The students and teachers of the Manado Independent School (MIS) sought to highlight the importance of prayer, with a Week of Prayer (WOP) program. Throughout the week, from March 13 – 17, 2023, students and teachers were very receptive to the sermons. The theme chosen for this program was “Our Need for Living Water” with a powerful guest speaker from Kenya, Pastor Timothy Omwega.
This program aims to develop students’ character by promoting spiritual interests in God. The essence of the message from our speaker was that in this life many people are obsessed in chasing success and happiness. They focus on material things; fame and honor; and power because they think that having these things will give them happiness in life. They did not realize that life is not all about the things in this world. It is all about finding the true purpose in life, which is to serve God and humanity. The source of true success and happiness is the Living Water—Jesus. Like the story of the woman at the well, each of us can experience joy and contentment through Jesus alone.
Additionally, Week of Prayer is one of the best times that students can dedicate and show their talents and service by singing hymns, playing musical instruments, and performing skits/ dramas. The performances of the students added excitement and joy to the program. Julio Flory (8th grade) commented, “I was impressed with the awesome performances and the inspiring messages I heard from our speaker. The lessons I have learned are so relevant and easy to apply to our lives as young people. I was truly blessed.”
Meanwhile, on Thursday afternoon, March 16, 2023, Pst. Timothy held a parenting seminar. He talked about how parents can be good partners with God and teachers, in guiding their children to have a good and successful life in this world. However, parents have a solemn obligation in preparing their children for the heavenly kingdom as well. MIS is indeed blessed by the spiritual feast during this Week of Prayer. It is such a special week for each of us to strengthen our spiritual walk with God. We hope and pray that the blessings of God’s inspiring Word will remain in our hearts, and be our guide to live a life pleasing to our God, Almighty.
