• Posted:
  • August 7, 2025
  • Categories:
  • Local & Global Impact

The Heart Behind Our School Partnerships

Here at FAC, one of the ways we join Jesus in the renewal of all things is by showing up in our local schools. We sat down with Randy Carter, one of our school partnership volunteers, to hear how God is using our connection to local schools to build relationships, meet needs, and bring hope to students, families, and staff across the city of Calgary.

FAC: Why do we partner with schools? What’s the impact you’ve seen at these schools? 

Randy: Partnering with schools is unique because you get to build relationships with staff and some of the students. Any time we’ve ever done a teacher appreciation day, we just get the opportunity to say “thank you for serving,” especially in a school that is likely in an underprivileged area. You get to know them a little bit, and the teachers are really thankful.

At Christmas this year, we gave them all Starbucks cards just to say thank you for doing what you do. It’s nice to be able to give them a little bit of encouragement, as many are working in some pretty challenging situations. This also allows us to build friendships with them.

The other piece we get to do is connect with students and get to know them a little bit. In the past, we’ve even been able to invite them to come to Camp Chamisall. FAC has sponsored hundreds of kids over the years to go to camp, most of whom did not come from a faith background. Some of those kids even accepted Jesus!

This year, 2 girls who were a part of the camp staff came from one of our partner schools. They’re the only believers in their home, and they accepted Jesus in junior high. They first came back as junior staff, and they were there again this year. No faith background at all, but they had accepted Jesus at camp!

Years ago, I made it my goal to join Jesus in these schools – just to be Jesus’ presence there. That doesn’t mean preaching a sermon in the school or praying out loud for anyone. It just means being a loving, kind, caring human being who takes an interest in these kids’ lives.

One year at camp, there was a whole cabin of boys who came from one of our partner schools. In that group of boys, there was a significant number of them who accepted Jesus at camp. I knew of a Christian teacher at their school, and one day she said to me, “Look at what’s happened in the culture of our students: I actually overheard some of these boys talk, and one of them said, ‘I don’t know if we should do that. I don’t think Jesus would approve.’”

There so many stories like that, and we can only begin to imagine the impact. 

FAC: What is the reason you got involved with the breakfast program, and what impact do you see something like FAC’s “School Supplies Drive” having on students?

Randy: Well, I think about what Jesus said about a cup of cold water in his name (Matt. 10:42). A backpack can be a modern-day version of a cup of cold water in Jesus’ name. We may not be giving out cold water to people who are thirsty, but we are giving out backpacks to people who don’t have all of their supplies. It’s a practical way, as Jesus said, that opens up the door, and maybe further conversations could follow.

“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

Matthew 10:42 NIV

That’s my idea of joining Jesus. I think that “cup of cold water,” those markers, pencils, crayons, and backpacks may not have a “Jesus loves you” attached to them, but I do think it makes people stop and pause…and in the middle of their dark situation, they see, maybe for the first time, some light, and it makes them stop and wonder.

I may not particularly like toasting bagels and slathering cream cheese on bagels. But I do like that I get to know students and staff…and every now and then, you get to have a conversation about Jesus.

So what’s a cup of cold water? It’s communicating that we love and we care, as well as meet some practical needs. 

 

 

Thank you, Randy, for sitting down with us and sharing just a few of the amazing ways God is at work in our local schools. We’re so grateful for the way you continue to show up, serve, and reflect Jesus in these spaces!

Looking for a way to give back this summer? There’s still time to donate to the School Supplies Drive! Every pen, notebook, and pencil case helps set students up for success this fall. Drop off your donations at FAC Deerfoot by August 17!

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