Children’s Ministries Vacation Bible School Evangelism Workshop – March 13, 2021 5 Feb 2021 6:21 AM (4 years ago)

Atlantic Union Conference
Children’s Ministries Vacation Bible School Evangelism Workshop

Sabbath, March 13, 2021

Registration is closed.

 
For more information, please contact:
Milie Felt: mfelt@atlanticunion.org
Children’s Ministries Department
Atlantic Union Conference
Phone: 978-268-8333, ext 3020
Fax: 978-368-7948

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Camping Season 2019 Prayer and Poem 3 Oct 2019 8:39 AM (5 years ago)

Lord, thank You for walking us through the 2019 camping season. “I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvelous works.”—Psalm 9:1, KJV.

Thank You for holding us safe in Your arms as we traversed the outdoors in Your divine “lesson book.” Thank You for healing and giving the double blessings of spiritual and physical strength in nature.

Thank You for revealing Your love in the beauty of Your creation—all the wonders of nature continue to affirm Your might and power. From the expansive clouds, towering trees, the orderly flock of birds in flight, the large school of fish, the multitude of God-made colors, to the delicate butterfly, dancing flower, and busy ant, Your creative touch is awesome!

We are eternally grateful for the immense beauty of summer —blue skies, green open fields, rolling hills, cool lakes, singing birds, majestic trees, fresh organic vegetables and fruit, vast oceans, the deer, rabbit, fox, coyote, and moose sightings, and warm summer sunshine on our faces.

Thank You for the open-air fun and fellowship moments; for the tree climbing, horseback riding, rock climbing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, playing in the rain, gardening, lawn mowing, walking barefooted on sandy beaches, jogging, hiking, star-gazing, geocaching, track and trail, fire-sides, barbecues, and outdoor cooking, swinging, trampoline jumping, racquetball, soccer, basketball, tennis, football, and volleyball games, outdoor concerts, parades, and evangelistic meetings.

Thank You, Jesus, for the 2019 camping season, the rustic living, and the many aforementioned blessings derived therein. Thank You for the sanctified, Holy Spirit-filled moments of solitude and joy that tranquil nature scenes provided.

Thank You for all the summer camp ministry experiences and camporees. Thank You for the international camporee—for all the Atlantic Union campers, all the conference presidents, administrators, directors, and staff teams, youth directors, Pathfinders, Adventurers, Master Guides, club directors and staff, parents, coordinators, all church members, the Atlantic Union administrators, directors, and staff team, and the entire camporee administrators and staff team. Thank You for empowering all to prayerfully support this, the climax of the 2019 camping season. Thank You for one of the most potent lessons of this camping season: “We are Chosen.”

Thank You for this poem that captures the importance for all Pathfinders:

                CHOSEN
Friend, companion, explorer,
Ranger, voyager, guide
Handpicked, selected by the Savior
Never to leave His side
Chosen, Chosen, Chosen
Blessed and highly favored
You are, Chosen, Chosen, Chosen,
Love and mirror the Savior

Many called; few chosen
David’s example
Man looks on the outside,
Our God sees the heart
Chosen, Chosen, Chosen
Blessed and highly favored
You are, Chosen, Chosen, Chosen,
Love and mirror the Savior

This is Oshkosh 2019
Fun, sweet fellowship
Pathfinders’ honors, worship
Training for discipleship.
Chosen, Chosen, Chosen
Blessed and highly favored
You are, Chosen, Chosen, Chosen,
Love and mirror the Savior

International Camporee
It’s for thee we came,
God has blessed His youth again
We’ll never, never be the same.
Chosen, Chosen, Chosen
Blessed and highly favored
You are, Chosen, Chosen, Chosen,
Love and mirror the Savior
—Bernice and Nathanael McKenzie

Thank You, Lord Jesus! “I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth”—Psalm 34:1, KJV.

David McKenzie is the director for Youth, Young Adult, Pathfinder, and Adventurer ministries in the Atlantic Union Conference.

This article first appeared in the October 2019 issue of the Atlantic Union Gleaner magazine, page 20.

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Chosen, I am Chosen! 3 Oct 2019 8:31 AM (5 years ago)

The Oshkosh International Pathfinder Camporee 2019 is reflective of a great movement, a movement of young people from around the world coming to one place to experience the love of God in a collective manner. You may have heard or read about it. It was an amazing experience for the youth of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Coming from over 100 countries around the world, the gathering demonstrated the enthusiasm, energy, and sense of mission of our youth.

