School is back in session, and with that comes some stress and anxiety. But something good can also come out of the new beginning of the school year……Kings’ For Christ is back!
Kings’ For Christ is a student-led ministry here at Lewis Cass. There are three student leaders: senior, Alexis Alford, and fellow juniors, Rebekah Birkey, and Lauren Tocco. Each week, the leaders take turns leading the lesson for Kings’ For Christ. Being a student leader for a group such as this can be scary and takes much courage. Alexis Alford has been a leader for two years now. Becoming a leader for Kings’ For Christ is an easy challenge in that another senior leader invites a student to lead. When asked when Alford felt led to become a leader, she replied, “I always knew I wanted to make a difference in the school and shine in a different way than what others were, so when I was offered the opportunity to lead by (alumni) Mirikle Prince at Kings’ For Christ my sophomore year, I jumped right in! I had already been attending Kings’ For Christ for a while, and I always knew I would love to be asked, but I was letting it be in His timing!” Alford truly lives to please God.
Kings’ For Christ is held in Ms. Sonafrank’s room every Wednesday morning. If you are curious why Sonafrank allowed Kings’ For Christ to meet in her classroom, or what made her want to open her classroom for the meetings, Sonafrank said, “I was asked by (alumni) Kyah Preston if I would be willing to allow a student-led, faith-based group of students to meet in my room once a week. I really value my morning work time (often getting to school between 6:00-6:15 am), but value my Christian faith more, so I said yes.”
As a student, I look forward to attending Kings’ For Christ Wednesdays to strengthen my own faith. When asked if Kings’ For Christ has helped strengthen her own faith, Sonafrank said, “Any time a Christian hears a message of faith, their faith is strengthened. While I work at my desk during the message, I listen as much as I can. The student leaders do a great job at providing a mid-week message to the students that is encouraging and engaging. It is a nice, safe place for Christian students to feel like they belong to a like-minded group.”
As a young Christian, finding friends who are also living for Him is challenging. It can come with judgment or rejection, which could steer young people from their faith. Everyone wants to fit in and might be scared to follow Christ because of these challenges. Young Christians are always worried about being too “churchy” or “no fun” just because they are following Christ. But I am here to tell you, that you are not alone. At Kings’ For Christ, there is absolutely no judgment at all. Everyone is there for one reason and one reason only: to learn more about the Lord. If you are considering attending, please do! When asked what advice Alford would give someone who is thinking about stopping by Kings’ For Christ, she said, “The first thing I would say to someone thinking about coming to Kings’ For Christ is, do you like donuts and talking with friends? Kings’ for Christ is just one way to hang out with Christ centered people. You don’t have to be scared if you’re not as “Godly” as others or if you don’t like praying in front of others. As your leader, I meet everyone right where they are, showing them Jesus’ love for them. We would love to have new people and returning students each week!!”
Come join us every Wednesday at 7:10 am in Ms. Sonafrank’s room for donuts and a message – “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” (Romans 10:17). I cannot wait to see you there!
