As the new school year begins, 43 million students will navigate the hallways of campuses across our nation. Much like the travelers in the story of the Good Samaritan, they face a road full of dangers and obstacles.
The stories in the Bible have a unique way of capturing our attention. We hear them, study them, and often use them to make a point in sermons or studies. But every once in a while, God drops one into our minds with a fresh "Aha!" moment. That happened to me recently. As I listened to the story of the Good Samaritan, my mind fixated on one thought: The Road.
The Road in the Parable: A Dangerous Path
The road mentioned in the parable was a busy stretch, filled with traders and travelers headed to the temple. The rough terrain provided hiding places for thieves, who would rob, beat, or otherwise disrupt the lives of those passing by. Despite their caution, travelers often fell victim to these dangers.
The Road on Our Campuses: A Parallel to Today's Schools
Similarly, America's youth are walking down treacherous highways disguised as hallways in 67,000 schools and 1,200 detention facilities. They enter cautiously, aware that the landscape changes almost daily. These hallways often feel unsafe-some students fear physical confrontations, while others dread the emotional vulnerability that comes with being targeted for ridicule or developing an unfavorable reputation.
Many teenagers are desperately searching for safe passage through this confusing world. Some experience the harsh reality of being physically beaten or emotionally torn down. They need a Good Samaritan-someone to stop, pray with them, and offer compassion.
Footprints on Campus: Uniting in Care for Students
Students need to know that someone cares-someone willing to adjust their schedule to walk alongside them, offering support and guidance.
Will you travel the roads they travel? Will you show compassion and pray for this generation and their schools?
Will you step onto the campus where they spend nine months of the year? Will you pray for their protection?
Will you pray for students to seize opportunities to be Good Samaritans to others? Will you also pray for the 37,000 youth workers who walk these same roads with passion and care for our students?
Will you place your footprints on their road and make your support known on their campus? As Joshua 1:3 states, will you claim that land for God?
Join Us: Place Your Footprints on a School Campus to Pray
Join us and many others nationwide as we unite in prayer for our students during Footprints On Campus. Here are a few ways you can be part of the movement:
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THIS WEEK: Step onto a nearby school or juvenile detention facility and pray for minsitry on that campus
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THIS MONTH: Follow our prayer prompts and commit to 30 days of prayer for students and schools
- THIS YEAR: Adopt a school in your community and pray throughout the year
Will you join us and commit to praying for this generation?
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Dr. Randy Davis works to raise the leadership capacity of youth leaders so they can be a part of reaching every student. Randy holds a Doctoral degree in Semiotics and Future Studies and serves as NNYM's Executive Director/CEO.