One thing I took from the Chosen Camporee, unequivocally, was the spiritual atmosphere. It was felt during the morning worships, in the evenings at the main meeting with the guest speaker, during the dramatization of the biblical account of the life of David, and through the many prayers and interactions witnessed on the streets. Leaders could be seen praying with young people, kids prayed with kids, groups were singing all over the campground, there was great fellowship, and awesome courtesy was displayed on the road. In fact, we had more time to spend with each other there. I think that the lack of good cell phone reception helped to facilitate meaningful interactions with one another.

So, Chosen! Two kings, both chosen by God. Saul on one hand was the right fit for the job. The people wanted a king so badly that eventually Saul was chosen. However, his mind deviated from the mission. His heart drifted away from the One who had chosen him, but he always had the opportunity to choose God. He allowed his arrogance to eclipse humility.

David, commonly known as the shepherd boy, did not have much to bring to the table. He was not the tallest guy, not the oldest among his peers. His family was not the most influential or affluent, but he was chosen. It was not that he understood one day what the job would be like, however, his constant devotion and dependency on the influence and power of God made him a man according to God’s own heart.

The difference between these two kings was that David sought God in everything, but Saul sought the logic of his career, the advice of his trusted political consultants, and the wisdom of false religious views. We, too, have choices to make.

God did not stop choosing people after Saul and David. In fact, He had chosen many before them and many after the story of these two kings. God has a chosen generation, a generation of men and women, boys and girls, who are called by Him.

Inspired by what he knew about the past and what he was shown of the time to come, Peter confirms the positioning of God’s people, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy”— 1 Peter 2:9, 10 (NKJV).

In the end, it is the choices that we make that will differentiate us from others. Like David, it might take some time until we can see the exact purpose for which we have been chosen. However, stay on course. God has a purpose for everyone. He has chosen you to fulfill His mission.

Elias F. Zabala, Sr., is the Atlantic Union Conference treasurer and stewardship director.

This editorial first appeared in the October 2019 issue of the Atlantic Union Gleaner magazine, page 3.

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Upcoming Events 11 Sep 2019 6:31 PM (5 years ago)

Upcoming events around the Atlantic Union Conference.

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Adventist Education in New York City 2 Sep 2019 8:34 AM (5 years ago)

Adventist education is well represented in New York City with 21 schools and 211 teachers. Thank you to superintendents of schools Marlene Romeo (MR), Greater New York Conference, and Viola Chapman (VC), Northeastern Conference, who agreed to share their thoughts about the vision and mission of Adventist education in the city.

JG: When you think of your city schools, what makes you smile?

VC: The angels and I smile thinking of our schools as redemptive and academic centers where a diverse group of students is given the opportunity to encounter Jesus and experience excellence.

MR: I smile because I know our schools have been, and continue to be, a safe haven for children and young adults in our community. Walking through the halls of our city schools and hearing students sing praise songs and pray before classes makes me smile. I know our students are being filled with the love of God and that alone is making a positive difference in their lives.

JG: What advantage do parents have when they place their child in an Adventist school?

VC: When parents place their children in our schools, they know they have given them an advantage for eternity. In God’s schools there is excellence with security and accountability, and the opportunity for students to prepare for service in this world and the world to come.

MR: Without a doubt, parents who place their children in our schools can take pride in observing their children’s spiritual growth, physical health, social development, and academic achievement. These students graduate and fill our hospitals, businesses, courtrooms, and schools with the love of God.

JG: What are some of the challenges that you and your teachers face in NYC?

VC: We lack the support of our church members. They don’t see the challenges that our children face. Their financial contributions to Adventist education are on the decline. Now fewer students can attend our schools.

MR: The daily challenges in our schools range from simple behavioral issues to physical and cognitive disabilities. Many students arrive at school hungry without having had breakfast. Our teachers have to meet the students’ needs with compassion and look for ways to work with parents, ensuring that the students’ physical needs are fulfilled before their academic performance can improve.

JG: What one thing would you like to do to improve Adventist education in your city schools?

VC: [We must] make it affordable and find a way to make it free for all our Seventh-day Adventist children in the city.

MR: Above all, we must raise awareness of parents in our district communities, letting them know that placing their children in our schools is not just an alternative to public school, it is an investment of lasting impact as they are preparing their children for eternity.

JG: What are your final words for our readers?

