Building a NuNation: A Transformational Mission in Morristown

Testimony & Trip Reflection by Jr High & High Vice Principal, Ms. Meg Mathews

In just four days, our students at Academy for GOD made a tangible impact, serving at 18 different locations and touching the lives of over 450 people. This spring break mission trip to Morristown was a powerful demonstration of how God can use willing hearts to transform lives.

Day 1: Arrival, Service, and Host Homes

We arrived in Morristown and were warmly welcomed by Pastor Efrain and Pastora Zenaida from Iglesia Comunidad de Dios, two of the most selfless individuals dedicated to the Lord’s work. Without delay, our students launched into service projects, preparing for a Vacation Bible School (VBS) at an immigrant/Hispanic apartment complex, organizing a Spring Break Bash for adults with disabilities, and planning a celebration for foster children. Meanwhile, other students assessed and began construction projects to support the community.

That evening, our students experienced heartfelt hospitality from host families. Senior student, River Edmondson, shared his gratitude for Mr. Marcos and Mrs. Rosalva, who welcomed him with delicious enchiladas, games, worship, and spiritual encouragement. Another senior recounted an unforgettable Bible study session with her host, Alejandra, where they spent hours discussing scripture, illustrating how God’s Word transcends language and culture.

Day 2: Serving with Excellence & Worship

Students began the day in prayer and devotion, each host home appointing a student leader for the morning reflection. The level of responsibility and joy these students displayed in their ministry was inspiring! We were thankful to have student leaders from The Institute for GOD alongside our Academy team to serve.

That day, our students served at over 10 different locations. They facilitated a Spring Break Bash for adults with disabilities, led chapel services, taught job and life skills, and even conducted a book club. At a local foster home, students organized games, t-shirt making, and an exhortation led by River Edmondson. The children were so moved that they invited our group to stay for dinner, leading to tearful testimonies of gratitude from our students.

Meanwhile, another group led a VBS for Hispanic children at Los Cerritos Apartments, engaging them with puppet shows, Bible stories, and games. Others worked tirelessly to renovate a family's kitchen, tripling their counter space and enabling them to cook indoors for the first time in a decade.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

— 1 Peter 2:9

After a day of service, we gathered for a powerful worship night. Students cried out to the Lord, declaring their commitment to be a generation that brings change. Our Head of School, Mr. Gregg Garner, introduced the theme of NuNation, drawing from 1 Peter 2:9, inspiring students to see themselves as part of God’s ongoing story of redemption.

Day 3: Construction, Recovery Ministry, and Celebration

Our final day of service focused on completing all construction projects. Under the guidance of dedicated mentors, students learned vital skills in framing, plumbing, and electrical work—practical knowledge that equipped them for both ministry and life.

One of the most moving moments of the trip took place at a women’s recovery center. Our junior and senior girls led worship, while Sophia Galford and Ms. Vanessa Edmondson shared powerful testimonies that deeply impacted the women. God’s presence was tangible, and the students left with a renewed awareness of His closeness to the brokenhearted.

At Food on Foot, a ministry that provides 1,000 food bags weekly, students met Carolyn, whose testimony of faith and compassion ignited a wave of testimonies among our group. She was so moved by our students’ prayers that she invited us to return next year with even more young people.

To wrap up our service projects, we held a VBS celebration with a giant inflatable slide and piñata, bringing joy to the children. One young girl told Josie, our student leader, that it was "one of the best days ever!" The students' ability to organize and execute this event independently was a testament to their growth in leadership and service.

That evening, we hosted a Community Church for God service at Panther Creek, attended by over 150 people. It was a powerful moment of worship, testimony, and joy, as people from all walks of life came together to experience God’s love.

Day 4: Testimonies and Reflection

On our final day, we gathered for testimonies and fellowship over pupusas. Students shared stories of how God had transformed their hearts, given them clarity on their identity, and allowed them to see people through His eyes. Many testified to experiencing healing, discovering their vocations, and feeling an urgent call to continue bringing God’s kingdom to earth. There was not a dry eye in the room.

Before heading home, we stopped to watch Rule Breakers, using it as a tool to reflect on the trip’s theme, NuNation—a reminder that building God’s kingdom requires breaking societal norms to follow His calling.

This mission trip exceeded all expectations. Watching the next generation step into their calling with boldness and humility reminded us that God’s work is generational. We each play a role in His grand design, a NuNation that transcends time and expectations. May we continue to listen, obey, and build alongside Him.

Thank you for your prayers and support. God answered in ways beyond what we could have imagined!

