Opportunity to reach public school kids must be met, says Bend man

By JOHN FORTMEYER
CNNW publisher

PORTLAND — If anyone knows the significance of an opportunity to teach God’s truths to public school children, it is Stephen Williams of Bend
Several years ago, Williams, who was then a public school teacher in California, made national headlines because he was censored by his administration from using primary source documents with Christian references — even from teaching a lesson using the Declaration of Independence.
That led to a court case that was eventually settled out of court, resulting in a policy allowing primary source documents with Christian references to be used in Cupertino, Calif., classrooms.
Through that experience, Williams became aware of the lack of awareness among Christians about the level of hostility towards a Christian worldview in public schools and society, as well as the role Christianity played in shaping our country, He started Prepare the Way Ministries to raise that awareness.
And it is because of what he went through that Williams was an especially enthusiastic keynote speaker Oct. 25 at Portland’s Doubletree Inn Lloyd Center for the first-ever benefit dinner for Portland Released-Time Education program, also known as PREP4Kids.
Many Christians are not aware that, under Oregon law, students in public schools can receive off-campus religious training during the school day. For 24 years, PREP4Kids has responded with weekly classes from a Biblical worldview.
And that, said Williams is a golden opportunity for sharing the Gospel that must not be taken for granted.
“PREP4Kids is sowing those seeds of truth that are so necessary,” Williams told the approximately 350 people attending the dinner.
He praised PREP4Kids for encouraging Biblical morality, for presenting a Biblical worldview in a secular society, and for reaching children from many backgrounds.
“That’s one of the only ways that the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord can be shared with this impressionable young generation,” he said. “For many children, this is the only light, the only seeds of truth that will be sown into these precious young hearts.”
Currently PREP4Kids holds classes for students in 26 grade schools in several districts in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas County. It has targeted another 20 schools as resources become available.
Joanne Ohanesian, a PREP4Kids volunteer for 15 years, told how one young girl was fascinated to hear about Jesus’ crucifixion. “She never realized how much God had suffered for her.”
“Whether the students are with me for one visit or for five years, I get to tell them of God’s great love for them,” said Ohanesian.
Ticole Waller, 27, attended the classes as a boy: “You teach your kids when they’re young, because when they’re full grown, they’ll remember. I’m a product of that.”
For details, go to www.prep4kids.org or phone 503-281-7764.