Welcome to 2024-2025 at the Academy for GOD
Welcome to the Academy for GOD for the 2024-2025 school year! With our 12th year ahead, we are pleased to announce some new developments that promise to make this school year even more special. This year marks a significant milestone for us, as we have recently attained accreditation with Cognia and gained approval to become an ESA school in the state of Tennessee. This means that we can now offer educational savings accounts, providing students the opportunity to attend private school with greater financial flexibility.
We continue to provide a diverse range of educational programs to meet the needs of our students and families. Whether you are interested in our campus or homeschool programs, we offer something for everyone. Our hybrid options allow for a blend of on-campus and home learning, while our umbrella services provide support for families choosing to homeschool independently. Additionally, our remote learning program ensures that students can receive a high-quality education regardless of their location or context.
We understand that our students are coming back from a variety of summer experiences. From family vacations to mission trips and service opportunities, each student brings unique experiences and perspectives into the new school year. To help ease the transition from summer break to the academic year, we dedicate the first two weeks back to acclimating students into the school environment. These initial weeks are crucial for setting a positive tone for the rest of the semester and the entire school year.
Parents, here are some ways to help your student prepare for a successful start to the new school year:
1. Establish a Routine: Start reintroducing a school-day routine a few days before school begins. This helps students adjust their sleep schedules and get back into the habit of structured days.
2. Set Goals: Encourage your student to set academic and personal goals for the year. Whether it's improving grades, making new friends, or participating in extracurricular activities, having clear goals can motivate and guide them (and you!).
3. Reflect on Summer Experiences: Take some time to discuss what your student learned or experienced over the summer. This reflection can help them integrate those experiences into their school life.
4. Get Involved: Encourage your student to explore the various extracurricular activities and clubs offered at the Academy for GOD. Participation in these activities can enhance their school experience and foster a sense of community.
5. Stay Connected: Open lines of communication with teachers, administrators, and fellow parents. Staying connected will help you stay informed and engaged in your student's education.
As we begin this new school year, we are excited to see the growth and achievements that will come. The Academy for GOD is committed to providing a nurturing and Christ-centered environment where students can thrive academically, spiritually, and socially. Let's make this year the best one yet!
Welcome back, and here's to a fantastic school year!
Summer Mission Success with SLAM
This summer, junior high and high school students from the Academy participated in a mission week with Students Living a Mission. The theme, REK’NIZE, drawn from Colossians 3:1-3, informed the sermons by speakers for the week’s Derek Bargatze and Gregg Garner. Students were challenged to consider their identity in Christ (who they are) and how God is asking them to seek things from above (where they’re at).
Each day began with worship and prayer before heading out to service projects all around the Nashville area. In the evenings, students shared meals together and participated in an evening session before heading to focus groups. These moments of reflection and connection helped them process the day’s mission work, fostering a deeper understanding of their faith.
The students dedicated their time to serving local nonprofits and ministries across Nashville including Project CURE, The Bridge, kids’ day camps, and visiting homes of the elderly. They worked without complaint, showcasing a spirit of service by sorting donations, organizing food drives, and assisting with community outreach programs. The following testimonies were shared by some of our team leaders and chaperones:
A Memorable Service Project for Our 7th Graders!
BY KK NADEAU
Our 7th graders took part in a truly special service project at the Madison Church of Christ Garden, a wonderful place dedicated to serving the homeless and elderly daily. Last year, this garden produced over 2,000 lbs of food to help those in need. 🌿🥕
On this cool morning under a sycamore tree, we were greeted by Nature Nate, who eagerly shared his inspiring story of faith and resilience. As we picked onions and potatoes, the students were enthusiastic about the mystery of how many potatoes they’d find under each plant. Nate taught us all about hydroponic gardening using fish poop (which the boys found especially fascinating), rainwater, and limestone. His resourcefulness and heart for teaching shone through every moment. 🌱💧
Nate's story of Obedience, Endurance, and Humility in the Lord deeply touched us all. He shared his testimony which continually pointed to the Lord. We took time to lay hands on him and pray over him, as he is having knee replacement surgery soon. He expressed his gratitude to all the students for helping him do things that were painful for him. Service projects are at the core of our program, but it’s rare to meet someone who gives so much of themselves like Nate does. 🌟
One of the highlights of the day was when we worked together to plant 500 lbs of pumpkins! Each student played a crucial role in digging, measuring, and planting, and with 18 of us, we completed the task in just 45 minutes—a job that would normally take Nate seven hours! Nate’s praise for our teamwork and unity was a true honor, and he even told us the college students who help every summer could learn these lessons from us. 🎃👏
Special thanks to Fawn and Jason Teska, Quinn’s parents, who volunteered alongside us and heard similar compliments from others in the garden. We’ve been invited back in the Fall to help harvest all those pumpkins, and we can’t wait!
