STUDENTS SHARE … Pastor Jennifer Miller invites students up to share their experiences from Lifewise.
DIRECTOR SHAUNA WRIGHT … Program Director Shauna Wright thanks the community and volunteers for the success of the program.
(PHOTOS BY BRIANNA BALOGH / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
PICKING A PRIZE … Raffle winners have a tough time selecting the perfect prize.
By: Brianna Balogh
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
“Faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains.” —Matthew 17:20.
Planting those seeds for Edgerton students is Lifewise Academy, a program that offers bible education for public school students during school hours. The Evening of Impact was held on April 27th, showcasing the program’s success and looking towards future growth.
Upon arrival, attendees found tables decorated with candles, miniature Lifewise buses, pens, keychains with inspirational bible verses, bracelets, miniature Jesus figurines, and a corked jar with a tiny mustard seed.
Many excited children could be seen cruising around the Edgerton town hall gym in their Lifewise shirts. Raffle tickets were available for a multitude of prizes. Lifewise swag was also available for purchase, with all proceeds going back into the Lifewise program.
Pastor Steve Wilmot welcomed everyone and led a prayer. He then invited everyone to dinner, which was served buffet-style by Scout Troop 29G.
After everyone had a chance to finish their meal, Program Director Shauna Wright welcomed and thanked everyone for taking time out of their Sunday to attend. She joked there were far too many people to thank as we would be there all night.
She did want to thank Pastor Jennifer Miller, the instructor, and the United Methodist Church who donates the Pastor’s time which is usually a paid position.
Mrs. Wright also thanked all the volunteers, Edgerton schools, everyone who has donated resources or time, and all the parents, grandparents, and caregivers.
Currently, Lifewise Academy serves 1st – 3rd grade, with hopes to expand to 4th grade. It takes approximately five years to work through the curriculum, with a goal for every student to complete all five years and hear every story from the bible.
Fifty-one students are attending this year, up from 36, which is about 63% enrollment. Students attend class every Tuesday.
She commented, “Thinking about the ripple effect these 51 students are going to have in our community for generations to come is quite huge.”
Mrs. Wright finished by thanking all the students, her family, Scout Troop 29G, and the community for making such a successful year.
Pastor Jennifer Miller then took the floor, introducing the Lifewise student who started by signing the Lord’s Prayer.
Pastor Miller began with a question, why do we do Lifewise? For many students, Lifewise will be the first and potentially only religious education they receive. As a young student, this can be transformational.
She continued with the importance of faith and values. In a world of chaos and confusion, Lifewise can provide a chance to step away from their day and feel valued. Students not only learn bible stories but also how those stories apply to their lives.
They are learning the values of kindness, forgiveness, respect, and hope through these stories, and can carry those lessons back home, to school, and into their futures.
“We do Lifewise because we are called to share the good news. We do it because we love these kids, each and every one of them.
We do it because we know that we are planting seeds of faith now that can change generations later in Edgerton.” she shared passionately.
She again thanked everyone for supporting Lifewise and the students especially for coming together as a community and believing in them.
Lifewise student Josh Wilhelm was invited up and he thanked Director Shauna Wright for all that she does for the program.
He shared a meaningful verse, Romans 10:15, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,” and stated how blessed they were to have her.
Students then had their chance to shine, starting off with the song, “The Lord’s Army.” Next, each student was able to share what they had learned and what they loved about Lifewise.
Many students recounted learning about Jesus’s love and what He has done for them. Several students read their favorite bible verse.
Students then sang the “Creation Song,” a counting song that retells the seven-day creation story. Students could be seen doing synchronized hand motions and dancing along excitedly. The students closed out with “Jesus Loves Me.”
Before closing, Pastor Miller again thanked the entire community for their continued support of the program. It is not a program that happens by accident and cannot continue without community involvement.
The vision and dream of Lifewise is to be able to reach every student who is interested. Every gift matters, whether it is time or monetary donations.
Pastor Miller closed with a prayer of thanks and continued guidance and blessings for the students, volunteers, and community.
Before closing out the evening, raffle winners were drawn. Several students had a difficult time deciding on what prize to pick.
A big thank you goes out to all the raffle sponsors: Nocking Point Outfitter, Cup O’ Joy, Edon Co-Op, Napa, Rita’s, Big C Lumber, Rae’s Beauty Bar, Arby’s, Burger King, McDonald’s, Blueberry Hill, Straight Gate, and Tractor Supply.
As guests departed, the message about the power of even a small belief remained clear, reminding everyone that even the smallest conviction can lead to meaningful change.
The Lifewise program is in 31 different states and 600 schools. The program strives to be in all 50 states by the end of the next school year.
For those interested in supporting Lifewise Academy, there are several avenues available. Donations, volunteers, equipment, supplies, prayers, and general support are always appreciated. More information can be found on www.Lifewise.org.