“Remembering Oberlin High School Almost One Year Later”
By Jody-Ann Gosling-Williams
According to the foreword of the draft Guidelines for Devotions in Schools from the Ministry of Education and Youth (MOEY), “Recent and historical incidents have led to the need to bring order to devotion and worship sessions in our educational institutions.”
We are all aware that the ‘recent incident’ that propelled the review of protocols for school devotions would have been what transpired at Oberlin High School the morning of Wednesday, October 26, 2022, almost one year ago.
We know that order is important and biblical. 1 Corinthians 14:33 says that “God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” However, we need to pray for wisdom and revelation for the MOEY as they draft documents to ensure “the safety and emotional well-being of our children” while they are being groomed to become “virtuous citizens of the highest moral integrity and character,” for we cannot fight a spiritual war with carnal strategies. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6
Let us pray that the correct wisdom is applied to the appropriately identified problem. It is my belief that the conversation we ought to be having is one that educates the public on what truly happened at Oberlin and how to address spiritual problems.
WHAT IS A DEMONIC MANIFESTATION, AND WHAT IS DELIVERANCE?
Demonic manifestations are tangible evidence that a demonic spirit is present. When a demon has legal rights for oppression or possession, it looks a lot like what was recorded and circulated in the media concerning the Oberlin incident, where some students were seemingly in a trance-like state, shaking and foaming at the mouth, etcetera (Mark 9:14–29). This is particularly dangerous, for when anyone is influenced by a demonic spirit, the possibility of self-harm increases.
Deliverance is the action of being set free by the power of God from every form of bondage. This may also include a Christian exercising his or her authority over a demon to be expelled from a person.
What the MOEY should be talking about is the help that can be offered to any student that comes under such oppression, where they should be directed, and the level of involvement and interaction with the church to assist in such situations.
THE CHANGE
Though the draft guideline recognises that devotions in schools promote moral and spiritual values, there is also some suggestion that school evangelism may be different. Some things mentioned in the guidelines are apparent and have been upheld in most schools; however, there are some prohibitions that are questionable, leading one to wonder:
- What will devotions and ministry in schools really look like when the final protocol is completed?
- How much of the implementation will be productive/counterproductive to the spiritual health of our children?
- Where does this policy put faith-based schools, like Oberlin High?
The draft guideline states on page 9 that “converting or attempting to convert (someone) from one religion, belief, or opinion to another” is prohibited. Much clarity will have to be given as this not only prohibits the conversion of an individual from one religion to another religion but also from one belief/opinion to another belief/opinion. And this is the bedrock of evangelism!
Remember now that it is the spirit of God that converts, calls, or draws a person (John 6:44, John 12:32–33, Matthew 22:14), and God uses man to minister the Word. As faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17), it is then the free will of an individual to decide on following the LORD. Devotion is a place of worship unto God (Jesus Christ) and introspection; it is a place of education and ministry that brings about change in mind that ultimately culminates in a change in behaviour, and that’s what Christ came to do. This particular prohibition challenges how we will present the gospel (regarding salvation).
Other prohibitions mentioned suggest that students won’t have the liberty of holding hands to pray; there will be no laying on of hands; expressions of prayer are limited (prostrating is forbidden); and how the gospel is presented may be suppressed and prevented.
The manifestation of demonic activity requires spiritual intervention, which includes the presence of God that breaks yokes. Offering salvation is the only antidote against a demonic spirit. Let us not forget that salvation, ‘Yasa’, means to save, help in distress, rescue, deliver, and set free.
The reason demons manifest during devotion is because worshipping God irritates them, and that atmosphere has the ability to bring deliverance.
EVANGELISM WINDOWS ARE CLOSING
The draft document declares that the MOE’s intention is not to micromanage educational institutions but to provide a framework, thereby giving respect to the autonomy and individuality of educational institutions.
I am hoping that what starts off as genuine concern does not become a change we do not recognize. As Christians, we must be concerned when we are prohibited from leading persons to the LORD. The truth is, the enemy of our nation has used a moment of fear, panic, and chaos as a tool to manipulate and affect what has been working well overall.
The real threat is the prevention of our children from accessing deliverance and salvation in schools. The church, home, and school are the main avenues through which children receive spiritual teaching and covering, and if these windows are being closed, our children will be exposed to evil forces.
PRINCIPALS AND GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS LEGALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ADHERENCE
The draft document comments on page 10 that principals and guidance counselling department are legally responsible for adhering to the guidelines of devotion. Nothing has changed with respect to accountability for what occurs at school; however, the truth is, a spiritual demonic manifestation can occur at any time and any place and is no fault of the school’s agents.
Again, I believe the conversation we should be having to address the spiritual problem is to align churches with schools, giving them latitude to assist and equip schools with appropriate support to deal with demonic manifestations, while working in tandem with the guidance counsellors and parents.
ROLE OF THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION
According to the appendix on page 12 of the draft policy, under the “Education Act, Section 3(e), it shall be lawful for the Minister – to contribute towards the spiritual, moral, mental and physical development of the community by securing that efficient education shall be available to meet the needs of the Island.”
So, let us pray that the Minister of Education, the Hon. Fayval Williams, M.P., also works with the churches to get the necessary spiritual help that the schools need, as students are facing massive spiritual problems.
OBEAH AND DELIVERANCE
Salvation is found in no one else other than Christ Jesus; there is no other name under heaven by which men can be saved (Acts 4:12).
It is known that parents sometimes take their children to a spiritualist (obeah man or woman) when they see demonic manifestations occurring; this only makes their spiritual state worse.
As a deliverance minister myself, I want to take this opportunity to state that obeah is still illegal and should not be used as a solution for any spiritual crisis. Parents, teachers, and principals, I implore you to be guided by the Word of God: demons can only be cast out in the name and power of Christ Jesus (Luke 10:17, Ephesians 6:10–18, Mark 16:17).
AIMING FOR UNIVERSAL ACCEPTANCE (ONE WORLD ORDER)
A core principle woven into these draft guidelines is that of non-denominational practice and universal acceptance. As stated in the foreword, “Devotions should serve to unite, rather than divide, by focusing on values and principles that are universally applicable, transcending specific religious affiliations.”
There is much talk of universal acceptance in the document—this is a red flag!
Though our national anthem refers to our heavenly eternal Father (Matthew 6:9–13), our motto “out of many one people” is being used to open diversity in religion (which is not new), but if pushed upon Christian schools, it will be a problem.
We see that this move is also part of the steps in the ‘one world order’ to get schools globally to conform to an anti-Christ system and produce a generation of children who do not know God. (Judges2:10)
We have to pray for the Minister of Education, who is designated to protect the students lawfully, that she is led by King Jesus and not from a place of fear or influenced by an anti-Christ spirit, but receives deeper revelations on spiritual warfare and what it really requires.
Pray that she is able to guide appropriately regarding the concerns that arise from reviews of this draft document.
Pray that Christian politicians, principals, and teachers operate with wisdom and bold conviction, cognizant of the fact that before any other designation they may have, they are first and foremost Christians.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Prov3:5-6)
When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” (Isaiah 59:18-19)
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A full-time evangelist, Jody-Ann heads the Healing and Deliverance Ministry, School Evangelism, and Discipleship programmes at Church on the Rock, Kingston. Her two books: ‘The Good News of Deliverance’ and ‘Introspection – the Devotional Series’ are available at Bryan’s Bookstore, and York and Lee’s Pharmacies. For ministry assistance, call 876-818-3439 or contact [email protected].
