A New School Year, A New Season of Grace

Dear RockSpring Church Family,

The new school year has now begun. For our family, this will be our second school year in Texas public schools since moving from Michigan. Last year, I remember our kids were busy transitioning and settling into a new school and making new friends. By God’s grace, a year has passed, and our children seem to have settled in pretty well. For that, I am deeply grateful to God.

How about you? Many families in our RockSpring community are entering this new school year with similar feelings. Some of you may be excited. Some may be nervous. Some parents may be wondering how their children will adjust to a new grade, a new school, new teachers, or new friendships. Some may be sending their children off to school for the very first time.

So, we pray together for our children’s safety. We pray for good friendships. We pray that they will have courage when they face difficult situations. We pray for wisdom to make good choices. We pray that they will grow not only academically, but also spiritually. And above all, we pray that they will know that they belong to God and that their identity is found in Christ. As our children return to school, let us remember that our children are not simply returning to classrooms; they are entering a mission field. Their schools are places where they will learn, grow, build relationships, and encounter people who may not yet know the love of Jesus. So, let us pray that our children will be lights wherever God places them. May our children carry the light of Christ into their classrooms, hallways, sports teams, clubs, and friendships by living with kindness, courage, integrity, compassion, and love.

Would you also please keep our teachers and educators in your prayers? RockSpring Church is blessed to have many teachers among us. They need our support and prayers as well. Teaching is more than a profession. Every day, teachers are entrusted with the minds, hearts, and futures of young people. May God give our teachers wisdom, discernment, patience, and strength. May God give them grace for the difficult days and joy in the moments that remind them why God has called them to be teachers in the first place.

And to all of our parents: as you prepare backpacks, school supplies, schedules, lunches, and early mornings, remember to prepare something even more important; your hearts in prayer. Before our children leave the house, let us bless them. Pray over them. Remind them that they are loved. Remind them that God goes before them and walks with them. A new school year is not simply another year. It is another opportunity to trust God. We may not know everything our children will encounter this year, but we know the One who will be with them. Psalm 121:8 says, “The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

And lastly, would you also uplift our college and single professionals here at RockSpring? Some of you are returning to college. Some are beginning a new degree or program. Some are starting a new job or career. Some may be moving to a new city, meeting new people, or making decisions that'll shape the next chapter of your life. This can be an exciting season, but it can also be an uncertain one. As you step into this new season, remember that your future is not ultimately defined by your degree, your career, your accomplishments, or your circumstances. Your life is held in the hands of God. Seek Him first. Walk with Him faithfully. Choose your friends wisely. Guard your heart. Do not be afraid to be different when following Christ requires it. And remember that wherever God leads you, you are never walking alone. You are not simply preparing for a career; you are becoming the person God has called you to be. May God give you wisdom when you make important decisions, courage when you face uncertainty, discipline when the road becomes difficult, and discernment as you build relationships and make choices about your future.

May the Lord watch over every child, every parent, every teacher, and every family in our RockSpring community. May He protect our children, guide their steps, surround them with good friends, give them wisdom beyond their years, and help them grow in grace and truth. May this new school year be a season in which our entire RocksSpring family grow, not only in knowledge, but also in faith, character, and love for Christ. Let us begin this school year together on our knees, trusting the God who has been faithful to us in every season.

With prayers and love,

Rev. Won Kim

Lead Pastor of RockSpring Church