Our friend Bobby, the Superintendent of Big Valley Christian Schools and a pastor at Big Valley Grace, approached Ryan a few weeks ago asking about anointing Ryder with oil.  He was on vacation when some church elders anointed Ryder in April (read about that here), and he wondered if we’d like to do it again… only this time, he suggested we do it at school so that Ryder’s classmates could experience it as well.  We immediately agreed, and today was the day!
Pastor Bobby did a great job explaining the significance to the kids. Â They’re already familiar with James 1:22: “Do what God’s Word says. Â Don’t merely listen to it, or you will fool yourselves.” so he reminded them that we ought to act on what we read in the Bible. Â Then he shared James 5:13-14: “Is anyone among you suffering? Â Let him pray. Â Is anyone among you cheerful? Â Let him sing praises. Â Is anyone among you sick? Â Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray of him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” Â 
Ryder got to choose a friend to come up and support and pray for him, and then Bobby dabbed oil on his finger and rubbed a little on Ryder’s forehead. Â He explained that this wasn’t magic oil, but a symbol of obedience and faith.
And then Ryder’s teacher, his pal, and Pastor Bobby each took turns praying for our little fighter.
It still takes my breath away to be in a place where we are free to alter the class schedule for a few minutes to take part in an event like this.  The kids might not completely understand what they just witnessed, but the honor and privilege of it isn’t lost on me.
In the midst of all the stress and drama that comes with packing to move, and the continued busy-ness of life, I needed a little encouragement.  A gentle reminder that God’s troops are still rallied together in faithful prayer that this special boy of ours will be completely, miraculously healed.  This particular band of prayer warriors happens to come in the form of a loving teacher, a passionate pastor, and a group of giggly second graders and we are indescribably grateful for each one of them.
We cannot wait for the day our prayers are answered, but in the meantime we’ll continue to be faithful doers of the Word.
