A Note from Chris Martin - Acting Executive Principal, Term 2

In his book, Foundations and Memories, author Graham Braddock speaks of the journey that the Lord took him on when establishing KingsWay School. It is a tale of twists and turns, but one that is girded by the absolute faithfulness of the Lord, the humility of those he called to serve and confident expectation that the Lord would do all that He had promised.

This confident expectation, otherwise known as hope, is biblical truth that some of our young people tell us they struggle to grasp. Indeed, developing a confident expectation in the promises of God takes time. A cursory glance at the titans of faith in scripture, shows how the Lord grows us in spiritual maturity to help us fully realise the hope that we have in Him. Is the answer then, simply to wait for the Lord to do His work?

As much as the Lord will undoubtedly bring His plans to fruition, either with us or without us, He has graciously invited us into community and to work with Him. For our young people, this journey starts with being secure in who they are in Christ and realising their place in the biblical meta-narrative. This is more than ‘knowing the gospel’; it is internalising God’s saving grace, being able to challenge unhelpful or contending messages about who the world says they are, and allowing what the Lord says about them to shape their actions.

Being rooted in a biblical identity, empowers each child in their purpose. It is owning God’s design for their lives and practicing their God given strengths/talents in the way they do things. It is impossible to underestimate the significance of a young person articulating their core values, knowing what strengths the Lord has blessed them with, and living in accordance with these, that brings about clear direction and confident expectation for the future.

That all being said, any young person will tell you, that acting in accordance with purpose and identity is easier said than done. The contending messages that the world attacks with, aims to undermine their surety of purpose. For a young person growing in their faith such messages can indeed, create uncertainty. It is in these uncertain moments that we as caregivers can point to strong, secure anchors both in how we live in relationship with the Lord and rest in the promises of His Word. When our young people see us act in accordance with our calling, taking small international steps boldly and courageously, it provides a sense of authenticity and surety for them to do the same.

In the same way, when we try, fail, reflect and go again it helps our young people recognise that challenges in life require perseverance and determination (and often times help) to overcome. If we can help our children recognise the challenges in their life and provide strategies to overcome them, then perhaps in time they will be able to support others to do the same. In upholding this responsibility, we can celebrate their successes and nurture our young ones when it doesn’t go as planned.

It is through this journey that we start to see the emergence of a confident expectation of living a thriving, purpose driven life, fuelled by Faith in Christ and outworked through the wisdom and counsel of the Holy Spirit. Wherever your child is on their wellbeing journey, remember that you have a vital part to play in working with the Lord to help assure them of their identity and belonging in His story. We have the privilege of helping them realise their purpose and guiding them as they act in accordance with it. We are equipped to support them as they grow and become resolute in the confident expectation of the promises of God.

For the team here at KingsWay, we highly value the role parents play in growing hope in our young people. We are committed to doing the same. This term’s connect magazine highlights just a few ways we, as a school, work to help our students move towards sustained wellbeing in life.

Chris Martin
Acting Executive Principal