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Key topics
- Introducing Kendal Wilkinson and LifeWise Academy — Kendal shares her new role and introduces the LifeWise movement.
- How release-time instruction works — The discussion covers instruction during the school day, parental consent, off-campus locations, and private funding.
- Program logistics — Students may travel to a church, library, community center, fire department, or other host site during a non-core class period.
- Working with schools and families — Donna and Kendal describe LifeWise as a community collaboration intended to fit school schedules.
- Biblical teaching and character development — They discuss the curriculum’s Bible stories, memory verses, and emphasis on character and purpose.
- Kendal’s path to the role — Kendal talks about faith, surrender, life changes, and the relationships that led her to the position.
- A firsthand look at a LifeWise launch — She recounts seeing students welcomed, receiving Bibles, and taking part in a new program.
- What Franklin County needs — Kendal discusses building awareness, student interest, volunteers, board participation, and funding.
- Community movie night — The episode mentions a planned screening of Off School Property and an opportunity for people to learn more.
Timestamps
00:00 — Donna introduces Kendal and Franklin County LifeWise
01:18 — What LifeWise is and how release-time instruction works
02:17 — The three legal guidelines: funding, consent, and off-campus instruction
03:15 — One hour a week and the community-based model
04:13 — Why this matters for families who do not attend church
05:19 — Identity, purpose, and being defined by something bigger
06:19 — Supporting students alongside their education
07:36 — Why children are hungry for truth and hope
08:37 — Kendal’s testimony: calling, surrender, and God’s timing
11:23 — Moving to Louisburg and leaving a long-term job
12:52 — Relationships that led to the Franklin County director role
14:26 — Wanting hands-on experience with the program
16:31 — What a launch day looks like and how host sites work
18:01 — Children receive Bibles and begin in Genesis
19:16 — Curriculum, memory verses, and learning through videos
20:11 — Growth, shuttles, buses, and expanding student interest
21:39 — Trust raising, donations, and funding the mission
22:30 — Background checks and training for adults
23:28 — Building the board and seeking community support
24:21 — Pre-enrollment, giving, and why awareness matters
25:50 — Goal to launch the first Franklin County school
26:49 — How the community can pray and help
27:18 — Staying focused on the mission amid opposition
28:44 — Movie night and community next steps
29:10 — Off School Property movie-night details
30:09 — Closing remarks and thanks
- Pre-enroll a student if your family is interested.
- Consider giving to support the program.
- Explore volunteering or serving on the board.
- Share information about LifeWise in Franklin County.
- Pray for the launch, funding, volunteers, and community support.