A Special Moment with Mr. Odero
BY AMANDA DAVIS
What a full day of service for our crew as we served at Dandridge Towers Apartments. We cleaned 10 apartments and visited with the residents. The people we served were elderly and cleaning for them was such a blessing as we heard them say over and over how helpful we were.
One apartment that touched my heart was that of Lukio Odero a former geograpy teacher from Kenya. He is 80 years old and has been here in the states for 2 years. He suffers from severe back pain at times. He LOVES the Lord and it blasted worship music as we cleaned. Through out he would say Mrs. Amanda “I can’t tell you how much you all are blessing me.” He loved talking with Levi and answering all of his questions.
We sang two songs, “Ni Wewe tu and Yesu Ni Wangu” that the kids have learned at school and Mr. Odero said he felt so at home after we sang with him. He continued to testify and prayed over our students. God’s spirit was with us.
Below I will post a clip of Mr. Odero testifying when he mentions about being new to this land I couldn’t help but think of this verse from Leviticus! Our kids lived out these God’s word today we are so proud of them. They were the hands and feet of Jesus.
33 “When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. 34 You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
An Open Letter Regarding Cult Allegations
In 2021, our institution encountered an unjust challenge when a small hate group launched a campaign aimed at discrediting our college and ministry (GOD International), which has faithfully served communities through education, advocacy, and empowerment for over 25 years.
In a deliberate attempt to damage our reputation as valuable contributors to both the Nashville and global communities, a website and multiple social media accounts were launched under the misleading guise that G.O.D. Int’l is a cult, sometimes falsely claiming affiliation with our parent nonprofit, Global Outreach Developments International.
Dear Reader,
In 2021, our institution encountered an unjust challenge when a small hate group launched a campaign aimed at discrediting our school and ministry, which has faithfully served communities through education, advocacy, and empowerment for over 25 years.
The agenda of the hate group was to undermine our work of ministry and service to Jesus and label us as a cult. By using the internet as a platform to propagate their unfounded accusations, they were able to publish falsities believing our reputation would be maligned and in turn our ministry harmed.
In today’s digital age, it has become alarmingly easy for individuals or hate groups, regardless of their credibility, to publicly malign others. This wave of misinformation and falsehoods has not only distressed Christian families connected to our ministry but also placed an undue burden on Tennessee taxpayers, resulting in investigations that ultimately concluded with the dismissal of all charges due to a lack of evidence supporting the claims made by the hate group. This situation highlights the critical importance of discerning fact from fiction and remaining vigilant against baseless allegations that threaten both reputations and communities.
What You Should Know
Our PreK-12 school undergoes rigorous and routine evaluations by both state and national regulatory bodies that oversee higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations, ensuring our strict compliance with industry best practices.
Achieving accreditation or approval from these agencies requires meeting stringent accountability standards, which involve detailed documentation across hundreds of key areas. This process includes in-depth financial audits, comprehensive on-site evaluations, and presentations before panels of leading experts in Christian higher education. These measures affirm that our operations consistently uphold the highest levels of excellence, transparency, and integrity.
Our accrediting and regulatory agencies include:
The investigation and its impact on taxpayers
Despite our full compliance with all regulatory standards, an unwarranted government investigation was launched following baseless allegations made by the same individuals referenced earlier. This led to an intrusive examination of the GOD Int’l campus, involving a comprehensive review of financial records, health documentation, academic logs, and personal associations.
Among the unfounded accusations were claims directed at our Founder, Gregg Garner and wife, Tara Garner,, which were promptly dismissed as meritless by both the Nashville District Attorney and the courts. The Garners were fully vindicated, their records cleared, and the case definitively closed, with the judge ruling that it cannot be reopened.
