Jesse Luyk

No, it’s not January 1st—but in my brain, a new year is just about to begin. For all my childhood and most of my adult life as a teacher and mother, the calendar that’s shaped my routine has always been August to August—that dreaded yet comforting school year cycle. My life has revolved around it: first day of school, fall break, winter break, spring break, and finally summer break… and now, here we are again! A new year is about to begin—full of anticipation, excitement, and a little uncertainty.

July marks a turning point—a time when the long, light-filled days of summer give us space to pause and prepare. For many of us, this is the month when we begin shifting our thoughts toward the year ahead. School supply lists are posted. Calendars begin to fill. And those early conversations with churches and schools begin a quiet drumbeat—steady, purposeful, setting the rhythm for another year of possibility.

As we begin to wrap up the 2024-2025 school year, I hope that you take time to reminisce on the ways you have seen God’s hand and provision in the life of your program this year. You have seen existing and new relationships built this year and helped make matches that cause children and adults alike to know God’s love in a special way. Each one of your churches surrounds local schools with prayer, tangible support, and relationships that have encouraged teachers and parents in the important work they are doing. I hope that you are so proud of that as YOU have played a key role in facilitating that growth and impact!

What an honor it is to be among you. I started with the Kids Hope USA team about a month ago and I’ve been in awe of this team and of you, directors, every single day since.

My favorite Bible story as a child was the compelling gospel moment when Jesus commands Simon Peter and Andrew, after having no luck on their own, to “cast out their nets.” The nets, of course, miraculously returned filled with fish. Jesus then offered these brothers the invitation of a lifetime: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19.