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The death of a 16-year-old in broad daylight in Greensboro recently, the struggles of the homeless children among the ranks of those preparing to go back to school, and the low self-esteem that often lead children to make bad decisions are prompting today’s  Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club prayer rally.

“The children are sending out an 'SOS,’” said Amos Quick, executive director of the organization, referring to Starting Out Smart, a guided community prayer for their safety and strength for the new school year.

“We found it necessary to call on the greatest power we know,” he said, “and that’s the power of prayer.”
 

The prayer rally, open to people of all faiths, is at 10 a.m. today  in the athletics field adjacent to the club’s Ray Warren Homes center, 1306 W. Lee St .

The faith-based nonprofit is involved in the lives of hundreds of children annually, through six after-school and summer achievement program sites in Greensboro. The event falls on the last day of the group’s summer achievement program.

The children, along with local clergy, will hold hands to form a circle and pray not only for hungry children and those being abused, but also for academic excellence and a positive start to the school year, which for most Guilford County children is Tuesday.

“We are going to pray tomorrow for the protection of our children as they start school, for their safety on the way to school, and their overall well-being, which includes academics and the situations they face at home,” Quick said.

“We want to call on the Lord’s strength to provide that. We see this as the first of an annual kickoff to sending our kids out on a spiritual high note.”

Contact Nancy McLaughlin at 373-7049 or nancyy.mclaughlin@news-record.com