Our family started attending Whitefield Academy for the first time this school year. Up until this time, I had homeschooled our four girls. Being able to focus on the foundational spiritual health of my girls has always been an integral part of our parenting and schooling. We prioritized and carved out time to do devotionals together, pray together, and read inspiring stories of saints who have gone before us and who have made a difference for Christ in their time and age. But more than anything else, we wanted our girls to know of a God who loves them, is near to them and who is constantly pursuing them. In the midst of the flexibility of the homeschool environment, we gave them opportunities to respond and have conversations to discuss these very important spiritual matters.

Coming into a school setting, our schedules changed drastically, and we have had to give up some of the precious time we used to devote to their spiritual formation. This was probably one of the hardest things for me. However, I was encouraged to find out from the very first day we met Dr. Johnston that he wanted us to be a part of the activities that our kiddos are doing at Whitefield Academy. I was even more thrilled to know that I could join chapel on Wednesdays. Chapel has been one of those aspects of Whitefield that continues to put me at ease as I watch and hear Mr. Metcalf, Dr. Johnston, Mr. Laney and other teachers share and challenge these young adults with spiritual truths that I long for my children to hear. Many times I leave a chapel visit encouraged and filled up myself from what has been shared. I am also able to have conversations with my 8th grader about what we heard at chapel that day, which helps me understand and hear her heart. I am able to get a better glimpse of who God has created her to be and I am encouraged to hear that the things we have taught her, and continue to teach her, are coming from other adults that she loves and respects.

What a gift chapel has been to me as I am able to observe and understand what is truly at the heart of Whitefield Academy. Yes, Whitefield Academy is an excellent school academically, yet without Christ in the picture it would be meaningless. Christ and His work in our children’s lives is what is going to set our children apart this next generation, to proclaim, to love and to do that work that God has called them to, and to bring glory and honor to His name.

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” 3 John 4

​