VC: Our church members must wake up to see the dangers facing their children and continue the task of preparing them for Jesus’ arrival. We thank them for their support.

MR: The importance of Adventist schools in the city is undeniable. Children and young adults are exposed to various forms of abuse and violence; they encounter drugs in their neighborhood streets, buildings, city parks, and local stores. But there is hope in the midst of a hopeless concrete jungle. God has provided and maintained the Adventist schools in the city.

Our schools are more than educational institutions; they are evangelism centers for students, parents, and entire families. They create a safe, positive, environment that results in character transformation of students by demonstrating God’s unconditional love and character through compassion and mutual respect. They help students make good choices in their academic responsibilities as well as in their food choices, their friends, and their future careers. Instilling the knowledge of God and His special purpose in the life of each student is at the core of our Adventist schools’ objectives and we have seen time and time again how this transforms students.

Jerrell Gilkeson is the Atlantic Union Conference Education and Children’s Ministries director.

This article first appeared in the September 2019 issue of the Atlantic Union Gleaner magazine, page 9.

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Strength in Diversity 2 Sep 2019 8:16 AM (5 years ago)

The fall is one of my favorite seasons of the year. Every year, I take time to go to the mountains of New Hampshire to contemplate the breathtaking and diverse colors of the foliage. I enjoy the spring and summer when every leaf on the trees is green; but the diversity of the fall colors in the mountain forest is amazing. The leaves begin to turn colors in the northern regions of Maine and New Hampshire in mid-to-late September and peak around mid-October.

The rich colors of the fall foliage remind me of the very first sentence of the preamble of the Atlantic Union Conference Constitution and Bylaws that says, “The Atlantic Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church believes that the biblical statements establishing equality for all races and cultures, for both genders, and for all ages shape the ways in which the union conference operates.” The second paragraph further states, “As a church organization with a multi-cultural heritage, the principle of unity within diversity is one we hold. This entails cherishing the differences among us at the same time that we reach out to enrich the lives of all church members through those differences.”

At the May 15, 2019, executive committee meeting, I reported that the Atlantic Union Conference has 124,847 members in the states of New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and the islands of Bermuda. Our membership is so diverse, that on any given Sabbath, we worship God in more than 12 different languages, in 601 churches and 79 companies. There are six different conferences, but we are one union. The strengths, privileges, challenges, and responsibilities inherent to such a diverse church can be managed only with the power of the Holy Spirit working in every heart.

In Romans 12:4, 5 Paul wrote, “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Weakness and sickness in any part of the body very much affects the whole body. Likewise, joy, peace, and happiness in one part benefit the whole. While the full impact may take time for the rest to see and feel, one can be certain that what affects one part of the body, inevitably affects the whole. The good news is that Christ is the head of the church and there is no sickness or infection that Jesus cannot heal. The Savior can heal any ailment in our church family and replace pain with joy.

Christ not only heals, but also gives us victory. This has been demonstrated in the growth of our membership in the Atlantic Union over the past 10 years. We are so excited that the church continues to grow.

When seen as a strength, diversity will foster growth. It is easy to allow the enemy to turn our focus to our differences and weaknesses in order to divide us. This, of course, will result in the undoing of our mission and will hinder our effectiveness in preaching the gospel. The words of Ellen White in Selected Messages remain relevant for us today: “We are coming to a time when, more than ever before, we shall need to press together, to labor unitedly. In union there is strength. In discord and disunion there is only weakness. . . . Oh, how many times, when I have seemed to be in the presence of God and holy angels, I have heard the angel voice saying, ‘Press together, press together, press together. Do not let Satan cast his hellish shadow between brethren. Press together; in unity there is strength’ ” —Selected Messages, vol. 2, pp. 373, 374. Pressing together in unity will facilitate the accomplishment of our mission to preach the gospel and to experience the joy of service.

The colors of the fall are beautiful to behold, but the beauty of God’s diverse and unified children, including those in the Atlantic Union Conference, far surpasses the breathless beauty of colorful autumn leaves.

May God help us to appreciate the beauty, power, and strength of our diversity.

Pierre Omeler is the executive secretary for the Atlantic Union Conference.

This editorial first appeared in the September 2019 issue of The Atlantic Union Gleaner magazine, page 3.

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Youth Ministry’s Rustic Blessings, Part 2 9 Aug 2019 6:48 AM (5 years ago)

The Almighty God, the Everlasting Father, has chosen to reveal Himself through general (history, human behavior, conscience, nature) and special (Old and New Testaments; prophets, and Jesus Christ) means of revelation (Seventh-day Adventists Believe). It is heartening to affirm that God has a multitude of ways by which His children may experience His majesty, might, and power.

