Adventist Schools

[chimmy]

Dave,

I am very sorry I did not see your edit suggesting this should not be discussed publically but privately though e-mail.

I am sorry if I offended you.I was basing my comments on what you had stated as your own personal experience and that of others that have posted to this thread.

You have I think made some assumptions that I did not realize you would make with some statements.I would like to clear up a couple of statements and then leave this to those that have a solution.

You said,"Remain in the denominational employment and shutup or leave,You speak up and try to effect change through the system and risk loss of employment and membership.

I was not speaking of employment. This seems to be a misunderstanding as it appears you are.

I was speaking to the statements made in this thread of families that had tried to work with the system in cases of abuse of their child.The party disfellowshipped for going to the police to lodge a complaint. Another families reputation damaged because he spoke out.

This is what most face when the attempt for change takes place.

It is very difficul to get church leaders to listen and act to stem the tide of abuse. This is where

and what as a denomination we do not like to look at.

I am sorry if I offended you and certainly did not intend to monopolize the conversation.

I will be more careful in doing so in the future.

Chimmy

[dedicated]

Two of my favorite quotes are, "It is not the trial we go through that makes us strong, it is the way we react to it that gives us strength" and "If you want to see change in the world start with yourself." I teach in an SDA school and sometimes I get frustrated over situations, both with the conference, the local school and some of the families that are enrolled. I have never made anything better by leaving. Our schools are not perfect because the teachers are human, our students are human and the board members are as human as the families enrolled, but they are still safer than the public school system. If you take your child out of Adventist education, I strongly suggest you homeschool. I have taught in public schools too and there are many things happening there that are a greater danger than evolution! As a teacher, I take it upon myself to make my classroom a safe, happy place where learning takes place. I do not allow my students to put each other down. Sadly, that is a full-time job sometimes because we watch shows where putting each other down is what we find funny and children repeat what they see and hear. I am so sorry for everyone whose child or they themselves have had a bad experience in a place where we expect greater kindness, but I encourage you now to go beyond voicing your opinions here. Pray for the schools and then do what you can to make it a better place. Volunteer if you can, involve yourself with the students, even after hours. Good examples make better children. And Dave, don't give up. If you are doing it right you could be the difference in one child's life or many children's lives. If those who are frustrated quit, then those who are suited are all we have left. It is hard, I know, because I have worked with an administration that was less than wonderful, but it worth it for the children you can impact. And aren't they why we do this?

Keep the faith,

dedicated

[Psalms Too]

Let me explain why we are seriously considering moving our child from the local SDA school.

1. I am on the school board.

2. Both my wife and I have also offered to volunteer time to come in and read for the children at our school.

3. We have offered suggestions for change

4. We have raised concerns and issues in an amicable manner to get them solved.

Now bearing in mind all this, plus those of my previous posts I have come to the end of my tether, as points that have been raised are either ignored or dismissed as irrelevant!!!

As per a previous post it is either put up or shut-up!!

My daughter went into school aged 3 being able to count to 20, write her name, recognise shapes, know her alphabet and singlead in choruses.

Only the latter seems to have gone forward since she has joined. In fact in all the other issues she has dropped back. We had to request, almost beg for work that would keep her stimulated after school. She desires to learn - why not nurture it.

Now I understand that not all of the students are at the same level in her class, and she with another two are special case students, but when I hear the education personnel crying out about Adventists not sending their bright children to school and then when you do the teachers does not either identify and nurture that gift (class of 13!!) or know how to, then I'm afraid I have no choice but to send her to another school - christian of course, whether public or private, where at least there is some accountability. God has given me a gift in my child, why should not strive for the best for her.

It's sad to have to do this, but I will not let my child's wellbeing suffer as a result of this - or drive the extra 20 miles daily roundtrip and pay an extra £2000 a year to send her to the next alternative!!!

For those who have had success stories, well then you are fortunate, but you have to understand also the reason why those who have not will not tolerate second rate education for the sake of the name of the church --- and not all of us have the gift or resources to homeschool!!

Stay blessed <img border="0" title="" alt="[big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

(The member formerly known as Psalms Too)

<small>[ June 24, 2002, 04:05 PM: Message edited by: David McQueen ]</small>

[Guest]

David:

I have enjoyed reading your posting throughout Forum. What started as an effort to gather information, perhaps to help me understand my experiences, has led to some rather lively responses, including mine.

