A new school year is about to begin and 43 million students will navigate the hallways of campuses across our nation. Much like the story of the Good Samaritan, they are like travelers on a road full of dangers and obstacles.
It is interesting and beautiful how stories in the Bible grab our attention. We hear them, study them, and use them to get a point across in sermons or studies. Then-suddenly-God drops one in our mind with a new "Aha!" moment. That was me this weekend. I heard the story of the Good Samaritan in a message, and my mind fixed on one thought: The Road.
This particular road was a busy stretch with traders and travelers headed to the temple. The terrain along the road offered hideaways where thieves would hide to rob, beat, or otherwise disrupt travelers' lives. I imagine the travelers were cautious of the dangers, but things still happened along that path.
America's Youth Traverse Difficult Territory on Campus
Forty-three million students are walking similar treacherous highways, called hallways, at 67,000 schools and 1,200 detention facilities. They enter cautiously, for the landscape changes almost daily. It is a place that often feels unsafe. Some fear physical confrontation. Others, emotional vulnerability when they feel they are targeted for ridicule or an unfavorable reputation.
Many teenagers are searching for safe passage in this confusing world. Some experience the unfortunate reality of being beaten physically or knocked down emotionally. They need a Good Samaritan to stop, pray with them, and offer compassion.
Footprints on Campus Unites Us in Caring for Students
Students need to know someone cares. A person who will readjust their schedule to step alongside them and offer support and guidance.
Will you travel the roads they travel? Will you show compassion and pray for this generation and their schools?
Will you go to the campus where they walk the hallways nine months of the year? Will you pray for our students' protection?
Will you pray for students to seize the opportunity to be Good Samaritans for others? Will you pray for the 37,000 youth workers who enter those same roads as they passionately care for students?
Join Us and Place Your Footprints on a School Campus to Pray
Will you place your footprints on their road and make your support known on their campus, and-as Joshua 1:3 states-claim that land for God?
Join us, and many others nationwide, as we unite in prayer for our students during Footprints On Campus during the second week of August.
Learn more at nnym.org/footprints or email us at footprints@nnym.org to join us at a school or juvenile detention facility in your community.