I recently had the opportunity to hear a message around the topic of Legacy. Throughout the talk, several definitions were shared for legacy but one in particular stuck with me:

“Legacy is not the stories told about you, but legacy is the stories told because of you.”

I think many of us can easily confuse our legacy with our reputation. Our reputation is what we are known for and what others say about us—it exists in the here and now. Reputations can change, for better or worse, very quickly. But legacy is something entirely different. Legacy is the impact that extends beyond our presence. It is shaped over time by the choices we make and the ways we influence the people and places around us. Legacy is revealed in the transformation we help bring about. Most of us may never fully see our legacy, yet we will spend our lives building it.

In Student Ministry, this idea of legacy is ever-present. Our staff and volunteers have the opportunity each week to invest and pour into the next generation. Whether by Biblical teaching, showing up to a football game, or simply by sharing a conversation with a teenager, we are building a legacy into each of them. We are taking the little bit of time and influence we have to point them to Jesus and prepare them for their futures. And these actions are not just because we have fun doing it, but we want to be obedient to follow God’s design and plans. Look at how the Psalmist puts it:

“We will not hide them from their children, but will tell a future generation the praiseworthy acts of the Lord, his might, and the wondrous works he has performed.”
– Psalm 78:4

Our success at having a legacy for Christ will be if the next generation continues to praise and tell of the Lord. This is our aim – to see the next generation wholeheartedly pursue Jesus and His plans for their lives! We get to take part in that legacy building effort every week in Student Ministry.

This Sunday, our church will be recognizing and celebrating our high school seniors – the Class of 2026. Our Student Ministry will gather with them and their families at 9:30am for our Senior Recognition service, where we will spend time celebrating with these families and giving a charge to the graduates for what’s ahead. Every year, this service is incredibly special, and I genuinely wish everyone in our church could experience it. Because the truth is, it’s not just parents or Student Ministry who have invested in these students—it’s our entire church family. From their earliest days in the nursery, through Kids Ministry, to worship services and serving during seasons like Christmas, our church has faithfully poured into their lives. We have in big and little ways done what the Psalmist wrote in Psalm 145: “One generation will declare your works to the next and will proclaim your mighty acts.”

Green Acres is a church with a rich legacy—not because of what people say about us, but because of the countless lives that have been transformed through this ministry. At the center of that legacy is a foundation built on prayer. With that in mind, I want to invite you to join me in praying for our graduates. I hope you will take time today—and in the months ahead—to lift-up these students as they step into a new season of life. I am excited for the Class of 2026, and I believe our church’s legacy will only grow stronger as they move forward.

5 Ways to Pray for the Class of 2026

1. Pray for their foundation – That they would remember what they have learned and hold firmly to the biblical truth that has been poured into them by their families and church.
2. Pray for transition – As they move to college campuses, the workforce, or the military, pray that God would be their peace and security in every new environment.
3. Pray for this summer – That it would be filled with meaningful moments with family and friends, creating lasting memories and helping ease the transition into young adulthood.
4. Pray for spiritual growth – That this summer would deepen their love for God, His Word, and the Gospel. Pray especially for their time at Beach Camp—that they would encounter God in a powerful and personal way.
5. Pray for their future – That God would strengthen their faith in the years ahead as they navigate decisions about careers, relationships, and calling, and that they would trust Him fully with what lies ahead

With summer quickly approaching, Student Camps are just around the corner! We would love to see every middle and high school student attend camp this year—and today is the perfect time to register. You can find all the details about High School Beach Camp and Middle School Creek Camp at www.gabc.org/camp. These weeks are more than just fun getaways—they are powerful, life-changing opportunities where God moves in the hearts of students!

Make plans now for your student, grandchildren, or even neighbors (we want every student to be invited!) to join us at camp. Spots are filling quickly, and the registration deadline is May 17. This year’s theme is “The Heavens Declare,” and students will explore how God’s glory is revealed all around us—and how encountering His glory changes everything. It’s going to be an incredible summer!

If you have any questions about camp or need information about financial assistance, please reach out to our Student Ministry team via email (students@gabc.org). We would love to help!

Blessings,

Kurt Fehlis
Student Pastor