August 4, 2019
By: Dwayne Page
Members of the community concerned about our school system answered the call to pray Sunday afternoon during what has become an annual event prior to the start of school.
This year’s prayer time called ” Back 2 School Call 2 Prayer” was held at DeKalb County High School. As in past years it featured several local ministers offering prayers for each school as well as the school transportation staff, athletic activities and band program, law enforcement agencies, and the school board.
Donnie Kelly, retired Pastor of the Smithville AG (First Assembly of God) made welcoming remarks followed by Director of Schools Patrick Cripps, who spoke briefly about plans for the school year. Jamie Greco, Praise & worship leader at the Smithville AG sang the National Anthem.
Director of Schools Patrick Cripps from dwayne page on Vimeo.
Local ministers participating were:
* Jordan Atnip, Youth Pastor of Smithville First Baptist Church (who prayed for DeKalb County High School)
* Chris Moore, Pastor of the Smithville Church of God (who prayed for DeKalb Middle School)
* Shayne Ray, Youth Pastor of Outreach Baptist Church (who prayed for Northside Elementary School)
* Sam Scavo, Campus Pastor at Christpoint in Smithville (who prayed for Smithville Elementary School)
* Jimmy Arms, Pastor of Upper Helton Baptist Church (who prayed for DeKalb West School)
* Graden Kirksey, Pastor of Refuge Church (who prayed for School Transportation Staff)
* Brian Jones, Pastor of Pomeroy Chapel (who prayed for the athletic department/band)
* Dan Gulley, Minister at the Smithville Church of Christ (who prayed for the local law enforcement departments)
* Joel Wood, Pastor of the Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church (who prayed for the School Board)
Instead of a closing prayer, everyone was encouraged to go to the school where their children or grandchildren attend to offer a prayer.