Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Aug. 12, 2025 – Praise and singing filled the halls of Fullness of Joy Ministries Monday night as community members gathered to pray over the starting school year.
City officials, including Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver and City Councilman Dr. Anthony Coleman, offered prayers during the ceremony, as did several local religious leaders. A few superintendents also spoke during the ceremony.
Fullness of Joy Ministries Pastor Adrian Rodgers said the now two-year-old event allows people to pray over various things for the new school year, which included love, health, good study habits, prayers for teachers and students, and more.
“The Lord laid it on our heart last year to start this, where we just called the city together to just pray over our school year, and then we pray over the city and pray for love, unity, peace and so on and so forth,” Rodgers said.
New Westside Consolidated School District Superintendent Chris George prayed over each school district in Craighead County. George was named as superintendent in March, replacing former superintendent Scott Guantt.
“We just ask that you be with our school boards as we are going into this new year and all of the decisions that will directly affect our students, our staff, our communities, again, I ask a special blessing upon them Father,” George said.
In addition, newly named Jonesboro Public Schools superintendent Misty Doyle prayed over school employees. She assumed the role of superintendent in July, after former superintendent Dr. Kim Wilbanks announced in November she was retiring.
“It doesn’t matter what district, whether it’s Jonesboro or Nettleton or Bay or Westside or Brookland or Valley View,” she said. “Lord, you’re in all of these schools.”
A-State student John Thompson offered up prayers for college students.
“From the first-time freshmen stepping onto a campus they’ve never even seen before, and even to the returning student carrying the weight of last year’s journey. Lord, we pray for the first-generation student, the one who doesn’t know how to talk with strangers, how to make friends, or even how to study,” he said.
Coleman prayed over the city.
“As we’re praying for this city, as we believe in God, we ask for you to continue to watch over us and protect us from dangers seen and dangers unseen,” he said. “I pray, God, that those who are visiting, even our city, will see the love and the responsibility that we have to care for this city.”
Copenhaver prayed over the nation during the service.
“We ask for your guidance over local, state and federal leaders as they work to create a brighter future for our children,” he said. “May they be filled with wisdom, and, really, Lord, compassion, as mentioned earlier in decisions that we have to make to ensure that every … student has access to fairness, quality education and support.”
Watch the full ceremony here.
