*** (See how you can pray for
your child's school, CLICK HERE) ***
History:
Federal Ways city wide annual ’We Love our
Kids’ Back to school prayer rally emerged in the winter of 1995 from a small weekly
prayer group of Christian lay leaders and community activists. Caring deeply for kids,
Coach Bob Roach, Tom Vander Ark, and Laird Chambers communicated a vision of a community
prayer event to local pastors. Vision segued to a work in progress with the appointment of
a ten person interdenominational steering committee.
On September 14, 1997, Sunday evening, 1100 people
gathered in the stands of Memorial Stadium for 90 minutes of prayer and worship. Led first
in worship by an inter church choir and contemporary worship band, lay men and women
representing city congregations directed prayer in these seven categories -
Safety - the physical protection of staff &
students;
Harmony - Respect for and appreciation of our diverse
cultures;
The personal well being of educational professionals
& their families;
Healthy homes - Good family environments for students
& the needs of single parents;
Special needs children - The care of students and
teachers who serve these kids
Good morality - Bible values and convictions to guide
relationships & behaviors;
Church & civic youth ministries - the growth of
ministries & agencies who care for the young of all ages.
A typical Northwest weather combination of wet, and
wind, was counterbalanced by the energy of the prayer and worship experience.
At one point in the evening, a rainbow perfectly framed the stage, as an apparent
commentary to Gods pleasure at the sight of His people praying for children and schools.
Professional stage facilities and lighting/sound systems guaranteed clear sound and easy
participation. A good first year.
In 1998, The Seattle Times, The News Tribune, and Charisma Magazine (Dec.1998
issue -- p.17) wrote extensive commentary and/or editorials highlighting the positive way
the Federal Way community rallied around their schools, teachers and kids through the
‘We Love Our Kids’ back to school prayer rally event. Both editorial copyists
and reporters affirmed the legality, wisdom, and thoughtful approach of our community in
demonstrating how much we care for our schools. Crowd size increased, the weather
improved, and the core program was again vital and fresh. A great second year.
Year 3 was a year of change for the city of Federal Way
as we said good-bye to several wonderful city leaders, among them our Superintendent of
Schools and City Manager. We came to Memorial Stadium deeply aware that we needed God to
guide us more than ever before. The Lay prayer leaders were strong. Prayer was powerful,
and the spirit of worship continued to increase over the whole event.
Rich Stearns, the President of World Vision, U.S. was our first
honorary chairperson for the Prayer Rally. Attendance decreased slightly, but again a very
good year.
In 2000, we move indoors and added a youth rally called
'the gathering'. The field house of Decatur High School was the site for a two day event.
The Federal Way
Mirror featured, Jon McIntosh the Pastor of Student Ministries at Grace Church as it's
guest columinist in their September, 23rd. 2000 Issue as he
announced the first youth prayer rally event.
2001 and beyond-
Once again were indoors. On Saturday evening,
'the gathering’ happens from 8:-10 p.m.. The gathering is a youth prayer event,
coordinated by city youth leaders. This all age event is youth conceptualized, youth
driven, and youth focused.
The Prayer Rally is Sunday evening celebration of
worship and prayer for our schools, teachers and kids. Moving indoors allows us to have
these two back to back events without fighting our unpredictable Northwest weather.
ASL interpreting will be available for the September
23rd Prayer Rally event.
More ahead. Stay tuned for upcoming news and reports..
