Please pray for the families impacted by Friday’s shootings. Pray for our own children who may have questions and fears. Pray for the parents and teachers everywhere who are answering questions and may be dealing with their own fears. Pray that hearts and souls everywhere are impacted and the saving power of Christ is revealed to them.

Bud Schindler has the following thoughts about the Sandy Hook tragedy:

Many thoughts are flooding our minds as a result of the senseless murder of the 26 people in Newton. As believers in the sovereign work of our God, we search for the lessons that He wants us to learn. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3) and can relate as we mourn with the parents and families who lost loved ones.

The good news is that those precious children are now in heaven seated in the lap of our Savior (Mark 10:16) as He blesses them where they will spend eternity. They will never from this time forward suffer from the trial and difficulties of life. For those who have received the gift of eternal life from our Savior, Jesus, there will be a day of reunion with these in the near future.

We live in a secular society where God has been removed from our schools and government.  Without knowledge of Jesus, the people run wild (Proverbs 29:18). Only the gospel can have a preventative effect on our culture and we must return to the Bible with a focus on Him as the only true solution to the evils of our day.

Dayton Christian and Xenia Christian stand to equip young men and women in order that they will be “strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might ‘by putting’ on the full armor of god, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). 

During times like these, there is a desperate need to return to our precious Lord and Savior with our minds full and overflowing with His Word. Scripture teaches us to “Guard your heart (mind) above all else for it determines the course of your life” (Proverbs 4:23 NLT).

Our Savior was right there at Newton with each child as they were being ushered into heaven as God the Father was with our Lord and Savior as He bore our sins at Calvary. And, He has promised never to leave or forsake us. 

Missions

We have a big heart for missions in our schools. Missions is simplistically defined is "the act of sending." As Christians, we tend to think this as meaning proclaiming the gospel to people-groups in a foreign country. And, we do! But as followers of Christ, we also need to think of how to send His message of salvation to those in our immediate vicinity: the Miami Valley. Our students are very good at doing both, as is evident throughout the school year and most recently through Thanksgiving food drives, hurricane help, jeans days, and coat donations!

This week at Dayton Christian, we had visitors, Comfort and Gifty (shown here with DCSS President Bob Elliott), from International Needs share their ministry of rescuing girls and women from physical and sexual bondage in the country of Ghana. You can read more about their wonderful visit to our campus and their heartfelt story here. 

The same day they came, we also heard about children in Dayton who rarely get hugs or are told "I love you." We heard about our students who have started to minister to those children. Their mission is just down the road and is as vitally important.

Please pray for all those involved in missions - be it in an office cubicle, down the street, or across the ocean! Pray for our children who are now developing their own passions for sharing God's love. Pray that one day they can boldly proclaim the saving grace of our Heavenly Father! Pray for our alumni who are serving all over the world, that God keeps them safe.

Matthew 24:14  And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Heroes

Election day is behind us (hooray), and immediately on its heels is Veterans Day. Over and over, during the political season, I heard how veterans "fought for our privilege to vote." This is a day to thank them for that and the many other various freedoms they have insured our nation.

Our military personnel sacrifice a lot for us, especially those who have spent time away from their loved ones. We have many families in our school system with relatives who have been on tours of duty or are currently deployed. Not only do the military personnel sacrifice, but the family he or she has left behind carry a great burden to live life without that special person beside them, be it a husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, etc. They love, worry, and care about them constantly!

Over and over, I have seen our schools' love and support for the veterans and their families. I have seen classes who send care packages to far off countries to supply both servicemen they knew as well as total strangers. I have seen hundreds of encouragement cards and drawings placed in the mail. I have seen children reunite with their dads and moms after a long deployment.

This month in particular, our students are learning about the heroes who have dedicated their lives and sometimes given their lives to securing our freedom. We are supporting Operation Heal Our Patriots (a project of Samaritan's Purse) and Operation Gratitude. Pray that these and all opportunities we have to bless our military personnel also bless the DCSS families who donate to them. My own two airmen (shown above) have been recipients of such packages and prayers and were greatly touched by the outpouring of care and concern over them. It meant a lot to me, as well. 

God bless our armed forces!!

Thank you for your service.

