The impact of the government apparatus on education is very important: it always determines the learning objectives and the study programs. These are sometimes at odds with the beliefs of most evangelicals, for example regarding creation or evolution, the Big Bang theory, gender issues and related themes. So let us take our own responsibility as parents and churches in a very conscientious way (and not “delegate” it to the government): may we teach our children at home and on Sunday mornings, but also, for example, in Christian camps for children. And let us not forget that “education” is much more than the transfer of cognitive knowledge: we are all role models for everyday life in some area.
Jesus himself was a great teacher and a wonderful pedagogue: “He opened his mouth and taught them” on the mountain (Matt. 5: 1). By his acts and his miracles he demonstrated the reality of the Kingdom of God. God also commands us: “You shall teach them (God’s instructions) diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” (Deut. 6.7 NKJV). “Train up a child in the way he should go,” (Prov.22:6).
“My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge,…”(Hosea 4:6). Paul repeatedly emphasizes the teaching and training of the believer to make him fit for the tasks of service: “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). And didn’t Jesus Himself give the Great Commission with this command: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;” (Matt.28:19-20)?
The world of science is also linked to education and universities. In our culture, science is too often seen as being opposed to religion, even as the enemy of faith. Free-thinkers or atheists use (abuse) science as a weapon against the church and religion, as a “rational” substitute for them, thereby giving it a quasi-religious character. God can never be threatened by science, for He is the Creator of rationality and natural laws. We also note that at different levels, the world of science is no longer objective, but very biased towards all that is religious, even intolerant. For example, regarding the origin of the world (Evolution and the Big Bang Theory), Creationism (or “Intelligent Design”) is not even given a place. People laugh about it, as if it were the Middle Ages (and evolutionism is still being constantly propagated). Fortunately, there are also top scientists who are strong believers and are not ashamed of it.
Pray Points
- For all decision-makers (local, regional and federal) to have wisdom as regards how to implement education policy; for the constitutional freedom of education in Nigeria to never be compromised in favour of saving money or on the grounds of ideological (humanist) motivations.
- That the “influencers” on this mountain would meet God, or at least respect Him, and that the impact of born again believers would increase among these influencers or decision makers.
- That our teaching would once again honour the Creator and respect His creation. (Not only human beings, but also the environment).
- That those who want to abuse education for the benefit of their own (ideological) agendas would be removed.
- That the educational reforms of recent years might be adequately implemented and evaluated before new challenges are deployed.
- For teachers of integrity who are competent enough, for whom teaching is more than just delivering a class, but that they would take their educational role seriously.
- For teachers to renew their strength, especially those who are tired and have become overloaded throughout the years (Come to Him!), or who are discouraged by the changes they are undergoing.
- That the number of hours given to religious education classes would NOT be replaced by other subjects such as philosophy or citizenship courses. That these religion classes will be evaluated positively. (Unfortunately in the French-speaking Community the 2 hours of religion classes per week have already been reduced to a single hour per week in favor of one hour of philosophy and citizenship lessons for all pupils. Let’s continue to pray for this hour of religious education class to be maintained).
- That Catholic schools do not become even more diluted and do not compromise their Christian identity 4
- Let’s pray for the (Flemish and Wallonian) Committees responsible for the proper functioning of Protestant-Evangelical religion classes: for wisdom, faith, vision, strength, and for all these teachers of religion, so that they can stand in faith, teach in an inspired and motivating way, and can sow many good seeds.
- Pray for all the protestant schools to persevere and grow in their impact and their charisma, as well as be strong in their Christian identity.
- For a renewed respect for Christian heritage and values, and for a healthy image of man and of God in colleges and universities and in the field of science. May scientists who are believers bear witness to their faith without shame.
- May Ichtus and the GBU (University Bible Groups) be able to reach our generation of students effectively and inspire them to grow in their faith and in spirit.
- Pray for Protestant colleges and universities (CTS, The Protestant Faculty in Brussels, Bible Institute of Brussels, Evangelical Theological Faculty in Leuven) to pass on to theological students (future church leaders) not only academic knowledge, but also faith and the knowledge of God himself.
- May our children and young people be strong enough spiritually not to be influenced by all the worldly thinking, but on the contrary, may they be strong witnesses! (“Mums in Prayer” prays in a very targeted and specific way!)
- For sex education in schools (also concerning gender identity) to be healthy, respectful and balanced.
- That collaboration in the field of education among born-again Christians might improve even further, thereby having a positive impact on other spheres of influence.
- For the false opposition between religion and science to be broken again and again, and for scientists who are also believers to testify more boldly to their faith.
- For an opening to come, to be able (at least) to discuss creation and creationism, and for there to be clear voices that denounce the lies and break all the taboos.