Most churches talk about reaching the next generation. Pastor Justin Walker built a school to do it.In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Pastor Justin shares the remarkable story of launching Salt and Light Academy—a tuition-free, Christ-centered school born inside his church with zero budget, total faith, and a bold vision to reach the 57 million students in public schools.🎙️ In this episode:– How Salt and Light Academy launched from idea to reality in 7 months– Why they refuse to charge tuition—even when parents offer to pay– The church’s role in funding education without compromising the Gospel– Stories of student baptisms, family transformation, and community revival– What it really costs to run a free Christian school (and how they’re doing it)This isn’t just a story about a school. It’s a model. A movement. And a direct challenge to churches everywhere: What’s in your hand—and what’s stopping you from using it?📢 Would your church ever start a school like this? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.🔔 Like, share, and subscribe for more stories of faith, bold leadership, and K–12 education reform.📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Learn more about Salt & Light Academy: https://www.saltandlightky.org/school🔹 Connect with Pastor Justin Walker: justin@saltandlightky.org🔹 Visit the church website: https://www.saltandlightky.org#FaithAndEducation #SchoolChoice #TuitionFreeChristianSchool #ChristianEducation #SaltAndLightAcademy #ChurchBasedSchool #PastorLeadership #WISEAndOtherwise

For years, Jaime Beck watched her son Charlie struggle in silence—kicking, screaming, melting down before school, and coming home exhausted, ashamed, and overlooked. He was smart, creative, and full of potential—but public school didn’t know what to do with him.In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Jaime shares the emotional journey of discovering her son’s dyslexia late, navigating misdiagnoses, and feeling dismissed by the very system meant to help him. But everything changed when she found Freedom Prep—a school that didn’t just accommodate Charlie, but believed in him.🎙️ Inside this episode:– The signs she saw—and how long it took to get real answers– What public school offered (and failed to deliver)– Why dyslexia wasn’t the problem—it was the misunderstanding of it– The emotional toll on Charlie—and on Jaime as a mother– How Freedom Prep rebuilt confidence, joy, and belonging– What every parent needs to know about advocating for their childIf you’ve ever felt like your child was being left behind, this story will give you hope—and a roadmap for what’s possible.📢 Have you ever had to fight for your child to be seen? Share your story in the comments.🔔 Like, subscribe, and follow for more powerful stories of faith, education, and courageous families.📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Learn more about Freedom Prep: https://freedomprepwichita.org/🔹 Connect with HERO: https://www.heartlandhero.org/contact🔹 Explore school options near you: https://www.heartlandhero.org/directory

#DyslexiaAwareness #SchoolChoice #EducationThatHeals #FreedomPrep #FaithAndEducation #WISEAndOtherwise #SpecialEducation #ParentAdvocacy

While churches send money across the globe, local Christian schools are closing their doors. What if we’ve been overlooking one of the most urgent mission fields—right in our own backyard?In this powerful episode of WISE and Otherwise, host Emmi McCabe sits down with Dalena Wallace, founder of HERO (Heartland Education Reformation Organization), to talk about the growing crisis in Christian education—and the bold vision to solve it.💡 Inside this conversation:– Why 75% of Christian kids leave the faith after high school– The real reason so many Christian schools are shutting down– What HERO is doing to fund faith-based education and keep it accessible– How churches, donors, and families can unite to protect the next generation– A fresh call for churches to treat Christian education as ministryThis episode is a wake-up call for anyone who cares about the future of the church, the family, and the Christian school movement.📢 Could your church be funding Christian education instead of losing the next generation? Let us know in the comments.🔔 Like, share, and subscribe for more stories at the intersection of faith and education.📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Learn more about HERO: https://www.heartlandhero.org🔹Donate to support Christian schools: https://www.heartlandhero.org/donate#ChristianEducation #SchoolChoice #ChurchAndSchool #FaithAndEducation #MissionsAtHome #HeartlandHERO #WISEAndOtherwise