New Song in Indy!

The Lord has been at work at New Song! While we haven’t found houseparents yet, God has graciously provided a way for us to continue educating and investing in the lives of some of our returning students this school year – in Indianapolis!  

As the new school year was approaching, we were very sad that we had no Houseparent Couples to care for the twelve students who were wanting to enroll on our Brown County campus, but the mom of some of our returning students, Jazmin, was very persistent in expressing her heartfelt desire for New Song to continue caring for and educating her three children. Jazmin repeatedly reached out to our Director, Bob Schloss, to see if we had found Houseparents.  

As the first day of school neared, Jazmin once again called Bob, who began thinking and praying about a way to help Jazmin’s kids, each of which had been thriving with New Song for the last two years. As Bob discussed the matter with our Academic Instructor, Alex Shelton, a potential plan began to emerge: opening a classroom in a church in inner-city Indianapolis.  

In God’s providence, over the summer Bob had developed a friendship with Pastor Ron Nunez, who pastors Woodruff Place Baptist Church. Bob had been introduced to Pastor Ron by long-time New Song supporter, Bill Armstrong, and Ron and Bob quickly struck up a strong friendship. Ron’s 11 year-old son ended up attending a day at one of the New Song summer camps, and leaders from Woodruff Place spent a weekend on New Song’s campus for a leadership retreat in July.  

So Ron was the first person Bob called with the idea of having school in Indianapolis, asking Ron whether his church would consider allowing New Song to have a classroom in its older and very spacious building. Ron and his team quickly welcomed Bob and Alex to tour the church and look at space, welcoming the opportunity—and classes for the three students began in mid-August.  

We now have a dedicated classroom, a recreation room, and a full-sized gym with a hardwood basketball court for our students to enjoy. It has quickly become a place filled with excitement, learning, laughter, and connection. 

When the students arrived for their first day of school last week, they were full of excitement and curiosity about what school would look like in this new space.  

“It went great!” our Associate Director, Lisa Schloss, shared. “The kids settled in since they know their school routine, and they came asking lots of questions!” 

Because the kids were familiar with the staff and routine, they were able to transition smoothly, even though the environment was completely different. They came ready to learn and start a new school year strong! 

“The kids were in great spirits,” Lisa said. “They were ready to get started. They settled in fast and really enjoyed their day reconnecting. They were ready to dig in!” 

For Amiri, one of the most exciting parts of the new space was the gym. Having a full hardwood basketball court gave the students plenty of room to move, play, and enjoy their time together. To end the first day of school, they played all types of different versions of tag. It was a great way to end the school day! 

We’ve had a handful of people come and ask about tutoring our students, from members of Woodruff Place to past New Song staff members. We’re thankful for the many hands involved in this school year.  

One of the tutors was also able to spend time connecting with KK, building the relationships that are such an important part of New Song’s approach to education. Our goal is not simply to provide a classroom or complete schoolwork. It is to know these children, invest in them, encourage them, and walk alongside them. 

And that is one of the things we are especially thankful for in this opportunity – we get to continue the relationships God has already allowed us to build with these students and their families. 

The first day also began with devotion time centered on the very thing we were experiencing firsthand: God’s provision. 

Lisa shared how meaningful it was to talk with the students about the way God had provided this opportunity for them to continue their education. The connection with Woodruff Place Baptist Church was not something we could have planned on our own. Through those relationships and connections, the Lord was already at work preparing the way. 

What we once saw as an uncertain school year has become another opportunity to watch God orchestrate His plan for New Song. 

Bob Schloss reflected on the first day, saying, “It’s going to be a great space for however long the Lord has us there.” 

We are excited about what this school year holds, not because everything looks the way it has in previous years, but because God has once again shown us that His plans are not limited by our circumstances and that He is sovereign over all things! 

We are thankful that we can continue teaching and discipling these students, and for the opportunity to keep investing in their lives, equipping them for life, in Jesus’ name.  

We are especially thankful for the people God has placed around New Song to help make this possible. Many of you prayed with us as we tried to follow the Lord’s guidance with this school year, and we thank you for your prayers! 

To Woodruff Place Baptist Church, thank you for opening your doors, sharing your space, and partnering with us in the work God has called us to do. Your generosity has given these students a place to learn, grow, reconnect, and continue moving forward. 

We are excited for this new chapter and grateful to see where the Lord leads us!