Furthermore, that Adventist Youth Ministries (AYM) continues to align with all means by which God reveals Himself to His children is phenomenal! During this, our 2019 camp season, we are especially forward about God’s revelation of Himself through nature. Since He is a God of completion, the rustic blessings inherent in nature present quite the package! This diverse blessing package includes:

Experiencing God’s creation up close: There is something about God’s power, gentle touch, and intricate sense of creativity that warms the heart outdoors. There is something about walking on a carpet of grass, basking in the shade of majestic trees, cooling off in refreshing gusts of wind, sitting on a “soft boulder chair,” observing a trail of ants at work, gushing over a picturesque sunset, drinking in the love/emotional touch of a full moon, or being enveloped by a canopy of stars that turns the thoughts heavenward.

Experiencing God with less screen time: There is something about having a bad Internet connection, limited electricity, or not having WiFi and an available telephone network, that turns the eyes to Jesus. There is something special about listening to God’s voice away from the noise, burdens, and distractions of electronics. The Holy Scriptures note that “in returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength”— Isaiah 30:15, KJV.

Experiencing God in the elements: There is something about God’s miracle-working, creative power when in direct contact with sunshine, rain, and wind. They are calculated to bring about improved moods, reduced stress levels, glowing skin tones, and a sense of rejuvenation that is second to none. There is no better spa treatment than nature’s gentle massage via sun, rain, and wind.

Experiencing God in socializing: There is something about camping that fosters cohesive effort and improved communication. Somehow, there is more time to connect with others, build relationships, make new friends, and truly engage in a sense of community. There is a special sense of unity—a we’re in this together mindset—that pervades campgrounds.

For the past two to three months, thousands of Atlantic Union’s members have been intentional about embracing the rustic blessings. Many have walked, camped, and fellowshipped on the union’s amazing campgrounds. We’ve already checked in on local and area Pathfinder camporees, Adventurer camps, Master Guide camps, junior camps, tween camps, teen camps, singles camps, family camps, blind camp, young adult camps, and many camp meeting convocations.

At least for this year, many were essentially embracing the aforementioned camping experiences to practice, plan, and pray for the massive Oshkosh 2019 International Pathfinder Camporee. The Atlantic Union AYM’s contingency (of more than 5,620 Pathfinders, directors, counselors, staff, coordinators, parents, youth directors, and youth ministry supporters) is honored to celebrate the Chosen International Camporee with other Pathfinders, Master Guides, and Adventist youth from around our Lord’s world

We are attending for the rustic blessings, among other innumerable benefits of the camping experience. May we truly witness and embrace God’s revelations of Himself in the outdoors.

David McKenzie is the director for Youth, Young Adult, Pathfinder, and Adventurer ministries in the Atlantic Union Conference

This article first appeared in the August 2019 issue of The Atlantic Union Gleaner magazine, page 20.

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Health: Our Best Investment 9 Aug 2019 5:53 AM (5 years ago)

Living a healthy lifestyle not only benefits individuals, but also those who may be within their sphere of influence. As we get older, our bodies are subject to more and more diseases that can cause devastating impacts on our lives and the lives of our families. It is, therefore, very important that we pay more attention to our health as we age and do whatever we can to improve it. The Apostle John greeted Gaius saying, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers”—3 John 2, NKJV.

We are privileged to be members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, an institution that promotes healthy habits and lifestyles. Unfortunately, a large percentage of our membership does not put these healthy habits into practice. Yes, a vast majority of our membership does not eat unclean meats, drink alcoholic beverages, or practice any of the prohibitions listed in Leviticus 11. Nonetheless, we do not pay enough attention to the other aspects of healthy living. We have excellent medical institutions, where thousands of medical professionals are trained, yet we still fall short of having the majority of our membership follow a healthy lifestyle.

In recent years, many of us have been more inclined to follow a plant-based diet. In many studies, Seventh-day Adventists have been found to be some of the healthiest people in the world. Yet, we can do so much more by using our health message to engage and have a greater impact on our members and our community.

Many of our members, pastors, and church leaders alike are experiencing chronic and devastating diseases, such as heart attacks, cancer, and strokes, to name a few. Being affected myself by one of these illnesses was a wake-up call for me. I was forced to examine my own lifestyle and made some drastic changes in my everyday life. I would like to say thank you to my family, fellow administrators, departmental directors, staff, friends, and the members of the Atlantic Union Conference, and those from other parts of the world, for their prayers and support.

