your love & protection around each child; be with parents that are fighting against school authorities that are helping with Satan’s evil schemes. I pray for a revival to sweep through our country with God’s power, that each of us remember that God ALWAYS wins over evil. In Jesus Name, Amen

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Tracy Norton
June 6, 2023

Children Evangelical Fellowship (CEF) is present and has been a powerful force for God through after school programs for over 50 years. They’ve reached millions but so much more is needed. Our prayer group is praying for the children!

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    Alma
    June 8, 2023

    Thank you for sharing this. I joined a Child Evangelism Fellowship chapter in San Diego, Ca. CEF sponsors Good News Clubs in public schools after school. We need a lot of teachers. Ongoing training and support is offered. Please consider volunteering and sharing this link to find a chapter in your city.
    https://www.cefonline.com/contact/

Jennifer
June 6, 2023

The Mormons are our Christian brothers and sisters. Their official church name is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They utilize this released time extremely well and have done so for decades where students go to “seminary” either before, during or after school and study scriptures and discuss how they can be good Christians livomg in today’s difficult world. I pray Father that good Christians everywhere will learn how to utilize this and then act upon that nationwide.

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    Staci
    June 6, 2023

    The Mormons do not believe what the Bible teaches about Jesus. Currently on the Mormon (.org) website it explains that Jesus and Satan were/are brothers. They are not and to say that Jesus, the Son of God and who is also God, is on the same level as the fallen angel Lucifer/Satan through brotherhood is wrong. There is also no teaching in the Bible that men and women get to be gods after death and rule their own planet. Or that women are saved through the calling of their secret name, given to them by their husbands in the Mormon temple, to raise them up after they die. The Bible also does not teach that the cross is a shameful thing and that it is a torture device and not to be worn on crosses or put on churches. The Bible teaches that we do communion with wine and bread whereas the Mormons teach that drinking the blood of Christ is not a good thing and instead the Mormons do communion with WATER and bread. There are so many teachings that do not fit with and go against Biblical scripture in the Mormon church. Do not say that Mormons are our Christian brothers and sisters. That is deceptive. What regular Bible believing Christians believe about Jesus and what Mormons believe about Jesus are different things. Jesus was and is NOT the brother of Satan.

    Lord God, Please help us to know the truth and that truth will set us free. Equip us with your Holy Spirit to discern what is true according to your Word and what is error. Any false thing that raises itself up against the Word of God would be exposed and brought down. That we would rightly divide scripture and speak the truth in Your love. That and false Christs or messages of and given by false Christs would be exposed and come to nothing. That we would know who Jesus is and what He came to do. That any false teaching about Him would be exposed and come to nothing. Please rescue those who are heading towards destruction. Thank you. In Jesus name, Amen.

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      Alma
      June 8, 2023

      Thank you for clarifying what Mormons believe. May your response open the eyes of many who have been deceived.

Pam Johnston
June 6, 2023

“Reset” is a School Ministries, Ohio program that began in 2018 in Columbus Ohio in the public schools here.
We are currently experiencing major growth as we partner with local churches in close proximity to public schools. The majority of our schools are elementary but this year and next we are expanding to Middle Schools.
We are so blessed by this article and especially your prayers. Reset, Inc. was founded on prayer. Actually we prayed for two years before we began our program. So as a longtime member of IFA, I am so thankful for your continued prayers.
Pam Johnston, Founder of Reset,

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Zac Helmberger
June 6, 2023

This released time could be a perfect fit for the people at Contagious Disciple Making, CDM. The centerpiece of CDM is the Discovery Bible Study which, by design, encourages new believers (and even unbelievers) to become disciple maker makers. It is a very easy system to learn since it uses the same small set of questions at every study which encourages participants to commit to changing their lives to honor the Most High and to share with others.

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Judy
June 6, 2023

Good News Clubs (Child Evangelism Fellowship) are spreading the Gospel in public schools in Tennessee, and I am thrilled to have been involved in that!

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    Alma
    June 8, 2023

    Amen! Here’s a link
    I joined a Child Evangelism Fellowship chapter in San Diego, Ca. CEF sponsors Good News Clubs in public schools after school. We need teachers. Ongoing training and support is offered. Please consider volunteering.
    Go to this link and find a chapter in your city.
    https://www.cefonline.com/contact/

Paul Fishman
June 6, 2023

Lord we pray for your power to overthrow the consumption and kidnapping of children by indoctrination of hot mix fantasy queens who wish them harm. Protect both the parents and children against these satanic people. Your word says this: For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him. Protect the families from the legal harm also that the school board wishes against them to indoctrinate and kidnap children into abuseful situtations.

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