You are on the school board, so you have the opportunity to take some action. Do not rely on the administration to handle everything that comes up. At the conference level they have multiple schools in a large arrea to track, and they just are not aware of the day to day problems. It is up to the board to help in this regard. In three years, I have yet to encounter a board member who didn't care at all. Notice, I didn't say that I didn't 'see eye to eye" with, I said care. Speak up constructively at board meetings. Invite teachers to attend meetings and open a dialgoue. It is not "them versus us", you are a team. I cannot speak so high of all of the conference people I have encountered. Part of the problem is as I have mentioned, they are not usually local, and they have many schools to visit, meetings to attend, and usually collateral duties.

If you have done all of this and still want to pull your child out, then you need to do what you need to do.

May God Bless!

Dave Davison <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" />

<small>[ June 24, 2002, 07:30 PM: Message edited by: Dave Davison ]</small>

[Guest]

Chimmy:

No offense taken. To spare everyone else of my monopoly of this topic, I am sending you a private message.

Dave Davison

<img border="0" title="" alt="[big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

[Guest]

Chimmy:

Thanks for the insight. Our dicussion seems to have taken over this topic.

In the traditional SDA view...

You either remain in denominational employment and shut-up, or you leave.

You either keep you child in the SDA Educational system and shut-up or you put them in another school.

You either remain in the SDA Church as a member and shut-up, or you leave.

OR

You speak up, and try to effect change through the system and risk loss of employment or membership.

Interesting thoughts. Thanks for the input, I have enjoyed our discussion. I am glad we can discuss opinions on this Forum.

Dave Davison

[Neil D]

Being the spouse of an elementary teacher/principle and who has recently heard the "war stories" of teaching very recently, I am going to air some things that are probably going to hit home with some of YOU people....

My wife is a very good teacher..I can say this because other teachers are very impressed with her teaching methods, and when the creditation people always come around, she had NO compliants or suggestions to change...ever...[now THAT's a good teacher!].

Last night, my family had another good teacher over. He's a young'n, in his late twentys and recently married. He was trained by my wife and her boss [an experienced teacher whose is about to retire and also a fair to good teacher/principle].

My wife and him traded war stories, you know, all the crisis and problems of thier profession were discussed...Our friend/teacher was plicked out of the Idaho conference and sent to the Georgia conference...He complained that teachers there at his school hardly ever made the children learn. There were many children who had complained to thier parents that the 'homework was too hard' and that the parents went to thier teachers and the teachers, overwhelmed with complaints, let thier homework slide. As a result, the Tests that measure where the students are against national standards were extremely low...

My friend fought with the parents and the students...About midyear, the parents started to realize that their children could do the work that my friend was requiring of them. They did not complain nearly as much as they did...and started supporting him...

His complaint was that there were teachers who were passing students and those same students were not requiring those students to meet minimum standards so that he could build upon thier learning experience...He also was saying that teachers suffer "burnout" because of the parents...and the mickymouse politics of the schools...[ personal editorial]This is a shame to our schools...It would be better to close our schools than to send out poor students [end of personal editorial]

My advice, there are good teachers in our schools. Find those SAT tests from your school, and require your students [yes, that's YOUR children ]to meet those levels. Support your teachers, after all, they live with your child more that you do, now...They know your child, as well or better than you.. Require the best out of your teacher...make them work to make your child a better learner....

That's about all I got to say on this subject..

<small>[ June 25, 2002, 07:33 PM: Message edited by: n_dewey ]</small>

[Neil D]

David said-

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"> Let me understand what you are saying. Ellen White says not to criticise those in authority in the church. Change requires criticism. Adventist are resistant to change. We need to paint a pretty picture.

I do not believe that Jesus wants us to take no action when something is harmful, or means losing students because of a person or persons becoming stumbling blocks to others, just because that person is someone in authority in the church. </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Criticism....the stuff that create division...especally negitive criticism. If you any sort of keen intelligence, you will notice that criticism also involves positive criticism. We don't do that much...We look at the bad, emphaize it to it darkest extremes and point out the darkest results.

To get things done in a positive mannor, one only needs to point out the positive things that are available. When it comes to our kids, what are we really interested in? Aren't we interested in kids who are smart and have a solid Christian background? If so, nothing less than that is acceptable, correct? Our schools are not meat markets that churn out intelligent kids with no christian background, nor do they churn out christian kids who can not read a book...We deal with our children with professionals [aka "teachers"] who make the recommendations to us parents who want the best for our children. The schoolboard also wants the best for our children, and anything less that what is presented here should be scrapped. School boards should suppport the professionals that we employ and should guide the direction of the school. To change the direction of the school board needs some research and positive statements to move the school in the better direction.