My wife, Yvonne, and I were blessed with the opportunity to be guests at the Wildwood Lifestyle Center in Wildwood, Georgia. It is a supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church that provides educational, health, and evangelistic services to our local and worldwide communities. They are well known for their care and attention, particularly in reshaping lifestyles.

Great emphasis is given to the eight laws of health—NEWSTART®: Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunshine, Temperance, Air, Rest, and Trust in God. The treatments and benefits we received included hydrotherapy, massage, natural remedies, and nutritional education as it applies to adhering to a plant-based diet. It was also a good place to relax, recharge, and reshape my routine. As a result of our time spent there, we are giving greater attention to our health than ever before.

Given the many instances of sickness that are occurring among our laity and minsters alike, we need to place more importance on the subject of health. The public has a good impression of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s health practices. However, we can do much better in educating our members and the wider community on how to implement these ideas in their daily lives. This will help to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ.

As it has been said by Ellen G. White, “Thousands, yes, millions, who walk the earth, are suffering from their own wrong course of action. Should not those for whom Christ has given His life place a value upon their own happiness, peace, and healthfulness by obeying nature’s laws? We are the Lord’s property by creation and by redemption, and He requires that we study how to care for our bodies, observing carefully the laws of life, health, and purity”—This Day With God, p. 123.

G. Earl Knight is president of the Atlantic Union Conference and chairman of the Atlantic Union College Corporation.

This editorial first appeared in the August 2019 issue of The Atlantic Union Gleaner magazine, page 3.

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Stay on God’s Path 11 Jul 2019 10:06 AM (5 years ago)

7 reminders to help build up your faith

It is wonderful to realize that we always matter to God. The fact that we are here matters. Even when we struggle to live a Christian life and sometimes don’t know what to do, we matter. Sometimes all we need are some simple reminders that go a long way to refresh and renew our walk with God. The reminders, repeated at intervals, promote clarity and serve to encourage us, as well as help to drive out negative and competing thoughts. In these challenging times, we need positive reinforcement. Here are just a few reminders to build up your faith and keep you on God’s path.

1. God is able.

Reminder: “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you”—Isaiah 46:4, NIV.

Reminder: “My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus”—Philippians 4:13, KJV.

God promises to take care of us. He knows everything we need, even before we can ask Him. His desire is that we simply focus on Him and on doing His will while we are on earth, and He will take care of the rest.

2. Meditate on God’s Word.

Reminder: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful”—Joshua 1:8, NIV.

Reminder: “Beware how you neglect secret prayer and a study of God’s word. These are your weapons against him who is striving to hinder your progress heavenward. The first neglect of prayer and Bible study makes easier the second neglect”—Messages to Young People, p. 96.

Reading and studying the Bible daily is necessary for spiritual growth and life. If we do not eat food for the soul, we will not grow, but we will starve spiritually.

3. Pray, believing that God hears and will answer.

Reminder: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”—Philippians 4:6

Reminder: “Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. No other means of grace can be substituted, and the health of the soul be preserved. Prayer brings the heart into immediate contact with the Well-spring of life, and strengthens the sinew and muscle of the religious experience”—In Heavenly Places, p. 83.

God values us and our relationship with Him. Our prayers are precious to Him.

4. There are going to be tough times, but you are not alone.

Reminder: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”—James 1:2-4, NIV.

Reminder: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord”—Romans 8:38, 39, NIV.

There are going to be struggles in life—some created by our own actions, some because of the actions of others. The devil consistently is seeking to destroy us at every turn, but “If God is for us, who can be against us?”—Romans 8:31, NIV. Hold on!

5. Focus on the positive.

Reminder: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it”—Proverbs 4:23.

Reminder:  “Guard your thoughts. In these closing days of earth’s history Satan is working with desperate effort to seduce souls into sin. Keep your tongue as with a bridle. Keep your thoughts upon the Word of the living God. The same spirit that prompted rebellion in heaven is at work in our churches. . . . We are living in the last days of this earth’s history, and Satan is making determined efforts to subvert the mind”—The Upward Look, p. 114.

If you find yourself going through difficult situations where your faith is being tested, begin to look for positive things happening around you. Create your own positive environment by singing, praying, and mingling with others of positive, uplifting mindsets. Make it a habit to pick yourself up every time you catch yourself becoming negative. “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today”—Exodus 14, 13. Remember, the fact that you are here matters.

