And, I get it. There has been plenty to justifiably anger parents and people of faith, in particular, around issues that matter to them (and us).

How do we address the issues we may see in our education system?

Do we show up and shout? Do we only post our frustration?

I fear that many of God’s children have forgotten that loving and serving our “enemies” is what defines Christians, ultimately.

So, what would it look like if we took a different approach?

For many years now, Mosaic has served and blessed local schools. We have, without ceasing:

• provided many, many mentors
• purchased Christmas gifts for students who might have none otherwise
• donated money for repairs after Winter Storm Uri
• served countless teacher appreciation meals
• given Christmas gifts to teachers and staff
• delivered backpacks and school supplies
• funded weekend meal programs
• prayed around the school campuses
• been recognized as the partner of the year for many schools, for many years

We are now officially in 5 schools in the Austin area:

• Live Oak Elementary
• Casey Elementary
• Williams Elementary
• Deerpark Middle School
• McNeil High School

In Fort Worth, Pastor Alvin has begun to serve and bless Rolling Hills Elementary, in the midst of a contentious parent climate that has seen school board screaming escalate into national news.

I am also part of a group of faith leaders that has begun to collaborate with the superintendent of a local district to shape training for teachers around affirming children’s faith, and not discriminating against kids who come from faith backgrounds.

You may know that research coming out of Princeton and Harvard shows that kids from faith backgrounds do better academically, have fewer mental health issues, and display fewer behavioral problems on average than those who do not have a faith background.

With this in mind, it just makes sense that teachers and schools would want to not discourage faith in the lives of their students, or allow other students to openly do so. We are working to help teachers do well in this area.

Why do I share all of this?

Our public and missional posture really, really matters.

Will we curse the darkness from a distance, or seek to bless up close?

My conviction is this: the church will never transform what it refuses to touch.

Thank you for partnering with us over the last school year to bring God’s loving touch and to be a blessing.

Morgan Stephens
Lead Pastor