Open Seats for 2025-2026 School Year

GOOD NEWS! We've accepted our first round of enrollment applications, and there are still seats available for '25-26! With new programs such as TN ESA & EFS, now is the perfect time to take advantage of a Christ-centered, private school education for your student. We've extended our application deadline to April 1st with no additional fees.

TN Education Savings Accounts & TN Educational Freedom Scholarships

The state of TN now has two education programs that could provide tuition assistance for your family, and The Academy will be a participating school in both. 

The TN ESA (Education Savings Account) is currently in its second year, and we've had wonderful success with it this year as a school. If you currently hold a TN ESA, please note that it's time to renew your student's account for the '25-26 school year. ALL students must submit a renewal application in order to maintain their account into the next school year. You will need your 2024 tax information. 

• If you are applying for a new student for the '25-26 school year, please submit their application for enrollment at the Academy no later than April 1, 2025. Late fees will apply. Furthermore, you can apply for a TN ESA for your incoming student if they meet the eligibility requirements. Applications are now open. 

The TN EFS (Education Freedom Scholarships) will be made available for the '25-26 school year per the TN DOE, as of now. The Academy fully intends to participate in this program, and we're currently waiting for next steps to get our school on board. Once that information is released, we will be passing along how you can apply. We do anticipate that families will need their tax info for their application. More info on the TN EFS HERE. 

Per school policy, TN ESA holders and TN EFS recipients will not be eligible for financial assistance from the school through FACTS Tuition Assistance. 

How to Achieve Excellent Made from Scratch Meals

Since 2015, when the Academy School Nutrition Program was launched, we have made it a priority to incorporate made-from-scratch meals. At that time, there was no additional funding, legislation, or push by the USDA or other non-profits to encourage scratch-made meals. However, we recognized that preparing meals from scratch would be the best way to provide nutritionally dense and healthy options for our students. A decade later, there is growing momentum within school nutrition to achieve healthier meals, along with additional resources to train staff and transition kitchens from processed foods to more complex systems of cooking and baking meals.

We have maintained our menu quality and ensured our meals remain minimally processed through three key strategies:

1. Trained Chefs

We have had the privilege of working with a variety of professional-level chefs, which has greatly contributed to our ability to produce high-quality, healthy meals. Staff training is one of the biggest challenges in executing meals from scratch. Having a team with a background in culinary arts helps overcome these hurdles. Our program has been fortunate to bring on executive-level chefs. Our current Executive Chef, John Edmondson, has spent over 20 years in high-end dining, catering for movie sets, and serving as the executive chef for Dodger Stadium. Not only is he a fantastic chef, but he has also trained numerous staff members to prepare meals for our cafeteria with consistency and excellence.

2. Menu Development

Each year, our school nutrition supervisor establishes guidelines and goals for menu development, ensuring our team stays aligned with our vision. For example, our recent menu planning emphasized "made-from-scratch, minimally processed, globally conscious meals and whole foods." We also set clear objectives regarding items to avoid, such as deep-fried proteins, high-sugar foods, cured meats, and highly processed entrées. These menu development goals keep our program on track and aligned with our mission of providing nutritious, high-quality meals.

3. Continual Feedback

Ongoing feedback from students allows us to make adjustments and refine our menu throughout the year to maintain student satisfaction. We conduct formal feedback sessions at the end of each school year, providing valuable data for menu planning. Additionally, we implement informal listening surveys throughout the year to check in with students and determine if any menu items need to be modified. This year, based on feedback from various age groups, we made several changes to our recipes and menu during winter break. Without continual feedback, even made-from-scratch meals may not meet students' preferences.

Ensuring that meals are made from scratch while maintaining excellent taste and quality is a high standard in the world of school nutrition. However, we believe that with skilled personnel, thoughtful menu development, and continual feedback, any program can achieve these results.

The Impact of Chronic Absenteeism and Tardiness on K-12 Students

Consistent attendance is crucial for student success in K-12 education. However, chronic absenteeism—defined as missing 10% or more of the school year—and frequent tardiness can significantly impact a child's academic performance, social development, and future opportunities.

Academic Consequences

Students who frequently miss school or arrive late often struggle to keep up with lessons. Learning builds on itself, and missing key foundational concepts can create gaps that make it difficult to understand new material. Research shows that students who are chronically absent in early grades are less likely to be proficient in reading by third grade (age 8-9), a critical milestone for academic success. In middle and high school, chronic absenteeism increases the risk of failing courses and dropping out.

Social and Emotional Impact

Beyond academics, chronic absenteeism and tardiness can hinder a student’s ability to form relationships with peers and teachers. School is not only a place for learning but also for developing social skills, teamwork, and confidence, and the Academy values these components to our holistic education paradigm. Students who are frequently absent or late may struggle with feelings of isolation, lower self-esteem, and difficulty adjusting to structured environments. These challenges can have long-term effects on emotional well-being and social development.