The ordeal, driven by baseless accusations and sensationalized claims, led to the unnecessary expenditure of millions in taxpayer funds on unfounded legal challenges. Ultimately, the exhaustive scrutiny served only to reaffirm the integrity and exemplary standing of our school and ministry.
The Defamatory Website
In a deliberate attempt to damage our reputation as valuable contributors to both the Nashville and global communities, a website and multiple social media accounts were launched under the misleading guise that G.O.D. Int’l is a cult, sometimes falsely claiming affiliation with our parent nonprofit, Global Outreach Developments International. These platforms seek to undermine our work by using defamatory language, provocative, out-of-context imagery, and fear-mongering terms like “cult” or “high control group”—despite the site’s own written disclaimer admitting it does not present factual information.
Again, the site itself says it does not present factual information.
Like many online campaigns that spread falsehoods, this website relies on exaggerated claims and sensationalized assertions rather than credible evidence. It distorts ordinary religious practices such as prayer, worship, fellowship, and Bible study, falsely portraying them as methods of manipulation and mind control.
The site also promotes unfounded accusations from purported former members—sometimes fictitious characters created by the website’s administrators—focusing on the Academy’s Founder, absurdly labeling Gregg Garner as a “cult leader” and implying unhealthy control and a lack of accountability. This baseless claim neglects to consider the dedication and hard work of our leadership team of over 70 managers who administer various aspects of The Academy and ministry. It also overlooks the rigorous accountability imposed by regulatory bodies and accrediting agencies, and Garner’s well-established reputation as a leader who has been educating and empowering leaders and communities in ministry for nearly 30 years.
While Gregg Garner has played a pivotal role in the development of our PreK-12 school, his leadership has always been characterized by collaboration and team-building. He has effectively shared responsibilities with a knowledgeable faculty—who teach the majority of courses—a qualified administration that operates independently within their respective roles, passionate pastors and mentors who selflessly care for students, and a governing board that faithfully stewards the mission and vision of the organization. Since our school began in 2013, this dedicated team has worked joyfully to offer Christ-centered education to students of diverse ages, experiences, and backgrounds, solidifying our institution’s reputation for integrity and educational excellence, worldwide.
The Results
Despite the challenges of slander and attempts to damage our reputation, our institution has not only persevered, but continues to thrive and expand.
We are currently in the strongest financial position in our organization’s history. Recent enrollment numbers have reached record highs, reflecting the ever-growing trust and support from our community.
Additionally, we have achieved accreditation status with Cognia as of July 2024 and are recognized across the nation as a school that meets Cognia Performance Standards and maintains a commitment to continuous improvement.
This remarkable progress stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness and the steadfast commitment of our leadership and community.
What can you do?
In today’s digital age, where misinformation can easily spread, it is more important than ever to critically assess the sources of information we encounter. The accessibility of creating a website and publishing content means that false narratives—often driven by harmful agendas—can easily proliferate with the aim of damaging reputations. As Jesus taught, “You will recognize them by their fruits” (Luke 6:43-45). His followers are called to discern the truth by examining the outcomes and actions of individuals and organizations.
We invite anyone unfamiliar with our community to come and see the fruit of our work firsthand. We regularly host tours and campus visits for those interested in experiencing our community. In addition, our educational approach is discussed on our public school podcast, offering a transparent view of our teachings and day-to-day community life. These resources will give you a clearer understanding of our mission and the values we uphold. We are confident that you will find a community of thoughtful, Bible-loving, Jesus-following individuals dedicated to educating and nurturing the students entrusted to us.
Classroom Conversations Season One
Community Church for GOD (On Campus Church)
The Sermon Podcast (Podcast for On Campus Church)
FAQ
1.Who are these people who made the site?
The website operates under a veil of anonymity, referring to its creators as “the collective.” The so-called “testimonies” posted on the site are attributed to fictitious individuals, those who have admitted to dishonesty (but the site administrators won’t remove their comments), including parents of former Academy students.
Additionally, the website’s use of the term “member” is misleading and inconsistent with the language used by GOD Int’l —or by most organizations with membership structures. In reality, there are no genuine former members contributing to the site that we are aware of.
