We have an amazing bunch of ninth-grade students this school year. Though their class size is the smallest of the grades, they have lots of personality. This year, we held the school’s first leadership training campout. Students traded their phones for fresh air and nature from Thursday to Sunday, learning teamwork and how to lead through participating in various challenging events. It was a joy to see them throughout the weekend. Some of them had rough character spots smoothed out a bit, others grew in areas of deficiency, and all learned more about leadership and what it means to be a good leader and follower. Each student came back feeling triumphant.

For me, evenings around the campfire were a highlight. One night, the topic of ghosts came up. Some of the students were terrified of them and had seen them before. A few of our Adventist students and I shared what we believe and why we should not be scared. On Sabbath, the staff shared their life stories and the lessons they had learned. The group discussed drugs, alcohol and relationships, particularly digging deeper to get to know a potential future spouse—what qualities to look for and how to recognize when someone is not the right one for a healthy and godly relationship. Telling stories and sharing counsel made a positive impact on everyone. That evening, several non-Adventist students chose to give their hearts to God as we prayed together to close the worship service.

Our hard work and planning was rewarded through the changes we witnessed in the group. Please continue to pray for these students as they grow in Jesus.

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