Students in the Release Time Christian Education class offered through Palmetto Middle School in Pelzer are getting more than just an elective credit.  The class studies books of the Bible, begins each day with prayer and has a teacher that can openly pray with students to receive Christ.  Release Time is a program that is empowering Kingdom growth.

Release Time is a part of the nonprofit and nondenominational organization Christian Learning Centers of the Upstate, Inc.  Release Time classes are currently offered through four programs in Pickens and Anderson Counties.  A 1952 Supreme Court ruling approved religious education through public schools as long as it is held off-campus and with private funding.  The program must be nondenominational and a parent’s signature is required for students to participate. 

The Palmetto Middle School Release Time class meets in the Palmetto Association office, located about a block away from the school.  Director of Missions James Ellenburg said churches within the association have embraced the missions opportunity.  “Some churches contribute regularly to Release Time, others have it in the church budget.  Release Time has made us more aware of the mission field we have right here – the need to reach children.”

Deanna Myers, member of Woodside Church in Greenville, has been teaching the Release Time class held at Palmetto Association since January 2001.  Citing what started as one class with eight students in 1999, Myers said more than 175 students were reached through five classes held during the 2002-03 school year.  “There were 27 students who prayed to receive Christ this past year.  In one particular day alone, three students approached me asking to be saved,” Myers said.

The daily 45-minute class is open to sixth, seventh and eighth graders at the middle school who may choose the class as an elective.  Myers, who became state certified to drive the association’s bus to transport the students to and from the middle school, said a highlight of the program for many students is a “snack time” held every other Friday.

“One 13-year-old boy told me he signed up for the class because he heard we had parties.  He asked many questions about the Bible – including how many ‘commandments’ there were – and ended up becoming a Christian after watching the Jesus video during the class,” Myers said.

The Release Time class’ impact has become more far-reaching than just ministry to the students.  Myers reported that one parent became a Christian because of the lessons their child was taught in the program.  “One parent disagreed with my teaching, asked to meet with me personally and ended up praying to receive Christ while we met,” she said.

When Myers speaks to churches about the Release Time ministry, she often shares personal stories of the students she has reached.  One such story is about a young girl who had not seen or read a Bible when she began the class.  In a poignant Christmas card that year, the girl thanked Myers for giving her a Bible and teaching her about God.  On the opposite side of the card the young girl also wrote the words, “Will you save me?” 

“I always tell the students when they ask to become saved that I can’t save them…but Jesus can,” Myers said.

“I have been so impressed with Deanna’s enthusiasm and rapport with the students.  She uses Christian principles in life lessons and meets the needs of these children,” Ellenburg said, adding that a vast majority of the students reached through Release Time are unchurched and with no Christian background.

For her part, Myers considers her job an extension of her mission field.  “This isn’t Africa – it’s Williamston, and these children do not know about Jesus.  I am so thankful to be a part of this ministry,” she said.