I know that that is idealistic. I could say that that is the idea that EGW had in mind, but I would be appealing to you to stop thinking. I know that many on a school board use EGW statements to hide behide, coaerse the changing of teachers, direction of the school, discissions, ect. To me, this is just shameful.

We have a brain. it is God given and it can take in information and analyse it and make conclusions...Interestingly enough, many brains working toward the same goal usually achieve a very favorable outcome.... <img border="0" title="" alt="[smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

[Guest]

HELLO

SAT scores? Could you mean Iowa Basic or Stanford, or some other test given to Elementary-High School level students, or are you refering to state mandated tests in your state (if given)?

You don't want to teach to those tests. You want students to grasp the main concepts of each subject, and build on that each year. I have seen students passed who shouldn't have been. However, not being the teacher involved, I can't second guess the teacher involved. Parental pressure is strong, and usually the first thing out of such a parents mouth is "I am paying alot of good money for them to go here".

At the Junior High level in our schools, we usually have one teacher teach all subjects to the students, unlike the public schools where the have a teacher teach their area of specialization, ie. Math only. We are expected to be experts in all subjects, sometimes without a single planning period a week, unlike our public school counterparts who often get at least one planning period a day. Also, we have to assume before and after school supervision, extra-curricular events, and other duties which we would volunteer for and be paid for in the public sector.

All this we do on the name of "Christian Service". Yet, unlike our public school counterparts, we risk school closure, or lay offs from reduction in student enrollment, and we often must relocate all over the country every so often to advance or due to cuts, budget, etc.

Does this excuse poor academics? No. However, there are some really hard working teachers out there who sacrifice their own family time, social life, and stretch their expertise beyond what is possible, to do the best job we can. Did I mention that sometimes we have unqualified administrators, and a revolving door of board members to interact with too?

What is the solution? There isn't an easy one. If all of the church members could get together in an area, and support the school, weed out the poor teachers and administrators, and help volunteer in the classroom or on field trips, than maybe our schools would improve their academic standards.

End of sermon! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

Dave Davison

<small>[ June 25, 2002, 08:47 PM: Message edited by: Dave Davison ]</small>

[Jack Chaffin Jr]

Interesting to relate a conversation I had with a leader of a large midwestern church, one of whose values is to take "irreligious people" and lead them to be "fully devoted followers of Christ". This church, which could certainly afford it, does not have a church school associated with it. I, among many others, asked the leadership, "Why not?" The answer may surprise you.

"One of our values is to reach unchurched and irreligious people. We teach that value to our children from toddler on up. We teach them to value friendships with unchurched people, and when the time is right, to invite them into giving it a try. Why would we want to set up an environment where our kids would be SEPARATED from the very kids we want them to reach?"

Interesting that these people believe that the church and the home are fully capable of training up a child with enough strength in Christ, and enough stability in their beliefs and relationship to the church, for them to be "missionaries" to their local schools!!! Interesting that we do not.

Jack

[fifiqueen]

Just a quick note.

The problem that I have found within the UK is nepotism. That is the real issue and why issues are not being resolved. I have said it before, everyone is either related or friends of friends.

Whilst it is a great idea to keep going at it and be positive, the fact is that after a while you find that it is almost impossible to deal with a board where everyone is either good friends or related. Professionalism is not on the agenda!

I really wish it was. As I have said before our schools should be a beacon.

I have come home from school today where a non-adventist mother is about to take her issues to the top and beyond.

Her daughter was dragged around the playground by 2 girls by a rope around her neck. When questioning the teacher she was told that it's agame the girls play in the playground. When her mother said that it was unacceptable. She was told by the teacher that her daughter "gives as good as she gets".

Please recognise that you can't stay in a school where the mentally is like this. When this mother told the Head Mistress her child was being bullied,(after coming home day after day with bruises and scratches and not a note from the teacher) She was told "It couldn't possibly be happening".

Not all adventist schools are like this I agree. But in the cold light of day when this is happening, you can't just say that the school might be closed down if parents vote with their feet. With a Head such as this and teachers who allow such nonsense to go on. It should be closed down.

I can't possibly go into all my reasons for fustration. But I am an active parent and even that is not welcomed. I want my child to have a good christian & academic education but not at any cost.

I hope that this clears up some of the feelings that have been shown by some of the disgruntalled parents and students on this thread.

