So said Thea Beare, from Goondiwindi Congregational Church, in her prayers to open last week’s Regional Council meeting.

“The work done here is no less sacred than the work done in big governments in God’s eyes,” she said.

“We try to do our best,” Cr Scheu said.

Ms Beare said the prayer before informing Council on the plight of the High School Chaplaincy Service which is under threat.

“It was one of John Howard’s initiatives, and it was only funded until 2010,” she said.

“Tim Mander and Ron Boswell are doing their best to ensure the Chaplaincy continues.

“It costs around $50,000 a year, but it costs just as much as to keep one young offender in custody, so I think it is money well spent,” Mrs Beare said.

Federal LNP Member for Maranoa Bruce Scott has also called on the Rudd Government to continue funding the Chaplaincy Program.

Speaking in Parliament, Mr Scott said the program had been very popular in the Maranoa electorate.

“More than $1.6 million was provided to schools in my electorate in the last two years of the Howard Government and the first two years of this program,” he said.

The National Party Leader in the Senate, Barnaby Joyce has also waded in.

“The program provides a great mechanism for Principals to be able to deliver a second voice from an independent source to help guide students through the tumultuous times which are present at school.

“Families like the idea that there is reinforcement of a role that presents the values that protect their children whether it be from hurting themselves and or just having another ear to listen to their problems.

“Everybody has free choice. It is not compulsory so you don’t have to avail yourself of the service if you don’t want it. But why put under pressure or move to get rid of a service that appears to be genuinely supported by parents, welcomed by students and reinforces a set of values that makes all of our lives more comfortable?

Crs agreed to support efforts to maintain the service.