SCHOOL ANSWERS BAD BEHAVIOUR WITH LOVE AND PRAYER

The Paarl Gymnasium in the Cape has an inspiring approach to bad behaviour. The school has over 600 students, of which around 400 participate in one of the 70 student-led Christian small groups or cell groups. When the school was asked how they approach challenging personalities, their response was surprising: "We gather our intercessory team which is made up of a cross-section of the cell groups and give them the name of the student. We then mobilize every group leader to connect with the student by showing small acts of kindness. They might give him or her some chocolate, buy them a cup of coffee or even befriend them. Eventually the problem student is swamped with kindness and prayer. He or she is then invited to an evangelism adventure camp where the message of Jesus is presented. Whether they make a commitment to follow Him or not, the relationships they've formed con-tinue to grow and many become members of the cell groups they have connected with." Source: Nadine Arendse, 24-7prayer, South Africa, JNI 642.