Blessings

Fifiqueen

[dedicated]

David,

Having raised five beautiful daughters (is there any other kind), I understand your concern and I am sorry that your teachers are so unresponsive. I am also sorry there is not another Adventist choice for you because not all Adventist teachers or schools are created equal. Having been married to a man who came up through the system and suffered the lack of stimulation some years, it is my personal quest to meet each child where they are and take them where they can go both scholastically and spiritually. Maybe it is because I am not gifted with a lovely voice so we don't do extreme chorus singing in my class (I spare my children where I can). Still, I would encourage you to not send her to public school if it is possible. In the past this wasn't the worst thing you could do, but it is fast becoming that way. I will be praying for you.

dedicated

[Psalms Too]

Thanks Guys.

We are still praying about this but we find it very hard to suffer fools gladly. We are working on the longsuffering thing.

Stay blessed <img border="0" title="" alt="[big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

[Guest]

Fifiqueen:

I am shocked about the behavior at your school. If you feel that you cannot change it, then leave it! Remember, Ellen White spoke out against Battle Creek College in her day when things weren't right.

I will pray for your family.

Dave Davison <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" />

<small>[ June 26, 2002, 12:34 AM: Message edited by: Dave Davison ]</small>

[Guest]

I was checking to see if there were anymore comments onthis topic. I know we have some new members, and thought they might want to read the postings, and share any good or bad experiences.

Mr. D

[K]

I have wondered why there are so many people my age not in the church anymore. I wasn't raised Adventist so I think (but am not very sure) that the Adventist church has changed. I think the Adventist school system has changed too. My children are doing well and so are the kids I see there.

It is sad that we as a denomination crucify each other, but I believe things are better because you and I can make it better.

K

K

[Gregory Matthews]

Mr. D:

On the Jr and Sr level of High School, SAT and PSAT scores are available and quite helpful.

On lower levels Iowa Basic, and other such would likely be available.

[Nicodema]

Quote:

---

A person will always get out of our schools what you want to get. If you are looking for a 'good time' you will find it. If you are looking for scholastic excellence, you will find it. What you want is what you get.

---

Sorry but I could not disagree more (and I feel so strongly that I pray I might do so respectfully). My experience was the exact opposite. What I wanted -- and LOOKED FOR -- and what I GOT were as different as day and night, light and darkness. I went to CUC at age 16 looking for a Christian experience in academic and social environment that would help train me to become effective in service to my King. What I found was quite a different story. And sorry, no, none of that was my fault or my doing, because it certainly was NOT what I was "looking for."

[Taylor]

Not long ago I worked one summer for an SDA camp. The kids were adorable and although some were problamatic nothing compared to the Teen camp when they arrived. A great deal of them were bilgerent and had a surly attitude. They seemed to delight in picking on each other, saying insulting things and complaining. These kids came from public schools, christian schools, SDA schools, the whole gamet.

I asked the camp director (a very godly man) if I could do a worship one night on the topic of missions. He granted my request but said something to the effect of "make it short. These kids aren't much into listening." (That was a very true statement. Of course some were dear young people as well but like I said, there were some who were incredibly problemematic.) I prayed much about this and went to work on a mission talk with power point pictures. (I have done quite a bit of mission work through the years etc.)

My topic was "God needs Special Forces". At first the kids were squirming, whispering loudly, or sleeping. However, I challenged them that God is looking for young people like themselves to join his "Special Forces". Specia Forces that will go fearlessly into the battle. I told them many stories of God's miraculous power, how he has used many ordinary people and that there is no "high" like working for God and experiencing Him working through you. The place became deadly quiet. Thirty minutes later the camp director was motioning me to continue if I had more to say. I talked to those kids for about 1 hour. I challenged them with the thought that God had an amazing plan for their lives and a challenging but rewarding job he was calling them to. That no matter their chosen careers, this was the time in earth's history to stand up, to make a difference, to join God's Special Forces etc etc. AT the ened, we turned the lights back up and I was shocked to see some of the kids crying. The others were very sober.

There was one young man in particular who was just incredibly obnoxious, mean spirited and difficult to love. He came up to me with tears in his eyes and asked me (I was shocked! I didn't think he knew how to cry....) "But do you REALLY think God could use me? You have no idea how bad I am, on the inside. I don't want to be the way I am but I have had no hope of doing anything worthwhile. My father drinks a great deal. My Mom is an SDA but I have been pulled the way of my father. But....if God could use me....wow that would be awsome! Would he help me change? Could I really become an influence for good and not bad? If what you say is true, then there is meaning in life and I want that!" Needless to say I was deeply touched. I prayed with this young man and many others.

