Today was strangely busy in numbers, but very different to yesterday in atmosphere. A great sense of peace and calm invaded the room and though we had nearly 90 visits today there seemed to be space enough for everyone. students moved round the room and got stuck into all sorts of stations, encouraging their friends to do the same.
we started the day with a staff service, then a tutor group came in. numerous visitors throughout the day including busy times during break and lunch. quite a few students returning as well to see the rest of the space, having spent most of their time before making friendship bracelets and tying them to the letters G-O-D. I was on the door mainly, welcoming groups of friends as they came in. At first I felt like I was running away from all the action in the prayer room, but actually, I found that I had just as many (if not more) good conversations with the students. as we spend more time here the students open up more and more, talking about bullying, their parents who've died, other stresses at home, what name is best for their newly born nephew, it's been good.
a few students prayed through the simple commitment style salvation prayer we were cheeky enough to put it. Chris, the school chaplain talked them through it and about 5 students pushed their thumbs onto the ink pad and added their print to a small card with the verse 'to all who received him, to all who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God'...i came back in the room when the bell went to hear a girl shout "i'm in the family of God now, I'm in the family of God!"
wow!
we also had the lead officer for secondary education in the diocese come and visit us, which was brilliant. Had a great conversation about rolling our prayer rooms to all their linked schools in the diocese. scary. but exciting. these plus the schools i've been developing links with already puts the potential number prayer rooms in schools between 12-15...!
scary. but exciting!
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