Press release
Athens Christian Preparatory Academy instructor Cassie Keys was recently selected for a unique internship in Jerusalem. Keys, who teaches English, Texas History, Cultural Geography, Music and Senior Leadership has been accepted into a three-month program at Succat Hallel (Hebrew for Tabernacle of Praise). Succat Hallel is a community of worshipers and intercessors from five continents brought together to receive training and understanding in a 24/7 house of prayer.
From June to August this summer Keys will be engaged in teachings covering biblical topics such as: the biblical place of Israel, the restoration of the tabernacle of David, the Isaiah 19 highway and the history of the Jewish people. Some of the teachings will include “mobile prayer watches” to places such as the City of David, Nazareth, Jericho, Shilo and Bethel.
As an intern Keys will participate in prayer watches and worship sets, as well as helping with the daily maintenance of the ministry.
“The Lord has put Israel as a prayer focus in my heart for years,” Keys said. “The opportunity to experience the culture, walk in places that have such a historical significance in my walk of faith, as well as joining the prayers and heartbeat of Jerusalem is truly humbling.”
Keys who is always looking for personal enrichment opportunities in the summer has plans to integrate what she learns back into her teaching at ACPA and into the community at large.
“During this internship, the cultural and spiritual experience gained will not only benefit me, but I intend to utilize and impart every ounce directly back into the classroom and our community as soon as I return,” Keys said. “The experience I gain will greatly enrich what I teach in my music classes as well as Leadership and Cultural Geography classes. The House of Prayer is so connected to the events in the Holy Land and I hope to gain a better understanding of how to integrate Athens into that prayer focus.”
ACPA Headmistress Teresa DeMay fully supports Keys endeavor.
“Initially when she came to me she was concerned with how it would affect her professional development this summer,” DeMay said. “I told her that as a Christian school the first hand knowledge that she would gain about Israel would be an extraordinary teaching gift to bring back to ACPA. I am thrilled for her to have such a unique opportunity.”
Between program costs and daily living expenses Keys will need to raise around $5,000 before she leaves in June. She plans to use her tax return to defray some of these costs. Keys said, “God has planted me in Athens to make a difference. He has also called me to this internship to gain something that will help me better serve the body of Christ and our community. If you feel led to sow into making this internship possible, please know that this ground is constantly being tilled and tended for use in His kingdom.”
If anyone would like to help sponsor Ms. Keys for her internship in Israel you can contact her at [email protected].