Joshua 1:9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Honor your father and your mother that it may go well for you

Someone asked me for something particular they could pray for. There are obviously many areas we need to keep praying for in general, but the specific burden on my heart this fall has been for all those in our school system with elderly parents, some who have died this fall. Some of us have recently watched our loved ones struggle with disease and fought alongside them to the end. Others had parents taken suddenly and without warning. Either way, it is a painful void. Pray for healing and comfort.

For many of my peers and coworkers, our parents are aging and are needing our care and we are finding ourselves in the position of trying to balance work and raising a family, along with assisting our mom and dads. It's not easy. Pray for those you know who are in that position but please pray as well as the ones being cared for. It's not easy for them, either, to acknowledge the loss of independence and youthful vigor.

We place a lot of emphasis on teaching our students to respect, honor, and obey their parents. As much as we remind our children to do that, it is something we all need to remember. 

Leviticus 19:32 “You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord."

Parent-Teacher Conferences

This Thursday and Friday are our scheduled Parent-Teacher conferences. Please pray for those meetings, for the faculty, for the parents, and for the students. 

While our students are thrilled they get the day off, little do they know how critical these face-to-face meetings are for their educational success. The faculty at our schools truly and intentionally get to know the children they serve. They pray for them. They invest in them. They mentor them. 

As a parent, I always look forward to these meetings as they always give me invaluable insights as to the academic strengths and weaknesses of my children. However, not only do I get to find out where my children are academically, I also learn about their character. My children's teachers see them through a different set of eyes than I do and let me know where they are socially and spiritually. 

The teachers see our children interact in groups; they see them struggle socially; they see them lead or follow. They see the ways they help reach out to each other. They listen to their prayers and can give us insights to their praises and sometimes their fears. 

In other words, I have always been blessed beyond words by the conferences and walk away assured that my children are in the best hands!! Remember to thank and pray for those teachers who pour into our students' lives and partner with our families. 

1 Peter 4:9-11 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Fall Concerts

Pray for our student-musicians!

XC held their fall concert last Friday night, and DC hosts their fall concert tomorrow night at 7PM in the DC cafeteria.  These programs are led by faculty who absolutely love music and know how to work with their students to get the best results. 

For weeks, families have been listening to their children and siblings diligently practicing. Measures are repeated over and over, as the musician strives for perfection. I, for one, am always eager to see how the struggle of learning new pieces works out for the child. And I am always pleasantly surprised to hear how the "part" fits into a "whole" and beautiful music is made. It's kind of like life, isn't it? 

I highly encourage you to attend one of the concerts this year. You will be blessed!


Psalm 150:1-6

Let Everything Praise the Lord

Praise the Lord!

Praise God in his sanctuary;
    praise him in his mighty heavens!
2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;
    praise him according to his excellent greatness!
3 Praise him with trumpet sound;
    praise him with lute and harp!
4 Praise him with tambourine and dance;
    praise him with strings and pipe!
5 Praise him with sounding cymbals;
    praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!

Praise!!

In the last two posts, we prayed for DC's Spirit/Homecoming week and XC's Spiritual Emphasis Week. Both were a resounding success, much to His glory!!

During our 50th anniversary year, we are being deliberate in reconnecting with our alumni, friends, and families who have supported us. DC alumni and family plus veteran faculty and staff were warmly welcomed back for several alumni-specific events Friday and Saturday. Relationships were renewed and strengthened, and we are already looking forward to next year! DC's first ever social dance was well-attended, and I have heard nothing but positive feedback from faculty and staff regarding the demeanor of our students and how they made sure everyone felt a part of the event.

A faculty member accidentally "stumbled upon" the end of spiritual emphasis week at XC. She entered a hallway, noticed that it was filled with middle schoolers, yet it was extremely quiet. (Middle school students and "quiet" don't normally go together.) Then it hit her: they were praying at lockers of fellow students. She was taken with how serious and respectful they were as they prayed and wrote notes of encouragement under prayer requests that were taped to the locker fronts. No one said a word but were silent in their petitions as they moved from locker to locker. Then she entered the high school building and found the same sight there. It was extremely touching. She said, "This is what it is all about!"

Praise God!!!!


Jeremiah 15:16

Your words were found, and I ate them,
    and your words became to me a joy
    and the delight of my heart,
for I am called by your name,

    O Lord, God of hosts.

