Dexter, Missouri - One typical Wednesday morning at T.S. Middle School a student started something extraordinary and it has evolved into one of the most attended weekly gatherings.

About a month ago, the First Baptist Church in Dexter had DNOW, a popular youth group event that spanned over a weekend.  The youth, both middle school age and high school age, had an opportunity to grow in fellowship with other students and encounter the Lord.  Students were together all weekend and stayed in host homes based on their grade and gender.

Each student participated in several impacting sessions, worship experiences and had time for discussion.  They also enjoyed valuable time with their friends and the crazy activities kept them entertained.

T.S. Hill Middle School student, Gavin Northcutt, attended the event and wanted to bring those teachings, devotional experiences, and prayer to other kids of his age so they would have the opportunity to feel and know the Lord as he does.  With some help from a few classmates, they organized a prayer group.  Asked the school if they could use a classroom in the mornings before school as it would make it easier for students who wanted to come to do so.

On the first day there were 87 students who crammed into a classroom big enough to hold them.  They started at about 7:50 a.m. on a Wednesday morning and began with Gavin talking about how to get better acquainted with the Lord and what they hoped to accomplish from these morning prayer meetings.  Students who attended would gain a sense of togetherness and through spiritual leadership have a better understanding of how and what faith truly means.  Gavin is a shining example of how faith has helped him lead this group of spiritually minded students.

Each week a different student gives a short devotional lasting about 15 minutes.  They ask if there is any one needing to be placed on the prayer list and then the students are asked if anyone has something to say or questions for the group.   Remember it is all student based, this is not lead by the faculty.  Scott Kruse, Principal of T.S. Hill Middle School, is on hand as other teachers are throughout the building during the morning hours.

At the end of their meeting, they prayed for strength and guidance and that the group would continue to grow in love and unity.

Now four weeks later, they are still meeting, still speaking about God, still praying and the group has grown even larger.  This morning with volleyball and baseball practices and other school related activities, there were 100 students sitting in chairs, on the floor and standing along the wall in the back. 

Each listening intently to Janie Lindsey who was today's devotional leader.  She spoke of getting the word out about having Christ in your life.  She spoke of how each student would be challenged daily and they could lean on one another for guidance and support.  Not to be bullied or pressured into doing something wrong.  She read a few verses from the Bible and just before the bell rang for everyone to go to class, all 100 students stood up, gathered into a very large circle, weaving in and out around the chairs, held hands, bowed their heads and Janie lead them in prayer.  "Amen," the students said and with that they single filed out of the classroom, walked to the gym to get their books and headed to class.  The community should be extremely proud of them and what they are accomplishing.

Any student at the T.S. Middle School may participate each Wednesday morning.  This is not a requirement, nor is it a school related activity.  These students meet on their own and have chosen to have a morning prayer group for anyone to attend.  They also stand-up and say a prayer daily just before they eat their lunch.  Amazing!  Truly inspirational!

"We have a great bunch of students at T.S. Hill Middle School!" stated Scott Kruse, Principal.  "The devotion group is student led and represents everything good about young adults.  I asked them to not let this idea fade away and it is obvious they are committed to seeing this become tradition; something for all middle school students to look forward to and being included."

We have more photos of these extraordinary kids doing extraordinary things on the ShowMe Times Facebook page.  Come check it out!