Jackson Heights school recently participated in Pentecost 2025, a North American Division (NAD) initiative designed to inspire revival and commitment across Adventist communities through evangelism, discipleship, and outreach. Schools and churches across the division are engaging members—especially young people—in meaningful spiritual experiences to prepare for a collective celebration of mission and ministry in the year 2025.
At Jackson Heights in Woodside, New York, students explored the fruit of the Spirit through a creative, interactive program led by church pastor Christian Genao. Over the course of several weeks, Genao presented a sermon series focused on the nine character traits found in Galatians 5:22–23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
The series concluded with a special event featuring “Chef Curie,” a playful character created by Genao to help illustrate the message in a hands-on way. During the culminating activity, students watched as different types of fruit—each symbolizing a specific virtue—were blended together, representing the unity and transforming power of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life.
The demonstration ended with a call for individual decisions for Jesus Christ. Seventeen students raised their hands in response, expressing a desire to live out the fruit of the Spirit in their daily lives. In response, the school and church have planned follow-up Bible study sessions to help prepare these students for baptism.
“This moment was a powerful testimony of the students’ openness to God’s leading,” said Reymelinda Villaruel, Jackson Heights school principal. “We are proud of their spiritual growth and thankful for Pastor Genao’s creative and inspiring leadership.”
As part of the NAD’s larger vision for Pentecost 2025, schools like Jackson Heights are playing an essential role in nurturing the spiritual growth of the next generation. “May this Pentecost initiative continue to encourage all of us to bear the fruit of the Spirit and be a light in our communities.”
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Administration, Jackson Heights school
