By Roman Khripunov
Dear WoodsEdge Family,
My name is Roman Khripunov, and I have the privilege of serving as the Local Missions Pastor at WoodsEdge.
Originally, I am from Uzbekistan. My parents used sports camps to share the gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. Because of my parents' ministry, our family endured persecution, was declared an enemy of the state, and was eventually forced to leave our country. In 2006, when I was 11 years old, we lost nearly everything within 48 hours. Yet even in the uncertainty, God was with us.
The Lord eventually brought our family to Houston as refugees. Looking back, I can clearly see His sovereign hand guiding every step. Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the United States. God has brought people here from all over the world, giving us an opportunity to "make disciples of all nations" without ever having to get on an airplane.
Before joining the WoodsEdge staff, I led a Houston-based sports ministry called Revival Sport. Through sports, we built relationships with refugee children and their families, shared the gospel, and invited young people into discipleship. Today, as the Local Missions Pastor at WoodsEdge, I continue to have a deep desire to see the Church love our neighbors, meet practical needs, and point people to Jesus.
That is why the Back2School Bash is so special to me. I was once a child going to Mitchell Intermediate who needed a backpack and school supplies.
I know what it feels like for a family to begin again with very little. I also know how meaningful it is when the people of God step forward to help. A backpack may seem like a simple gift, but to a family facing financial hardship, it can be an answer to prayer. It tells a child, "You are seen." It tells a parent, "You are not alone." Most importantly, it gives us an opportunity to demonstrate the love of Jesus.
This year, 1,524 backpacks were donated by our church members. We distributed 884 backpacks at the Bash, and nearly 600 more were given to ministry partners and local elementary schools to help meet the needs across our city.
More than 300 volunteers came together to serve our community. They welcomed families, distributed backpacks, prepared more than 3,500 pancakes, and helped create an environment filled with joy and generosity.
These numbers are worth celebrating, but another number especially encourages me: 1,202 people received prayer.
The Back2School Bash was not only about providing school supplies. It was about caring for the whole person. We wanted families to leave with what they needed for school, but we also wanted them to know that God sees them, loves them, and hears their prayers.
1 Peter 4:10 says, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God';s grace." That is exactly what I saw at the Bash. Some people donated backpacks. Some cooked pancakes. Some welcomed families, carried supplies, or prayed with our neighbors. Every person had a role, and every act of service mattered.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:16, "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." We do not serve so that people will recognize us. We serve because we want them to see the goodness of our Heavenly Father.
I am incredibly grateful for every person who donated, volunteered, prayed, and helped make the Back2School Bash possible. Through your generosity, students began the school year more prepared, parents carried one less burden, and families experienced the love of Christ.
We may never know the full impact of a backpack, a plate of pancakes, a kind conversation, or a simple prayer. But God does. Galatians 6:9 reminds us, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
WoodsEdge family, thank you for faithfully loving our neighbors. The Back2School Bash may happen once a year, but our mission continues every day. May we keep serving generously, praying boldly, and trusting God to use every act of obedience for His glory.