COLUMBUS — Seniors from Christian Academy Schools (CAS) went to Columbus recently for Franklin Graham’s Decision America 2016 Rally.
Graham had a mission to hold a prayer rally in the capital of each state before Election Day. When CAS history teacher Kelly Edwards saw that the rally would be coming to Ohio, she decided that the senior class would benefit from attending.
“Our mission statement for Christian Academy is to equip and inspire students to be a new generation of Christ-centered leaders. We decided to take the field trip to our state capital for the prayer rally because it was an opportunity to equip and inspire our seniors to actively live out their faith in every part of their life, which includes engaging in civics,” said Edwards.
The students spent their day learning how vital it is for citizens to prayerfully consider the delegates and to exercise their right to vote. The students walked away with many lessons that will stay with them as they become more involved.
“I learned to always take part in our elections and to continue to exercise my freedoms, while still showing others the love of Christ. It was encouraging to know that in times of stress, we can still gather together and pray for our community and nation,” said student Jay Curlis.
Graham, eldest son of Billy Graham, also shared the Gospel during the rally and impacted many lives. He decided to hold the rally to encourage Christians to live out their faith in all areas of their lives, including the upcoming elections.
“It shows that people, many people, are interested in the spiritual condition of our country,” said Alena Tagle, CAS senior.
Edwards was optimistic about the impact the rally had on the students.
“I hope that the students were encouraged to pray for our nation’s leaders, to take a stand for the truth, and to vote. The prayer rally gave the students an experience beyond the classroom walls to witness thousands of people gathered together to make a difference in their community and to be politically active citizens,” said Edwards.
Although most of the students will not be able to vote in this election, they have learned values that will follow them into all areas of their lives.