Forgiveness

Going to a Christian school gives us remarkable opportunities which are unheard of in public schools - it was Spiritual Emphasis Week at Xenia Christian with the theme of Project Forgiveness. Please read the following from Joe Batchelor, XCHS Principal:

Today was the final day of Project Forgiveness, our fall spiritual emphasis week. It is amazing how God works out His plans. When we had a last-minute speaker cancellation, Robb Fogg came to share his heart with our students. In his own inimitable style, he made four main points, sharing examples and testimony of what God has taught him: 1) I choose to forgive, 2) I choose continually to forgive, 3) I will wait on the Lord for my healing, 4) I will leave vengeance to God. In an extended response time, scores of Ambassadors responded to the Holy Spirit and asked others for forgiveness. I was humbled by the authenticity and sensitivity of our ambassadors.

On Wednesday, Pastor O’Guin of Mt. Zion church spoke on Matthew 18. He led us through a prayer for those who may have wronged us in the past, remembering that God has forgiven us for so much.

Today we had a chapel time this afternoon followed by times of prayer in hallways and classrooms to close out Spiritual Emphasis Week. 

Please pray for our students who need to ask forgiveness. Please pray for boldness and healing.

Please pray for those who need to forgive and let go, even when the offender has not asked for forgiveness. 

Please pray that our students cultivate a relationship with the Great Forgiver.

Colossians 3:13  Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Spirit Week for DC

It is time for DC's Homecoming! I've already felt the excitement that this week engenders, as I walked through the halls during Purple and Gold day and saw quite the assortment of outfits. The friendly class competition this week culminates in the spirit stick being given away at the big game on Friday night. In the meantime, the students (and teachers) are showing their creative side as they choose outfits reflecting their school colors, favorite cartoon character and superhero, and decorate their hallways with board game themes. And then there is the "The Outfit" for the Saturday evening formal dessert and Dance.

Pray for the faculty and staff at the Dayton campus this week. As much fun as Homecoming can be, it also be taxing, as many teachers have additional duties to fit in already hectic schedules. Pray for the student leaders who have organized the activities for the week. Pray for the events themselves, that the students have fun participating, and that they do so with the right attitude. 

The students really do put a lot of thought (and shopping) into their outfits and dresses. I know my own children think about their spirit week outfits well in advance (as in, "what am I going to be next year?"). I really liked The Message's version of Colossians 3:12-14 to wrap up the wardrobe aspect of this week's celebration. 

Colossians 3:12-14 So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

Activities

Please pray for the 13th annual Ambassador Classic,  a cross country meet hosted by Xenia Christian which is held tomorrow, October 6. Not only do both DC and XC cross country athletes participate in this, but it is also anticipated that thousands of people from all over the area will be arriving at the Legacy Center. This course is known as one of the most scenic cross country routes. This meet is unique in that it includes running events for all grade levels and ends with an open 5K run.

As you can imagine, an event of this size takes a lot of volunteer man hours and lots of organization. Pray for the athletes, the coaches, the parents, the volunteers, that everyone is safe, the weather is good, that God is honored, and that the other teams will feel welcomed by our school families and teams.

Isaiah 40:31 Those who trust in God find fresh strength, they run and don't get tired.

Praise!

Today, we give You all praise!! We thank You for bringing so many families to DCSS. We thank You for their commitment to providing Christian education to their children, and we thank You for providing for them the means to do so.

Around 8:00 in the morning, lines of cars at both campuses are dropping off children who enter our doors to be educated and supported by godly, caring faculty and staff. I am always humbled and thrilled when I see how many cars are turning into our schools. And what a testimony to all the other cars driving by our campuses! 

Deuteronomy 10:21 He is your praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.

Students

Our students participated at See You at the Pole last Wednesday. We are very blessed to be able to have students who are willing to lead us in praise and prayer to our God, and to live in a country where we can joyfully and freely lift up petitions to our Savior. 

A parent of DCSS graduates recently told me a very touching story about a "way back when" See You at the Pole day. Years ago, she was driving her own children by a public school, and they saw a solitary student praying all by himself at his public school's pole. They immediately stopped the car and joined him in prayer. It is something none of them will ever forget. 

Pray for a boldness in our students and that they become life-long prayer warriors who confidently pray around poles, living rooms, conference tables, and wherever God leads them!

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Saturday: Activities

Service

Each year our students have required ministry service hours, which can be fulfilled in many ways throughout the year. We hope this instills a life-long love of serving others. Many of our students come into each school year having completed all their hours over the summer. What may be surprising is that typically these students are actively participating in other service opportunities throughout the school year as well. 

