Harold Keller / L’Observateur / November 15, 1999

Last Friday morning, I met with James Kirylo, PhD, founder and executive director of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCE). Mrs. Courtney Millet,principal of LaPlace Elementary School, arranged the meeting.

I was anxious to find out what FCE was all about. It didn’t take long for meto get excited about the organization. Dr. Kirylo was enthused as hedescribed the organization and its only goal, which is to set in motion School-Based Prayer Communities (SBPC’s) in educational institutions whereby a gathering together for prayer, Scripture study, and communal reflection fosters an active spiritual life in the midst of an educational setting, believing that the Almighty God, in all His Wisdom, will be the constant reality of FCE, leading to an education of compassion, understanding, and excellence.

Dr. Kirylo stressed that the organization operates within the allowance ofwhat is legal with respect to church and state issues. Anyone who isinvolved with FCE is not only committed to its mission and vision, but is fully aware of respecting the laws of the land.

According to Dr. Kirylo, spiritual consciousness is something that cannotbe left at home nor ignored in the workplace, but must be infused in the daily lives of educators. Those who have entered into the field ofeducation have done so to be participants in life, rather than the proverbial observers. In part, the Christian experience is gatheringtogether for prayer and the reading of Scripture. This practic is paramountto the application and integration in one’s life as well as the life and health of a community of faith. Dr. Kirylo believes that sincere prayer andScripture reading has a direct impact on our thinking and awareness, and aids in the transformation in the way we view ourselves and others.

Ultimately, prayer shapes our actions.

For more information, please contact: Fellowship of Christian Athletes P.O. Box 7624Metairie, La. 70010-7624(504) 454-7292 fax: (504) 887-2613 Web site: www.fceducators.com

Email: fceducators@mindspring.com

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