2. Who is behind the misinformation campaign against your institution?
The campaign is driven by anonymous individuals using fabricated or unverified testimonies to advance their agenda. The website creators remain anonymous and have been strategic in evading legal accountability.
3. Why don’t you engage directly with the website spreading misinformation?
The website operates under anonymity and censors any comments that challenge its narrative. As a result, we focus our efforts on engaging transparently with our community through open forums, social media, and personal conversations. We are also very productive with the wonderful things we get to do that bless our global community and serve the Lord.
4. Can’t you legally have the site taken down?
The website has been carefully structured to exploit legal protections and evade accountability. When faced with legal challenges, they promptly altered content to fall within the bounds of First Amendment rights. Additionally, they consistently back-date posts to conveniently fall outside the statute of limitations for damages. Once again, various comments including some from fictitious characters are inserted to further their agenda, reinforcing the site’s intent to mislead without accountability.
5. What steps does your institution take to ensure transparency and accountability in its operations?
In accordance with our authorizing and accrediting agencies, we conduct an annual audit through an independent third-party auditor. Our campus also receives regular visits from representatives within our ABHE network, ACSI, Cognia, as well as formal review teams, ensuring compliance with all standards for accreditation and re-authorization. Additionally, our events, sermons, conversations, and blogs are consistently made available online for public viewing, providing full transparency to anyone interested in our work and community life.
6. How can current Academy students, families, or alumni contribute to dispelling these lies?
We encourage you to share your experiences with others, with us personally, on social media, or through a Google review! The opposing website and social media platforms are closely monitored, and it is unlikely that they would approve comments that challenge their narrative. By sharing your stories, you can help provide an accurate and honest portrayal of our community.
7. What measures are in place to support students or others affected by this campaign?
We have hosted numerous public meetings and town hall events, inviting parents, students, and supporters to openly share their concerns and engage with us directly. For students and alumni facing familial challenges due to these claims, we offer pastoral care and support. Whenever possible, we have been blessed to mediate between affected parties, fostering deeper trust and strengthening relationships within our community.
8. What future plans does your institution have to continue serving and expanding its community impact?
As Bible-believing Christians, we recognize that we are not the only faith community to face this type of persecution. Our Lord instructs us to rejoice in such moments, understanding that these trials align us with His work throughout history (Luke 6:22). Looking forward, we remain steadfast in our commitment to expanding our impact and continue to grow as a beacon of education, service, and faith, dedicated to equipping future leaders.
On Set in Africa
This semester, our Academy Remote Learners in Uganda have come together for a film project. Together they are producing a mini-documentary: “Going to School in Nashville from Uganda.”
Victor Lubega sits for an interview, reflecting on the insecurities he felt regarding his English language skills when he first began joining Academy classes. He recently went back to look at his homework from 2 years ago, and marveled at how his English has improved since then!
“Rolling in 3-2-1... Action!” This semester, our Academy Remote Learners in Uganda have come together for a film project. Together they are producing a mini-documentary: “Going to School in Nashville from Uganda.” They report that this is the most fun they’ve ever had working on a group project! Each of the six Jr. High and High school students have a role. 9th grader Victor Lubega is serving as Director, and he shared the valuable lessons he is learning on leadership and humility. “It was a challenge to me as director to listen to everyone and then come up with an idea for everyone that I thought was good. But then if it turned out it wasn’t good, they needed to correct me and we had to make changes.”
He has also learned valuable skills on planning for and running an efficient meeting, with an agenda and a clear start and end time. Adding this project onto his course load has taught him how to use his time more efficiently in all areas. “Whereas before maybe I would take my time on all homework assignments, now I set a timer and focus and I work quickly to complete my assignments. Then I can move on to work on the documentary.”
The 15 minute film will show the daily life of these students, from their daily chores caring for the chickens and pigs, to how they Zoom into Academy classes in Nashville every evening. They share the joys and the challenges, and reflect on how they have grown as people through the last several years of being Academy students. Academy Home Education Vice Principal Rebekah Hjälmeby has been guiding them through the process. “I’m not a film expert, but I understand project management and the value of team dynamic. I always remind the students that while I’m super excited about the movie they will produce, they themselves are the real project here.
