The Shadow
The Eastern Alleghany Christian Ministerial Association held its annual Back to School Prayer Event, last Sunday afternoon, on the grounds of the Central United Methodist Church, Clifton Forge.
“I think this is the most important thing we do as a ministerial association,” said Rev. Paul Brokaw, pastor, Clifton Forge Presbyterian Church, as he stood behind a box labeled “school supplies.” “We are going to be doing a lot of praying today,” added Brokaw before he started off the prayers “to put a blanket of protection around our schools.”
The program followed with the audience joining in the singing of several hymns with the Praise and Worship Team. The Team included: Lynn Agee, Keyboard; Doug Taliaferro, Guitar; Billy Burberette, Bass; Steve Fenton, Sound; and Robin Powell, Meghan Powell, Michelle Wright, and members of the Celebration Choir, lead by Dale Muterspaugh.
Gene Ayers, Advent Christian Church, read a couple of scriptures and was followed by Kim Halterman, Superintendent, Alleghany Highlands Public Schools, who gave a very brief update on the consolidation of schools. “We want to thank you all because we know that you are friends and neighbors with our bus drivers, our teachers, our custodians, our administrators, and our board members,” began Halterman. These are “all of those folks who have worked so hard to make some opportunities for our students and for our community,” said Halterman. She also shared that the beginning of the school year is Aug. 23 and it’s “an exciting time for everyone.” She summed up her comments by offering thanks and gratitude.”
At the conclusion of Halterman’s comments, all pastors were invited to pray and “lay hands” on Halterman, as retired pastor, Marion Sortore, prayed for the school administration and staff. Other prayers rendered were as follows: for children and students, Rev. David Hanks, pastor, Iron Gate Baptist Church; teachers and all instructors, Rev. Susan Ennis, pastor, 1st Presbyterian Church, Covington; parents, guardians, and care givers, Rev. Dr. Ronald Baker, pastor, Main Street Missionary Baptist Church; school resource officers and safety, Scott Dudding, Deputy Sheriff, Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office, School Resource Officer; bus drivers, maintenance, and cafeteria staff, Lynn Agee, AHPS Bus Driver; sports-athletes, coaches, and spectators, Grover Nicely, Oak Grove Advent Christian Church, and safety in the entire community, Chris Fisher, Chief Deputy, ACSO.
Angela Howdershelt, Covenant Christian Academy, gave an overview of CCA and its move to its new location in the building that formerly housed the Oak Hill Bible Church at 1601 Chestnut St., Clifton Forge. Howdershelt is excited about the various ways to educate students, from public schools to homeschooling, to Christian education. She believes they are all good options, and she is excited about the upcoming school year for all students.
At the closing, Brokaw realized that “we didn’t pray for the school board.” “That’s something we didn’t think about, but we will add it,” said Brokaw. “We don’t want to miss anybody. We want to make sure we cover all our schools with a blanket of protection and the blood of Christ,” added Brokaw.
He also thanked all for coming, especially the large group of students from the Boy’s Home and the students singing in the choir.
