By
John M. De Marco MERRITT ISLAND Most children seem to
love computers, but not as many feel the same way about church or, in particular, Sunday
school. One teacher at North Merritt Island United Methodist Church has found a way to
bring the worlds of computers and Christianity together.
Les Cottrell, retired from the Boeing company at Cape Canaveral,
spent the last portion of his career in what started out as unfamiliar territory: writing
computer software. Cottrell has worked for the past several years maneuvering a new
wineskin through what has long been pleasant and recognizable territory for him, working
with children at North Merritt Island.
Cottrell teaches a class of about half a dozen third- to
sixth-graders using eight networked computers that incorporate the Bible Zone
study series. Lessons guide students through a Bible verse and story, as well as an
interactive play. The software features the now-ubiquitous HyperText Markup Language
[HTML], providing the look and feel of the World Wide Web.
The biggest enhancement is that kids will come to Sunday
school that have never been interested in coming to Sunday school, Cottrell told the
Review. Its the same material, except for the enthusiasm generated by being
able to sit at a computer. Many of them have computers at home, but a few do not. On
occasion well have someone brand new to computers, and well sit down with them
and help them.
Cottrell has taught the class for about six years. When he began
using computers, Cottrell used four Timex/Sinclair machines, similar to the old Commodore
64s. Eventually, a Boeing office donated five IBM-type computers. Church members have
donated more machines.
Students are generally allowed to play a few computer games near the
end of the class, a popular draw.
When I first, as a teenager, received the call, I thought
Id like to commit my life to Christ, but I dont want to be a missionary
and go to Africa, Cottrell said. Thats what I thought committing
your life meant. After months of worrying about this, I said, Okay, God, well
do it your way. That was probably the first time I heard God speak to me. It was 10
years before I recognized what he really wanted me to do, and Ive been involved with
youth ever since.
Cottrells career path paved the way for his current ministry
to the children. During the early 1980s he was laid off from Boeing, and then went to work
for Florida Power & Light for a few years. An opportunity to again work with Boeing
arose, with his supervisor telling him he would write computer software at a time when
commonplace use of computers was in its beginning stage. I said, Im
going to do what? Cottrell recalled.
Parents of the children have responded favorably to Cottrells
unique method for teaching the class. Ive only heard positive feedback.
Usually, its, Youre doing a wonderful thing. My kid never wanted to come
to Sunday school before, he said.
Cottrell and his wife, Joan, helped organize the church about 10
years ago. Joan also sponsors a young adult class. We refuse to get old, Les
said.
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