Academy 4 is gearing up for a new school year! This is the mentoring program for 4^th graders at Binion Elementary (next door to the church building), as well as in 39 other economically disadvantaged schools in the US. Every 4^th grader in these schools is paired up with a mentor from the community, so we need nearly 200 mentors to sign up to serve at Binion this year.

Academy 4 takes place for 90 minutes (1:00-2:30), one Friday afternoon each month from September through May. This is NOT tutoring. It’s really just about spending time with a kid, showing them that they matter. After everyone is seated, I give a brief presentation and then you work through a simple workbook that helps your 4^th grader think about some basic “leadership” traits, followed by time hanging out with them while playing a card game or other activity. It’s an easy way to make a significant impact in the life of these children.

Academy 4 is a distinctly Christian organization, as their mission statement reads: “We connect churches to schools and communities through mentoring 4th graders in leadership.” While we are not able to explicitly share the gospel in this public-school setting, we are able to share that we are there because we are members of a local church (i.e., the one next door). Over time, the students, their parents, and the staff recognize that the people who are showing up to love on these children are followers of Christ. This is an excellent way to establish relationships with these students and their families.

Virtual “Lunch & Learns” are being held over Zoom every Tuesday from 12:00-12:30 until September 13. Just use this link to connect: http://goa4.org/lunchandlearn

Blessings in Christ,

Pastor Evan