Pray for all our students as they seek out opportunities to serve others in their communities.

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Wednesday - Thanksgiving

I am thankful for technology! Yes, that may be a weird topic for today, but I have had internet issues both at work and at home which has severely limited my ability to keep this blog updated for you this week. This had me considering all the ways we use technology to connect with our school families and friends - emails, blogs, constant contact letters, websites, youtube, facebook, twitter, netclassroom. We have become used to having information at our "fingertips" and on demand, and it is frustrating when we don't have that power to access or relay it! 

I am extremely thankful for our IT department and the team who serves us diligently. The team is made up of  four great men: Craig Terrell (IT Director), Earl Pittman, Mark Robey, and Rob Rogers. They get the frantic "help me now!" calls, service tickets, and emails and work long hours. They patiently listen to us describe our technical glitches, big and small, and diligently fix the issues. We could not serve YOU without THEM!!!!

Psalm 31:19 How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.

Activities

Athletics ~ Fine Arts ~ Missions ~ Service

Fine Arts

The fall play season is in full swing! Auditions have been held, cast lists were posted, and practices are taking place for our fall plays. At Dayton they are putting on the musical You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and at Xenia, the students will perform the comedy The Ransom of Red Chief. Let's pray for all involved in the dramas - adults and students!


Pray for the children who have a lot of lines to get under their belt as well as those who are on stage for the first time and battling nerves. Pray for our student directors, as they learn how to guide their fellow classmates in their roles. Pray for patience as the directors determine the best way to pull out hidden talents from their cast. Pray that the students come together as a team, and the veterans are able to be an encouragement to others. Some of our students are also still participating in athletics along with memorizing lines and keeping up with their academics. Pray for balance in their lives, which can be hard to manage at times. 

From pre-season to the closing night, it takes many people to pull off the shows. Parents, volunteers, directors, student directors, cast members, hair and make-up, stage crew, set designers, costume and prop coordinators, choreographers, pit orchestra members - all of them need our prayers during this busy season!  We look forward to supporting them when the curtains go up!

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Friday: Alumni

We have many alumni who are serving on the missions fields. Many have told us this is a direct result of the missions trips they took when they were in DCSS, but others felt the calling later in life. 

Today we want to specifically pray for those missionaries who serve in areas that are dangerous enough that publishing names and locations may be perilous to their lives. Pray that they remain unharmed. Pray that the people to whom they are ministering are open to the Good News and willing to turn from a lifestyle that only leads to death, even though living a new lifestyle may ostracize them. Pray  for our graduates' families, who are worrying about the safety of their loved ones. 


1 Chronicles 16:23-24 “Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation. Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations.”

Thursday: Administration & Board

Administration

Today, please pray for both Dr. Dave Rough, DCSS Academic Dean, and his wife and administrative assistant, Cathy Rough. They make an amazing team and have huge hearts! Dr. Rough has served as a teacher, Assistant High School Principal, High School Principal, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and currently as Academic Dean at the Dayton Christian School System, as well as an adjunct professor at the college level. He has had the opportunity to teach leadership to middle school students and high school students, as well as at the undergraduate, masters and doctoral level in higher education. He and Cathy are parents of four wonderful children, and grandparents of eight of the world’s greatest grandchildren. He has the following prayer requests:

General:
·         To build sufficient margin in my life to be able to listen carefully to God’s voice
·         To obtain and maintain a proper balance between tasks and people

Long-range:
·         To maintain a consistent organizational discipline of data collection and program oversight that we bring the school into alignment for ACSI/AdvancED accreditation in 2014

Specific Short Range Requests:
·         Wisdom in the establishment of biblically integrated principal/teacher evaluation rubrics.
·         An openness and sensitivity to the needs of the six principals as they build and create a school culture - Prayer for the weekly meeting I have with each principal.

Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Wednesday: Thanksgiving

Let's praise God for His word today! 

Scripture memorization is a powerful tool and a cornerstone of the DCSS education. Even in mid-September, our students have already tucked away several verses this school year. Some of our students memorize completely on their own, while others enlist the help of family members. This is a very nice by-product, since our families are also learning the verses! 

As I have helped my own children memorize their weekly selections, I am taken with their drive to say the verses perfectly. "You only made one mistake, do you want me to sign my name?" "NO! Let me try again!"  Also, my littlest one (now 3rd grade) has to act out the verses to "make it stick" which has been very amusing to watch. 