Ms. Hjälmeby meets weekly with the students over Zoom, and brings in technical experts to advise as needed. Here she is joined by Ms. Sara Davis, who graduated from film school and worked in the film industry in L.A.
They are God’s workmanship, and the practical and social skills they’re learning through this will serve them well in whatever area they are called to work.” The students admit that they have surprised even themselves with what they have been able to accomplish together. “Volleyball has been the main group activity we have done together, but this is teaching us how to be part of a team in a whole new way,” says Favour Kimbugwe. “Yes,” agrees Genesis Ssemakula, “At first I didn’t really expect us to be able to do much. I was mostly motivated by the enthusiasm of my teachers, because they were really excited, and I didn’t want to disappoint them. But once we finished the intro video, I could see for myself the potential of the project. I could see the pieces of the puzzle coming together even more beautifully than we had imagined.”
Genevieve, an 8th grader who is one of two Videographers on the project, has learned much about operating a camera through the experience. Additionally, she has learned to critically think about the audience’s perspective. “As a videographer, you have to use your wisdom and brain to think how to catch the audience’s attention. And make them feel different emotions throughout different scenes.” Sserwada Gideon shared a similar reflection. “I am learning to create a background sound related to the emotions displayed by someone on screen.” Gideon is a talented musician, and he is writing the score and managing audio for the project. He too is learning to think about how to tell a story in a captivating way, and use music to help the audience connect emotionally.
Script writer Rebecca Lubega has the challenging task of creating a narrative that pulls together all of the interviews, B-roll and story angles. She is loving the challenge of learning this new genre of writing. The students have a deadline of the end of May to complete this project. Stay tuned to see the finished project, and join us in praying for and celebrating the work that God is doing in each of these projects of His!
"Who Are Our Role Models Today?"
Senior student, Kiah Roufs reflects on historical biographies course where she studied Richard Wurmbrand as a hero of faith.
Written by senior student, Kiah Roufs
At the Academy, students are encouraged to learn about people of faith throughout history in order to have role models in their own walk with the Lord. Young people have so many voices coming at them through culture, social media, and celebrities. Our prayer is that they give their attention to God’s word and find encouragement from those who have lived lives of faith.
In our fast-paced world, the craving of genuine role models remains crucial for young people. Where are our role models today? Learning about the life of Richard Wurmbrand sheds light on authentic and holy leadership. Wurmbrand endured persecution, yet with relentless faith he showed his resilience and courage. His faith amidst adversity serves as the type of role model we desperately need in our society. Even though modern ideas can be popular and tempting to follow, we shouldn't forget about the important values that God’s word teaches and historical figures like Wurmbrand represent. I think it’s valuable that we pay more attention to people like Wurmbrand and the lasting impact they’ve made on history. His story teaches us valuable lessons and though it may be separated from our current situations, there are still the values and characteristics that he stood for that can help us today.
Wurmbrand didn't walk away with his experiences with just a story. He instead used his experiences to be an advocate and serve others. This is the main thing that makes him a hero of faith to me: he's putting his experiences and lessons learned into practice. He was a laborer for the production of God's kingdom. In 1967 he started an organization called, "Voice of the Martyrs". Through this, he was able to become an even bigger advocate for people suffering from religious persecution. He provided support practically for people in need. For me, this is a sign of God at work.
On a summer mission trip with the Academy for GOD to El Salvador, Kiah facilitates a children’s program for a local neighborhood. Participating in cross-cultural ministry is an impactful experience we hope to give all Academy students as a way to connect with others who may lack access or opportunity.
"Faith is pragmatic." This is something that Mr. Garner taught us in class and that has stuck with me in observing heroes of the faith. Faith has to be put into action to mean something. Wurmbrand displayed incredible faith during his years in prison, but until he chose to do something with it, it couldn’t make a lasting impact on others. He stood up for those in need and wasn't quiet about it. Fruit came from his actions, he was able to raise awareness for what he went through and others who went through similar things. He contributed to the development and the building of people who are God's ultimate possessions. These are the type of role models who set holy examples of how to be. So I challenge you to consider: who are your role models? How are they encouraging you to be a child of God and bring change and hope into this world?