Even though the school year has really just really taken off, the faculty and staff at Harrells Christian Academy experienced an exciting week of spiritual rejuvenation with a team called We Want More (WWM) from Bridgeport, Conn. The team spent four days on the HCA campus ministering to faculty and students in many different settings. WWM first came to HCA’s campus last spring. They spent a few days with the upper school student body, who as a whole, were greatly impacted. Because the experience was so positive and powerful, the students asked for ‘MORE.’ So, with the help of FCA sponsor Dee Cannady and Spiritual Director Paula Matthis, a school-wide Spiritual Renewal Week was planned and WWM came all the way back to Harrells.
The We Want MORE group is comprised of five people who are committed to sharing God with others. Co-directors Bruce and Cindy Halsted and the rest of their team travel throughout the nation and to other countries conducting three-seven day events such as leadership retreats, renewal events, Bible study groups, and prayer engagements. They also partner with youth leaders and churches. Their goal is to bring individuals and families closer to God and inspire leaders who will work to change the world for God’s kingdom. Mrs. Cannady was led to the We Want MORE team by one her former students, Curtis Carr. Carr, a 2004 HCA graduate, is a friend and supporter of the WWM members. He also serves on the WWM board. Curtis and his wife Libby are not full-time members of the team, but they love to help whenever they can. They joined the team during this special week of spiritual renewal at Harrells.
HCA faculty, coaches, and board members were the first to meet with the We Want MORE team upon their arrival on campus. Goals and objectives for the week were discussed over dinner and a time of fellowship. Throughout the rest of the week, upper school students had many opportunities to interact with WWM as the team led their weekly chapel service, held small group discussion sessions, attended an FCA dinner, and conducted an early morning prayer breakfast.
Lower and middle school students also participated in spiritual renewal week and enjoyed getting to know the WWM members as well. WWM led their weekly chapel services too. In addition, students in middle school met in small discussion groups with team members just as the upper school student body did. The lower school students were treated to special classroom visits from the WWM team members who were accompanied by HCA Fellowship of Christian Athlete members. These visitors reminded the young Crusaders of God’s unconditional love for them.
Mrs. Cannady was elated about the success of the week. “I couldn’t be happier about the way our school was affected this week. I watched upper school students who were touched from WWM’s visit last spring gain an even deeper desire to serve Jesus on a higher level,” shared Cannady. She added how pleased she was that the middle and lower school students were involved this year as well. “Many lives, young and old, in our school family were saved and healed as a result of this week,” said Cannady.
“I am so glad we were able to bring WWM back again this year,” upper school junior Anna DeVane stated. “This week reminded me that God is in control of all things, and it inspired me to have a stronger faith in Him and His plan for me.”
Mrs. Cannady echoed Anna’s words by saying, “So many times we just depend on ourselves to handle all situations, and we turn to God only if we’re in trouble. Our experience this week has taught us to rely on God always, not just when we have a problem.” Mrs. Cannady added that she hopes that the wonderful transformations that took place throughout the week will not be temporary, but ongoing and life-long. She also hopes that HCA will make Spiritual Renewal Week with the We Want MORE team an ongoing tradition.
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