May these verses "stick" with our children for years to come, equipping them with promises, faith, hope, encouragement, and wisdom.

Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Tuesday: Students

Here's a photo of our students at a festival booth in Xenia over the weekend. It is always great to see our children enthusiastic about going to a Christian school. They are our biggest advertisers, really! 

One of our students invited a public school friend to attend our athletic events last year. He really liked the difference. Then he shadowed during the school day. He was totally sold then! Both he and his sister are now in our school system. I don't think I ever have seen him without a beaming smile on his face! He is one of our biggest supporters and is always talking about the difference Christian education has made in his world.

Pray for our students as they reach out to their friends and family, and that their walk is different enough to compel others to want the peace and joy that they have.

Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Monday: Faculty & Staff

Staff

Today we are going to pray for our Health Services staff shown here left to right: Debbie Smith, Sarah Schrinner, and Sue Saxe. They take care of all our students when they are sick, keep track of those students with allergies, and are ever vigilant in teaching our children about staying healthy and safe. They have extremely interesting videos and presentations that have sparked more than one conversation at home!

Pray that our Health Services staff stays healthy this year and they are patient when dealing with the not-so-nice by-products of illnesses. Pray that they can quickly and carefully assess situations and that they are able to calm their patients and parents.  Pray that they are able to keep up with all the required codes and paperwork.

Although we do not like receiving those "calls" from them, we love their servants' hearts and know our children are in wonderful care!

2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Sunday: Partners

Parents ~ Churches ~ Friends ~ Donors ~ Grandparents

Friends

We have a lot of friends!! They are people who have no children who have attended our schools, but they are supportive of us nonetheless. They attend our events, they pray for us, and they donate time and money to us. Some of them scream the loudest, clap the longest, and laugh the hardest. You know some, because you introduced them to our school system! 

Pray for all our friends. Pray that they see God in all we do and are positively impacted, no matter what their walk with Him. Pray that they draw closer to Him.

Saturday: Activities

Athletics ~ Fine Arts ~ Missions ~ Service

Missions

Every year we send teams of students and leaders around the world. It's that time for our students to sign up and get their applications in!

In the last 20 years alone, we've sent out 1,518 students and 382 leaders on 122 trips. 

This year our students are currently signing up for four high school trips during J-Term (Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, France, and Jamaica) and one junior high trip during spring break to Chicago.

These trips change the lives of the those we minister to, but also make an incredible impact on our students and leaders. One student told me that she loves going on the trips because the simple yet great love of God the people have in these countries makes her realize what is truly important in life. She feels that sometimes she is the one being ministered to!

Nancy Snook is our Missions Trip Director. She does an amazing job each year of coordinating all the trips and has the following prayer requests.

1. Wisdom for families as they decide about their child going on a trip

2. That each trip will reflect God well as we partner with organizations and missionaries

3. Team members to be willing to give up personal wants/expectations for the good of the team

4. God would begin/continue to work in the hearts of the people to whom we will minister

5. Airline costs to France will go down soon 

Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

Friday: Alumni

Here is a 1979 yearbook photo of our students praying together. This is not unusual. You will still frequently find our students gathered together in prayer groups over lunch, in sporting events, in hallways, around poles, and just because! 

But what happens when they graduate? These situations are not so common anymore and sometimes require specific intent.

Our prayers today are that our graduates are still engaged in this kind of communion with God, that they are finding opportunities to gather with Christ-followers, and that they have a vibrant prayer-life. 

Matthew 18:19-20 “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

Thursday: Administration & Board

Administration

This is a photo of those who comprise our administrative team.  From left to right, we have Katie Carl (Special Education Director), Natalie Demana (XC Elementary Principal), Tara Lee (DCSS Homeschool Principal), Rich Garrett (DC Middle School Principal), Mark Shaeffer (Assistant to the Academic Dean), Monica Woods (DC Elementary Principal), Dave Rough (Academic Dean), Bob Elliott (DCSS President/CEO), Brent Davis (DC High School Principal), Jenny Reno (DC High School Assistant Principal), Joe Batchelor (XC Middle and High School Principal), Michelle Miller (XC High School Assistant Principal), Mitzi Hanks (Director of Curriculum and Development), and Ann Skolik (DCSS School Psychologist). 

They meet together several times a month and are affectionately called the A-Team. Please pray them both individually and collectively as they pursue their goals for this school year.


John 15:7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.

