HOME COMMUNICATOR
No Turning Back: The Story Behind the Hymn
Several nights ago, I was lying in bed with my daughter before she fell asleep. My kids often listen to worship music at night, but that evening, no music was playing. Instead, she decided to sing:
“I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.”
It caught me off guard because this was a song I grew up singing, yet I couldn’t remember the last time I had heard it in church. Curious, I asked her where she had learned it. Without hesitation, she answered, “Mrs. Kruyf taught us, Mom!”
”I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.
Public Domain © 1597619
For the next few days, those simple words echoed in my head and I found myself wanting to know more about the hymn. Here is the story behind those powerful words:
In the 1800s, a missionary preached the gospel in Northeast India, reaching a headhunting tribe. A man named Nokseng, with his wife and sons, became Christians and began sharing their faith. The tribal chief demanded they renounce Jesus, threatening death. Nokseng refused, declaring, “I have decided to follow Jesus,” as his sons, wife, and finally he himself were killed. The family’s steadfast faith moved the chief, who later accepted Christ, leading much of the tribe to believe as well. The chief recorded Nokseng’s words, which became the hymn “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.”
I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
Tho’ none go with me, Still I will follow,
Tho’ none go with me, Still I will follow,
Tho’ none go with me, Still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry till I see Jesus,
My cross I’ll carry till I see Jesus;
No turning back, No turning back.
The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.
Public Domain © 1597619
This is a beautiful testimony of standing firm in faith, devoted to following Jesus through every trial- no turning back. In what ways are you and your family remaining faithful to Christ?
Jenny Gorter
Director of Educational Support Services
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS
Early Release
This Friday, September 26, is an early release day, with dismissal at 11:10 AM (please note this date change from our previously published calendar last spring). Our staff will be engaged in valuable professional development during this afternoon. Hudsonville Public buses will run as normal but students riding Unity buses will need to arrange for transportation home.
Moms in Prayer
This Friday you are welcome to join Moms in Prayer at the Elementary School from 8:00-9:00 a.m. Check in at the main office and they will direct you where to go. We will be focused on praying for the Young 5s and Kindergarten classes! We will pray prayers of praise, confession, thanksgiving, and specifically for staff, faculty, and students.
Math Pentathlon
Does your child enjoy playing board games? Each year HCS students in grades 1-7 meet after school on Tuesdays to learn and play strategy games from the Math Pentathlon nationally recognized STEM program. This opportunity is appropriate for students of all abilities and learning styles. Click HERE for more information and to register! Registration and payment are due by Friday, September 26. Student discounts are available for parents volunteering as a coach.. Questions? Call/Text Laura Pontus, 616-890-8583.
Faith Campaign 2025
Our annual Faith Campaign is underway and we are deeply grateful for the faithful prayers and generous support you have shared with us year after year! Once again, we trust that God will lead and guide our school as we carry out our mission to challenge minds and lives for Christ. Our Faith Campaign raises money to assist families through our tuition assistance program as well as care for and maintain our school buildings. We invite you to prayerfully consider supporting us in this mission as we seek to make Christian Education accessible and sustainable to all families. You can find out more information or donate online at www.hudsonvillechristian/give.
Harvest Family Fun Day
Saturday, October 4th from 3-5 is our Harvest Family Fun Day Event. Plan on attending rain or shine. The event takes place on the tar behind the early childhood wing. (Inside, it will be held in the West Gym.) We would love to see everyone come out for food, fun and community. Even if you cannot come the entire time, please feel free to stop in anytime between 3 and 5. There will be a small cost of $5 per child (adults are free but donation boxes will be available). Cotton candy/donuts and cider/popcorn, bounce house, tons of fun games and prizes! New (weather permitting) a dunk tank! Come and try to dunk some of your favorite HCS teachers! If you have a cinch sack/backpack you are encouraged to bring it with you to use for prizes.
Volunteers: Please continue to check your inbox (or spam folder) for communications coming to you in the next few weeks! These contain details regarding the event and the game/food area that you are serving in. Questions? Please email jenniwalters@sbcglobal.net Still looking to help out? SIGN UP HERE
Donations: 2 of the games we play are dependent on your donations! Please bring the following to the elementary main connector by October 3rd. Stop in and say hello to Mrs. Kellar, she can direct you to the tables that are set up in the hallway outside of her office. Thank you for your help!!
- Preschool – Grade 3: One or more boxes of cereal
- Grade 4 – 8: 12 pack of pop
ELEMENTARY NEWS
Chapel
This week Friday, September 26, Mrs. Caryl’s 3rd grade class will lead chapel from 10:00-10:25. Parents are welcome to join us and may enter through the west gym lobby doors.