I am not some gifted orator but what our young people want and need is to be challenged for the Lord. They don't need an endless list of rules or the philosophy that "all rules are wrong and just do what is right for you." . The first squelches a relationship with Jesus and the later makes religion nothing more than baby food. Could it be that we have given our young people just enough religion to immune them to a vibrant on fire relationship with Jesus? Could it be that what they need is not more "religion" but an experience with Jesus that says "Wherever you lead me I will go". An experience that shows that the teachings our church hold dear has a direct bearing on their daily lives. That God has an answere to their perplexities. That the Bible is relavant to their life no matter their age? Yes, teach them Bible doctrines, Yes there needs to be rules but more importantly a relationship with Jesus that takes ahold of the soul, that inspires them with God's great love AND direction for their lives.

One thing I think our young people need is to experience God working through them. There is NOTHING compared to seeing God work first hand. I believe that our church needs to be much more active in mission trips, both here and abroad. Give kids the chance to preach, to work with medical teams, to see the poverty that most of the world lives in. They will come back from these trips on fire for Jesus (I know, I have seen it happen on numerous occasions!). They will come back not just knowing in theory that God can do anything but experiencing it for themselves. They will come back grateful for what they have and realize that the poorest of them is "rich" by comparison to many others in this world. They will come back knowing the God can work through their shyness and give them a holy boldness for God. They will come back with a vision. AFter taking them on a foreign mission trip, have them do something radical in the USA for the Lord. The sky is the limit. And don't think that the poorest of students can't afford such a trip. God has a thousand ways to provide for us of which we know nothing! Maybe in another post I will tell you a story about a girl that came from a family of 6 kids, blue color parents and no way to afford a trip and how God miraculously financed it! (It is an amazing story!)

College isn't just to find a career, it is for studying what God has called you to be. Live work should be a calling not just a career. That doesn't mean they have to be pastors. God calls people to all kinds of careers where they can influence those around them for God, where they can use their monies earned to help the local church and missions.

What our kids need is a mission in life, adults who show them a passion for loving the things of God, an experience that shows them that God can use them and help them overcome the areas which are hindering their work for God. Young people don't want to be just entertained (there is a place for just relaxing of course). They want and need to be challenged, whether they realize it or not. They need to come in contact with a Christianity that works, that is vibrant, purposful, and meaningful.

Now I will get off my soap box. lol I just feel so strongly about this and yes I think that some of our schools are doing this and that they all could if they were to catch this vision. God is awsome! There is no limit to what he is willing to do. We are living in the last few hours of this earth's history. Lets go for "broke" (Give it all we can.), for the sake of the gospel and our great commission.

[Nicodema]

Quote:

---

On the other hand, Military Academies, can make out schools look like a Sunday School picnic when it comes to rules. They produce world class leaders.

---

Yes, and look at what is currently considered a world class leader these days -- and how increasingly abusive and inhumane some "world leaders" are becoming.

[Nicodema]

Quote:

---

4: We are all christians together so don't cause a scene thank you very much.

---

Fifi, I yanked my daughter out of an SDA school at age 9 (fourth grade) for precisely that reason. She'd been inappropriately disciplined (I felt) and I went to discuss with her teacher - who blew me off - and the principle - who accused me of having a demon after he got me so worked up by his unreasonable attitude and unwillingness to discuss the thing objectively that I couldn't control myself. I got that same treatment -- "don't make a scene" -- sorry it takes two or more, dear -- I told him where to go and took my kid out of that school that very same day.

I'd already had enough. Her 1-3 grade experience had been so wonderful with a lovely teacher whom all the kids adored, then in 4th she got the pastor's wife who was, excuse me, a real (rhymes with witch) who tried to dictate to my kid who she could and couldn't play with, forcing her to keep company with a "charity case kid" instead of playing with her friends. Granted, this would have been a GREAT idea I could have supported, IF the teacher had meant to get the outcast kid included by asking ALL the others to play with her, or EACH in turn, but she singled out my girl alone, and clearly was trying to categorize her by association and keep her from being able to get closer to the other kids and interfere with her being with her best friend. I'm ALL for getting other kids included but you do that by appealing to all the kids to play with them, you don't single out one little girl and make it HER responsibility, especially not when SHE is "on the fringes" like my kid was and almost as much (though not quite) in need of help to get integrated in the group.

That just wasn't right. The 1-3 grade teacher never did that stuff -- she was terrific and all the kids loved her and felt good with her -- this other woman was pinch faced and sour (as my kid put it) and I didn't want my daughter's experience ruined so I took her out of that school when it had gone too far. I'd had enough. So had my daughter.