Wednesday: Thanksgiving

Praise to God that we have over 140 people who have signed up for the Prayer Project! We hope you find it a blessing to pray for our school system this year. 

We in turn praise Him for our friends who support the schools on a regular basis with their gifts and prayers. Without their support, we would not be able to educate our children or offer the various programs we have. 

Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Tuesday: Students

Chapel

I remember at an open house last year, one potential student was a musician and could hardly wrap her mind around the fact we had praise bands and chapels. "You are allowed to do this in school?" she asked in disbelief. While she was  thrilled with the possibility of actually playing in a praise band and attending chapel, many of our students have been through hundreds of chapels and the novelty has worn off for some. 

This week please pray specifically for our students'  attitude about chapel and that it would be a meaningful and joyous time for them. Pray that they would grow closer in their walk with Christ, are motivated to praise Him, and really look forward chapel days!

Our faculty and staff members put a lot of time and consideration into chapels, planning topics that will appeal and reach the hearts of our students. We are so blessed to have people with a gift for this critical aspect of our schools. 

Psalms 150 Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!

Monday: Faculty & Staff

Teachers hold such a special place in our children’s hearts. If one were to ask us who our favorite teacher was, in an instant, we can all recall a name and face. Our own child can do that. When I ask what is the criterion of making a teacher a favorite, the answers are varied: he tells funny jokes, she let us write our spelling words with shaving cream, she taught me how to say my Bible verses a new way.

DCSS  teachers have the responsibility of caring for our children during the day, and we are incredibly grateful that you trust them to our schools.  Please especially pray for your child’s teacher this year, all year. Pray that they see qualities in your child that perhaps you don’t and are able to encourage them as God-given talents start to emerge. Pray for them that on those days when they think they might not know how to reach our children, God grants them understanding and wisdom.

So, who was your favorite teacher?

Proverbs 2:6  For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Sunday: Partners

Parents ~ Churches ~ Friends ~ Donors ~ Grandparents

Today, please remember to pray for our churches.  From our student body, we have over 275 different churches represented! Each week, hundreds of pastors are preparing to speak boldly from the word of God, proclaiming the good news to all who will hear. Pray that they persevere throughout the year and do not grow weary. God has given them a mighty task. Please pray that the students and families are open to truth they hear, are transforming their lives to please God, and are, in turn, changing the world.

2 Corinthians 9:8  And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Saturday: Activities

Athletics ~ Fine Arts ~ Missions ~ Service

Athletics

Please pray for all our student-athletes during this fall sports season, that they are balancing their school work with their practice and game times. 

We have hundreds of students participating in athletics and pushing themselves to do their best in cheer, cross country, golf, football, soccer, and volleyball. Please pray that God would protect them from injuries.

Psalm 139:14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

Friday: Alumni

Did you know we have over 5,000 graduates from the schools over the years? Connecting with them is a big task, but we have just the man.

Dean Sellers is the Alumni Relations Coordinator for the Dayton Christian School System. He is a graduate of DC, and he is doing an outstanding job reaching out to the former students. He has the following specific requests for this school year:

1. The upcoming DC “All-Alumni Reunion” October 12^th and 13^th – that it will be a true “homecoming” for our graduates!
2. Pray that more alumni will be led to join in the 50^th Anniversary “Prayer Project”, dedicating one day each month to immerse the ongoing ministry in united prayer.
3. For our graduates involved daily in Christian ministry here at home.
4. For alumni who serve overseas in the mission field
5. That we can more effectively reach our 4,095 graduates, to communicate our message from Hebrews 13:1 “Let brotherly love continue” and our mission “To welcome all former students, graduates, parents, faculty, and staff back to the Dayton Christian School family; facilitating reconnection with each other, and interconnection opportunities with the ongoing ministry.”

Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Thursday: Administration & Board

Administration

A school administrator wears many hats, which can change at a moment's notice. Days can end up being quite hectic. Please pray that as perhaps challenging situations arise, our administrators respond graciously, controlled, and in a manner that is well-pleasing to our God. So many eyes are upon them - co-workers, students, parents - their burden can be quite heavy but the love for their school is great. We will be praying for specific administrators throughout the year.

During the summer, it is very quiet on the campus. Oddly quiet. I've asked administrators if they like the change from the noisy hustle and bustle of students all over the place to silence and empty classrooms and hallways. They say it's ok for a bit, but then it feels strange - after all, schools are meant for students, and without them, it is unnatural. They miss the kids! Hooray for the enthusiastic start of school where everything is back to "normal" and the sounds of laughter and energy fill the building.