Elementary Hot Lunch
Information on the Elementary Hot Lunch program provided by JenHud Food Service can be found on the JenHud Food Service website. Make deposits and monitor your account through the Family Portal. If you have questions please contact the food service at foodservice@hpseagles.net.
Love Bazaar Volunteer Opportunity
The Love Bazaar is seeking committee members to join our amazing team. Come be a part of the best day ever, and get involved by celebrating Christmas all year long! Committee members have the JOY of planning, shopping and sharing the LOVE of CHRIST with our elementary students on this amazing day. If you would like more information, or have any questions, please contact Kristin Power at kpower@4hcs.org or click HERE to sign up!
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
Chapel
Students and staff will gather for chapel from 7:55-8:25 AM in the south gym on Tuesday and Friday. Parents are welcome to join us!
- Tuesday, September 23 – 8th Grade Students leading chapel
- Friday, September 26 – Early release/no chapel
- Tuesday, September 30 – Matt Koets leading chapel
Hot Lunch
Hot lunch this week Wednesday, September 24 is Jet’s Pizza. It will be sold for $2.50/slice – cheese and pepperoni will be the options. Pop will be sold for $1.00/can (limit one) and chips for $.50/bag. Please send money with your child that day – smaller bills are better. Here is the Link to the Middle school Hot lunch schedule/menu.
6th Grade Dunes Day
6th Grade students will be visiting Saugatuck State Park Today and Thursday(25th) to continue their study of the Dunes ecosystem. Students will be hiking through the state park and experiencing what each zone has to offer in this very unique ecosystem found right here in Michigan. This trip is a highlight for a lot of 6th grade students as they interact with their classmates, teachers, and the beautiful creation that the Lord has blessed us with.
- Helms & Huisman’s homerooms: Tuesday, September 23
- Schaap & Sietsema’s homerooms: Thursday, September 25
7th Grade Winter Camp Chaperone Sign-up
In January, our 7th grade students will be heading off to Winter Camp. The camp runs from January 28-30 (Wednesday-Friday). An email was sent yesterday to all 7th grade parents with information about being a chaperone. If you are interested in being a chaperone, please complete the form linked in the email. If you have any questions, please call the middle school office.
Annual League Golf Tournament
Is your 6th-8th grade student interested in competing in a league golf tournament with other Christian schools? The tournament will be held at Maple Hills Golf Course at 9 AM Saturday, October 4. If interested, they can grab a form from the Middle school office or Mr. Borst or you can find a copy of it here. This form needs to be completed and returned by this Friday, September 26. The cost to participate is $17.
5th Grade Girls & Mothers
Mothers/Other trusted females, please plan to attend the 5th Grade Girls Sex Ed. night with your daughter on Monday, October 6. An email was previously sent out with an invitation and additional information. This informative evening will be taking place at 7:00 pm in the Middle School Orchestra room. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out.
COMMUNITY NEWS
revive
Employment Opportunity! Revive is seeking to expand its weekly shopping hours to include early evenings Monday –Friday and later afternoons on Saturdays. This means we are looking to hire additional help to manage the store during those new hours. This is a paid position for 10-20 hours per week, including Saturdays, as well as covering occasional staff vacations or sick days. If you are interested, please contact Jenny at revive at 616-662-3375 or jwalters@unitychristian.org. Reach out with any questions or to express your interest! It’s a great place to work with a great team!
Volunteers! Revive is also welcoming new volunteers anytime for a variety of tasks! If you would like to do something fun and meaningful, revive is the place! Volunteering here means you are supporting your kids and grandkids in their commitment to Christian education while working in areas that interest you and are rewarding. Plus, you’ll love getting to know the revive volunteer family! Stop by to see what we’re all about and to pick up a volunteer form! Or check us out online: www.reviveresale.org as well as Facebook and Instagram. Let us know if you have any questions: 616-662-3375 or email us at: revive@unitychristian.org.
Heritage Christian 3 on 3
The annual Heritage 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament for grades 3-8 will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025! Start getting your teams together & sign up at the following link: Heritage Christian 3on3 Sign Up The registration deadline is October 11th.
Mom-to-Mom Sale
Jenison Christian is having their annual Mom-to-Mom Consignment Sale on Saturday, October 4! Shop from 9:00 am–12:00 pm for gently used kids’ and maternity clothing, baby gear, toys, books, and more. Come back at 12:30 pm for the popular $10 Grab Bag Sale—fill a paper bag with all you can carry!