[Nicodema]

I had no idea (originally) that I was happily responding to a three year old thread!! Oi vey! No wonder I didn't recognize the member names (most of them)!!!

[Michelle]

Nico--I didn't realize it was so old either. I felt like I was in a parallel universe for a few minutes!

Tayler--I love your story. I have felt for some time that our church, which includes our schools, academies, and colleges, has lost its focus on mission and service. WHen I was teaching, our school took a mission trip every year. I was not the sponsor of the trip, nor did I go along, but I encouraged my students and supported them in their fundraising and spaghetti dinners, etc. There was one girl who went every year from grade 8-12. She loved going, could pick up languages well, and really loved working with the children. Her mother approached me once, wringing her hands, and saying, Oh dear, I don't know what to do--I wish I could get her to stop going on these trips--I'm afraid she'll want to be a missionary. I said, cool! She said, don't you think that's something to worry about? I said, Isn't that the purpose of Adventist education? She said, No.

We taught at this school after having been in China, and we told our students lots of stories, but they also asked tons of questions--like this, from my B'Hai student--How do you know you're following God's leading? Several of our students went on to be student missionaries and at least one is foregoing college to be a missionary with her church (she's not SDA).

I had a banner on my wall--You can talk the talk but can you walk the walk? I challenged my students with this every year.

Adventist schools reflect the change in Adventist values. We used to value service and missions (Union College still does--witness their very public SM service with the golden cords)--now we value the almighty dollar. It shows in our schools.

There are great teachers out there, don't get me wrong. I have taught with and known many. But you can't just assume that because it's an Adventist school that it's automatically good. You have to ask questions, just as you would with any other private school.

M

[Taylor]

Michelle, I appreciate your passion for missions, for the Lord and for our young people! We need more teachers like you! Yes, we are put on this earth, regardless of our "careers" to give this message to the world. IT is such a high calling and such a priviledge adn there is no greater joy than seeing others come to know the Savior! Keep up the good work!!

[Taylor]

I posted this story under "What Our Kids Need" thread but thought I woudl post it here as well, incase you didn't see it there. I knew you would love this story.

Here is the story I said I would try to post about kids not being able to afford mission trips (or adults for that matter either.)

There was a trip I went on where I was one of organizers/chaperones etc. There was a young lady who came from a large family and blue collar workers for parents. Money for them could only go to the basic necesities and the only reason this girl was in school was because her church had sponsored her in a great measure to attend an SDA school.

The day before she was to let the group leader know that she would or would not be joining them on the mission trip (i.e. she had to have enough money raised by that date), she only had about $100. She had written to all her family and friends but most were just as "poor" as she was and could help her very little ($2.00 here, $5.00 there, $10.00 when she was lucky.) She was so discouraged and crying as she wanted to go on this trip so badly. I told her "If God wants you to go, you still have time. Mail comes in at noon and you don't have to know till 3 p.m. to let the group leader know. Maybe the rest will come in by then." She looked at me and said "I can't imagine that happening. I have heard from everyone I wrote to except my favorite uncle. Now he isn't rich either but I thought he would at leas send me something. But there is no chance of getting the rest of the money I need unless God works a miracle." She needed about $700 total if I remember correctly. We prayed about her situation.

The next day I was so busy that I hadn't noticed the racing of the clock. Oh, I had prayed for her that morning but then forgotten about it. As I walked accrossed campus I heard someone screaming my name. I turned around and this girl is racing down the side walk towards me crying, laughing, and talking so fast I had no idea what she was saying. She shoved a letter into my hand and just kept saying "read read read!!!!" I read it and then I was just as amazed and emotional as she was (well almost. lol). Her letter, to her favorite uncle had gone to another address, in another state, to someone by the same name (now if that isn't a God thing what is?). This man had never heard of this school or this young lady nor was he an Adventist. However, when he read her enthusiastic letter about how she was wanting to spend her spring break building a church, helping to run a kid's VBS program etc he was impressed. He said "I am not as religious as I should be and your letter inspired me. I want you to have this opportunity and I am sure you will be a huge blessing to the ones you meet on this trip. So I am enclosing a check for the full amount you need. Just drop me a letter when you get back and tell me how it went." Is God awsome or what?!!

God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we could ever ask or think, according to his riches........ God has No limits. If he calls, he will provide.

PS: Oh and get this, her best friend was short, just the amount of money that this girl had already received. God is the same God today as he was when he walked the dusty roads of our planet.