On March 9-13, 2026, an extraordinary, informative, interactive, and inspiring Wellness Week of Prayer was held at the Mount Calvary S.D.A. Junior Academy under the leadership of Principal Francine Brown. The purpose was to strengthen the relationship between the teachers and students with Jesus. The students in kindergarten through eighth grade confidently led out in the opening preliminaries – prayer, song service, scripture, Bible & American flag pledges, and the introduction of the speaker. The speaker for the week was Jennifer Sankey-Battles, Ph.D., Health and Disability Ministry Director for the Southeastern Conference. She centered each devotional around the theme, Jesus – Like, Follow, Share, with an emphasis on the power of prayer and the importance of living healthy, happy, holy, and being inclusive like Jesus, encouraging the students to share what they learn about Jesus with others.
Dr. Sankey-Battles engaged the 78 students and teachers by enthusiastically presenting the Bible lessons, followed by involving them in thought-provoking real-life scenarios: a water-drinking challenge, an exercise demonstration, colorful food displays, and a simulation of disabilities. The teachers who participated in the simulation of blindness (using eye shields) and hearing loss (using ear plugs) shared their experiences, describing feeling vulnerable in spaces that were ordinarily familiar to them. Their comments reinforced the need to provide an inclusive environment where all feel welcome, safe, and able to trust the people around them. Pastor Parham gave a special prayer on behalf of the students.
The closing session focused on being like Jesus through being born again, symbolized by water baptism. In response to the appeal, resoundingly, the students affirmed their desire to like, follow, and share Jesus. A special thank you to Ms. Brown for scheduling and reinforcing the value of hosting the Wellness Week of Prayer. We are never too young or too old to learn about health and wellness, and to be reminded that our bodies are the temple of God. If interested in hosting a Wellness Week of Prayer at your school or church, contact Jennifer Sankey-Battles @jennifer.sankey@secsda.org or 352-735-3142.
