Before the start of teaching and learning activities, students and teachers of Manado Independent School (MIS) gathered every morning for a week to participate in the Week of Prayer from March 10 to 14, 2025 at the MIS auditorium. This Week of Prayer is held every semester as a time needed by students and teachers to renew their faith and strengthen their spiritual journey to get closer to God. This semester, MIS felt blessed by the presence of Pastor Roxie Joy Pido, Director of Communications & Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) at the Southwest Philippine Unity Conference.
With the theme “Celebration of Redemption,” Pastor Pido focused on bringing students to know more deeply about Bible characters who have experienced life changes because of God’s love and are connected to God’s power that gives salvation. The entire series of services were led by MIS students who became a blessing to others. They also participated in praise in the form of duets, trios, and group vocals. There were also those who played kolintang, angklung, violin, saxophone, and band. This event was further blessed with the theme song during the Week of Prayer entitled “Redeemed by Love,” an original song created by talented students. The series of services was closed with a circle prayer, where students and teachers prayed for each other.
The presence of Pastor Roxie Joy Pido from the Philippines was a great blessing for the MIS family. Pastor Pido shared her first experience as a speaker at this semester’s Week of Prayer, “It has been a great blessing to be speaking to the wonderful students of MIS on their Week of Prayer. I was completely touched by their talents and enthusiasm in deepening their relationship with God. May this experience encourage them to rely on God and live out their faith with confidence and joy.”
“Great school, indeed! Keep shining on!” he added. The Word of God shared throughout the week reminded us of the role of teachers, which is not only to educate, but also to guide MIS students towards a Christ-centered life. Many lessons changed the way listeners think and behave by the knowledge of the word related to the personal experiences of young people and even children. The teachers and staff also expressed their gratitude, represented by the administrators by presenting a plaque to Pastor Pido on the last day of the Week of Prayer. As students return to their daily routines, they are prayed for to live faithfully with hearts full of gratitude for God’s redemption.
