MONROE - There is power in prayer.
Over the past five weeks, the Monroe High School and Monroe Middle School were evacuated because of threats. Monroe United Methodist Church youth director Todd Carter said he knows some students are scared.
"Some of them won't come out and say they're scared, but you can see it in their demeanor," he said. "It's in their minds and in their hearts."
Youth from the church and Potter's House gathered together Wednesday at the Monroe United Methodist Church to pray for Monroe schools.
Monroe United Methodist Pastor Randy Booth estimated 70 kids and adults took part in the vigil.
"This is the first time we've ever had a prayer vigil," Booth said, "and there were more people praying who weren't here tonight."
Across Monroe, and also in other communities, people prayed for the Monroe school district and for the students.
"It shows the school that we're behind them in a tough time," he said.
Carter said it was important for the kids to get together and face their problems through prayer.
"We're asking for calmness and peace," he said.
Jonathan Wong, 17, Monroe, said he went to the vigil because the evacuations have been disruptive to students.
"It's nice to know there are others who want to help us with what's going on," he said.
People were asked to pray for the schools for 30 minutes between 6 p.m. Tuesday through 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Booth said 75 people volunteered to pray during the 25-hour vigil. They either could pray at home or near a school of their choice.
The prayer vigil ended with the gathering at the church. Prayers were offered for school principals, administrators and the school board.
There also was a prayer for peace for everyone in the school district.
"Be assured, God has heard our prayers," Booth said as he dismissed the service.
Over the past five weeks, the Monroe High School and Monroe Middle School were evacuated because of threats. Monroe United Methodist Church youth director Todd Carter said he knows some students are scared.
"Some of them won't come out and say they're scared, but you can see it in their demeanor," he said. "It's in their minds and in their hearts."
Youth from the church and Potter's House gathered together Wednesday at the Monroe United Methodist Church to pray for Monroe schools.
Monroe United Methodist Pastor Randy Booth estimated 70 kids and adults took part in the vigil.
"This is the first time we've ever had a prayer vigil," Booth said, "and there were more people praying who weren't here tonight."
Across Monroe, and also in other communities, people prayed for the Monroe school district and for the students.
"It shows the school that we're behind them in a tough time," he said.
Carter said it was important for the kids to get together and face their problems through prayer.
"We're asking for calmness and peace," he said.
Jonathan Wong, 17, Monroe, said he went to the vigil because the evacuations have been disruptive to students.
"It's nice to know there are others who want to help us with what's going on," he said.
People were asked to pray for the schools for 30 minutes between 6 p.m. Tuesday through 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Booth said 75 people volunteered to pray during the 25-hour vigil. They either could pray at home or near a school of their choice.
The prayer vigil ended with the gathering at the church. Prayers were offered for school principals, administrators and the school board.
There also was a prayer for peace for everyone in the school district.
"Be assured, God has heard our prayers," Booth said as he dismissed the service.