Wednesday: Thanksgiving!

We are humbled by and ever so thankful for God's faithfulness to the Dayton Christian School System.

Here is a specific praise from one of our teachers: When the school year ended last year, a young lady talked with me about the possibility of not being able to return this year due to finances.  I agreed to pray for and with her, asking God to make a way.  The concern was that only one of the children in the family would be able to come.  This summer, while preparing my classroom, the young lady came to tell me that both she and her little brother would be returning to DC.  As we talked, I was blessed to see the amazement in her eyes as she told me that everything fell into place perfectly. We were able to praise God for his provision for her family. He is faithful.   

God is so good - and it is especially wonderful when we see His little ones start to understand just how good He is! I am thankful that our students are in an environment that they can openly proclaim His goodness to all around them!

Psalm 100:5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Tuesday: Students

Pray for all our students: PreK-12!!

It is so wonderful to see the little ones lining up in our hallway with their smiles!  Pray that as our young students are adjusting from their summer schedules into their new school schedules, they would be attentive to their teachers and kind to their classmates. They are learning new processes of getting through their days, and this can be a difficult time.

Pray that our new students would be readily accepted, that any fears of theirs would be diminished, and they are enveloped in our school family with open arms.

Our middle school and high school students - wow – have these kids grown over the summer! Pray for smooth transitions from class to class and that they can keep up with their homework assignments.  

Pray for our homeschooled students, that they cooperate with their teaching parent and are patient as they go through this wonderful journey with someone who knows and loves them dearly.

Monday: Faculty & Staff

Faculty and Staff

It's Labor Day, so please pray that our wonderful faculty and staff enjoy their day off. Also, don't forget our dedicated homeschool teaching parents!

Pray that our teachers get to know their students quickly and learn how best to teach each child individually as also they manage their entire classroom, modeling Christ throughout the day. It's not a small task to dive into a full classroom, remember names, faces, likes, and dislikes, but our teachers enjoy it!

During the August Meet the Teacher Night at XC, my son wasn't so much concerned about all the differences between 3rd and 4th grade as much as he was utterly consumed with the fact that his desk was way too tiny for him and that his legs didn't fit under the top. How was he supposed to learn for the year if his knees were unhappy? I told him to be patient, because on the first day, Mrs. Dizer would help him and all his classmates. Of course, she did, and all was well!

1 Samuel 12:23 Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way.

Sunday: Partners

Parents ~ Churches ~ Friends ~ Donors ~ Grandparents

“The mission of the Dayton Christian School System is to partner with responsible Christian families and their churches in educating their children to become like Christ and preparing them to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.” (DCSS Mission Statement)

I love reading that. Dayton Christian School System is partnering with me! That is extremely comforting. However, even though our mission statement talks about our children becoming more Christ-like, we as parents need to model that daily for them as well. That's easier said than done.

Today, please specifically pray for the parents of our students. Life is increasingly more demanding and busier than ever. Between shuttling children, going to work, attending church, family, sports, and fine arts events, etc., it can be hard to find time to focus on our own spiritual growth, and we can become as dry, brown, and prickly as the grass is in my front yard!  Pray that we become more intentional about drinking from the Word and getting refreshed. 

John 4:13-14 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Saturday: Activities

Athletics ~ Fine Arts ~ Missions ~ Service

Please pray for our fall athletic teams. It is our desire that as our children use their talents and hearts in various ways, that they remember they are first to be Ambassadors and Warriors for God, and that all the participants (be they opponents, coaches, fans, parents, teammates) are blessed by their actions on and off the field, court, and greens. 

Welcome!!

Welcome to the Dayton Christian School System Prayer Project!  Thank you for signing up to pray for us this year. We look back at all that God has done for our school, growing it from 14 kindergarteners to a ministry that has global impact, and we realize it was because of His enduring faithfulness and His answers to the persistent prayers of our many friends and families.

You have chosen a particular day of the month to pray for us! For example, if you chose the 3^rd, you will be praying September 3^rd, October 3^rd, November 3^rd, etc., We will be posting topics daily here on our blog.

Pray for that topic or dig a little deeper, read down further in the blog post for more details. Invite your bible study group to participate with you, or meet God alone in your prayer closet.