Story by Benia Jennings
Three years ago, leadership at the Westside church in Cleveland challenged themselves to reexamine God’s purpose for their church and how they could more effectively share the gospel with others. To that end, they embarked on a journey of spiritual rediscovery, beginning with fasting and prayer to ask God for a revelation of His purpose for the church.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Prov. 3:5–6, NKJV).
I have had my share of trials over the years, as all Christians experience. Lessons learned have matured my faith and trust and have taught me to seek the Lord’s will rather than my own.
“How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can’t even count how many times a day your thoughts turn toward me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!” (Ps. 139:17–18, TLB).
I love this verse because it paints a beautiful picture of God’s unfailing love for me. He truly values me by reminding me that He is always thinking of me, even on the days when I think I am forgotten.
This verse reminds me that I am important, worthwhile and special enough for the God who created all things and made the universe to think of me continually.
Story by Andrew S. Lay
During Alumni Weekend 2021, Highland View Academy (HVA) renamed their gymnasium in honor of Harvey J. Byram, principal from 1980–1987, who worked
tirelessly to build up the HVA campus and begin the varsity athletic programs at the school.
Byram raised money to build the library and science wing of the classroom building, the E & I Barr building that houses the cafeteria and music departments, and the DeHaan Hall and Hartle Hall dormitories.
Historia de Mario Thorp
Hace once años, viajé por la costa de Costa Rica hasta Talamanca, un pueblo al sureste de Puerto Limón. En Talamanca hay un pequeño asentamiento de aborígenes costarricenses que viven en la comunidad de Bribri. Mientras estaba allí, me enteré de un miembro de la Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día que quería comenzar un pequeño grupo en la ciudad de Suretka, a una hora de Bribri.
Fui a Suretka para encontrarme con José Brown, también conocido como Piecito. Cuando nos sentamos, me identifiqué como su nuevo pastor. Piecito dijo: “Me gustaría ver una iglesia en esta comunidad”.
Editorial by Mario Thorp
Eleven years ago, I traveled down the coast of Costa Rica to Talamanca, a town just southeast of Port Limon. In Talamanca there is a small settlement of Costa Rican aboriginals living in the community of Bribri. While there, I learned of a Seventh-day Adventist member who wanted to start a small group in the town of Suretka, an hour from Bribri.
Story by Lisa Moller
The big screen at Spring Valley Academy’s (SVA) Performing Arts Center flashed sports highlights and dynamic ESPN-style graphics to introduce the theme for the upcoming 2021–22 music season: “SVA Sports Spectacular.”
This theme, a close secret kept by band conductor Donald Huff and choral conductor Cristy Doria, set the agenda for a daylong field trip to Indiana, where band and choir members visited the Hoosier Gym, Lucas Oil Stadium and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“Then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. ... But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15, NIV).
Israel had witnessed the Lord’s powerful hand at work during their campaign to conquer the idolatrous inhabitants of the land of Canaan. Despite this—and without excuses—they weren’t fully devoted to God.
From the crossing of the Red Sea to the water that gushed from the rock at Horeb to manna that fell daily, they should have viewed each miracle as an opportunity to firm up their allegiance to God. They had witnessed so much of His love, and each instance should have brought them closer to their Lord, solidifying their total devotion to Him.
On July 16, a father and son sea kayaking team will embark on a self-styled expedition they’ve named the #bay200challenge, a 12-day kayaking project that will take them on a 200-mile (320 km) north-to-south traverse of the Chesapeake Bay, the largest bay in the United States. The challenge will help raise awareness and support for one of the most pressing COVID-19-related issues affecting people today—hunger.
Maryland resident Hearly Mayr and his 13-year-old son, Andreas Mayr, decided to create the challenge to spend time together outdoors this summer after more than a year of being mostly home due to travel and social distancing restrictions.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, NKJV).
Early in my childhood, my mom made decisions that were best for me. She chose warm clothes, healthy food and safe toys. When I was older, my mom chose Desmond T. Doss Academy for me because she wanted me to have a “solid foundation.” I didn’t grow up going to church. My mom taught me prayers and read me stories from a children’s Bible, but she wanted me to know more. I knew who God and Jesus were, but it wasn’t until later that I learned how I could be saved.