As part of a Head teacher's conference, organised by the Fields of Life, Alain told a few more stories about Prayer Spaces in Schools and introduced the 70 Head teachers to some simple, creative prayer zones. Here's a little bit of his report;

"I set up basic prayer stations for the delegates at the conference to introduce them as pastors & headmasters to the idea of 'prayer rooms/spaces' and also to give them an opportunity to see how they could introduce this into their schools/churches. I was nervous and unsure about how they would engage with this but when I came back after the first coffee break it was such a delight to see many of the pastors and teachers writing prayers and engaging with the prayer stations. The feedback was incredibly positive.

A handful of the schools that I piloted 24-7prayer with last year all responded with brilliant feedback!! A gentle but dynamic women called Annette from a place called Nakasongola about 3 hours north of Kampala told how the children in her school pray from 3 in the morning and then after school!! They built a simple wooden shack (see photo attached) on the school campus where the children go regularly to pray. The other schools testify of an improvement in discipline in the school and the development of healthy morals in the lives of the students, not to mention a growing understanding of the power of prayer.

During the conference I had an idea of trying to get the schools praying throughout the year.  I ran it past the Fields of Life leaders, pulled out a marker and flip chart paper drawing up every week of the academic year. Minus the holiday weeks there are 37 weeks altogether in the school year. I encouraged the teachers and pastors to see if we could cover a whole academic year in prayer and unbelievably nearly all the schools signed up for a week of prayer throughout these 37 weeks - over half of these weeks have 2 schools praying a week!  It will need some coordination quickly but I am excited about the blessing this can be to the nation of Uganda."

Alain Emerson is married to the lovely Rachel and divides his time between kicking a football for Dungannon Swifts (the pride of mid Ulster!) and working for Emmanuel Church in Lurgan as Missions Coordinator. Alain is a key member of the 24-7 Ireland team and is involved with the Prayer Spaces in Schools Ireland team.

Posted by Phil

Phil Togwell lives in a large community house in Romford (UK) with his family (three daughters - Megan, Poppy and Angel, and one wife - Emma) and various visitors and pilgrims... exploring and experimenting with rhythms of prayer, mission, hospitality, life together. Phil is learning to cook, slowly. He likes curries, mountains, lengthy late-night conversations and reading books. He dislikes cats. Phil leads 24-7 Prayer's UK team and the Prayer Spaces in Schools team.