CEAI Leadership Team Meets in Pasadena
an Upper Room Experience

By W. Glenn Walker, M. Ed.
CEAI Alabama State Director

Portraits of the twelve disciples, in various poses ,framed the walls around the third floor conference room where we gathered for our 2008 CEAI Leadership Truth Rally. Each disciple’s face had a unique expression. Some portrayed contentment, some showed concern, some seemed to be in serious contemplation, and some contained a hint of a smile. As I sat among my fellow educators gathered in this modern day upper room, I felt the sense that something profound and wonderful was about to occur in the Kingdom of God.

In the room with me were forty other Christians, from across the United States: Idaho, Tennessee, Connecticut, Oklahoma, Mississippi, California, Kentucky, Iowa, Alabama, Ohio, Florida, Colorado, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Each person was there, called by God to this profession and to this moment in time, to be a part of a bigger work. Individually, we had different gifts, personalities, and, goals. We too wore different expressions and responded in various ways to the weekend. But running through our group was a common bond and purpose: united by the Holy Spirit to make a difference in the lives of our students.

It was not your typical conference, but when God is involved, our lives are anything but typical. Business was interspersed with worship and fellowship. We took time to enjoy each other’s company and to make connections that will enhance our work for the kingdom. We shared, we sang, we laughed, we rode together, and oh yes, we ate together, rather excessively I might add. That God was in the weekend was never in doubt, especially at the closing dinner on Sunday night at board member Richard Nicholsons’ home . After dinner, we gathered in the family room to sing uplifting hymns, led by Don Clark, Greater Houston Area Director, and Rev. Dan Elliott, Board Chair, on acoustic guitars. Afterwards, we assembled outside around the pool under a beautiful moonlit night to receive communion. As communion was served, each person in line would then pray for the person to the left. It was a powerful ending to an awesome weekend.

On Saturday, we were exposed to The Truth Project, a powerful 13-week DVD series from Focus on the Family, designed to recreate a Christian worldview among Christians. We realized the urgency that all generations, especially oiur youth , need to be educated to view the world from a biblical standpoint in order to make God-honoring life choices.

Each participant was charged with three expectations to be fulfilled as we returned to our homes : to establish a Truth Project small group, to achieve personalized goals set during the event, and to recruit new members to CEAI. We came away with a new awareness that we are not alone in our efforts to transform the lives of our students. The connectivity we share in CEAI and with the Membership Service Center in Ohio provides a great encouragement to stay the course and win the battle for Christ.

Personally, I have a new vision for CEAI in Alabama. I could hardly wait to return home to begin drafting a plan for reaching my colleagues in my state. I felt empowered. Just as the first disciples emerged from that Upper Room in Jerusalem to set the world on fire, I pray we too might emerge with the fire and power from on high to transform the world of public education. The Truth will indeed set us free!

CEAI Board of Directors and Executive Director (from left to right) Robert Erdmann, Dr. Ken Ogden, Marc Fey, Dr. Dean Finley, Linda Deichler, Susie Hinton, Dr.Dan Elliott, Joyce Anne Munn, Richard Nicholson, Finn Laursen

Educating the Educators: How One National Educators’ Organization Supports Christmas

By Kent Wigg, Living Stones News Writer

You are a teacher in a public elementary school classroom.

You have been leading a discussion about holidays that families observe, including Christmas. But you are totally unprepared for the next question from little Melinda:

“Mrs. Smith, who is Jesus and why do people celebrate Christmas?”

As a teacher, what can you say?

Another student wants you to read a book he has found in the school library, featuring Jesus Christ as the center of the Christmas holiday.

Should you read it to the class?

Many public school teachers have asked these questions, as special interest groups have pressured their schools to purge classrooms of any Christian influence or references to Jesus. In response, the Christian Educators Association International has sought to provide the education community with answers.

Founded in 1953, CEAI is a professional association serving all school employees in public or private schools -- including secretaries, custodians, aides and other employees – as well as teachers and administrators.

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