Future Consequences

The negative effects of chronic absenteeism extend beyond school. Poor attendance habits in childhood can lead to difficulties in the workforce, as punctuality and responsibility are essential life skills. Additionally, students who fall behind academically due to missed school time may face limited career and college opportunities, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage. We truly believe we are setting our students up for success into adulthood and the workforce by implementing a strict absentee policy.

Tips for Parents to Encourage School Attendance

1. Establish a Consistent Routine – Set a regular bedtime and morning schedule to ensure your child gets enough rest and is ready for school each day. A predictable routine minimizes morning chaos and helps students feel prepared to start their day on time.

2. Communicate the Importance of Attendance – Talk to your child about why going to school every day matters. Help them understand how attendance impacts their learning, friendships, and future opportunities. Reinforce the idea that school is a priority.

3. Address Barriers to Attendance – If your child is struggling with issues such as anxiety, learning challenges or transportation, please reach out to the Academy to find solutions. Schools often have resources and support systems in place to help students overcome attendance obstacles.

By prioritizing attendance, parents can help set their children up for success, ensuring they receive the full benefits of their educational experience. Small, consistent efforts to encourage punctuality and daily attendance can make a lasting difference in a student’s academic and personal growth. A student’s presence at school each day is a partnership between parents and school staff, and at the Academy, we’re willing to ensure students are excited and prepared to come on campus each day!

Winter Bible Retreat 2025 in Review

The Academy for GOD recently hosted our annual Winter Bible Retreat for junior high and high school students at Horton Haven Camp. Themed “Here to Serve,” the retreat centered around Mark 10:45, where Jesus declares, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Mr. Garner led the teaching sessions, diving deep into Jesus’ disruptive commandment on greatness and authority. He challenged students to reconsider their views of success and leadership, emphasizing that true greatness in God's Kingdom is marked by service and sacrifice. "Jesus Himself came here to serve," Mr. Garner explained, urging students to recognize that God is preparing them for significant roles—but not in the way the world defines greatness. Instead, their “power” equates to obligation: a calling to obedience, selflessness, and service to the poor and marginalized.

Throughout the weekend, students engaged in worship, Bible study, shared meals, and plenty of fun activities. These experiences not only deepened their faith but also strengthened their bonds with each other. The retreat created a safe space for students to reflect, grow, and encounter God in personal and new ways.

We believe that the impact of this retreat extends far beyond the weekend itself. The lessons learned, relationships built, and spiritual growth experienced will continue to influence these young hearts and minds for months and years to come. We are incredibly grateful to the teachers and parent chaperones who dedicated their time and energy to invest in the lives of our students.

Student Testimonies:

“I can get so nervous in letting God take control, but I have new faith and new confidence now and I plan to take it into the semester.” - 10th Grade Student

“I struggled last year with having faith in God. But on this trip, I felt seen and really heard on this Bible Retreat. God really moved during this time because a senior prayed for me, and I am so thankful for this time.” - 8th Grade Student

“Over the last couple of years, I have had a lot of insecurities and fears. It has been tearing me down lately. As I went to last night’s worship, those insecurities and fears just went away and I felt a sense of peace come over me. God really healed me from my fears and insecurities.” - 7th Grade Student

“A lot has happened over this retreat. Last night’s worship was AMAZING as I got prayed for and I was feeling it! I was so shocked how that was exactly what I needed to hear.” - 12th Grader

“I just want to testify because being a senior we get more time to reflect. And in reflection, I am so thankful for what we have been given and the growth that has happened in our class specifically.” - 12th Grader

“I wanted to do something great, but I didn’t know how to take the steps to get there. In going to the Bible Retreat I expected God to give me more direction, and I confidently say that was given to me during the Bible Retreat. I know where I am going now and the next step I am going to take. I can walk by faith now and take that next step to become more like Christ.” - 10th Grader

We encourage parents to continue debriefing with their children about the retreat. These conversations can help solidify the lessons learned and provide ongoing support as students apply what they experienced in their daily lives. Here are some reflection questions you might ask your child:

• What did you feel like the Lord spoke to you this past weekend through the worship and the Word?

• What was an impactful moment for you from the retreat?

• If God is going to cultivate your greatness through service, how do you plan to become “great” in His Kingdom this year?

• Who do you hope to serve in response to the teachings at the Bible Retreat?

Thank you for trusting us with your children and for supporting their spiritual growth. With over 87 participants this year, it’s clear that God is moving in powerful ways within our community. We look forward to seeing how He continues to work in the lives of these young leaders!