There are 77 t-shirts hanging on poles in this garden outside a church on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. Each represents a student that was KILLED in the 2010-2011 school year in the Chicago school system.

Oh, Father God, we cry out for this generation of young people! Father, they have been so left to themselves without Your intended "umbrellas of protection" ~ their parents and the truth provided in Your Word. Our culture stubbornly continues in its attempt to eliminate all traces of You, the Most High God, as well as perverting the truth of the Christian foundation laid in the establishment of this great nation. We have grown cold to the value of life and the primary purpose of the family being the passing of a Christian heritage to the next generation. Children are considered an inconvenience rather than a treasure. Parents choose their own personal happiness rather than the long-term well being of their own children. The acquisition of "things" has become more important than the investment in the development of character.

Father God, as we pause to consider these 77 t-shirts, may we not fail to acknowledge our deep dependence upon You, as parents, as Westminster staff, faculty and administrators. Oh, Father God, we desperately need You, as our wisdom, strength, courage, and understanding. Wisdom to discern the times and to know what we should do on behalf of this generation; strength to not choose ourselves or the easy road, rather to do the hard thing in front of us as an investment into the lives of our children and students; courage to follow through when these very ones lack the eyes to see the thing that is for their long-term best good; and understanding that in all things You are also working in us to conform us the image of Your Son Jesus.

Father, we are exceedingly grateful for the provision You have made enabling both, our parents to partake, and us to offer a Christian school environment where parents are championed and the truth of Your Word is exalted in all things Westminster. May we be faithful stewards of what You have given and not "hide it under a bushel." Send out Your Crusaders, Lord, send them out far and wide to propagate Your victorious message throughout our nation and this world! Unleash the power You place within each one by Your Holy Spirit at salvation and protect them with Your angels and the full armor of God.

Oh, how we love You. We praise You for Your provision, protection, presence, peace and purpose at Westminster Christian Academy. We lift these 77 families before Your throne, praying that each will cry out to You and allow You to be the comfort of their hearts, and come to full surrender to Who You are. In the powerful name of Jesus we pray. Amen.