The Great Commission found in Mark 16:15 is an invitation for each member to do their part in loving others, caring for the needs of others, and reaching others for Christ. Jesus ministered to the people’s needs and bid them to follow Him. The people and the needs may be different, and the methods may be different, but the message is still the same. The responsibility laid upon each member, young or old, is still the same. “And He said unto them, ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.’” This message is still valid today. In keeping with the Great Commission and understanding that education and evangelism are one, in this year of evangelism, the schools in the Atlantic Union Conference are doing their part to share the good news of the gospel in different ways.
BAYBERRY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND CONFERENCE
Often, the Lord blesses us so we can extend those blessings to others. At Bayberry Christian school, the blessings are continually reciprocated between the receivers and the givers. Rosalie Degrace and Claudette Bookbinder have been long-time volunteers at the school. Working with Pre-K and Kindergarten students with abundant energy can be daunting for many, especially if they are “of a certain age.” On the contrary, these ladies talk of being “rejuvenated” and feeling “energetic” because of working with the children.
“We’ve been blessed with so many helping hands,” said Dorcas Tosi, principal. “These ladies are saving the day!” Additional volunteers include Susan Zollo and Fernanda Ceribelli, who also share their time and talents with the school. In addition to playing with the children on the playground and assisting students with reading and spelling, they even repainted the girls’ bathroom and have their sights set on repainting the boys’ bathroom later this year.
Many of the children in the lower grades come from families who immigrated from Brazil. They have missed having grandparents around. Tosi sees the children’s connection with these volunteers as an opportunity for them to have that experience. “The kids love them and often ask for them,” Tosi exclaimed. She sees how the volunteers instill essential lessons such as respect for elders and intergenerational socialization skills.
“They have a beautiful connection with these ladies,” Tosi said. “Education is more than just academics. If they can do all of this at their age, I can do it, too! God has used them as an inspiration to me both professionally and spiritually. By their example, I’m learning lessons from them to be a better human being.”
GREATER NEW YORK ACADEMY, GREATER NEW YORK CONFERENCE
What better way to embrace the true essence of the holiday season than by extending a helping hand to those in need? Before embarking on their 2023 Christmas break, the Young Preacher’s Club (YPC) and Adventist Youth for Better Living Club (AYBL) at Greater New York Academy (GNYA) organized two impactful outreach initiatives. The focus was to distribute care packages and winter essentials, including coats and gloves, to the migrants in the Woodside community.
Gustavo Parada, GNYA chaplain and sponsor of AYBL/YPC, emphasized the significance of this outreach effort. He emphasized that GNYA is not just a physical structure but a vital part of the broader community. The school’s mission underscores rendering service to family, community, and God. GNYA students are compelled to respond to the needs of those seeking kindness and empathy. Christians understand that love is not confined to mere words but requires tangible, compassionate actions.
The collaborative effort of parents, students, faculty, and staff played a pivotal role in the mission’s success. Students enthusiastically assembled care packages and took to the streets to distribute them, embodying the spirit of selfless service. Sophia Lagredelle, a member of the Young Preacher’s Club, expressed her gratitude for participating in this endeavor, noting that addressing physical needs opens doors to ministering to the souls of others. She envisions the migrants in the Woodside community realizing they are not alone and they can find support just a few blocks away.
As we reflect on these acts of generosity, let us draw inspiration from 1 John 3:18, which states, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (NIV). GNYA’s outreach efforts exemplify the embodiment of this biblical principle, demonstrating the transformative power of compassionate deeds.
These experiences strengthened the students’ sense of community at GNYA and served as a powerful testament to the possibilities of what may happen when we come together to serve others during the holiday season. May the echoes of these actions continue to resonate, reminding us that the true spirit of Christmas lies in selfless love and service to those in need.
UNION SPRINGS ACADEMY, NEW YORK CONFERENCE
Students and staff from Union Springs Academy and homeschoolers from the New York Conference went to the Dominican Republic, February 1-11, to serve on a mission trip. Before this trip, the local church held a series that attracted many people who began taking Bible studies.
The visiting missionaries began their service to this community by painting the houses of those engaged in Bible studies. For three days, they transformed the houses, making them some of the brightest and nicest houses in the neighborhood. They also packed over 40 food baskets to give to this needy community.
Organizers pitched a tent in a yard near one of the newly-painted houses and held an evangelistic series in the evenings. The missionaries led opening songs, told children’s stories, sang special music, and preached sermons. By the close of the series, many came to know Jesus and commit to Him. Plans are now being made to construct a new church in the area.
In addition to working on this particular site, the missionaries visited two churches where they provided sermons, stories, and music. They also visited an orphanage to share in a music program and give gifts to the children.
We all have a job to do in our neighborhoods, communities, and wherever there is a need. “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” (Isaiah 6:8, NIV). We have heard the call and recognize that each one can reach one for Christ, for we are all called to a higher purpose. United we will go, for we are “called to serve.”
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Contributors: Marlene Alvarez, Atlantic Union Conference Office of Education vice president; Jeremy Garlock, New York Conference superintendent of schools and Union Springs Academy principal; Celes Eliot, Greater New York Academy teacher; and Debra Cuadro, Atlantic Union Conference communication director and Gleaner editor