6. Get involved.

Reminder: “There is a time for everything,  and a season for every activity under the heavens”—Ecclesiastes 3:1, NIV.

Reminder: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”—Matthew 28:19, 20.

We are not called to stand on the sidelines. We are given God’s authority to reach out to others with the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Practicing faith takes action. Get involved with people and causes that touch your heart the most. Spend more time with your family and volunteer in your community. The service you do can be life-saving for others. Following in Christ’s footsteps we should do what we can to help the needy, relieve the distressed, and encourage those who are downhearted. Get your light out from under that bushel and let it shine brightly for Jesus!

7. Love one another.

Reminder: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ . . . ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these”—Mark 12:30-31.

Reminder: “In the church of God today brotherly love is greatly lacking. Many of those who profess to love the Saviour neglect to love those who are united with them in Christian fellowship. We are of the same faith, members of one family, all children of the same heavenly Father, with the same blessed hope of immortality. How close and tender should be the tie that binds us together. The people of the world are watching us to see if our faith is exerting a sanctifying influence upon our hearts. They are quick to discern every defect in our lives, every inconsistency in our actions. Let us give them no occasion to reproach our faith”—Counsels for the Church, p. 44.

Go light your world, so that others will see your “good deeds” and glorify your Heavenly Father.

In the hustle and bustle of life whether in the thick of things or sitting by yourself in a quiet space, God’s promises are sure. “The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all”—Ecclesiastes 9:11.

Right here, right now, the fact that we are here matters. “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, [let us] press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called [us] heavenward in Christ Jesus”—Philippians 3:13.

Ednor A. P. Davison is the communication director for the Atlantic Union Conference and editor for the Atlantic Union Gleaner.

Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Greater New York Academy: A Culture of Godliness, Excellence, and Leadership 9 Jul 2019 5:28 AM (5 years ago)

“The Lord giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding”— Testimonies, vol. 6, p.126. If we believe this, then we should indeed be the head and not the tail. If we believe this, then our schools should be places where wisdom is gained and where students are the head and not the tail. Seventh-day Adventist education is certainly a journey to excellence.

An example of this is found at the Greater New York Academy, whose motto this school year is “A Culture of Godliness, Excellence, and Leadership.” The students and staff demonstrate this culture of godliness by impacting their local community through the “Impact Woodside” initiative. Students go out into the streets of Woodside, Queens, and share God’s love by delivering care packages, visiting the elderly, praying with and for people, and touching their community with the universal language of music.

They demonstrate excellence by scoring high on national exams. This school year, six students from the sophomore and junior classes scored in the 90th percentile or above on the PSAT. In fact, two of the six students scored higher than any other student in the nation.

Additionally, a student was chosen to take part in the Minority Introduction to the Health Sciences (MITHS) program, which chooses 15 students nationwide each year. The MITHS program, sponsored by the Loma Linda University and Black Alumni of Loma Linda and La Sierra University, is a challenging three-week program designed to introduce Black Seventh-day Adventist high school students to careers in health sciences.

The following six students scored in the 90th percentile or above on the PSAT: Sebastian Ramos, ’20, scored in the 90th percentile. He serves as the junior class representative in the Student Association. Michaella Blemur, ’20, scored in the 90th percentile. She serves as the vice president of the junior class. Nathaniel Frederick, ’20, scored in the 91st percentile. He serves as the chaplain for the junior class. Austin Powlette, ’20, scored in the 97th percentile. He serves as the treasurer for the junior class. Josiah Deonarine, ’21, scored in the 98th percentile. He serves as an active member in the National Honor Society. Moises Reyes, ’21, scored in the 99th percentile. He serves as the vice president of the sophomore class.

In addition, Gabriella Bizzaro, ’20, was accepted into the MITHS program at Loma Linda University. She serves as the president of the class of 2020. Greater New York Academy is creating a culture of godliness and excellence, as well as a culture of leadership.

Greater New York Academy and the students are to be commended for their achievements. “We pray that they will continue to put God first as they excel in their studies and serve as leaders in their schools, churches, and communities,” said Marlene Alvarez, Atlantic Union Conference associate education director. “Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children”—Education, p. 18.

Greater New York Academy English Department

This article first appeared in the July 2019 issue of The Atlantic Union Gleaner magazine, page 8.

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