Our Best Years Are Yet to Come

ByKim Watkins

Guest blog by Redeemer School parent Jonathan Murfee

It was the first day of school in August 2011, if my memory serves me correctly. I was dropping off our daughter Caroline for her first day of first grade at her new school … Redeemer School. Allison and I had engaged in a thorough process of deciding where Caroline would go and were very hopeful she would have a significant year. I recall the mixed emotions as I watched her get out of the car, thinking, “She’s going to be okay. God has led us to Redeemer and this school is special. He will bless her here.” Little did I know what He had in store for her—and for our family.

On that day, I didn’t know Redeemer’s tagline: “Lifelong learning grows here.” But, after ten years—and three of our four children attending Redeemer—I most definitely do. Although Caroline and our sons Jac and Hunt each walked different journeys at school, the common thread is clear: the Lord has very much used Redeemer to form and shape them into who He has called them to be. He indeed has provided a community that has nurtured their walks with Christ as they apply His truth to their lives.

But, as much as I’d love to tell you our story—and about our fantastic school field trips and most especially Allison’s and my (rather amazing) E-Days—this article is not chiefly about our experience. I want to share my heart for something more important. You see, the Lord has provided something much larger than a place for just our kids to grow. He has given all of us a school that not only impacts our own families but also the greater Forsyth County community and the world. The longer I am a part of the school community, the more evidence of this I see. From the many churches and ministries represented at Redeemer School, to the former students who are now professionals, teachers, business people and missionaries, our little niche on Melrose Street is impacting the world.

He is also preparing Redeemer School for the next 10, 20, and 30 years of living out its mission. You have seen this year’s Chrysalis Fund Campaign to enable several important school improvements and opportunities. This is a significant effort in an important year. But I hope you also sense that even grander goals are ahead of us.

I’ve had the opportunity to see the school from a number of perspectives: as a parent, a coach and a (former) school board member. I’ve seen firsthand so many different aspects of our school. We are not perfect! But God is doing a great work here. Habakkuk 1:5 says it well: “Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.”

What incredible vision, right? We are a part of something similar in this season of Redeemer. I’d love to ask you to join me in dreaming, in praying, in engaging, and in giving your time and financial resources towards our future. Join Mrs. Faile and the school board this year in our “Vision Gatherings.” Help form and shape who we will be in the years to come. I am with you in hoping the new parents next August have the same experience our family has had—and more. Our best years are ahead.

The Way Forward

There are many ways you can participate in God’s plan for Redeemer School. Here are a few ideas:

  • Give to the Chrysalis Fund: Your support enables us to provide an exemplary education for each student and keeps our tuition as low as possible. It allows Redeemer School to be accessible to more families in our community while we actively pursue our mission. This year, our goal is $250,000. We are in need of individual gifts at every level, as well as corporate sponsors. Learn more on our website: redeemerschool.org/chrysalis
  • Attend a Vision Gathering: These prayer meetings, held outdoors on the Hawthorne Grounds, offer an opportunity to gather with peers from school administration, the school board, and school families. Contact the school office for details.
  • Pray: We need your prayers! Please join us in praying intentionally for the school. Stop by the office to pick up a bookmark with prayer prompts.